365ink Events
May 2025
Friday, May 16
Friends of the Carnegie-Stout Public Library Books & More Sale
Friday, May 16 @ Noon–4:30 PM
Carnegie Stout Public Library
The Friends of the Carnegie-Stout Public Library invites shoppers to find unbeatable prices on a wide selection of books and specialty items, all while supporting the library. Discover a treasure trove of newer fiction, history, biography, games, media, children’s books, collectibles, and more. Memberships available at the door. Cash and check only. 360 W 11th St. 563-589-4313. CarnegieStout.org.
“Reformed” Artist Reception
Friday, May 16 @ 4–7 PM
Burnt Sienna Gallery & Studios (Galena, IL)
Join Burnt Sienna Gallery & Studios in celebrating the remarkable talent of Will Hare as he unveils his stunning collection of ceramic art. This exhibition is a testament to his dedication and hard work, culminating in the achievement of his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Immerse yourself in the art community while enjoying refreshments and music as you explore Will Hare’s captivating pieces on display. The event is open to the public, welcoming art enthusiasts and supporters to share in the celebration of this significant milestone in Will Hare’s artistic journey. On display through July 7. Free. 9327 Powderhouse Hill Rd, Galena, IL. 815-291-7009. burntsiennagallery.com.
Roger Gottschalk & Chelsey Walker Reception
Friday, May 16 @ 4–7 PM
Rountree Gallery (Platteville, WI)
Rountree Gallery presents two inspiring exhibits: Roger Gottschalk Retrospective and Chelsey Walker: The Natural World Around Us. On the main level, visitors will discover Roger Gottschalk Retrospective, honoring the life and work of Roger Gottschalk (1932–2023), a prolific artist and beloved educator who inspired generations. Influenced by Abstract Expressionism and Cubism, Gottschalk’s abstract paintings feature interlocking geometric and organic forms, rendered in rich color and movement. His work invites viewers into a world where form, color, and emotion collide. On the second floor, Rountree Gallery presents The Natural World Around Us, a stunning photography exhibit by Madison-based artist Chelsey Walker. Through macro and abstract images of flowers, plants, and insects, Walker captures the delicate intricacy and vibrancy of the natural world. On display 5/8–6/21. Free. 120 W Main St, Platteville, WI. rountreegallery.org.
Say It Out Loud Art Contest Deadline
Friday, May 16 @ 4:30 PM
Southwest Health (Platteville, WI)
Say It Out Loud is an annual art competition open to Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette County, WI residents. Artwork is accepted now through Friday, May 16 at 4:30 p.m. Winning artwork and selected entries may be displayed in the Southwest Health Behavioral Services (SBS) lobby gallery or selected for the Say It Out Loud art exhibit with the Rountree Gallery at the Platteville Public Library in the fall. Winners will also receive a gift basket or cash prizes. One in four adults have experienced mental illness, and one in 10 children lives with a mental or emotional disorder. Despite growing rates of mental illness, there’s still a stigma around mental health, resulting in people facing discrimination, feeling shame, and believing they must suffer in silence. Southwest Health has provided mental health services since 1998. Southwest Health Behavioral Services of Platteville, the behavioral health department of Southwest Health, is working to break the silence in their Say It Out Loud campaign to dispel the stigma and connect people with the help they need. The Say It Out Loud theme is a research-based slogan, dispelling the common misperceptions about mental illness and creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue. 1450 Eastside Rd, Platteville, WI. SouthwestHealth.org/say-it-out-loud-art-contest.
Cooking Class: Homemade Chicken or Beef Enchiladas
Friday, May 16 @ 6–7:30 PM
Galena ARC (Galena, IL)
Learn the process of making the sauce and rolling the enchiladas with Lynn Kaufman from Lynnies’ Kitchen. This is a make and take home to bake class. Will create a delicious dinner for 3–4 people. Can sign up as a single and make the dish on your own or teams can consist of two adults or one adult and one child. $45/team. 11084 W US HWY 20, Galena, IL. 815-777-2248. galenaarc.org/cooking-classes.
