Visit our full events calendar
All events are free unless noted
Exhibition: Seeking an Upward Thermalby Roberta Condon, Lorraine Ortner-Black, & Debra Grall
Like birds riding rising thermals, we are drawn to the invisible forces that lift us. Soaring on pockets of warm air, birds harness nature’s upward currents—gliding, climbing, and dancing through the sky. In this spirit of ascension and exploration, three women artists offer over 50 unique interpretations in pastel, gouache, and bead work sculpture. Discover the power of flight, form, and imagination. Join us at the exhibit and experience these evocative works up close.
Exhibition is on display through August 30
Arts Center Hours: Tuesdays – Saturdays 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Visit the Art Center’s website
Clear Lake Arts Center, 17 S. 4th St.
Summer Reading Program: Level Up at Your Library
Join us for a summer of puzzles and games as we explore the iREAD theme, “Level Up at Your Library!” Come to the library anytime during the program to register. Children going into 5th grade or younger will register downstairs—those going into 6th grade or above, plus adults, can register upstairs at the desk. Work through the log to earn weekly prize tickets and a chance for an end-of-summer grand prize. Complete the board to earn a completion prize for your age group!
Through August 8, 2025
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N. 4th St
Summer Story Time
Join us each Wednesday Memorial Day – Labor Day at 10:30 a.m. for a family story time for ages 0-5. Story time consists of stories, body movement activities, songs, and rhymes, helping children grow the skills they need to become lifelong readers. After the stories, feel free to stay and play and make new friends! Young children and their grown-ups are invited to join us for these free weekly events.
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N. 4th St.
North Iowa Fair
Join us at the 2025 North Iowa Fair! Experience the excitement and wonder of the North Iowa Fair – the ultimate destination for family entertainment. From the thrilling rides to the delicious food and drink, there’s something for everyone at the North Iowa Fair. Explore the exhibits, enjoy the live music, and so much more! Come and make unforgettable memories with your loved ones! The North Iowa Fair has over 20 food vendors located throughout the Events Center, but primarily on the Main Midway, also known as Treat Street! Other vendors are located inside the All Seasons Building and at various outdoor locations.
Entertainment Lineup:
Little Texas, Wednesday July 16th. Little Texas will be the opening night concert for the 2025 North Iowa Fair! Come enjoy a great performance filled with songs you know – “Kick a Little”, “Amy’s Back in Austin”, “God Blessed Texas”, “What Might Have Been”, “My Love”, and so much more! It’s a party in the dirt at the North Iowa Events Center indoor arena.
Tumbleweed Crossing will take you on a ZANY trip back to the Wild West where laughs fly like bullets and hilarity is the law of the land! Shows are audience interactive, family friendly, crowd pleasing comedies for young and old alike.
Ninja Experience provides highflying, jaw dropping, in your face action. Witness stunts only seen on tv, including the dreaded 15′ warped wall. After the show, meet your favorite Ninjas for photos and autographs!
Extreme Raptors is the world’s largest travelling collection of raptors with stunning birds of prey from diverse habitats. Experience an exciting, entertaining, & educational show with music & special effects performed by master falconer, Jonathan Wood.
Cooking with Kids: Prepare for an experience like no other with Chef Landry’s Cooking with Kids! This show isn’t just about cooking, it’s about letting kids shine as the stars of the show. Audience members will join the stage and cook delicious foods that are shared with the audience!
Butterfly Kingdom: The Butterfly Kingdom allows fair goers to interact with and feed hundreds of butterflies. Kids will learn all about the life cycle of a butterfly from the egg to the adult, and even learn how to fix a broken wing!
Livestock Shows Animal shows of all kinds will be running throughout each day of the Fair. Open class, 4-H and FFA exhibitors will be onsite with cattle, swine, horses, small animals and more.
Little Farmers & Farm Bureau Agriculture Learning Center: A tradition that is not to be missed! Both the Little Farmers area and the Farm Bureau Ag Learning Center have been a staple of the Fair for many years. Guests young and old can get up and close with the animals and learn about where food comes from!
