2026 special EVENTS

Friday
April 24th

World Premiere FAILED STATE
7:00 PM, Five Flags Theater, $20

Two hapless writers enlist the help of a conspiracy theorist and the junior exec they got fired to extract their high concept, alt-reality TV show from a CIA/Hollywood cabal in order to avoid a shift in the global balance of power.

Special Screening 16MM
CELLULIOD JUKEBOX: HIPPIES AND HILLBILLIES
9:30 PM, Five Flags Bijou Room, $13

The ancient ones have spoken: when words fail, music speaks. Ranging from the 20s to the 70s, this collection of toe-tapping 16mm ephemera will delight and surprise. This show has everything from Jimi Hendrix to prop-gun poppin' lady lassoers to an animated psychedelic reverie to backroads banjo bops. Peek into the 20th century in a way you never have, and come away with a newfound plucky attitude or spiritual insight beyond description.

After-Party Boogie Monster
9:30 PM - 12:00 AM, Hotel Julien Dubuque Ballroom

Dubuque’s own Boogie Monster Funk band will bring you to the dance floor with their dance hits from all genres throughout the decades! Come for the heat, stay for the vibes!

saturday
April 25th

JDIFF Awards Night
Five Flags Theater; 8:30pm; Red Carpet and Doors open 7:30pm, $30

JDIFF Red Carpet and Awards Night is sponsored by The Joey B McNamer Foundation and is the biggest party of the week! Get dressed up for photos on the Red Carpet and enjoy the presentation of awards. The night is hosted by Mayor Brad Cavanagh and includes a number of musical performances.

Awards After Party
Five Flags Arena; 9:30pM, included with Award night ticket

When the Awards are done, come on over to the party! Featuring music from The Breakfast Club with cash bar and food, with decor by Cathy B. Interiors.

Step into the time machine and blast off with The Breakfast Club – the electrifying rock dance band that brings the best of the 80s back to life! Every song is a chart-topping anthem, sparking epic ‘I KNOW this song!’ singalongs that’ll have the whole crowd rocking out. Let The Breakfast Club take you on a neon-lit journey through the most radical tunes of the 80s – it's going to be a totally awesome ride!