Sometimes you just need a weekend with the crew. No agendas, no responsibilities, just good beer, late nights, and stories that will last long after the trip ends. Dubuque has all the right ingredients for a grown-ups getaway, from craft breweries and dive bars to live music, table games, and late-night karaoke.
Kick things off with a cold one at Backpocket Brewcade, where you can pair your pint with a round of vintage arcade games. Then make your way through Dubuque’s local craft beer scene with stops at Jubeck New World Brewing and Dimensional Brewing Company both perfect for catching up over IPAs, stouts, and seasonal specialties.
Need something more than barstool banter? Head over to Island Social for axe throwing and games that bring out your competitive side. Later, test your luck with table games at one Dubuque's casinos or head out on the river for a Happy Hour Cruise aboard the American Lady, the ultimate way to wind down with a drink in hand and the Mississippi River as your backdrop.
Every great getaway trip needs memorable meals and legendary watering holes. Dubuque’s supper clubs serve up hearty dinners that set the stage for the night ahead. Afterward, keep the evening alive with a tour of Dubuque’s best dive bars like The Lift for live music, The Goose for laid-back vibes, and Paul’s Tavern for a true local favorite.
When it’s time to crank things up, Mississippi Moon Bar and Q Showroom deliver high-energy concerts and nightlife in the heart of downtown. For something a little different, catch a show at The Lift or Monks, where the music is as eclectic as the crowd. If you’re still going strong, belt out your favorite songs at late-night karaoke at the Rainbow Lounge or grab one last drink at First Reserve, a whiskey bar that knows how to do it right.
From axe throwing to happy hour cruises, dive bars to karaoke nights, Dubuque is the kind of place that turns a simple weekend into a legend. So, grab the crew, pack your weekend bag, and get ready for a trip where the only rule is to have a good time. Because weekends were made for grown-up getaways in places like this.
Tag Your Trip:
#WhereIowaStarted
Receive a print or digital version of the annual travel guide featuring, maps, events and all the best places to explore in the Dubuque area.