American Heart Association Heart Walk Returns to Dubuque in 2026

The American Heart Association (AHA), a global force for healthier lives for all, invites the Dubuque community to the 2026 Dubuque Area Heart Walk on Saturday, May 2nd at the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

Once again, I've been selected as a co-emcee for the opening ceremony. It's a true privilege to work year-after-year with some phenomenal local individuals who work so hard to make this event what it is. With such a beautiful setting as the Dubuque Arboretum too, the backdrop is built-in to elevate the moods and spirits of all who participate.

READ MORE: Y105, Dubuque Helps Iowa Children's Hospital Raise Over $29,000

About the Annual Dubuque Area Heart Walk:

The American Heart Association’s premier event to boost physical and mental health, the Heart Walk allows supporters to celebrate heart and stroke survivors, raise lifesaving funds and encourage physical activity. The fundraising goal is $250,000, and as of this writing, over $67,000 has been raised.

This money will be used to fund life-saving research for families and patients who have heart disease or other heart-related issues.

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In 2025, the American Heart Association raised $180,000 in Dubuque alone. In 2024, they raised $250,000. The community support is massive, and it's easy to understand why. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, surpassing cancer. If you yourself haven't experienced heart ailments, you probably don't have to think too hard about a friend or family member who has:

Beyond the walk, the Heart Walk is predicated on training more lifesavers when it comes to helping people with heart issues. Funding supports heart education and vital research, and that includes right here in Dubuque:

At the Heart Walk on May 2nd at the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Garden, we’re walking to build a community of lifesavers— because 9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital don’t survive. But together, small actions can create extraordinary, lifesaving outcomes - per the AHA's website

Being that Townsquare Media is one of the sponsors of the event, you can make a donation to the AHA via our exclusive donation page here. For more information on the upcoming 2026 Dubuque Area Heart Walk, visit the AHA's website. You can also take a listen to my interview with Molly Carpenter of GreenState Credit Union and the American Heart Association below, as well as see photos from one of the previous Heart Walks in Dubuque!