An Evening of Magic and Merriment
Friday, May 16 @ 7 PM
Galena Center for the Arts (Galena, IL)
Recapture a childhood sense of wonder as the Tri-State Magic Club brings you dazzling illusions and delightful surprises sure to spark joy and wonder for all ages. The Tri-State Magic Club is affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Members include Bob Beardsley of Peosta, IA; Margaret Bussan of Lancaster, WI; Phyllis Fishnick of Asbury, IA; The Rev. Jim McCrea of Galena, IL; Mark Pepelea of Dodgeville, WI; and Chris Westemeier of Dubuque, IA. Proceeds from the ticket sales will go to further the programs of the Tri-State Magic Club and those of the Galena Center for the Arts. $15 Adults, $10 ages 12 and younger. 971 Gear St, Galena IL. 815-402-3111. galenacenterforthearts.org.
Back Booth Alley
Friday, May 16 @ 8 PM
Mississippi Moon Bar
Back Booth Alley is a high-energy band that plays your favorite country and 2000s rock hits. Ages 21+. 301 Bell St. 563-690-4800. DiamondJoDubuque.com.
Duke Tumatoe
Friday, May 16 @ 8 PM
Q Showroom
Duke Tumatoe is a blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter who has been entertaining audiences for over four decades with his unique blend of humor, talent, and showmanship. Born in Chicago, Duke began his musical career in the early 1970s. He was a member in the band that became REO Speedwagon before forming his own group, Duke Tumatoe and the All-Star Frogs. Duke’s music is a mix of blues, rock, and R&B, and he is known for his witty lyrics and irreverent sense of humor. Over the years, he has released several albums, including Red Pepper Hot!, I Like My Job, and You’ve Got the Problem! Duke’s music has gained a wide following, thanks in part to his regular appearances on the nationally syndicated The Bob & Tom Show. His humorous songs and engaging personality have made him a fan favorite. Duke continues to write, record, and perform music that speaks to the human experience, blending humor and pathos in equal measure. With his unique voice and guitar style, Duke Tumatoe is a true original, and a beloved figure in the world of blues and rock music. Special guest The Mighty Mudcats open. Free. 1855 Greyhound Park Rd. qcasinoandresort.com.
Dubuque Bike Week Celebration
May 16–18
Various Locations in Dubuque
The City of Dubuque and the Dubuque Bike Coop are co-sponsoring a series of events to celebrate Bike Week. The City is encouraging residents to ride a bicycle as a means of transportation or recreation. A total of 13 events are planned throughout the week, including a bike-in picnic which will be held at the Bee Branch Amphitheatre on the evening of Friday, May 16, and will feature remarks from Mayor Brad Cavanagh. Register for events, learn about specials and promotions at participating businesses and restaurants, and enter to win prizes including bike tools, Heritage Trail passes, shirts, and gift cards to local bike shops. Bike Week is a part of the annual celebration of May as National Bike Month. The observance is promoted by the League of American Bicyclists, a national organization dating back to 1880 that advocates for a more bicycle-friendly America. BikeWeekDBQ.com.
Platteville City Wide Garage Sale
May 16–17
Various Locations in Platteville, WI
Take advantage and find some bargains during the Platteville City Wide Garage Sale. The Platteville Journal will be organizing the map and listings. theplattevillejournal.com.
Saturday, May 17
Dubuque Farmers’ Market
Saturdays through September 27: May 17 @ 7 AM–Noon
Saturdays in October: October 4 @ 8 AM–Noon
Near 12th and Iowa St
Iowa’s oldest farmers’ market offers a variety of produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, handmade goods, on-site prepared foods, and more. Browse booths from area farmers and vendors while enjoying live music from a variety of musicians. Rain or shine. 563-588-4400. DubuqueFarmersMarket.org.