Family Fun Park: Yard games, giant sandbox, face painting, inflatables and more! The Family Fun Park is all about FUN and geared towards our guests ages 12 and under.
Mason City Motor Speedway: The Fair will feature the Mason City Motor Speedway on Sunday Night.
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 – Sunday, July 22, 2025
Visit the North Iowa Fair’s website
North Iowa Events Center, 3700 4th St. SW, Mason City
No gate admission. Parking is free on Wednesday & Sunday. Parking is $5 per car Thursday-Saturday.
Rocket Racers Vacation Bible School
Start Your Engines! VBS 2025: Racing with Elijah. For kids entering Kindergarten through 5th Grade
Get ready, kids—it’s time to hit the track for an exciting week of Vacation Bible School packed with fun, friends, and faith! Join the race as we zoom through the incredible story of Elijah, discovering that God’s team always wins! With thrilling games, tasty snacks, and engaging Bible lessons, kids will see that no challenge is too big for our all-powerful God. Rev up your engines and join us for a week of faith-fueled fun!
Sunday, July 13 – Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM, Supper provided nightly
Click here to register
Clear Lake Baptist Church, 2810 Hwy 18 W
NOW PLAYING: Jurassic World Rebirth (PG-13)
Five years after the events of Jurassic World Dominion, the planet’s ecology has proven largely inhospitable to dinosaurs. Those remaining exist in isolated equatorial environments with climates resembling the one in which they once thrived. The three most colossal creatures across land, sea and air within that tropical biosphere hold, in their DNA, the key to a drug that will bring miraculous life-saving benefits to humankind.
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Showtimes are Weekdays at 7:00 PM
Saturdays & Sundays at 1:00PM, 4:00PM, & 7:00PM
Lake Theatre, 4 N 4th St.
$5 adults, $4 children 12 & under
Purchase tickets online
Will Barnett Music
Live music on the dock!
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Follow The Landing on Facebook
The Landing, 1603 South Shore Dr.
Karaoke at TAP’d
Karaoke is at its summer home, Wednesday nights! For 120 weeks TAP’d and Mojo Productions All Star Karaoke have brought karaoke to Clear Lake! Jared & his crew are constantly updating the song book & coming up with new on stage effects to make it so much fun!
Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 8:00 PM-Midnight
Follow TAP’d on Facebook
TAP’d, 313 Main Ave.
Dragon Crafting
Dragons on the loose! Spend the afternoon crafting some dragon-themed items including dragon eggs, a dragon slayer sword, fire-breathing dragon, dragon paper airplane, and more. There will be creation ideas for all ages, toddler to adult. Spend a few hours getting creative! Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Clear Lake Public Library.
Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N. 4th St
Preservation Station
Welcome summer! It’s time to preserve things. Strawberries and memories. Memories? Yes, memories. The Clear Lake Public Library is hosting an afternoon of preserving your memories on July 17th from 1-5. Come to the History Room that Thursday afternoon from 1-5 and we’ll help you digitize your photos and stories on our equipment. Free! We’d love to add to our collection ( if you agree) and make your memories more secure by digitally saving them. You keep your originals and we email you your new digital copies. This is a drop in event, but feel free to call ahead if you’ve got a large project or the time doesn’t work for you. Ask for Cindy. My friend Bruce will be here helping that day too so we can serve you effectively. We’ll be here on the 17th ready to help digitize your contributions.
Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N. 4th St
Thursdays on Main
Start your weekend early at Thursdays on Main! This Chamber summer event series features live entertainment, classic cars, bounce houses, extended retail store hours, vendor street market, and more!
