Upcoming events
Summer Solstice
Join the Church of the Oak at Casper Bluff in Galena for a celebration of Summer Solstice, as we honor one of humanity’s oldest ritual observances and one of Earth’s “Holy Days,” an important time in which we recognize ourselves as part of the great web of the community of creation. The evening will be filled with prayer, readings, gratitude, silent wander, song, and fellowship.
Potluck at 6, with Ceremony to follow. Please bring a dish to pass, your own dishware, and a chair!
Community Singing in Collaboration with DBQ Climate Rendezvous
Join song leaders from the Groundswell Joy Collective for a time of shared community singing that uplifts the spirit, energizes the body, and builds connection. Rooted in the element of air, we’ll explore the breath as the foundation of our voices and the thread that connects us. All songs are taught call and response (no need to read music or have previous singing experience). Some songs are rounds, some have multiple simple parts, and some include easy harmonies. This kind of singing is for the sheer joy of being together in community—breathing, listening, and singing as one—with no performance involved. Come experience the pleasure of simple connection with others through music. All voices welcome! This event will take place at Riverfront Pavilion at Eagle Point Park. Find more details and exact timing as it gets closer on https://climaterendezvous.org/schedule/
Community Barn Dance in Collaboration with DBQ Rendezvous Climate Festival
Join founder of Groundswell Joy Collective and folk dance caller Mary Kay McDermott, as well as a live band, for a community barn dance that will spark energy, warmth, and joyful connection. We’ll dance contra, circle, longways, and square dances that bring people of all ages together for a no-practice, no-performance dance that’s easy to learn and fun for the whole family. Come kindle joy, share in the rhythm, and experience the warmth of community on the dance floor. This event will take place in the parking lot in the historic Millwork District. See https://climaterendezvous.org/schedule/ for more details and exact timing as event gets closer.
Join Mary Kay for a Barn dance at Folklore Village
Folklore Village’s Barn Dances are fun-filled nights of traditional American dances including contras, big circles, and old-time squares. Families and beginners are especially welcome!
The night starts with a potluck at 6:00pm, with dancing to follow around 7:15pm. For more info check https://folklorevillage.org/barn-dances/
May Day Celebration
Little Platte CW Farm 1860 Stumptown Rd. Platteville, WI 53818
Join the Church of the Oak community to celebrate Bealtaine and May Day! Potluck at 5 (bring a dish to pass as well as your own dishware), followed by ritual and dancing around the Maypole from 5:30-7! Dress for the weather and bring a chair!
Spring Song Circle
Join us at the 7 Hills Event Center in Dubuque for our community song circle featuring songs of Hope, Renewal, and Spring — led by Mary Kay McDermott & Brenna Cussen Anglada! All voices welcome. No experience necessary.
Suggested donation of $5-10 accepted at the door.
12th Anniversary Song Circle with Liz Rog!
12th Anniversary Song Circle with Liz Rog! Sunday, March 22, 2:30-4:30pm, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Dubuque, 1699 Iowa Street.
Come and sing with us as we celebrate 12 years of Community Singing in the Dubuque area! Community Singing is accessible to anyone and everyone. This kind of singing is for the sheer joy of being together in community, and there is no performance. Come experience the pleasure of simple connection with others through music! No registration necessary. Donations accepted at the door.
Community Folk Dance
Community Folk Dance! Sunday, February 22, 2026, 2:30-4:30 at the 7 Hills Event Center (1098 Jackson St, Dubuque). Dances called by Sue Hulsether — a dance caller, teaching artist, and musician — and Live music by the Old Gray Cats! No registration necessary. Donations accepted at the door.
Church of the Oak Lenten Series
“There are no unsacred places. There are only sacred places and descrated places.” — Wendell Berry
Join the Church of the Oak — community within the Wild Church network — as we settle into Lent’s call to listen more deeply and explore some of our area’s sacred and descrated places. All of these events will take place fully outside, so please bring chairs and dress for the weather.
Brigid’s Flame: A Tale of Spring
Our first annual participatory theatrical celebration featuring community singing, dancing, storytelling, silence, and puppetry! Our celebration, held on January 30 and 31 at Steeple Square in Dubuque, will incorporate Irish myth and tradition centered on welcoming the Spring, the growing light, and the feminine connection to the land. Hosted by Groundswell Joy Collective, a fiscally sponsored affiliate of the Dubuque County Fine Arts Society, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tickets are SOLD OUT! See you next year!