Galena Farmer’s Market
Saturdays through October 25: May 17 @ 7 AM–Noon
Galena City Hall Parking Lot (Galena, IL)
Find seasonal produce, flowers, maple syrup, baked goods, re-purposed crafts, meat, roasted coffee beans, and more. Rain or shine. 101 Green St, Galena, IL. 563-542-0996. facebook.com/galenafarmersmarket.
Platteville Summer Farmer’s Market
Saturdays though October 25: May 17 @ 8 AM–Noon
Platteville City Park (Platteville, WI)
Find everything from delicious vegetables to a variety of flowers, great gift items to canned preserves, and just about everything in between. All of the products you’ll find are locally grown, harvested, or handmade by local vendors. 75 N Bonson St, Platteville, WI. 608-218-4374. PlattevilleFarmersMarketWI.com.
15th Annual Outrun the Rays 5K Walk/Run & Bike Ride
Saturday, May 17 @ 8:45 AM
Peosta Community Center (Peosta, IA)
Racers ages 9 and under can register for the Kids’ Fun Run starting at 8:45 a.m. The 5K race starts at 9:15 a.m. and will be timed and scored by J3 Timing. The Bike ride starts at 1 p.m. at Darkbird Taphouse in Peosta, IA. Two routes are offered: 24 or 38 miles. Outrun the Rays is a nonprofit organization based in Dubuque County formed by melanoma survivors and their families and friends, working to “Rays” melanoma awareness and sun-safety. Proceeds go to providing grants to organizations implementing sun-safety measures and free sunscreen to 3,000+ athletes each summer. 7896 Burds Rd, Peosta, IA. outruntherays.org.
Mommy & Me Fit
Saturday, May 17 @ 9–9:50 AM
Statera
This unique class, designed for moms and their kids ages 12 months to 5 years, combines playful movement, age-appropriate activities, and fitness exercises to create a space where you can connect, laugh, and move together. $20. 3375 Lake Ridge Dr. 563-207-8932. stateraintegrated.com.
4th Annual Go Topless Day Benefit Jeep Ride for Veterans
Saturday, May 17 @ 10 AM
Trackside Bar and Grill (Peosta, IA)
This all-vehicles-welcome event kicks off with registration at 8:30 a.m. with the ride departing at 10 a.m. The scenic route includes stops at Off Shore, Alfred’s, Bent Rim, and concludes back at Trackside with live music by Ozzy & Bon JoeB at 3–7 p.m. Participants can enjoy a 50/50 raffle and prize giveaways throughout the day. Rain or shine. All proceeds go directly to support veterans. $10.
Craft Supply Swap
Saturday, May 17 @ 11 AM–3 PM (Early Bird @ 10:30 AM)
Platteville Public Library (Platteville, WI)
Come and take your pick of donated craft supplies. Perfect for those who want to try a new hobby or are looking to add to their current stash. Anyone who donates craft supplies by May 16 will get an early bird ticket for entry at 10:30 a.m. and first pick of items. Please be kind and take only what you can personally use. Then, everyone is welcome to come pick out items starting at 11 a.m. During the last hour, attendees are invited to take as many supplies as they would like. 225 W Main St, Platteville, WI. 608-348-7441. PlattevillePublicLibrary.org.
National Kids to Parks Day
Usha Park. 3937 Pennsylvania Ave
Saturday, May 17 @ 11 AM – 1 PM
The City of Dubuque’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Kite Tales event Saturday in celebration of National Kids to Parks Day. The event will be held at Usha Park, 3937 Pennsylvania Ave., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Among the activities planned during the event are opportunities for children to build their own kite, with materials provided (while supplies last), Kite flying demonstrations from skilled flyers, show kites flown by experienced kite enthusiasts, demonstrations will also be provided by Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Conservation Officer Nate Johnson, City of Dubuque Horticulturist Kelly Goossen, and Dubuque County Conservation Outreach Director Kaytlan Moeller.
