Clear Lake Events

Wednesday, July 3 – Tuesday, July 9, 2024

View our Events Calendar

All events are free unless noted

NOW PLAYING: Despicable Me 4 (PG)
Summer hours at the Lake Theatre – now open 7 days a week!
Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith, and Agnes welcome a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina, and the family is forced to go on the run.
Wednesday & Thursday 4:00pm & 7:00pm,
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 1:00pm, 4:00pm, & 7:00pm
Monday & Tuesday 7:00pm
Purchase tickets online
Lake Theatre, 4 N 4th Street
$5 adults, $4 children 12 & under

The Faces I’ve Seen Exhibition
View “The Faces I’ve Seen,” a stunning exhibition of 167 oil paintings by Karen Cooper, showcasing captivating everyday expressions in the Hanson Gallery through Saturday, July 6.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm
Visit the Clear Lake Art Center website
Clear Lake Arts Center, 17 S 4th St

July 4th Celebration
Clear Lake’s premier summer festival includes a midway, amusement rides, bingo, huge open-air vendor market by the lake, live music nightly in the bandshell, a traditional Independence Day parade down Main Avenue, and the area’s biggest and best fireworks display over the lake!
Schedule of Events:
Wednesday, July 3
Lakeside Vendor Market 5 – 9 p.m.
Evans United Shows Carnival opens at 5 p.m.
Chamber BINGO Tent opens at 5 p.m.
Live Music at 7 p.m. Brad Morgan (Country) Sponsored by Harrison Ford
Thursday, July 4
Freedom 5K 7:30 a.m. and Kid’s Fun Run 7:00 a.m. (registration coming soon)
Parade starts at 10 a.m. (Parade Route)
Lakeside Vendor Market 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Evans United Shows Carnival Opens at noon
Chamber BINGO tent opens at 1 p.m.
Clear Lake Municipal Band from 8:30 – 10 p.m. (Presented by Larson’s Mercantile)
Flashing Thunder Fireworks over Clear Lake at 10 p.m. (Musical Tribute on 106.1FM, AM1490, & AM1300)
Friday, July 5
Lakeside Vendor Market 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Evans United Shows Carnival opens at noon (Wristband Day – $25 from noon-5 p.m.)
Chamber BINGO Tent opens at noon
Live Music at 7 p.m. Arch Allies | America’s Premier Tribute Band! Hits of Bon Jovi, Queen, Journey, Styx, REO, Boston, Def Leppard, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Cheap Trick, Heart, Lita Ford & Tina Turner
Saturday, July 6
Lakeside Vendor Market 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Evans United Shows Carnival opens at noon
Chamber BINGO tent opens at noon
Live Music at 7 p.m.: M80s: The MTV Experience Ultimate 80s Dance Party with special guests Turn Me Loose (Loverboy Tribute) & Big Bam Boom (Hall & Oates Tribute)
Sunday, July 7
Lakeside Vendor Market 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Evans United Shows Carnival Opens at noon (Wristband Day – $25 from noon – 5 p.m.)
Chamber BINGO tent opens at noon
Family Fun Day Events (Presented by CL Tel & Woodford Lumber & Home and Pritchard Family Auto Stores)
• Family Feud Game Show at 1 p.m.
• Family Fun Time Games at 2 p.m. (All ages welcome, games take place at the Bandshell)
Wednesday, July 3 – Sunday, July 7, 2024
Click here to visit our event page
City Park

Dockside Night
Sit back and enjoy a relaxing evening on the Lady of the Lake Dockside! Feel the fresh air on your face, sway to the music, and relax into the lake lifestyle. Cash bar opens at 5pm. No cover charge.
Wednesday, July 3, 2024, 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Visit the Lady of the Lake on Facebook
Lady of the Lake, docked downtown at the Seawall

Jason D. Williams
After decades of being celebrated for his take-no-prisoners approach to performing country and rock ‘n’ roll penned by others, Williams has added a new element to his artistry, songwriting.
The rock ‘n’ roll history of Memphis looms large in Williams’ world. He recorded for RCA and Sun Records in the 1980s and ’90s, and returned to the recording fold in 2010 and has continued steady since.
At the age of 16, Williams left his tiny hometown of El Dorado, Ark., to perform with LaBeef who had set up a base of operations in northeast Massachusetts.
Williams, who continues to work with LaBeef on occasion, went solo in the late 1980s and found a steady home at Mallards in the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, TN when a snowstorm stranded him a few steps from the Peabody door, quickly he attracted a following and the rest, as they say, is history.
A wild man onstage, Jason accredits influences like Jerry Lee Lewis, Moon Mullican, Memphis Slim and Al Jolson, for helping to develop his vast repertoire and seemingly endless energy. “I’ve always welcomed the comparisons; my influences were some of the greatest entertainers ever to be seen.” Jason continues to tour more than 160 shows a year.
Wednesday, July 3, Doors open at 7:00pm
Visit the Surf Ballroom’s Website
Tickets are $21 advance / $26 at the door
Surf Ballroom, 460 North Shore Drive

