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 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, August 13, 2025 from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N. 4th St.
NOW PLAYING: Bad Guys 2 (PG)
The now-reformed Bad Guys are trying (very, very hard) to be good, but instead find themselves hijacked into a high-stakes, globe-trotting heist, masterminded by a new team of criminals they never saw coming: The Bad Girls.
Plays through Wednesday, August 13, 2025, visit their website to see what is playing next!
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 124 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, August 13, 2025, 8:00 PM-Midnight
Follow TAP’d on Facebook
TAP’d, 313 Main Ave.
Thursdays on Main Back to School Night
Start your weekend early at the last Thursdays on Main of the season! 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
6:00pm Back to School Night Dunk Tank fundraiser for CL Schools and CLHS Dance Team performs
7:00-9:00pm: Live Music on the street stage: Bear Creek Band
Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Follow Clear Lake Chamber on Facebook
Downtown Clear Lake
NOW PLAYING: TBA (PG)
Click here to visit theatre’s website to see what is playing this week!
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’
Joie Wails makes the trip over from Dubuque to finish off the “Thursdays on Main” season! We’ve been really excited to get her in here to play us a nice mixture of pop, rock and country. Wait until you hear this girl sing!
She covers artists from John Denver to Lady Gaga to Garth Brooks, so everything. Joie takes the stage @ 9.
Thursday, August 14, 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 15, 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.
A Pastel Weekend with Tom Christopher
We’re thrilled to welcome artist Tom Christopher back to the Clear Lake Arts Center this August for not one, but TWO incredible pastel workshops! Take both or just one and still get in on the pastel fun! Whether you’re just starting out or refining your skills, Tom will guide you through the process of making vibrant pastel paintings that pop off the page. These workshops are perfect for beginner to advanced skill levels —don’t miss this chance to elevate your pastel work. Explore techniques for capturing light, atmosphere, and movement using pastels with real-time guidance. This inspiring session is perfect for intermediate to advanced level artists, offering a refreshing way to connect with the landscape through art.
Friday, August 15 & Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Visit the Art Center’s website
Clear Lake Arts Center, 17 S. 4th St.
$90 per day or $180 weekend bundle
The Robert Cray Band
Blues icon. Soul man. Rock and roller. Robert Cray is all these things – and more. The Georgia-born, Washington-raised musician first picked up a guitar after seeing The Beatles on TV. Then, having witnessed Jimi Hendrix perform in Seattle, determined that his destiny would also follow a similar path. And so he has: across the past half century Robert Cray has developed into one of American music’s most singular artists.
Friday, August 15, 2025, doors open at 7:00 PM
Follow the Surf Ballroom on Facebook
Surf Ballroom, 460 North Shore Dr.
$35.52
Live Music at TAP’d
Igor Dimitrienko takes the stage on Friday night! Experience unique blends of acoustic fusion that transcends traditional genre boundaries and brings an intimate feel to each performance. You’ll hear covers from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bob Seger, Garth Brooks & Moody Blues.
Friday, August 15, 2025 from 9:00 PM – Midnight
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 16, 2025, 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Follow Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center on Facebook
Downtown at the Seawall
Clear Lake Paddlefest
Whether you’re in a kayak, canoe, or paddle board, grab your paddle and hit the water for a fun, no-pressure event that celebrates an active lifestyle and our beautiful lake!
Kayaks, Canoes, and Stand Up Paddle Boards allowed
1, 3, and 5 miles routes
Awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each race
Kids can ride along with an adult for free
All participants must sign a USCA waiver/release
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Registration/Packet Pick Up/Check In is 8:00 AM-9:15 AM
Start time is 9:30 AM
Click here to register
State Park Beach, 5999 South Shore Ct.
$30 – 1 MI (Youth) | $40 – 3 MI | $50 – 5 MI
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 16, 2025 from 9:00 AM – Noon
Follow Clear Lake Farmers Market on Facebook
Surf Ballroom Parking Lot, 460 North Shore Dr.
Live Music at TAP’d
We bring in Mr. Entertainment himself, David Watson for a Saturday night show! David makes the trip up from Des Moines to play us a nice mix of rock and country from the 70’s to today from artists like Cheap Trick, Journey, Johnny Cash, George Strait, just to name a few. David will have you entertained for the entirety of his show!
Saturday, August 16, 2025, 9:00 PM – Midnight
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, August 17, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Clear Lake City Park
Evening Lions Hamburger & Sweet Corn Feed
The meal consists of 1/3# Grilled Hamburger & Bun with Lettuce, Tomato, Ketchup, Mustard & Onion, Jake’s Sweet Corn, & Cookie. All Proceeds benefit the Clear Lake Community.
Sunday, August 17, 2025 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM or sold out
Follow the Evening Lions on Facebook
Clear Lake City Park
Presale $12.00 for Adults & $8 for Children 12 & Under.
Day of Sales $15 Adults & $8 for Children 12 & Under.
Venmo sales at an additional .50 cent charge.
Picnics & Performances: Levi Smith
Known for his diverse songwriting and acoustic guitar accompaniment, singer-songwriter Levi Smith’s style can be defined as indie alternative rock with subtleties of Americana and classic rock. 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, August 17, 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.
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 18, 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, August 19, 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.
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, August 20, 2025 from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N. 4th St.
Join the Zentangle Journey: Introduction to the Zentangle® Method
You can meet Brenda in Introduction to the Zentangle® Method, a Beginner Zentangle Inspired Art Class. She’ll help you awaken your inner artist! This is your first step on your Zentangle journey. In this class you’ll learn about the magic of this meditative art form. If you can write your name you can do this! This series of classes will prepare you for more complex classes in the Beyond the Basics series of classes where you will continue to master your foundational skills as well as Zentangle Inspired Art (ZIA) classes and workshops. It is also a wonderful refresher that can bring you back to the basics in order to move your practice forward.
Five Session Series, Wednesdays beginning August 20.
Attendance to all sessions is not required
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 4:00 PM-6:30 PM
Visit the Art Center’s website
Clear Lake Arts Center, 17 S. 4th St.
$45 per session or bundle all five for $175
Back to School Bash
Bring the whole family for an evening filled with laughter, excitement, and unforgettable memories! Event Highlights: Dunk Tank Inflatables Free Food Pony Rides Exciting Games and Prizes Snow Cones and Cotton Candy.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Follow Harvest North Iowa on Facebook
Harvest North Iowa, 2200 N 24th St.
Will Barnett Music
Live music on the dock!
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Follow The Landing on Facebook
The Landing, 1603 South Shore Dr.