Geocaching 101
Saturday, May 17 @ 1–3 PM
Shalom Spirituality Center
Learn the history of geocaching, different types of geocaches, how to read the cache page, and what you might encounter when searching for a particular geocache. Add the free geocaching app to your phone and see the many geocaches that are available for you to find. You will also be shown how to become a “premium” member and what advantages this entails. Also covered is etiquette, how to write a log, and what to do when you do not find the cache after searching. Instructed by Terry and Mary Balek, a husband and wife team that have followed their daughters’ geocaching adventures through the years. It was when they decided to go caching that their daughters came up with their caching name: Parentsof4ks. They have found nearly 14,000 geocaches in 32 states and 5 Canadian provinces. They have also placed over 550 caches of different types for others to find. Families are welcome; children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. RSVP by 5/15. Freewill donation. 1001 Davis St. 563-582-3592. shalomretreats.org.
Flowers Up Close
Saturday, May 17 @ 1 PM
Swiss Valley Nature Preserve (Peosta, IA)
Take a closer look at the flowers we walk past every single day in the spring and summer. Learn about some of the native flowers that call Swiss Valley home, dissect a flower together, and learn about all the different parts of a flower and the science behind pollination. Kids will be working with other kids for this program. Adults are more than welcome to attend and help the kids and learn while you are there. Geared for grades kindergarten–5. Limited space. RSVP required. 13606 Swiss Valley Rd, Peosta, IA. 563-556-6745. dubuquecountyiowa.gov/conservation.
World Migratory Bird Day Celebration
Saturday, May 17 @ 1–3 PM
Galena River Trail (Galena, IL)
Learn about the birds that are arriving back in NW Illinois for the summer. The day will start with a bird walk at 9–10:30 a.m. along the River Trail with Tom Clay, Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation’s Director of Special Projects. The main event will take place at 1–4 p.m. with birdy activities for the whole family. The World Migratory Bird Day gathering in Galena will begin with the City of Galena making a proclamation to be a bird-friendly community as an official Bird City Illinois. This will be followed by followed by crafts, games, and face-painting for the kids. The more avid birders will get the chance to learn more about how to record their own bird observations to keep scientists informed. There will also be bluebird boxes for sale for $35. These proceeds will go back to supporting Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation Bluebird Recovery Program. All ages. 100 Bouthillier St, Galena, IL. 815-858-9100 x105. jdcf.org.
Dance Your Bluff Off Dance Festival
Saturday, May 17 @ 2:30–9 PM
Cable Car Square
Join the Bluff Street Neighborhood Association for a spring afternoon of dance performances and audience-participation demos for the whole family. Performances begin at 3 p.m. with Hip Hop Kidz, 3:45 p.m. with African Style Kidz, 4:30 p.m. with Chicago Step and Detroit Ballroom demonstration by Dance Directors Renee and Adam, 5:15 p.m. with Turnt Kidz Majorette and Brazilian Capoeira Street Roda, and 6:30 p.m. “Sparkling Flair” Latin style dances. Plus, evening social dancing, free lessons, wine tasting, food truck, and vendors available for the whole family. Social Dancing in Dubuque has a rich history. Big bands, dance clubs, and ballroom dancing once flourished here for decades. It is notable that these types of dances have since become under-represented in our city. The Bluff Street Neighborhood Association is a non-profit organization that holds seasonal events to help grow community awareness, promote neighborhood comradery and preserve Dubuque’s artistic and cultural traditions.
11th Annual Cascade Wing Fest
Saturday, May 17 @ 3–7 PM
Cascade Riverfront Park (Cascade, IA)
The annual wing festival boasts an afternoon of friendly competition with samples of 8 wings for $10 and cold beverages. Bring your own lawn chair. No carry ins. Wing Fest is a fundraiser hosted by the Cascade Area Chamber of Commerce. Free. 101 Pierce St, Cascade, IA. cascadechamber.org.
