Join us for the 39th Annual Dubuque Fireworks & Air Show Spectacular on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at A.Y. McDonald Park, near Lock and Dam No. 11 on the Mississippi River! Hosted by Radio Dubuque and Dubuque Jaycees, this free family event celebrates Independence Day and honors our military Window World Parachute Team Powered by the All Veteran Group, F-35 Heritage Flight with P-51 Mustangs, Full Throttle Formation Team, and more.

• Fireworks: Begins at dusk, a 35-minute dazzling display over the river.

• Activities: Food vendors, kids’ games, inflatables, and free American flags at the Radio Dubuque tent.

• Tips: Arrive early (parking opens at noon, $20/vehicle). Bring chairs, water, and sunscreen. No pets, drones, or personal fireworks allowed.

Navigate Congestion: Expect detours due to Kerper Blvd construction. See map below for routes and parking. Accessible parking available ($20, off Kerper Blvd). RV parking ($100 + $20/car, reservations: dubuquejaycees@gmail.com). Shuttles for seniors available.

Tune in to AM 1370 KDTH, 92.9 KAT FM, 97.3 The Rock, or 101.1 The River for updates. Celebrate freedom with us! More info: radiodubuque.com.

Map and Detours to A.Y. McDonald Park for Dubuque Fireworks & Air Show 2025

Below is a textual description of how to reach A.Y. McDonald Park and navigate detours due to ongoing construction on Kerper Blvd and nearby areas. A visual map cannot be generated here, but the directions are designed to guide you clearly. For a detailed map, visit radiodubuque.com, which provides an event map with obstructions like cell towers.

Primary Route to A.Y. McDonald Park:

• Location: A.Y. McDonald Park, 1301 Hawthorne St, Dubuque, IA 52001, next to the Hawthorn Boat Ramp, just south of Lock and Dam No. 11.

• From Downtown Dubuque:

1. Head north on US-61/US-151 (Locust St).

2. Turn right onto E 16th St.

3. Continue onto Kerper Blvd (northbound).

4. Turn left onto Hawthorne St or Shiras Ave Ext to reach parking lots near the park.

• From US-20 (Julien Dubuque Bridge):

1. Take US-20 west toward Dubuque.

2. Exit onto US-61/US-151 north.

3. Follow steps above from E 16th St.

• Parking: Lots open at noon ($20/vehicle) off Kerper Blvd and Shiras Ave Ext. Accessible parking at the former Bowling and Beyond lot (off Kerper Blvd). Lots typically fill by 7 PM. No vehicle exit until 30 minutes after fireworks.

Detours Due to Construction:

• Kerper Blvd Congestion: Northbound lanes closed for sewer project; traffic shifted to southbound lanes between Roosevelt St Ext and Shiras Ave. Expect delays, especially post-event. All traffic flows south after fireworks.

• Alternate Route (Avoiding Kerper):

1. From downtown, take US-61/US-151 south.

2. Cross Julien Dubuque Bridge to Illinois.

3. Turn left onto IL-35 north, then WI-35 north.

4. Re-enter Iowa via Dubuque-Wisconsin Bridge.

5. Head south on US-61 to Rhomberg Ave, then left onto Hawthorne St to park.

• Post-Event Exit:

• Cars held for 30 minutes after fireworks for pedestrian safety.

• Police direct traffic south on Kerper Blvd or via Harbor St/Volunteer Dr/Hawthorne St for Point neighborhood.

• Southbound US-61/151 on-ramp from Kerper closed; use E 9th St on-ramp.

• Closed Roads:

• Hawthorne St (Kerper to Volunteer Dr) closes when helicopters arrive (afternoon).

• Harbor St and Shiras Ave Ext close when pedestrian traffic increases.

• Fengler St overpass closed to vehicles post-fireworks (pedestrians allowed).

Tips for Navigation:

• Arrive before 5 PM to avoid peak traffic.

• Check radiodubuque.com for real-time updates and an event map.

• Use Wisconsin bluffs or high points for alternative viewing if avoiding crowds.

• Post-event, expect delays due to train crossings; consider WI-35/IL-35 detour if blocked.

For additional assistance, contact Dubuque Police or visit the Radio Dubuque broadcast tent at the event. Safe travels and enjoy the show!