Stand Up Comedy Open Mic Night at the Boulevard
Every First Wednesday @ The Boulevard Bar & Grill in Clear Lake Iowa. An Open Mic for Stand-Up Comedy hosted by Matthew Douglas. Sign up before 7pm before the open mic or anytime online.
Wednesday, July 3, 2024, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Sign up here
The Boulevard Bar & Grill, 1311 Bayou Rd

Live Music at TAP’d
4th of July Eve belongs to the original DSM party boy, Jake Schrodt! Jake plays a wide variety of country and rock from Chris Stapleton and Tyler Childers to Van Morrison, Bill Withers, Tom Petty and a whole lot more! JAKE’S shows are always a party playing all your favorite country and rock songs while mixing in your fun requests! He will literally play anything! Jake takes the stage at 10 after the Brad Morgan concert in the bandshell!
Wednesday, July 3, 2024, 10:00pm
Visit the Facebook event
TAP’d, 313 Main Avenue

Live Music at TAP’d
4th of July! The biggest party of the year! We get to bring in one of our original favorites to play his first Clear Lake 4th of JULY at TAP’d! Jeremy Ober, of the band Brutal Republic, makes the trip from Fort Dodge to rock out with us for the evening. Jeremy’s favorite artists to cover are the Allman Brothers, Johnny Cash, and Led Zeppelin. Jeremy takes the stage at 8 to play before the fireworks! Jeremy will also be playing for you after the fireworks to close out your night!
Thursday, July 4, 2024, 8:00pm
Visit the Facebook event
TAP’d, 313 Main Avenue

Municipal Band Concert
Enjoy a patriotic concert by the Clear Lake Municipal Band in the Ludwig Wangberg Band Shell at City Park with Holly Prier-Lloyd as director, Chuck Cooper as announcer before the fireworks show over Clear Lake. Bring your lawn chair and relax in City Park as they strike up the band!
July 4th Program:
“Yankee Fanfare” – Travis J. Weller
“Americans We” – Henry Fillmore ed. Frederick Fennell
“The Wild Westerns” – arr. Michael Story
“Bugler’s Holiday” – Leroy Anderson featuring Chris Bell, Bruce Jolivette, and Jim Reynolds
“Prairie Dances” – David Holsinger
“National Emblem” March – E. E. Bagley ed. Frederick Fennell
“Armed Forces Salute” – arr. Bob Lowden
“St. Louis Blues” – W. C. Handy arr. Harold Gore
“America, The Beautiful” – Samuel Augustus Ward arr. Carmen Dragon
“The Stars And Stripes Forever” – John Philip Sousa ed. William D. Revelli
Star Spangled Banner – John Stafford Smith arr. Jack Stamp
Thursday, July 4, 8:30pm – 10:00pm
City Park Bandshell

Fresh on Friday
Savor Friday mornings in the Garden! Select from a number of beautiful garden fresh bouquets put together by a talented group of volunteers. Enjoy complimentary coffee and refreshments on the patio and sample veggies and herbs picked straight out of the Bee Happy Discovery Garden! Kids activities abound! Our youth group, Gardeners of Tomorrow, will be selling a wide variety of organically grown veggies and herbs! Come join us for this popular event!
The Bee Happy Discovery Garden buzzes with excitement each Friday morning as kids of all ages connect with the garden, community and each other! Taste what’s growing, explore, help out, and observe using all one’s senses! Magnifying glasses, watering cans, art materials and books help kids connect with the garden at their own pace. Each Friday features special garden activities and community visitors. Follow our Facebook page for updates.
Friday, July 5, 2024, 9:00am – 11:00am
Visit Central Garden’s website
Central Gardens of North Iowa, 800 2nd Avenue North

Live Music at TAP’d
The Kraft Brothers are back at TAP’d to help celebrate another 4th of July!! These great American brothers absolutely know how to party! You’ll hear all the country and rock at their show playing 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 10 after the Arch Allies show in the bandshell!
Friday, July 5, 2024, 10:00pm
Visit the Facebook event
TAP’d, 313 Main Avenue

