Chaplain Schmitt Island

Chaplain Schmitt Island, a Mississippi River island connected to Dubuque by the Lake Peosta Channel, is the city's main hub for large outdoor concerts. The centerpiece is Back Waters AMP, an 8,000-capacity outdoor amphitheater along the river, operated in partnership with Q Casino + Resort. Built at the site of the former greyhound kennels, the amphitheater sits behind Q Casino + Resort and was among the first amenities to open as part of the island's broader redevelopment. Back Waters AMP opened July 4, 2026, with country-rock act Whiskey Myers headlining the inaugural show. The Irish Hooley Music Festival of Dubuque also made the move to Back Waters AMP in summer 2026. Q Casino + Resort has long anchored the island's concert activity through its own outdoor Back Waters Stage. The venue's history runs to more than 120 concerts, with past performers spanning genres from rock and metal to country. FireHouse, Lita Ford, and Warrant played the Back Waters Stage in June 2024, and 311 headlined as part of the 2025 Back Waters Stage Summer Concert Series.