Historic District Coffee House Open Mic
Saturdays: May 17, September 20, November 15 @ 7 PM
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Dubuque
It’s an open mic event, featuring mostly music, but also storytelling and poetry. Performers are a mixture of professionals and amateurs. In the style of the folk music coffee house culture of the 1960s, much of the music is traditional or Americana music, but they have occasional Dixieland, classical piano, and other surprises. Performers can sign up in advance for a slot on the schedule, but many just show up and put their name on the board. There are regular performers and regular guests, but also many new faces every time. A list of recent performers included the Prairie Lights String Band (Bruce Schmidt, Alyssa Zasada and Paul Schumacher), Dave Overby’s recorder quintet, Chris Ross with singalongs, and Ireland’s favorite daughter “Colleen” with stories from the Auld Sod. Genial co-hosts Art Roche (topical folk songs) and Karen Buechele (singer-songwriter) keep the show moving along at a happy pace. It’s a coffee house, so of course there’s coffee and tea and lots of snacks and desserts, all compliments of the Coffee House hospitality team. The cozy, intimate environment of the Historic District Coffee House has been one of Dubuque’s best-kept secrets for 13 years, but now the secret is out! Free. 1699 Iowa St. 563-581-6521. uudbq.org/connection/coffeehouse.
Joe Hott & The Short Mountain Boys
Saturday, May 17 @ 7 PM
Ohnward Fine Arts Center (Maquoketa, IA)
Joe Hott is proof that all things old become new again. His unique mix of retro-bluegrass, traditional country, gospel music, and Appalachian Mountain music brings a traditional feel to his original songs. “I really cherish the family and spiritual values I grew up with,” notes the minister’s son whom, at an early age, found a fascination with the tradition-steeped sounds native to his birthplace in Winchester, VA. Joe’s youthful fascination with the blended soundtracks of Dr. Ralph Stanley, Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, and Hank Williams, Sr. spun the fabric of his creative inspiration, formed his vocal and musical interpretations and set the foundation for his songwriting. In 2012, Joe formed the “Short Mountain Brothers” trio—the group’s name a tribute to Short Mountain that sits just behind Joe’s boyhood home. The house itself is, in fact, the same home that his great-grandfather lived in when he moved to West Virginia back in the 1920s. Joe’s childhood surroundings richly contributed to his love of history, deep family heritage and the sounds that built American culture. With the addition of a fourth musician, Joe now tours with his renamed “Short Mountain Boys,” featuring guitar, banjo, bass, and mandolin. They have shared the stage with artists such as Rhonda Vincent and Vince Gill. Adults: $25 ADV/$28 door; Students: $15 ADV/$18 door. 1215 E Platt St, Maquoketa, IA. 563-652-9815. ohnwardfineartscenter.com.
The Australian Bee Gees Show
Saturday, May 17 @ 8 PM
Mississippi Moon Bar
The Australian Bee Gees Show brings a chronology of the greatest hits from the Brothers Gibb including “More Than A Woman,” “Night Fever,” “Stayin’ Alive,” and “How Do You Mend A Broken Heart.” With 24 years and more than 6,500 performances in over 55 countries, The Australian Bee Gees Show has been in residence at Excalibur Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip since February 2011. The show capturs the look, the sound, and the personality that defines one of the most successful and adored acts in musical history. Ages 21+. 301 Bell St. 563-690-4800. DiamondJoDubuque.com.
Dubuque Bike Week Celebration
May 17–18
Various Locations in Dubuque
The City of Dubuque and the Dubuque Bike Coop are co-sponsoring a series of events to celebrate Bike Week. The City is encouraging residents to ride a bicycle as a means of transportation or recreation. A total of 13 events are planned throughout the week, including a bike-in picnic which will be held at the Bee Branch Amphitheatre on the evening of Friday, May 16, and will feature remarks from Mayor Brad Cavanagh. Register for events, learn about specials and promotions at participating businesses and restaurants, and enter to win prizes including bike tools, Heritage Trail passes, shirts, and gift cards to local bike shops. Bike Week is a part of the annual celebration of May as National Bike Month. The observance is promoted by the League of American Bicyclists, a national organization dating back to 1880 that advocates for a more bicycle-friendly America. BikeWeekDBQ.com.
