Back Waters AMP

About Our Venue

Back Waters Amphitheater is the region’s newest outdoor amphitheater located on Schmitt Island next to Q Casino + Resort, a premier riverfront venue for concerts, festivals, and community celebrations along the Mississippi River.

Venue Policies

  • Ticket prices will vary by show. All ticket prices are subject to change.
  • All guests will need a ticket to attend a Back Waters Amp event. Any free community festivals hosted on the Back Waters Amp are excluded.
  • Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Add your tickets to your mobile wallet.
  • Make sure your phone battery is charged.
  • Have your tickets pulled up on the Ticketmaster app or your mobile wallet and ready to scan when you get to the entrance gate.
  • Will Call tickets may be picked up at the Will Call/Buy Tickets booth outside the gates. Will Call/Buy Tickets booth will open 1 hour prior to gates opening.
  • Pit Ticket Upgrades will be on a per show basis and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
  • Tickets are non-refundable.
  • Ticket insurance can be purchased through Ticketmaster
  • Security checks will be done prior to entering the venue.

  • All clear bags/purses are subject to search.

  • Permissible items:

    • Cell phones – Guests are urged to turn off the volume. Please note that some artists may not permit photos or video with a cell phone during their performance.

    • Seating throughout the venue requires a valid ticket. There will be no chairs in the GA lawn section permitted. 

    • Blankets will be allowed in the GA lawn section only. 

    • Clear Purses/Bags no larger than 12” x 12” x 6” or smaller

    • Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC, One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags will be acceptable

    • Small Clutch no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ or smaller) with or without a handle or strap

  • Prohibited items include but are not limited to: firearms, weapons, pocket knives, fireworks, animals, coolers, picnic baskets, audio/video recording devices including GoPros, professional cameras with removable lenses, aerosol cans, glass of any kind, strollers and wagons, laser pointers, umbrellas, wallet chains, illegal substances of any kind, electronics other than cell phones including but not limited to laptops, iPads, Kindles, video games, etc, outside food or beverages, any garment displaying the words “security” or “police,”

  • Moshing is strictly prohibited.

Seating will be available with ticket purchases.

GA lawn section will allow blankets only. No carry in lawn or bag chairs will be permitted. 

  • UPON ENTRY: All carry-in items are subject to inspection. Guests have the right to refuse a bag search and the venue has the right to refuse entry. If guests have any items that are not allowed in the venue, said items must be returned to parked vehicles or be discarded in appropriate trash receptacles at the entry gates. Minors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Please refer to each event for the specific age limit for entry.

  • Re-entry: Re-entry is permitted. Guests must ensure all personal items needed for the event are brought in at time of entry. You must use the exit only gate and re-enter the venue through the entry gates. All guests must have a wristband or stamp for re-entry. Anyone asked to leave the venue due to a policy violation there will be no re-entry allowed, and no refund issued.

Paid parking will be available in front of the main entrance of the Back Waters Amp and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Paid parking is outlined in yellow in the map below. 

Free parking will be available on Schmitt Island including the Q Casino + Resort parking lot. Auxiliary parking will be available at public parking areas and the Dubuque Ice Arena which are only a short walk to the Back Waters Amp venue. We recommend carpooling or getting a ride when possible. 

  • We will serve beer as well as a selection of mixed drinks outside. Carry ins will not be permitted, even if they were purchased in the casino. We will have a variety of food trucks available inside the venue.

  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks must be purchased with drink tickets. Drink tickets will be sold for cash or credit and available at the drink ticket booth. 

  • Soda and water will be available for purchase with a soda/water ticket. Tickets will be sold for cash or credit and available at the drink ticket booth. 

Smoking and vaping are prohibited in the venue.


 

Shows will be held rain or shine, or may be delayed in the event of severe weather. In the event it becomes necessary to cancel, postpone, or reschedule an event: information will be distributed via social media. If the event is rescheduled, any previous ticket purchased will be honored for the new date. Tickets are non-refundable. Ticket insurance can be purchased through Ticketmaster. 

  • Service animals are welcome at Back Waters. A service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not considered service animals. The handler is responsible for supervising the service animal including toileting, feeding, grooming, and veterinary care. Service animals must be under the control of the handler at all times. If a service animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, staff may request the animal be removed from the premises.

  • For ADA seating arrangements contact 563-585-3004 

  • Located in the Q Showroom inside Q Casino + Resort.

  • Must be 21 to attend in the Q Showroom.

  • Smoking or vaping are prohibited in the Q Showroom.

  • Will start immediately following the concert.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Clear Purses/Bags no larger than 12” x 12” x 6” or smaller

  • Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC, One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags will be acceptable

  • Small Clutch no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ or smaller) with or without a handle or strap

  • Blankets will be allowed in the GA lawn section only

     

Will call/Buy tickets will be located next to the entrance gates and will open when 1 hour prior to gates opening. 

Paid parking will be available in front of the main entrance and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

Free parking will be available in the Q Casino + Resort parking lot. Axillary parking will be available at public parking areas and the Dubuque Ice Arena which are only a short walk to the Back Waters Amp Venue. We recommend car pooling or getting a ride when possible.

Pit Ticket Upgrades will be on a per show basis and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

Shows will be held rain or shine, or may be delayed in the event of severe weather. In the event it becomes necessary to cancel, postpone, or reschedule an event; information will be distributed via social media. Information will also be distributed via email to the database. If the event is rescheduled, any previous ticket purchased would be honored for the new date or a refund may be requested. Tickets are not refundable.

Alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks are served at designated stands throughout the venue. Must be 21 to purchase alcohol and must have a 21-wrist band to purchase alcohol drink tickets.

Children are permitted to all shows, unless otherwise announced. Children under 18 must have a ticket to attend and be accompanied by a parent or guardian.