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 30, 2025 from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N. 4th St.

Lego® Day at the Library
All ages are invited to join us in the meeting room for a few hours of building fun from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. We provide the materials, you provide the imagination. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Come and go program.
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N. 4th St

Surf Ballroom Song Writing Session
Join some of North Iowa’s most talented songwriters for a workshop focused on songwriting, storytelling, music theory, and chord progression crafting. During these sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to hone your skills and find inspiration from fellow musicians. After a creative workshop, we’ll bring our new ideas to life in a collaborative jam session!
Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Visit the Surf Ballroom on Facebook
Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center, 468 North Shore Dr.
Free Will Donation

NOW PLAYING: Superman (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 24 through Wednesday, July 30, 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

Karaoke at TAP’d
Karaoke is at its summer home, Wednesday nights! For 122 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 30, 2025, 8:00 PM-Midnight
Follow TAP’d on Facebook
TAP’d, 313 Main Ave.

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
7:00-9:00pm: Live Music on the street stage: Split Second Band
Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Follow Clear Lake Chamber on Facebook
Downtown Clear Lake

NOW PLAYING: F1 (PG-13)
A Formula One driver comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with a younger driver.
Starts on Thursday, July 31,2025
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 TAP’d
Jordan Beem is a country artist from Des Moines, IA. He recently became the 2024 Iowa Music Awards Country Artist of the Year & was the 2023 Midwest CMO New Artist of the Year! Jordan brings a high-energy country sound and plays different genres as well with his drummer John Griffiths!
Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 9:00 PM – Midnight
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, August 1, 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.

CLASS Car Show & Summer Dance Cruise
The Clear Lake Auto Social Society’s Annual Event kicks off Friday night with a Car Cruise around Clear Lake, with a concert to follow. On Saturday, the Car Show is held downtown around City Park.
Friday Car Cruise:
Meet & Greet at the Clear Lake High School Bus Barn at 3:00pm.
Leave at 5:00pm to cruise around beautiful Clear Lake
Live entertainment at the Surf Ballroom: Music by HEAD EAST
$10 per car (includes 2 tickets to the Surf concert)
Friday, August 1, 2025
Follow the CLASS Car Club on Facebook

Head East: Flat as a Pancake 50th Anniversary Show
Get ready to sing along to “Never Been Any Reason (Save My Life)”—the arena rock anthem made famous by Head East and featured in Dazed and Confused, That 70s Show, and Friday Night Lights. Celebrating 50 years of classic rock, the band will play hits from their iconic Flat As A Pancake album and new tracks from Full Circle. Don’t miss this high-energy show packed with legendary vocals and classic rock vibes!
Friday, August 2, 2025, doors open at 7:00 PM
Follow the Surf Ballroom on Facebook
Surf Ballroom, 460 North Shore Dr.
$20 advance/$25 at the door

Live Music at TAP’d
Dirty $ Bills makes their TAP’d debut on Car Show Weekend Friday Night! They cover all rock and roll engaging you with The Commodores then wowing you with Van Halen while matching that energy with their originals! Coming to us from Humboldt, Dirty $ Bills will be surprising us with all other genres of music throughout the night!
Friday, August 1, 2025 from 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Follow TAP’d on Facebook
TAP’d, 313 Main Ave.

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, August 2, 2025, 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Follow Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center 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, August 2, 2025 from 9:00 AM – Noon
Follow Clear Lake Farmers Market on Facebook
Surf Ballroom Parking Lot, 460 North Shore Dr.

CLASS Car Show & Summer Dance Cruise
The Clear Lake Auto Social Society’s Annual Event kicks off Friday night with a Car Cruise around Clear Lake, with a concert to follow. On Saturday, the Car Show is held downtown around City Park.
Saturday: Car Show
Get classified at Clear Lake High School then move to City Park
8am-11:30am Registration/Classification (CLHS)
Noon-3pm: Show & Shine downtown
3pm: Awards (City Park Bandshell) $500 for Best of Show, Top 3 Trophies for 28 classes. Dash plaques for first 500 entrants.
Music and activities throughout the day!
6:30-10pm: Live entertainment at the City Park Bandshell, music by The Hepperly Band
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Follow the CLASS Car Club on Facebook
Downtown Clear Lake

One Vision Thrift Store Tax Free Spree
Get ready for the Tax-Free Spree Event at One Vision Thrift Store! Big thrills. Bigger deals. And the ultimate shopping challenge. Here’s what’s happening on August 2: • Tax-free shopping (as always) • Food trucks on site • Prizes to win throughout the day • A livestreamed, one-minute shopping spree challenge Visit One Vision Thrift Store between July 28 and 31 to enter for a chance to win a FREE one-minute shopping spree. Three lucky winners will be selected to kick off the excitement on August 2 with a high-energy race through the aisles. Winners will have just 60 seconds to fill a bag with as many clothing items as they can. No help. Just quick moves, smart strategy, and serious style. The shopping spree will be livestreamed on our Facebook page, so you can cheer them on in real time.
Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Follow One Vision Thrift Store on Facebook
One Vision Thrift Store, 830 Hwy 18

