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.

Business Essentials Workshop
Business Essentials delves into the critical steps required to turn your business idea into a reality. Explore the intricacies of starting a business, uncover the common pitfalls that lead to failure, and gain invaluable insights into what not to do. This session is the cornerstone of your entrepreneurial journey, offering practical guidance and expert advice to set you on the right path. Key Topics Covered: – Navigating the Business Startup Landscape – Identifying Reasons for Business Failure and How to Avoid Them – Real-World Case Studies: Learning from Mistakes – Crafting a Solid Business Plan This webinar is a small group workshop that guides you through the essential skills small business owners need. Take advantage of our experts’ knowledge, and get the answers to your entrepreneurship questions!
Wednesday, August 21, 2025 from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Click here to register
Online via Zoom

NOW PLAYING: The Naked Gun
Only one man has the particular set of skills – to lead Police Squad and save the world.
Nightly showings at 7:00 PM
Weekend showings 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 back to Thursday nights! For 125 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!
Thursday, August 21, 2025, 8:00 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 22, 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.

Death on Deck – A Murder Mystery Fundraiser
Join us for a murder mystery fundraiser at the Historic Park Inn Hotel! Come aboard the Jewel of River City and meet the hilarious cast of characters. This interactive whodunnit will have you sleuthing and interrogating suspects throughout the “cruise ship.” Tickets are available online, in person, or over the phone from Wright On The Park. Choose from Friday, Saturday or Sunday, August 22-24.
Friday, August 22 – $80/ticket, Doors Open at 5:30pm, Nacho Bar at 6:30pm‍
Saturday, August 23 – $80/ticket, Doors Open at 5:30pm, Pasta Bar at 6:30pm‍
Sunday, August 24 – $45 per ticket, Doors Open at 1:30pm, Dessert at 2:00pm
Click here for tickets
Historic Park Inn Hotel, 15 W State St., Mason City

Umphrey’s McGee: Cruising Altitude 2025 Tour
Chicago’s eclectic rock band Umphrey’s McGee has been keeping fans on their toes for nearly 27 years now. Though often pigeonholed into “jam band” circles, Umphrey’s doesn’t fit that traditional mold; and their fans don’t either. Is it prog rock? Song-forward, Beatles-esque arrangements? Be careful, they might hit you with some metal riffs mid-set, too. Amongst 2,500+ gigs and 300 million+ tracks streamed, you-had-to-be-there moments include the band’s performance at the first-ever Bonnaroo and selling more CDs (remember those?) than any other act on the bill. A leader in the live music world, Umphrey’s McGee became the first group to launch its own single-artist streaming service with UMLive.net, which houses recordings of every gig since 2005. The service has since grown and now lives on through Nugs.net, which is used by the likes of Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, and more. Beyond intimate backstage encounters and ski trips with their most diehard fans, Umphrey’s McGee instituted the groundbreaking “Headphones & Snowcones” program, granting fans access to professional headphones and a soundboard-quality mix to listen wirelessly at shows. At their UMBowl, they empowered the audience to vote on the setlist in real-time and choose favorite improv themes via text message. In 2017, they stepped into another realm altogether by integrating themselves into the VR Platform Endless Riff. All of the above has earned the band status as kings of the live music scene with standing yearly engagements at iconic venues, their own events in Iceland (Rockjavick) and Mexico (Holidaze), and co-hosting Chillicothe, IL’s long-running Summer Camp festival. In April 2025, Umphrey’s McGee will lead their faithful fans on another bucket list musical adventure: Morockshow will feature three nights in Marrakech, Morocco, marking another signature event in an exotic location. Umphrey’s McGee’s latest release Asking For A Friend showcases more evolved songwriting and thoughtful arranging from a band continuing to grow and mature with their droves of die-hard, longtime fans.
Friday, August 22, 2025, doors open at 8:00 PM
Follow the Surf Ballroom on Facebook
Surf Ballroom, 460 North Shore Dr.
$35 advance / $40 at the door

Live Music at TAP’d
Friday night, at TAP’d, we bring back one of our favorite North Iowa talents, Jesse Calvert! Jesse plays a great mix of rock and country! You’ll hear songs from Bush and The Foo Fighters to Tyler Childers and Morgan Wallen! Jesse takes the stage at 9!
Friday, August 22, 2025 from 9:00 PM – Midnight
Follow TAP’d on Facebook
TAP’d, 313 Main Ave.

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 23, 2025 from 9:00 AM – Noon
Follow Clear Lake Farmers Market on Facebook
Surf Ballroom Parking Lot, 460 North Shore Dr.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten Graduation
Join us for our 3rd Annual Graduation Ceremony for those families who have read (at least) 1000 books to their child before kindergarten. Invitations for graduates to be recognized will be sent in July. Family and friends are welcome to attend, as well as others interested in learning more about setting their child(ren) up for success by reading 1000 Books Before Kindergarten.
Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N. 4th St

Stomping Out Childhood Cancer Fundraiser
Our mission is to raise money for local families with children who are battling cancer. We also donate a portion of our proceeds to a children’s oncology group that is focused on childhood and adolescent cancer research worldwide. Will have kids activities, entertainment, silent and live auctions, and car show. Bluey and Bingo will be present.
Saturday, August 23, 2025, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Follow Stomping Out Childhood Cancer on Facebook
Surf Ballroom, 460 North Shore Dr.

Author Visit: Michelle Sprout Murray
Hey, Amazing Iowans! Whether you’re a native, a recent resident, or just passing through, these stories of the weird, wild, and wonderful people and places of this great state are waiting for you. Take a peek inside and you’ll find people you’ve heard about in the news . . . as well as those you should have heard about! About the Author: Michelle Sprout Murray loves to tell stories, travel, and take way too many pictures. Her favorite place to be is onstage, and that’s where she met her husband. Adventurers at heart, they enjoy gallivanting around the country and running an ice cream store. They’re huge fans of being with their two grown sons and daughter-in-law, who also are avid travelers and foodies.
Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N. 4th St

Live Music at TAP’d
We are very excited to finally get Joe Inman & Co. to TAP’d! Joe comes to us from down by Des Moines to play us a mix of country & southern rock! Joe was suggested by the best to get him in here! Joe Inman & Co. take the stage @ 9!
Saturday, August 23, 2025, 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, August 24, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Clear Lake City Park

Kids’ Day at Kinney Pioneer Museum
Brat & Sweet Corn Feed Adults: $12, Children under 12: $6 (Museum members 50% off) Relay and Gunny Sack Races Kids activities in Old Schoolhouse Create “Wanted” posters at Jailhouse Scavenger hunts for all ages.
Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Follow Kinney Pioneer Museum on Facebook
Kinney Pioneer Museum, 9184 265th St. Suite G at the entrance of the Mason City Municipal Airport

Picnics & Performances: Jordan Messerole
Messerole blends the sounds of his guitar with thoughtful lyrics, an engaging stage presence, and rack harmonica to tell gritty American tales that are bound to evoke emotion from listeners. 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 24, 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.

Movie Monday
Join us for a movie on the 4th Monday of each month at 1:00 pm. Popcorn and lemonade will be provided. Click here for movie details.
Monday, August 25, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N. 4th St

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 25, 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 26, 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 27, 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 27, 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