Platteville City Wide Garage Sale
May 17
Various Locations in Platteville, WI
Take advantage and find some bargains during the Platteville City Wide Garage Sale. The Platteville Journal will be organizing the map and listings. theplattevillejournal.com.
Sunday, May 18
Galena LitFest: A Picnic with Laura Ingalls Wilder
Sunday, May 18 @ 11 AM
Grant Park (Galena, IL)
In celebration of the 11th annual Galena LitFest, the Galena Public Library welcomes back Debra Miller who will portray Laura Ingalls Wilder. The Little House books are a beloved literary phenomena, with hundreds of thousands of fans from all over the world, but Laura Ingalls Wilder said, “All I have told is true, but it is not the whole truth.” Through her letters, journals, and original text of Pioneer Girl, Laura speaks to you in her own words of the hardship, heartbreaks and harrowing events that inspired the Little House books. Tickets include a box lunch provided by Galena Bakehouse and beverages provided by Galena Roasters Coffee Shop. RSVP by 5/8. $25. 625 Park Ave, Galena, IL. 815-777-0200. lauraingallswilder.eventbrite.com.
“George Nakashima, Woodworker” Film Screening
Sunday, May 18 @ 2 PM
Hotel Julien Dubuque
The Dubuque Museum of Art hosts a special screening of George Nakashima, Woodworker, a two-hour documentary by Dubuque native John Nakashima, on Sunday, May 18, at Hotel Julien Dubuque. The event begins with a gathering at 2 p.m. followed by at 2:30 p.m. film screening and 4:30 p.m. talk and Q&A with filmmaker Nakashima. The event is free with required registration. John worked for various West Virginia Public Television iterations for 48 years, producing, directing, shooting, writing, and editing documentaries and specials. This is John’s first independent documentary film, focusing on the influences, seeker’s journey and resilience of artist George Nakashima, his uncle. The film features interviews with family members including John’s brother, Tom, a highly respected and well-known painter/printmaker and whose work is included in the permanent collection of DuMA. John is currently researching a documentary about Tom. “My documentary George Nakashima, Woodworker is a major film that looks into how an important innovator discovered his many keys to creativity. It is the story of an artist’s search to find meaning and then using what he found to become an innovator, a person who inspires people 35 years after his death,” said filmmaker John Nakashima. George Nakashima was an American woodworker, architect, and furniture maker who was one of the leading innovators of 20th century furniture design and a father of the American craft movement. He traveled extensively as a young architect during the Great Depression and worked for Antonin Raymond, an American architect and collaborator on Frank Lloyd Wright’s Imperial Hotel, while he was in Japan. Nakashima worked as the project architect for the Golconde Dormitory in Pondicherry, India, supervising construction from 1937 to 1939. After his travels, he returned to Seattle and began to make furniture and teach woodworking. During World War II, Nakashima and his family were interned in Idaho at Camp Minidoka, where he met master Japanese carpenter Gentaro Hikogawa. Using wood scraps and desert plants, they worked together to improve their stark living conditions. Nakashima, who had studied architecture at MIT, also learned traditional Japanese techniques, such as selecting timber and using butterfly joints to strengthen and connect the wood. Nakashima’s signature woodworking design was his large-scale tables made of wood slabs with smooth tops but unfinished natural edges, consisting of multiple slabs connected with these same butterfly joint techniques. Nakashima’s work is in the Smithsonian, the Art Institute of Chicago, and many other museums around the world. He has permanent installations at the Michener Art Museum in Pennsylvania and at Arts of Japan galleries at the Metropolitan Museum. His furniture is celebrated for its tradition-inspired design, careful attention to material quality, simplicity, and extraordinary craftsmanship. During his career, Nakashima received the gold medal for craftsmanship from the American Institute of Architects; the Hazlett Award; and in 1983, the Order of the Sacred Treasure—an honor bestowed upon him by the Emperor of Japan. The subject of several one-man exhibitions, Nakashima also authored The Soul of a Tree: A Woodworker’s Reflections. His legacy continues today through his home, studio, and workshop near New Hope, PA, which is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is a functioning workshop where his daughter and son continue to make furniture. Another of Nakashima’s workshops, located in Takamatsu City, Japan, currently houses a museum and gallery of his works. Free. 200 Main St. DBQart.org/nakashima.