Live Music at TAP’d: 2 Shows!
We get to bring back THE TAP’d ORIGINAL for a Car Show Saturday show! Jarno Solo will play your favorite songs to listen to with your friends from Jimmy Buffet to Creedence Clearwater Revival to Zac Brown Band to Buddy Holly! Jarno takes the stage 3-6pm
Bad Decisions is excited to be a part of the TAP’d Car Show weekend 2025! Bad Decisions closes out Car Show Saturday filled with live music @ TAP’d! Coming up from Des Moines, they will play it all starting with the 50’s! Showtime is 9pm-midnight
Saturday, August 2, 2025, 2 shows from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM – Midnight
Follow TAP’d on Facebook
TAP’d, 313 Main Ave.

Ventura Fire Dept. Pork Supper
Join the Ventura Fire Department for their Annual Pork Supper, an annual community event happening on Saturday, August 2nd, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Held at the station located at 105 Sena St, Ventura, IA. This event promises delicious food and a chance to support your local firefighters. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a hearty meal, connect with friends and neighbors to show appreciation for the brave individuals who serve our community. It’s a perfect way to spend a summer evening, indulging in good food and great company while helping a great cause. Don’t miss out on this wonderful tradition! Free will donation for your meal, drive up orders available and limited delivery within Ventura city limits. Hope to see you there!
Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Follow Ventura Fire Dept. on Facebook
Ventura Fire Dept., 105 Sena St., Ventura
Free will donation

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, August 3, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Clear Lake City Park

Liz McNair Music
Live music on the dock!
Sunday, August 3, 2025 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Follow The Landing on Facebook
The Landing, 1603 South Shore Dr.

Picnics & Performances: Jon & Jen Hepperly
Duo Jon and Jen, who have been performing for years, will come together in a more intimate setting to play older hits and some newer music from pop style, country, bluesy, soulful, and folk style tunes. Bring a lawn chair, a picnic, a beverage of your choice, and enjoy music in the beauty of the Gardens. Follow us on Facebook for details of each week’s performers.
Sunday, August 3, 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.

Galen Sudik Orchestra
Step back in time and experience the golden era of big band music during the Surf’s Big Band Dance season! Join us for an evening filled with the timeless sounds of swing, jazz, and big band classics, performed live by the renowned Gaylin Sudik Orchestra.
Sunday, August 3, 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, August 4, 2025 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N. 4th St

Opus Camp
Join us at the Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center for our exclusive OPUS Camp, designed for young vocalists from 5th to 9th grade. Over two action-packed days, students will embark on a musical journey, enhancing their vocal skills and deepening their love for singing in a fun, supportive environment. An Opus practice recording will be sent to each participant’s email, allowing students to continue refining their skills at home. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to enhance your vocal talents at the historic Surf Ballroom, where music and heritage create the perfect backdrop for learning and growth. Sign up today and let your voice soar!
Tuesday, August 5 & Wednesday, August 6, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
9-11am Grades 5th, 6th & 9th
1-3pm Grades 7th & 8th
Follow the Surf Ballroom on Facebook
Surf Ballroom, 460 North Shore Dr.
$50

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, August 5, 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.

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, August 5, 2025 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N. 4th St.

Mystery Book Club: How to Solve Your Own Murder
The Mystery Book Club meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm in the library. How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin: It’s 1965 and teenage Frances Adams is at an English country fair with her two best friends. But Frances’s night takes a hairpin turn when a fortune-teller makes a bone-chilling prediction: One day, Frances will be murdered. Frances spends a lifetime trying to solve a crime that hasn’t happened yet, compiling dirt on every person who crosses her path in an effort to prevent her own demise. For decades, no one takes Frances seriously, until nearly sixty years later, when Frances is found murdered, like she always said she would be. In the present day, Annie Adams has been summoned to a meeting at the sprawling country estate of her wealthy and reclusive great-aunt Frances. But by the time Annie arrives in the quaint English village of Castle Knoll, Frances is already dead. Annie is determined to catch the killer, but thanks to Frances’s lifelong habit of digging up secrets and lies, it seems every endearing and eccentric villager might just have a motive for her murder. Can Annie safely unravel the dark mystery at the heart of Castle Knoll, or will dredging up the past throw her into the path of a killer? As Annie gets closer to the truth, and closer to the danger, she starts to fear she might inherit her aunt’s fate instead of her fortune.
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N. 4th St.