Main Avenue activities are 6:00-9:00pm 6:30-7:00pm
Special Entertainment: Clear Lake Police Department
7:00-9:00pm: Live Music on the street stage: The Kurt Allen Band
Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Follow Clear Lake Chamber on Facebook
Downtown Clear Lake
NOW PLAYING: Elio (PG)
For centuries, people have called out to the universe looking for answers—in Disney and Pixar’s all-new movie “Elio,” the universe calls back! The original feature film introduces Elio, an underdog with an active imagination who finds himself inadvertently beamed up to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide. Mistakenly identified as Earth’s ambassador to the rest of the universe, and completely unprepared for that kind of pressure, Elio must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, survive a series of formidable trials and somehow discover who he is truly meant to be.
Thursday, July 17 through Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Showtimes are Weekdays at 7:00 PM
Saturdays & Sundays at 1:00PM, 4:00PM, & 7:00PM
Lake Theatre, 4 N 4th St.
$5 adults, $4 children 12 & under
Purchase tickets online
Live Music at Rumorz
Mr. Jeff Music
Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Learn more about Mr. Jeff Music
Rumorz, 1210 South Shore Dr.
Live Music at TAP’d
This 3 piece out of Lake Mills takes their talents to the TAP’d stage for the first time for The Official “Thursdays on Main” Afterparty! They play a variety of genres including classic rock, country and alternative covering artists like Tom Petty, The Beatles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Johnny Cash, Zach Bryan and many more!
Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Follow TAP’d on Facebook
TAP’d, 313 Main Ave.
Fresh on Fridays
Celebrate summer every Friday morning at Central Gardens with activities, treats, and take-home treasures for all ages.
Beautiful Bouquets: Brighten your weekend with a stunning bouquet, freshly picked and arranged by talented volunteers, available at reasonable prices.
Complimentary Refreshments: Relax on the Pavilion patio with complimentary coffee, refreshments, and samples of organic veggies and herbs grown in the Bee Happy Discovery Garden.
Garden Explorers for Kids: Bring the kids for hands-on garden adventures, from tasting fresh veggies to exploring plants and insects, creating nature-inspired art, and more.
Find out what’s abuzz each week on Facebook!
Friday, July 18, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Visit Central Gardens of North Iowa on Facebook
Central Gardens of North Iowa, 800 2nd Ave. N.
Chamber Golf FUNdraiser
Join us Friday, July 18th for the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Golf FUNdraiser.
This 4-person, 9-hole best shot golf tournament is held at Veteran’s Memorial Golf Course.
Event schedule is as follows:
10:30 a.m. Registration, Happy Hour, and Lunch
11:45 p.m. Rules Meeting
12:00 p.m. Shotgun Start
4 p.m. Member Social (cash bar and heavy appetizers – all members are welcome!)
At the Golf FUNdraiser, First Mates will be hosting their annual What the Duck?! fundraiser where you can purchase chances to win great prizes. Members are welcome to stop by Hole 1 from noon-4pm to play, even if you’re not golfing! We hope you’ll join us!
Friday, July 18, 2025
Follow the Chamber on Facebook
Veterans Memorial Golf Club, 2000 North Shore Dr.
O.A.R. with Lee DeWyze
O.A.R. might just be music’s biggest, best kept secret. The platinum-certified Rockville, MD, band has quietly sold out multiple shows at Madison Square Garden, filled Red Rocks Amphitheater a dozen times, earned platinum and gold plaques, lit up the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, and built one of the most committed fanbases in the country. The group recently embarked on a headlining US tour with special guests Fitz and the Tantrums and Ripe.
Friday, July 18, 2025, doors open at 7:00 PM
Follow the Surf Ballroom on Facebook
Surf Ballroom, 460 North Shore Dr.
$87.10
Live Music at TAP’d
The Kraft Brothers take the TAP’d stage for a Friday night show! These brothers from Kanawha absolutely know how to party! You’ll hear all the country and rock at the show. They’ll play all your favorites from Johnny Cash and Dwight Yoakam to Eric Church and Kenny Chesney running through the timeline from the 50’s to today with plenty of surprises along the way. The Kraft Brothers take the stage at 9!
