Good morning, Dubuque.

The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque and the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce will host the Envision 2030 Finale on October 16th from 5 to 7 at the Dubuque Museum of Art at the Dupaco Voices Building in the Millwork District on Jackson Street—revealing the top 10 ideas chosen from more than 3000 submissions. The free event will feature local artists’ interpretations—RSVP is required.

A Virginia family led by Nikki Bettis began paddling the Mississippi River in August and recently arrived in Dubuque where its seven children (aged 6 to 14) are learning about the river's history and will finish their trek at the Gulf of Mexico by Thanksgiving.

A popular Dubuque bar and music venue on E.

7th Street will close after New Year's Eve as owners Scott Cornwell and Susan Price plan to return to New York—using funds from the sale to start their next adventure. Established in 2015 in a historic building from the 1800s, Smokestack will hold farewell shows to celebrate its legacy.

Voters in the Dubuque School District will learn about a $70 million bond referendum to fund a new combined middle school at an informational meeting tomorrow from 6:30 to 7:30 at Jefferson Middle School — tours will begin at 5:30 and Superintendent Amy Hawkins alongside the project architects will present details, with a follow-up session scheduled for October 21 in Washington.

During his State of the City speech last week, Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh said keeping and expanding air service at Dubuque Regional Airport will be the top priority for next year while the city council also named a sports complex as a key project.

A study by the Dubuque Racing Association found the complex could create over 1,000 jobs and generate at least $20 million annually—supporting calls for better sports facilities in the area.

The IDNR has paused construction on the flood gate replacement and pump station project at the 16th Street Detention Basin due to concerns that water from 10 dewatering wells might carry contaminants from a 2020 fertilizer spill at the Gavilon Grain site—environmental studies, costing about $240,000, are expected to take about 14 months before work can resume. The $28.2 million project is part of the Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project that aims to improve flood protection for over 1,300 properties.

Yesterday, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Fox Hills Apartment Complex behind Blaine’s Farm and Fleet on the Northwest Arterial in Dubuque’s west end, marking a $50-million project that will include 390 market rate apartments.

The new development will offer amenities like an outdoor pool, dog park, and playground—first units are set to open next fall and additional construction will continue through summer 2027.

2025 Distinguished Alumni Celebration

6 PM — Loras College Library — Free entry — Celebrate distinguished alumni recipients with cocktails and awards.

UTL – Fall Fun Show

10 AM – 3 PM — Dubuque County Fairgrounds & Event Center — Doubled fees apply — Enjoy a makeup show featuring double judged series in pleasure, ranch, and speed events.

American Musical Celebration

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Five Flags Center — Ticketed event — Celebrate the brilliance of American music with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra featuring Bernstein's lively Overture to Candide.

Colors in Motion Quilt Show

12-7 p.m. — Grand Ballroom — Adults $10, Children $5 — Discover vibrant quilts and local talent featuring the Cable Car Quilt Guild.

Samantha Fish Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Mississippi Moon Bar at Diamond Jo Dubuque — Ticket prices vary — Experience live music from the talented Samantha Fish featuring new tracks.

Randy's Cheeseburger Picnic Comedy Show

8-9:30 p.m. — Smokestack — Tickets starting at $30 — Enjoy a night of laughter and shenanigans with Randy from Trailer Park Boys.