Casey Jo Collins
Sunday, May 18 @ 2 PM
Beer in the Barn Brewery (St. Donatus, IA)
Hailing from the Des Moines, IA area, Casey Jo Collins shares his stories through music. A steward of the road and a custodian of its tales, Collins maintains the country’s story. A well-worn guitar and a pen and paper is all he needs to chronicle these blacktop novellas. A songwriter’s songwriter, Casey Joe’s songbook is vast yet polished. A body of work replete with characters, some real and some imagined, as colorful as the tattoos that adorn his working class hands. Free. 101 Main St, St. Donatus, IA. GehlenHouseAndBarn.com.
2nd Annual Music, Art and Story Fest
Sunday, May 18 @ 3–6 PM
Convivium Urban Farmstead
Celebrate land, water and wildlife in the Dubuque area. The event at Convivium Urban Farmstead runs from 3 to 6 p.m., starting with a nature story-telling slam hosted by the Dubuque Area Writers Guild. Included will be a visit from Mark Twain and musical interludes by Addison Aronson. The northeast Iowa-area musical group Big Blue Sky will perform a concert starting at 4:30 p.m. Big Blue Sky is led by Jon “Hawk” Stravers, head of the Driftless Area Bird Conservancy. The fest marks the end of the 100th anniversary of the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The Dubuque Camera Club will display nature and landscape photographs. All monies raised will support the Dubuque Area Land, Water and Wildlife Habitat Fund, set up at the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque by Dubuque Area Land and Water Legacy. According to Art Roche, chair of the Land and Water Legacy, the fund is used to support land and water projects of public entities and non-profit organizations that enhance wildlife habitat in the Dubuque area. “We see this effort as a keystone component of future public-private partnerships to invest in our natural resources for the next 100 years,” according to Roche. “The wealth we have inherited in the Driftless region and from the river that runs through it are jewels and riches that we want to preserve and bequeath to future generations.” Dubuque Area Land and Water Legacy is a grassroots community-based organization supporting and engaging in research, education, advocacy and coalition-building to protect, conserve, enhance and enjoy our natural resources. According to Chuck Isenhart, director of the Land and Water Legacy: “In 2021, nearly 60 percent of Dubuque County voters said they were willing to pay an average of $36 a year to take care of our natural resources and create new opportunities for the public to appreciate all that we have.” $25 Requested donation. 2811 Jackson St. DubuqueLandAndWater.org.
Dubuque Bike Week Celebration
May 18
Various Locations in Dubuque
The City of Dubuque and the Dubuque Bike Coop are co-sponsoring a series of events to celebrate Bike Week. The City is encouraging residents to ride a bicycle as a means of transportation or recreation. A total of 13 events are planned throughout the week, including a bike-in picnic which will be held at the Bee Branch Amphitheatre on the evening of Friday, May 16, and will feature remarks from Mayor Brad Cavanagh. Register for events, learn about specials and promotions at participating businesses and restaurants, and enter to win prizes including bike tools, Heritage Trail passes, shirts, and gift cards to local bike shops. Bike Week is a part of the annual celebration of May as National Bike Month. The observance is promoted by the League of American Bicyclists, a national organization dating back to 1880 that advocates for a more bicycle-friendly America. BikeWeekDBQ.com.
