Clear Lake Events August 28-September 3, 2025

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.

Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives
In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart still charts a course through new territory at every chance possible. The five-time GRAMMY® Award winner, Congress of Country Music founder, Country Music Hall of Famer, and AMA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient has left an indelible mark on successive eras of country music and culture. Joined by his longtime band, The Fabulous Superlatives, he cruises into another stratosphere with his first-ever full-length double LP of original instrumentals entitled Space Junk. The cover art of Space Junk is a painting by Stuart’s longtime hero and friend, Herb Alpert, leader of the Tijuana Brass—a group Stuart considers to be one of the greatest instrumental bands of all time. The inimitable interplay between Marty, Kenny Vaughan, Harry Stinson, and Chris Scruggs fuels this cosmic cowboy trip with sun-kissed surf guitar, breezy California rhythms, soul-stirring steel, and fluid fretwork all around. Space Junk sounds like country music’s preeminent band crash-landing on a Malibu beach and performing the most epic jam you’ve ever witnessed by starlight…
Thursday, August 28, 2025, doors open at 7:00 PM
Follow the Surf Ballroom on Facebook
Surf Ballroom, 460 North Shore Dr.
Tickets start at $46

NOW PLAYING: The Fantastic Four: First Steps (PG-13)
Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, the Fantastic Four must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic herald, the Silver Surfer.
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 126 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 28, 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 29, 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.

Jordy Arndt and the Howlers with Noah Harris
Coming up from gravel roads and corner pubs, Jordy Arndt and the Howlers are a five piece country rock band from Iowa. Their debut single “Die Alone” blends the raucous spirit of outlaw country with crooning melodies of newer acts such as Sturgill Simpson and American Aquarium. With new tracks on the way produced and recorded at Tiny Tape Room in Nashville, Jordy Arndt and the Howlers will have you tapping your feet and raising your glass. Jordy Arndt and the Howlers are a five piece alternative country band hailing from Iowa. Their debut single “Die Alone” epitomizes how their sound combines the folk wisdom of gravel roads with the hard and heavy living of punk rock. With influences that range from the early outlaw music of Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard to the modern acts such as Lucero and Jason Isbell, Jordy Arndt and the Howlers are quickly making a name for themselves in the Iowa music scene.
Friday, August 29, 2025, doors open at 8:00 PM
Follow the Surf Ballroom on Facebook
Surf Ballroom, 460 North Shore Dr.
Free admission, donations are accepted and directly support the Surf’s education & outreach programs.

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 Yoakum 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, August 29, 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 30, 2025 from 9:00 AM – Noon
Follow Clear Lake Farmers Market on Facebook
Surf Ballroom Parking Lot, 460 North Shore Dr.

ENCORE
ENCORE is a dynamic Minneapolis based band made up of several well-seasoned musicians. ENCORE combines top notch musicianship with incredible showmanship to create a unique, high-energy music experience. ENCORE plays all your favorites… pop, dance, R&B, disco and will surprise you with rock and country! ENCORE plays something for everyone!! No one else brings a show to you like ENCORE! Singing with the crowd, ENCORE does that, shredding the guitar right at your table, ENCORE does that, making sure everyone is having a blast… ENCORE does that!
Saturday, August 30, 2025, doors open at 6:30 PM
Follow the Surf Ballroom on Facebook
Surf Ballroom, 460 North Shore Dr.
Free admission, donations are accepted and directly support the Surf’s education & outreach programs.

Live Music at TAP’d
Labor Day Saturday & we had to bring in the big dog from Fort Dodge, Jesse Wilson! Jesse has some originals to share with us to go along with some great rock and country covers! Jesse takes the stage at 9!
Saturday, August 30, 2025, 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Follow TAP’d on Facebook
TAP’d, 313 Main Ave.

Antiques in the Square
The 33rd annual Antiques in the Square in City Park downtown Clear Lake features 40 plus quality antique dealers from Iowa and Minnesota with antiques, collectibles, stoneware, petroliana, furniture, toys, sportsman items and much more. The Clear Lake High School Dance Team will have their annual fundraising food stand at the gazebo as well as other food trucks will be available. Church in the Park is at 10 am and live entertainment will be provided in the afternoon from 1-3pm by the Tom and Betsy Show aka Tom and Betsy Kirby at the bandshell. Local businesses will have extended hours. Come and enjoy the day. Thank you for supporting our event.
Sunday, August 31, 2025 from 9:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Visit Antiques in the Square’s event on Facebook
Clear Lake City Park

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 31, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Clear Lake City Park

Jesse Calvert Music
Live music on the dock!
Sunday, August 31, 2025 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Visit The Landing on Facebook
The Landing, 1603 South Shore Dr.

Picnics & Performances: Matt Woods
Matt Woods is an Iowa homegrown roots and blues musician and 2021 Blues Music Award Nominee. Woods is both a native of Iowa and a longstanding purveyor of its diverse music scene. As a seasoned performer, Woods has developed a distinct style while staying true to his love of traditional American music. He is well-versed in the many shapes this music can take, from traditional delta, hill country and urban electric blues, to gospel, country, and folk music. 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 31, 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.

Live Music at TAP’d
We have the perfect grand finale for your Labor Day Weekend! Mighty Fittin’ takes the TAP’d stage for the first time! Familiar faces Don Fisher & Jared Wingert combine forces for a night to remember playing classic rock, classic country and some blues!
Sunday, August 31, 2025, 9:00 PM – Midnight
Follow TAP’d on Facebook
TAP’d, 313 Main Ave.

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, September 2, 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.

Mystery Book Club: Lake Laps
The Mystery Book Club meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm in the library. Lake Laps by Staci Andrea: Sometimes you have to have the rug pulled out from beneath your feet to test your spine. The award nominated family suspense, Lake Laps is the broken fairytale of the family next door in a quiet little lakeside town. How far are you willing to go to slay the dragon that has threatened your princess? What do you trade? Who and what can you let go of in order to save your family? It’s a tale of family bonds and retribution, a battle to find peace. This is the story of one mother who was willing to go that far. To save them, she danced with the devil himself.
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
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

Visiting Author: Thomas W. Case
Thomas W. Case is an American poet known for his raw, gritty, and honest verse that delves into the human experience with unflinching authenticity. His poetry has drawn comparisons to literary icons like Charles Bukowski and Leonard Cohen, blending streetwise realism with lyrical depth. Case’s work has been featured in numerous anthologies worldwide, earning him a dedicated readership and critical acclaim. Book Blurb: Sleep Always Calls is a bruised-knuckle prayer whispered into the void. In this raw, unflinching collection, Thomas W. Case peels back the scabs of everyday life to reveal the poetry bleeding underneath. With echoes of Bukowski’s grit and Cohen’s haunted grace, these new poems prowl through midnight streets, broken dreams, and the quiet ache of survival. Sleep Always Calls doesn’t ask for permission—it kicks down the door and tells the truth anyway.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N. 4th St.