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Hey Dubuque, hope your week’s off to a good start! In case you missed yesterday’s email, BaseLocal Business went live last week… and it’s going way better than I ever could have imagined!
If you run a local business and haven’t signed up, you can join here for free.
The more businesses we have on the platform, the more events, announcements, news, cool spots to check out, and deals we’ll have to share with you all every week. So if you know of a local business that belongs in the newsletter, forward this email to them or send ‘em here so they sign up too! The more the merrier 🙂
That’s all for today – let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Rising need drives tough choices: United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States has opened grant applications, after awarding about $850,000 across 35 grants in 2024, including $73,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dubuque — get all the details.
Iowa eateries earn accolades: Midwest Living named three Iowa restaurants among the Best Dishes for 2025, featuring Dubuque’s Driftless Pizza Co and a Des Moines newcomer with lavender eggs, plus another Iowa favorite — see which spots were named.
What the data reveals: Flu cases remain high across eastern Iowa today. Dubuque County health officials urge people with underlying conditions to seek early testing and treatment, and the CDC still recommends flu shots — get all the details.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Demonstration sites guide broader change: Dubuque has partnered with Beyond Pesticides to shift two city parks to organic land care. The move builds on reduced pesticide use since 2016 and aims to improve soil health, cut water use, and make parks safer while supporting climate and biodiversity goals. Learn how the program works.
Your feet, happier: Whether you’re logging miles or chasing kids, Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. Dubuque fits you properly with expert measuring, wide sizes, and real support. Locally owned, they make everyday errands feel easier, and long days on your feet a lot more comfortable.
Historic sips by the river: Looking for a low-key spot that still feels like a treat? Stone Cliff Winery pours easygoing local wines in a cozy tasting room, with occasional live music and mystery dinners. Ideal for a quick glass or a lingering catch-up with friends.
A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🎨 Tea Time Paint Party! @ Captured on Canvas | Wednesday (1/21) at 6:00 PM – Tea Time Paint Party is brewing an in-studio paint-and-sip night, step-by-step instruction included, no talent necessary. Bring beer or wine, swap small talk for big brushstrokes, and finally hang something on the wall that isn’t a thermostat. Pre-register to snag a spot.
🏀 STEM Basketball Hoops @ Dubuque County Library – Asbury Branch | Thursday (1/22) at 4:30 PM – Let the kids burn off energy and sneak in some brainpower with a STEM build at the library where they design mini basketball hoops. Think less screen time, more tinkering, measuring, and triumphant swishes. You supervise, they engineer, no glitter, just physics.
🕯 Winter Candle Creators Night @ Goose & Giggles Play Cafe | Thursday (1/22) at 6:00 PM – Light up winter the civilized way at a cozy candle-making night with Coco & Sage, a grazing table, and a complimentary wine or Carbliss. Pick your vessel, choose winter scents, even make two if you’re feeling fancy. 8 oz is $35, 12 oz is $40.
This weekend
🕵 Nate the Great @ The Grand Opera House | Saturday (1/24) at 10:00 AM – Bring your budding detectives, and your inner one, to The Grand Opera House in Dubuque for Nate the Great, a pint-sized whodunit turned musical. Expect catchy tunes, clever clues, and the kind of chaos you can solve before bedtime. Grandparent points practically guaranteed.
🎨 Heart Butterfly: Little Artists Paint Party @ Captured on Canvas | Saturday (1/24) at 10:00 AM – If your fridge is begging for fresh kid art, sign them up for a Little Artists paint party where ages 6+ paint a heart butterfly on a 9×12 canvas in-studio, step by step. No experience needed, just pre-register, then enjoy quiet time and hot coffee.
🥞 Steeple Square Pancake Breakfast @ Steeple Square | Sunday (1/25) at 9:00 AM – Pancakes from NICC’s culinary students at Steeple Square, plus sausage, a yogurt bar, and the kind of coffee that makes small talk bearable. There’s a cash bar for mimosas and Bloody Marys, because Dubuque does brunch properly. Adults $10, kids $6.
❄ Ice Fest @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium | Sunday (1/25) at 4:00 PM – Whether you miss Lillehammer or just want an excuse for cocoa, Ice Fest turns the River Museum into our 2026 Winter Olympics, minus the airfare, plus fun. Try frosty games, cheer like a local, then claim gold in warming up, snacking, and storytelling.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Dubuque report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 19°F – Low: 14°F – Precip: 6%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 19. Wind chill values as low as -2. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 14. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 25°F – Low: 6°F – Precip: 19%
A slight chance of snow after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 25. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 6.
This house is wild
Side-by-side ranch duplex in a sought-after pocket, designed for flexibility. Each unit offers 2 to 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, with a private garage, updated finishes, and an easy flow to outdoor living. Decks spill to a shared patio, and finished walkout lower levels add bonus space for media, gym, or office. Thoughtful upgrades over the years keep things fresh while preserving the solid bones and single-level ease.
Separate entrances and mirrored layouts support multi-gen living, house hacking, or a pure investment play. Natural light on both levels, low-maintenance landscaping, and quick access to neighborhood amenities round out the package. A rare combination of function, privacy, and location.
Take a peek inside →
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Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
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