Friday, July 18, 2025 from 9:00 PM – Midnight
Follow TAP’d on Facebook
TAP’d, 313 Main Ave.
City Wide Garage Sales
Families, clubs, and organizations are invited to participate in Clear Lake’s City-Wide Garage Sales. This community event is fun for collectors, families and bargain hunters from around the area. Find good bargains! Shop the Citywide Garage Sale! Map and listings will be in the Clear Lake Mirror Reporter.
Weekend of July 19, 2025
Follow Clear Lake Mirror Reporter on Facebook
Yoga by the Lake
Join us for an energizing and serene experience at Yoga by the Lake! Every Saturday June through August, head down to the Seawall in downtown Clear Lake at 7am. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking sunrise over the picturesque Clear Lake as our certified instructors guide you through a revitalizing yoga session. No pre-registration needed, making it ideal for weekend visitors. Just bring your mat, wear comfy clothes, and enjoy this drop-in class for only $2 per session. Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and invigoration amidst a truly unique setting. Don’t miss out!
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Follow Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center on Facebook
Downtown at the Seawall
Antique & Classic Boat Show
The Clear Lake Antique & Classic Boat Show will be held Saturday, July 19th at the downtown seawall next to Clear Lake’s City Park.
Classic wooden and fiberglass boats from Century, Chris-Craft, Higgins, and more will be displayed on land and water from 9am-3pm.
Boat owners will be on hand to answer questions about their restored boats.
Registration for boat owners and admission for the viewing public is free.
Awards will be given for both “Skipper’s Choice” and “People’s Choice.” Attendees and owners will be invited to submit their favorites to the Host Committee.
At the conclusion of the show, a boat cruise will depart from City Dock (weather permitting). All registered participants are invited to a free social and awards presentation at the Clear Lake Yacht Club following the cruise.
To register your boat, email Wil with the following details: boat manufacturer and model, length, power, boat name, and owner name
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 9:00 AM – 3:00 AM
Follow Antique Classic Boat Show on Facebook
Downtown at the Seawall
Clear Lake Farmers Market
Come out to the Clear Lake Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings! With 50+ vendors each week, you’ll find fresh produce, baked goodies, meats, handmade crafts, coffee, lemonade, and more. Grab a bite from food trucks, enjoy live music, and let the kids have a blast with fun activities. It’s a great way to support local and have a good time!
Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 9:00 AM – Noon
Follow Clear Lake Farmers Market on Facebook
Surf Ballroom Parking Lot, 460 North Shore Dr.
Beginner Guitar
Always wanted to learn guitar? Here is your chance! Instructors Bruce Ray & Roger Lasley will host beginner guitar classes throughout the summer. These group style, relaxed classes are for new-beginner students to learn the basics of this beloved instrument. All students 12 years old and up are welcome. Learn some chords, get strumming, and play some good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll at the Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center this summer!
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Beginner class 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Intermediate Class 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Visit the Surf Ballroom on Facebook
Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center, 468 North Shore Dr.
$120 for the summer session
Iowa Storytelling Festival & Local Author Fair
The Iowa Storytelling Festival is an annual event sponsored by the Clear Lake Public Library Foundation. This year brings a renewed program in partnership with Ventura Public Library, Meservey Public Library, and Rockwell Public Library. The event includes a local author fair (with Three Bells Books on site to represent Iowa authors who can’t be there), a craft station, and a lunch, all in the Olson Building at the North Iowa Fair! Schedule of events: 10:00 am – doors open to public 10:30 am – Nicholas Pawlowski (Children’s Stories) 11:30 am – Lunch Break 1:00 pm – Sue Searing (Folk & Fairy Tales) 2:30 pm – Coral Conant Gilles (Mardy Murie Chautauqua Performance)
Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Visit the Library’s website
North Iowa Fairgrounds Olson Building, 3700 4th St. SW, Mason City
Live Music at TAP’d
Bugz Benson makes his official TAP’d debut for a Saturday show! Bugz comes to us from Illinois to play us some blues and rock for the evening! BUGZ covers artists like Bob Seger, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd & Lynyrd Skynyrd. Bugz takes the stage @ 9.
Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Follow TAP’d on Facebook
TAP’d, 313 Main Ave.
Church in the Park
Whether you’re a lifelong Christian or just exploring faith, everyone is welcome. Held at the bandshell in Clear Lake’s City Park, services run every Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Come and experience a message of truth, life, and community in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Clear Lake City Park
Lions Chicken BBQ
Annual Noon Lions Chicken BBQ Fundraiser, serving from 10:30am-2pm or until sold out. Meal includes a half grilled secret-recipe chicken, coleslaw, roll, cookie, and beverage.
Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM (or sold out)
Clear Lake City Park, drive through service available
$12 in advance
Municipal Band Concert
Enjoy a wonderful afternoon concert brought to you by the Clear Lake Municipal Band. Bring your lawn chair and relax in City Park as they strike up the band! Please note, this week’s concert is at 1pm during the Lions Chicken BBQ.
July 20 Program
Holly Prier-Lloyd, Director
Persistence – Saucedo
The Big Four – King, arr. Swearingen
Overture to a New Millennium – Huckaby
The Lion King – Elton John/Tim Rice
Oboe Duet with Emily & Grace
Down a Country Lane – Copland, trans. Patterson
The Bandwagon – Sparke
Caribbean Holiday – Otto
The Chicken Dance
Pentland Hills – Howe
Star Spangled Banner – John Stafford Smith arr. Wangberg
Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Clear Lake City Park
Jeff Reinartz
Live music on the dock!
Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Follow The Landing on Facebook
The Landing, 1603 South Shore Dr
Picnics & Performances: Sister Luv
With a diverse repertoire that spans decades—from the captivating melodies of the 1920s to the infectious pop hits of the 1980s, alongside classic country and soul-stirring gospel—Sister Luv engages audiences with unique shows that transcend age and time. Bring a lawn chair, a picnic, a beverage of your choice, and enjoy music in the beauty of the Gardens. Celebrate local talent at this eight-week, family friendly concert series! Bring a lawn chair, a picnic, a beverage of your choice, and enjoy music in the beauty of the Gardens.
Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Visit Central Gardens of North Iowa on Facebook
Central Gardens of North Iowa, 800 2nd Ave. N.
Al Welsh Orchestra
The Al Welsh Orchestra plays music of the big band era along with many of the most famous dance tunes of the 1920s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, and beyond! We play the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Woody Hermann, Benny Goodman as well as music of the most popular dance bands such as Lawrence Welk, Guy Lombardo, Sammy Kaye, and many others!
Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Follow the Surf Ballroom on Facebook
Surf Ballroom, 460 North Shore Dr.
$26.50
Writing Group
Bring a pencil and some paper (or grab your laptop) and join a community of writers. Use the time to work on a project or join in on the prompts and games provided. The group meets from 6:00 – 7:00 pm on Monday nights whenever the library is open.
Monday, July 21, 2025 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N. 4th St
Line Dancing
Join us inside the main entrance in the fountain courtyard for line dancing with Mary Jo. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Visit Central Gardens of North Iowa on Facebook
Central Gardens of North Iowa, 800 2nd Ave. N.
Giddily Bo Diddley
Our most popular class! This class is for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and tots who are walking through age five. This fun class introduces kids to musical concepts through singing, stories, games, instrument exploration, and more! Join the fun — you’re never too young or old to rock ‘n’ roll!
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Follow the Surf Ballroom on Facebook
Surf Ballroom, 460 North Shore Dr.
Game Day
Throughout the summer there will be several opportunities to spend a few hours playing some board games, card games, or our ‘special game of the day’ at the library. Each session will have a different special game, from Giant Candyland & Giant Clue to retro games with trivia to guess when the game was first introduced. All ages welcome.
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N. 4th St.