Pedal to the Port for a Grand Finish in Dubuque

Over 10,000 riders will complete their week-long journey as they “Pedal to Port” of Iowa’s oldest community on Saturday, July 31^st. Dubuque has undergone an amazing revitalization of its riverfront and historic downtown since RAGBRAI last visited the historic river community back in 1993.

The climatic tire-dip in the Mississippi River will take place along the Mississippi Riverwalk at the American Trust River’s Edge Plaza, part of the nearly $400 million riverfront renovation that highlights Dubuque’s main attraction, the Mississippi River.

The Port of Dubuque is a 90-acre, former industrial area that has been transformed into a recreational and educational hub for the region.  The attractions completed to-date include the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, the Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark, the Dubuque Star Brewery (home to Stone Cliff Winery and the Star Restaurant & Ultra Lounge), the Grand River Center and the Alliant Energy Amphitheater where the RAGBRAI entertainment will commence.

Just a few steps from the dip site is the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, which was named the Number #1 tourist attraction in Iowa in 2009.  The Museum is home to six large aquariums and many exhibits feature giant catfish, turtles, otters, ducks, frogs, reptiles and the history of America’s most famous river, the Mississippi River. Interactive exhibits and Living History demonstrations bring this exciting river-front campus in Dubuque, Iowa, to life. A new $20 million expansion will be open just in time for RAGBRAI riders to roll into Dubuque, featuring the history of all American rivers, a 30,000 gallon Gulf of Mexico aquarium, and a 3D/4D digital theater.

After dipping your tires, stroll up-river along the Mississippi RiverWalk for food, drink, music and fun at the Alliant Energy Amphitheater in the Port of Dubuque.

Dubuque’s Entertainment Schedule

9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Lonely Goats

The Lonely Goats are bringing the fun back to the dance floor.  The Goats play a wide variety of songs you might know, sometimes played in completely different styles than you might be used to hearing them, a few originals, and a few songs you might never have heard but definitely should. Rock, blues, zydeco, Latin, funk, reggae, ska, hillbilly, and surf are all fair game.  The Lonely Goats like to get the audience involved, inviting people on stage to play the washboard (or tambourine) with the band.  It’s all about having fun and getting people to dance.

Noon to 3 p.m. – Buzz Berries
The Buzz Berries are a fun band that plays dance and party music for occasions such as weddings, festivals, funerals, bar gigs, and the occasional Bar Mitzfah. Their song lists consist of mainly 80’s dance and party music with some 90’s and current tunes thrown in as well. All songs are chosen with loving care to enhance your Buzz Berries experience!

3 p.m. to 6 p.m. – DJ

6 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Coupe DeVille
Return with Coupe DeVille to a time of Bobby Sox, Fuzzy dice, and DA’s. Put on your poodle skirt and saddle shoes, grab a cherry coke and get ready to party your way through a musical experience that has withstood the test of time. This group was formed over 25 years ago and has established itself as one of the finest entertainment sources, having entertained literally thousands of fans throughout the Midwest. This headliner band is being brought to you by the Dubuque Rotary Club who invite you to stay a while, enjoy the music and the fun at the annual Rock-n-Soul on the River at the Alliant Amphitheater in the Port of Dubuque.

Other Dubuque Happenings

The 57^th Annual Dubuque County Fair is also going on in town during RAGBRAI.  For more information about the Fair, visit the Dubuque County Fair Association website

Art Market Dubuque is a public market featuring fine and functional artwork produced by regional artists. The market will attract an estimated 10,000 spectators over eight Saturdays from IA, IL, and WI. This new outdoor event will begin July 17-Septmber 11, on Saturdays from 1-6pm and offer various activities from food and beverage vendors, live music, theater performances to live pottery demonstrations and much more.  Musical genres of jazz, blues and other classical entertainment will complete the ambiance on July 17, July 24, August 14 and September 11 in the Alliant Amphitheater.

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