Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in Clear Lake, Iowa

Six Days of Fireworks, Carnival Rides, Live Music, and Family Fun | July 1-6, 2026

America is turning 250, and there’s no better place to celebrate than Clear Lake, Iowa! For generations, families have gathered along the shores of Clear Lake for one of Iowa’s longest-running Independence Day celebrations. In fact, Clear Lake has been celebrating the Fourth of July since 1856, making this year’s festivities especially meaningful as communities across the nation commemorate America’s 250th birthday.

From July 1-6, downtown Clear Lake will come alive with carnival rides, live music, a lakeside vendor market, family activities, the traditional Fourth of July Parade, and the Midwest’s best fireworks display over the lake. Whether you’re returning for a family tradition or visiting for the first time, this six-day celebration offers something for everyone.

Order Your Official America 250 Celebration T-Shirt

We have some fun stuff in store to celebrate America 250! Starting with your chance to claim a FREE America 250 July 4th t-shirt form our July 4th pop-up online store (just pay shipping) available through June 16! After that, shirts will be available for purchase at the Welcome Center. You’ll also find hats, sweatshirts, and other patriotic gear in the pop-up shop, with bulk discounts available across products, making it easy to outfit the whole crew for the celebration.

A Tradition Since 1856

Clear Lake’s Independence Day celebration is one of Iowa’s longest-running community traditions. What began as a gathering of local residents has grown into a six-day festival that welcomes thousands of visitors each year. The celebration remains rooted in the traditions that make small-town America special: a hometown parade, families gathered along Main Avenue, carnival rides in City Park, community bands, and fireworks reflected across the water. As the nation celebrates 250 years of independence, Clear Lake continues a tradition nearly as old as the community itself.

2026 Event Schedule

Wednesday, July 1

• 5:00–9:00 PM: Lakeside Vendor Market
• 5:00 PM: Evans United Shows Carnival Opens
• 5:00 PM: Chamber BINGO Tent Opens
• 7:00 PM: Arch Allies, America’s Premier Tribute Band

Thursday, July 2

• 11:00 AM–9:00 PM: Lakeside Vendor Market
• 12:00 PM: Evans United Shows Carnival Opens
• Wristband Day (12:00–5:00 PM)
• 12:00 PM: Chamber BINGO Tent Opens
• 7:00 PM: County Line Drive

Friday, July 3

• 11:00 AM–9:00 PM: Lakeside Vendor Market
• 12:00 PM: Evans United Shows Carnival Opens
• 12:00 PM: Chamber BINGO Tent Opens
• 7:00 PM: Elton & Billy – The Tribute!

Saturday, July 4

The biggest day of the celebration begins bright and early.

• 7:00 AM: CL Tel Kid’s Fun Run
• 7:30 AM: Freedom 5K
• 10:00 AM: Fourth of July Parade (View Parade Route) Parade Entry Form
• 11:00 AM–9:00 PM: Lakeside Vendor Market
• 12:00 PM: Evans United Shows Carnival Opens
• 1:00 PM: Chamber BINGO Tent Opens
• 8:30–10:00 PM: Clear Lake Municipal Band presented by Larson’s Mercantile
• 10:00 PM: Flashing Thunder Fireworks over Clear Lake

Listen to the synchronized musical tribute on 106.1 FM, AM 1490, or AM 1300 while enjoying the fireworks show.

Sunday, July 5

Stay an extra day and keep the celebration going.

• 11:00 AM–9:00 PM: Lakeside Vendor Market
• 12:00 PM: Evans United Shows Carnival Opens
• Wristband Day (12:00–5:00 PM)
• 12:00 PM: Chamber BINGO Tent Opens
• 1:00 PM: Family Fun Day
• 2:30 PM: Waterhawks Ski Show at City Beach
• 5:00 PM: Zachary Freedom Band presented by Bash at the Lake

Monday, July 6

• 11:00 AM–5:00 PM: Lakeside Vendor Market
• 12:00 PM: Evans United Shows Carnival Opens
• Wristband Day (12:00–5:00 PM)
• 12:00 PM: Chamber BINGO Tent Opens

Plan Your Independence Day Getaway

From carnival rides and live music to the parade, fireworks, and Waterhawks Ski Show, Clear Lake offers six days of family-friendly fun on the shores of Iowa’s largest natural lake.

Bring your lawn chairs, wear your patriotic colors, and join us as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday and another unforgettable Fourth of July in Clear Lake, Iowa.