Vette City Volleyball’s Key City Clash Returns to Dubuque 

Vette City Volleyball’s Key City Clash is returning to Dubuque for the second consecutive year, bringing high-level competition and significant economic impact to the community February 6–8, 2026. The tournament will welcome more than 130 teams from across the Midwest and beyond, with matches hosted at Grand River Center, Five Flags Center, Loras College, and the Peosta Community Center.

The event’s successful debut in 2025 directly led to expanded investment in Dubuque, with an additional weekend already booked for April 10-12, 2026, underscoring the strong demand, athlete experience, and community support that Dubuque provides.

Held during a traditionally slower tourism period, the Key City Clash plays an important role in driving overnight stays, restaurant traffic, and visitor spending, delivering positive economic benefits when they are needed most.

“We are excited to be back in Dubuque for the second year of the Key City Clash. This tournament has served a great central point to draw quality competition from throughout the region. With teams coming from Chicago, Des Moines, La Crosse, Davenport and Madison, and more, it provides truly diverse competition for the event while also enabling the local Dubuque teams to stay in market while still experiencing a high-quality event. We look forward to another great year and continued success in the Dubuque community,” stated Andy Cavins, Tournament Director.

The tournament is made possible through a partnership between Oak View Group, the management company of the Grand River Center and Five Flags Center, and Travel Dubuque, working together to attract premier sporting events and showcase Dubuque as a competitive and welcoming host destination.

 Dubuque Welcomes Athletes to 2026 Winter Iowa Games 

Dubuque will serve as a host city for the 2026 Winter Iowa Games, welcoming athletes of all ages and skill levels to compete in more than a dozen sports from late January through early March. The multi-week event begins January 30 with the Jeff Ransom Indoor Soccer Classic at the Five Flags Center and concludes March 7 with table tennis competition.

Athletes will compete at venues throughout Iowa’s oldest city, highlighting Dubuque’s diverse recreational facilities and strong winter sports offerings. Events range from alpine skiing and volleyball to swimming, pickleball, and martial arts, creating opportunities for participation across a wide variety of disciplines.

“The Winter Iowa Games bring together competitors from across the state to celebrate athletic achievement and community,” said Keith Rahe, President & CEO of Travel Dubuque. “Dubuque is proud to host these events and welcome participants and spectators to experience our city’s winter sports culture.”

Sundown Mountain Resort will host Alpine Skiing on January 31, showcasing one of the region’s premier winter recreation destinations. The Five Flags Center will serve as a hub for soccer, hosting the Jeff Ransom Indoor Soccer Classic from January 31-February 1. Volleyball competitions will take place January 31–February 1 at Roosevelt Middle School and the University of Dubuque.

Additional individual sports scheduled throughout the season include Pickleball (Jan. 31–Feb. 1), Swimming (Jan. 31–Feb. 1), Track & Field (Feb. 28), and Table Tennis (Mar. 7). Special events include the Fat Bike Race and Snowshoeing on February 14, Figure Skating on February 21–22, and Archery on February 28.

In addition to Dubuque, 17 communities across Iowa will host Winter Iowa Games events. More than 3,000 athletes are expected to participate statewide in the 2026 Winter Iowa Games.