'First Fridays Dubuque' Returns Soon with Free Trolley Ride

The community event known as "First Fridays" returns to Dubuque this week, and is underscored by a free downtown trolley ride that attendees can hop on/off at their own leisure.

Billed as an "inspired night in downtown Dubuque" predicated on "art, culture, and live entertainment," "First Fridays" has been a tradition in Dubuque put on by All Together Dubuque. During the spring and summer months, it's a free community arts event that allows those curious to attend open galleries, artists' studios, and live entertainment all in the name of fostering community and celebrating the city's bustling arts district, per All Together Dubuque.

About First Fridays Dubuque 2026:

The first "First Fridays" is happening this Friday, March 6th from 5-9pm. A free trolley will cruise through downtown Dubuque, shuttling passengers to participating venues. The trolley's main stop will be at the Intermodal Parking Ramp in the Millwork District at 9th and Washington Street, per KCRG.

Jenni Petersen-Brant, the co-lead of Creativity & Culture Passion Team of Dubuque Forward, commented on how the trolley is integral to the experience of First Fridays:

The response to the first two trolley editions has been incredibly positive. Venues are seeing increased engagement and new visitors, and those attending have shared that the trolley brings added energy and excitement to the evening. We’ve seen couples, parents with young children, young professionals, and longtime arts supporters hopping on and off—not just for convenience, but because it’s a fun and memorable part of the experience - Jenni Petersen-Brant, per KCRG

Participating Venues for First Fridays Dubuque:

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Here are a list of the participating venues for First Fridays Dubuque, specifically the event taking place on March 6th:

10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. – Rhett’s Rocks, Minerals & Metalworks, 1060 Central Ave
11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. – The Good Witches Cottage, 1112 Iowa St
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – Dubuque Museum of Art, 1000 Jackson St
4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Outside the Lines Art Gallery, 1101 Main St
5:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m. – Widdershins Artisan Gallery, 2204 Central Ave
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – University of Dubuque’s Bisignano Art Gallery, 2255 Bennett St
5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. – Voices Studios, 1585 Central Ave
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – Carnegie-Stout Public Library, 360 W 11th St
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – PLANTED., 245 W 1st St
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Dubuque Area Arts Collective @ Smokestack, 62 E 7th St

Though the trolley service ceases at 9pm, many venues are open later. The full lineup of businesses and events tied to First Fridays Dubuque can be found here.