Earth Day Clear Lake: Celebrate, Explore, and Take Action

Spring in Clear Lake brings fresh air, longer days, and a renewed appreciation for the outdoors—and there’s no better way to celebrate it than Earth Day Clear Lake. This monthlong celebration invites the community to come together for sustainability, outdoor fun, and meaningful action that helps protect the environment we all enjoy.

From races along the lakefront to community cleanups, family-friendly outdoor activities, art exhibits, and educational events, Earth Day Clear Lake offers something for everyone. Whether you’re running for a cause, learning from local experts, or simply spending time outside with family and friends, every event is designed to encourage appreciation for the natural beauty of Clear Lake while inspiring positive change.

Celebrating Nature Through Art

The celebration begins with creativity and reflection on the natural world through “The Shape of Nature” All Media Earth Day Contest & Exhibit, on display April 7–22, 2026 at the Clear Lake Arts Center. Artists are invited to explore the forms, patterns, and presence of nature through their work. Submissions are encouraged to reflect Iowa’s landscapes, ecosystems, wildlife, or environmental themes while also considering sustainable practices and environmentally conscious materials whenever possible. Submissions will be accepted from March 21 through April 7. The community is invited to visit the Clear Lake Arts Center during regular hours—Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—to view the exhibit and vote for their favorite pieces. A special awards reception will be held April 22 from 5–6:30 p.m., with awards announced at 6 p.m., offering a chance to celebrate the artists and the natural inspiration behind their work.

Exploring Food Traditions at Risk

Food is deeply connected to culture and the environment, and Earth Day Clear Lake explores that connection through discussions centered on the book Endangered Eating: America’s Vanishing Foods by Sarah Lohman. This fascinating culinary travelogue highlights foods at risk of disappearing from the American diet, inspired by the Slow Food movement’s Ark of Taste. Lohman travels across the country documenting rare ingredients—from heirloom sugarcane in Hawaii to Navajo Churro lamb and Carolina African runner peanuts—while sharing the stories of the people working to preserve these traditions.

Two opportunities are available to join the conversation:

  • Books on Tap at Lake Time Brewery on Wednesday, April 15 at 6 p.m.
  • Book Chat at the Clear Lake Public Library on Tuesday, April 21 at 12 p.m.

Run for the Planet: Earth Day Races

One of the highlights of Earth Day weekend is the Earth Day Youth Mile, 5K, and 10K races, taking place Saturday, April 18 at Clear Lake City Park. The morning begins with the Earth Day Youth Mile at 8:30 a.m., encouraging kids of all ages to get outside, stay active, and connect with nature. Every finisher will receive a wooden medal and coloring tote, making the race both fun and rewarding for young participants. At 9 a.m., runners gather for the Earth Day 5K and 10K races, which begin lakeside at the Main Avenue boat ramp. The scenic course loops around City Park before heading along South Shore Drive. The 5K turnaround sits at the Y intersection at 20th Avenue South, while the 10K continues farther down the shoreline to a turnaround point near Lakeside Cyclery. Both races finish in front of the Lady of the Lake, where prizes will be awarded to top finishers. It’s a beautiful way to combine exercise with environmental awareness while enjoying one of Clear Lake’s most scenic routes. Participants can register online, and volunteers are welcome to help support the event.

OutdoorFest: Family Fun in City Park

Following the races, OutdoorFest transforms Clear Lake City Park into a hub of outdoor recreation and environmental learning on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Designed with families in mind, OutdoorFest offers a mix of games, activities, and hands-on experiences that encourage kids and adults alike to spend time outdoors.

Visitors can enjoy activities including:

  • Outdoor Play Toys Community Share in the Lakeview Room (until noon)
  • Bounce house fun
  • Human foosball
  • Gaga ball
  • A strider bike course
  • Disc golf
  • A shredding truck for secure document disposal

Families can also take part in classic outdoor games such as giant JENGA, Connect 4, croquet, corn hole, tug-of-war, potato sack races, obstacle courses, and a fun run, plus the lively Go Wild Parade. OutdoorFest provides a perfect opportunity to gather with friends and neighbors while celebrating the importance of outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.

Trash Bash: A Community-Wide Cleanup

Environmental stewardship continues throughout the week with the Trash Bash Community Cleanup, taking place April 18–24 across Clear Lake. This annual event invites individuals, families, and groups to help keep the community beautiful by picking up trash in neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces. Participants can register for their favorite cleanup locations and compete for the coveted “Green Jacket.” The friendly competition encourages participants to collect the most trash and recruit the most volunteers while making a real impact on the health and appearance of the community. Trash Bash is one of the most tangible ways residents can show their commitment to sustainability and community pride.

North Iowa Green Expo & Indoor Farmers Market

The celebration concludes with the North Iowa Green Expo & Indoor Farmers Market on Thursday, April 23 from 4–7 p.m. at the Surf Ballroom & Museum. One of the signature events of Earth Day Clear Lake, the expo brings together local businesses, nonprofits, and organizations to showcase environmentally friendly products and services. Visitors can learn about sustainability, energy efficiency, gardening tips, and other ways to make environmentally conscious choices. The event also features an Indoor Farmers Market, presented in partnership with Healthy Harvest of North Iowa and the Clear Lake Farmers Market, where visitors can browse and purchase fresh produce, baked goods, honey, and other local favorites. Guests will have the chance to sample locally produced food, explore eco-friendly products, connect with experts about environmental topics, and support local vendors—all in the historic setting of the Surf Ballroom. Best of all, the Green Expo and Market are free and open to the public, making it an easy and engaging way to participate in the Earth Day celebration.

A Community Effort

Earth Day Clear Lake is made possible thanks to the dedication of the Earth Day Committee, whose members work each year to organize events that inspire environmental awareness and community involvement. Committee members include: Felicia Andrews, Ron Andrews, Becke Dorenbush, Andrea Evelsizer, Tyler Havens, Dave Holstad, Jan Lovell, Cindy Richardson, Christina Ruggles, Joel Schwichtenberg, Brianna Sholly, Deb Tesar, Laura Tidrick, and Margo Underwood. The event is also supported by the Clear Lake Chamber team, including Stacy Doughan, Trish Fundermann, and Jenny Fasbender.

Join the Celebration

Earth Day Clear Lake is more than a single day—it’s a community-wide celebration of nature, sustainability, and the shared responsibility of protecting the places we love. Whether you’re attending a race, participating in a cleanup, browsing the Green Expo, or simply enjoying the outdoors, every action helps make a difference.

To learn more and view event details, visit:
www.earthdayclearlake.org