Free Rivers & Roots Expo Returns to Dubuque’s River Museum Tonight!

Looking for a FREE fun, family-friendly evening in Dubuque? Tonight is the night! The Rivers & Roots Expo takes place this evening, March 4th, from 5:30 to 7 PM at the William Woodward Mississippi River Center (a.k.a. the paddlewheel building) at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Again, the best part is that the event is completely free and open to everyone. You don’t need tickets, a membership, or to register ahead of time.

The expo is part of the 2026 Dubuque County Reads program, which brings people together through books, conversation, and community events. This year’s theme explores ecological sustainability, Indigenous identity, and cultural heritage, and the evening is packed with ways for everyone to dive into these ideas.

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Visitors will enjoy hands-on exhibits and educational booths hosted by River Museum staff and local organizations. There are activities that focus on nature, science, culture, and community connections, so kids and adults alike can learn about local waterways, native plants, and ways to care for the environment. There’s something to spark curiosity for everyone: from planting native seeds to discovering the stories of the Mississippi River and exploring it's cultural heritage.

The Rivers & Roots Expo is also a great way to see how reading connects to real-life action. Local groups and initiatives will be on hand to show how stories, community, and stewardship come together in the world around us.

I love the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, and this event could help get you engaged and excited about our local natural world. I would encourage you to take the kids and enjoy the evening. Our world gets a little bit better when we're all informed, and being good stewards of our Earth is key to keeping our ecosystems pristine and protecting it for future generations.

For more information, check the Facebook event page. Bring the whole family, roll up your sleeves, and see how your roots connect to the rivers, land, and community around you tonight.