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. Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and invigoration amidst a truly unique setting. Don’t miss out!
Saturday, July 6, 2024, 07:00am – 8:00am
Visit the event website
Downtown Seawall $2 per session

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, July 6, 2024, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Visit the Farmers Market on Facebook
Surf Ballroom Parking Lot – 460 North Shore Drive

Beginner Guitar
Always wanted to learn guitar? Here is your chance! Instructor Kristie Hayner will host beginner guitar classes every Saturday July-August! These group style, relaxed classes are for beginner-intermediate students to learn the basics of this beloved instrument. All students 4th grade and up are welcome. Learn some chords, get strumming and play some good old fashion Rock ‘n’ Roll at the Surf Ballroom Music Enrichment Center this Summer! Surf Ballroom Music Enrichment Center Saturdays July-August 9:00-10:00AM- Beginner 10:00-11:00AM- Intermediate Free No Registration Required Drop-ins Welcome
Saturday, July 6, 2024, 9:00am – 11:00am
Visit the event website
Surf Ballroom Enrichment Center, 509 Buddy Holly Place

Pet Rock
Christopher Frost, Duke Bradford, Steely Dana, Blitz Holiday, Flam Tapman, and The Maestro: Pet Rock’s six stellar musicians have brought thousands of fans to their feet and left them screaming for more. With a full light show, period threads, and too-cool-for-school retro media presentation, Pet Rock is sure to satisfy.
Saturday, July 6, 2024, doors open at 8:00pm
Purchase tickets here
Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr
$15 advance / $20 at the door

Live Music at TAP’d
For the grand finale we bring in Mr. Entertainment David Watson! David makes the trip up from Des Moines to play you 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! David takes the stage at 10!
Saturday, July 6, 2024, 10:00pm
Visit the Facebook event
TAP’d, 313 Main Avenue

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, June 30, 2024, 10:00am – 11:00am
Church in the Park’s Website
City Park

Ice Cream Day
Enrich your education on North Iowa history by viewing our exhibits and historic buildings. Serving Ice Cream 12pm-3pm! Regular Attendees for Special Days will be $10.00 for Adults and $5.00 for each child age five – eleven. Adult Members get free admission with a $5.00 Meal, Child Members age five – eleven also have entry and a meal for only $5.00! Starting at 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM or food is gone! Sponsored by Ace Hardware! For any inquiries call or email 641-423-1258 directorkinneypioneermuseum@gmail.com
Sunday, July 7, 2024, 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Visit Kinney Pioneer Museum on Facebook
Kinney Pioneer Museum Suite G, 9184 265th 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, July 8, 2024, 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N 4th St

Bingo Night at the VFW
Besides the good fun, the veterans and auxiliary volunteers will donate all proceeds from the games to community charities and veteran causes. Everyone wins at VFW BINGO! BINGO Night at the VFW the 2nd & 4th Mondays of the month from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Must be over 21 to play.
Monday, July 8, 2024, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Visit the VFW on Facebook
VFW, 219 Main Ave

Line Dancing with Mary Jo
Free Line Dancing is back at Central Gardens! Join instructor Mary Jo Kennan for a free hour of instruction every Tuesday from 9:30-10:30 at the Fountain Plaza inside the main gates. Anyone wanting to have fun and get some exercise is welcome, regardless of skill level or age. Bring comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and a smile!
Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 9:30am – 10:30am (weather permitting)
Visit Central Garden’s website
Central Gardens of North Iowa, 800 2nd Avenue North

Meet a Garbage Truck Story Time
Do you know any children that love big trucks, specifically garbage trucks? Ever wanted to see one up close? Join us for a special story time in the meeting room at 10:30 a.m. Afterward, we’ll head outside to meet an Absolute Waste sanitation worker and get an up-close look at their vehicle. All ages welcome. Sponsored by the Friends of the Clear Lake Public Library.
Tuesday, July 9, 10:30am – 11:30am
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library Meeting Room, 200 N 4th St

Conservation Chat
Join us at the library for six different presentations throughout the summer that coincide with this year’s summer reading theme, Read, Renew, Repeat. Together we can gather the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to become a more conservation-minded community.
Join Amie Adams, an Iowa Master Naturalist and author of The Observer to learn about a little-known Iowa naturalist named Olaf Wolden. Born in Emmet County in northwest Iowa in 1886, Olaf lived through a time when the Iowa landscape was changing rapidly. Throughout his lifetime, Olaf studied plants, birds, and the landscape of his home. Come listen to a selection of stories about native plants, animals, and Iowa’s environmental history.
Tuesday, July 9, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library Meeting Room , 200 N 4th St