Visit our full events calendar
All events are free unless noted
Iowa Independent Film Festival
Celebrating our 18th year bringing independent films to North Central Iowa. Visit our website for tickets, film selections and schedule.
Thursday, September 4 – Saturday, September 6
Click here for the IIFF Schedule
Clear Lake Arts Center, 17 S. 4th St.
Not Fade Away: The Surf Ballroom Immersive Experience
An evening exploring the story of the 1959 Winter Dance Party and experiencing the all-new groundbreaking Not Fade Away: The Immersive Surf Ballroom Experience. Be among the first to experience this transformative, multi-sensory journey through the birth of rock ‘n’ roll and the timeless sound that changed American music forever. Through immersive digital storytelling, historic artifacts, restored audio, and original archival materials, guests will walk in the footsteps of legends. This evening’s events include: Cocktails and book signing with Tommy Canale, author of Shadows Over Clear Lake: The Tragic Tale of the 1959 Winter Dance Party (books available for purchase) Author-narrated tour of the Three Stars Memorial (transportation provided) Admission to view never-before-seen artifacts related to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson as well as guitar pioneer Les Paul and other renowned musicians World-exclusive entrance to Not Fade Away: The Immersive Surf Ballroom Experience.
Thursday, September 4, 2025, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Follow the Surf Ballroom on Facebook
Surf Music Experience Center, 468 North Shore Dr.
Tickets $107
NOW PLAYING: Freakier Friday (PG)
“Freakier Friday,” a sequel to the beloved 2003 film with a multigenerational twist starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, will be released in theaters nationwide August 8, 2025. In the film, Curtis and Lohan reprise their roles as Tess and Anna Coleman. The story picks up years after Tess (Curtis) and Anna (Lohan) endured an identity crisis. Anna now has a daughter of her own and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. As they navigate the myriad challenges that come when two families merge, Tess and Anna discover that lightning might indeed strike twice.
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 127 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, September 4, 2025, 8:00 PM-Midnight
Follow TAP’d on Facebook
TAP’d, 313 Main Ave.
Fresh on Fridays
Beautiful Bouquets: Brighten your weekend with a stunning bouquet, freshly picked and arranged by talented volunteers, available at reasonable prices.
Find out what’s abuzz each week on Facebook!
Friday, September 5, 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.
Exhibition: Adventurers by artist Jacqueline Fabritz
Artist Jacqueline Fabritz often reflects on the adventures of her childhood, cherishing the memories that shaped her early years. As an adult, she treasures creating new memories by introducing children to spontaneous adventures. Her current collection captures scenes and experiences one might encounter while vacationing, relaxing, or exploring the world. Through her art, Fabritz strives to evoke an upbeat, joyful energy, using bright colors, humor, and subjects inspired by nature—often with a sense of escape from the ordinary. Fabritz enjoys incorporating three-dimensional elements into her work. Experimentation with balsa wood led her to create shadow box displays. Combining carving tools with wood panels as a canvas inspired her to carve directly into the surface. These subtractive strokes bring definition and reflection, creating a look reminiscent of woodblock prints. With this presentation, Jacqueline Fabritz invites viewers to remember the simple, beautiful experiences of childhood and to find joy in sharing those same moments with new generations.
Exhibition is on display through October 11
Opening Reception, Friday, September 5 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
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.
Not Fade Away: The Surf Ballroom Immersive Experience
The new exhibit and immersive experience “Not Fade Away” are open and admission is free all day! Walk in the footsteps of legends—and into the future of music history. Not Fade Away is a first-of-its-kind immersive museum experience located next door to the historic Surf Ballroom. This interactive journey honors the lives and legacies of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, while celebrating the artists and audiences that continue to shape the Surf’s enduring legacy. As the only immersive experience in the nation created to celebrate an active rock ’n’ roll landmark, Not Fade Away combines vivid storytelling, rare archival content, and immersive digital projection to bring music history to life. Developed by a team of curators, designers, and historians, Not Fade Away was created to preserve a pivotal cultural moment and inspire new generations. Through restored audio, cinematic environments, and authentic artifacts, visitors experience an intimate connection to the artists who changed music—and the venue that still echoes with their sound. Developed by a team of curators, designers, and historians, Not Fade Away was created to preserve a pivotal cultural moment and inspire new generations. Through restored audio, cinematic environments, and authentic artifacts, visitors experience an intimate connection to the artists who changed music—and the venue that still echoes with their sound. Step beyond the spotlight and into the story.
Friday, September 5, 2025, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday, September 6 & Sunday, September 7, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Follow the Surf Ballroom on Facebook
Surf Music Experience Center, 468 North Shore Dr.
Free admission Friday – Sunday
Clear Lake FFA Fall Mum Sale
Come support the Clear Lake FFA at the Annual Fall Mum Sale! Various colors and tri-colored pots available!
Friday, September 5, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM & Saturday, September 6, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Follow Clear Lake FFA on Facebook
Clear Lake FFA Greenhouse – Park in EB Stillman Auditorium Parking Lot, 1601 3rd Ave. N.
Live Music at the VFW
Sweet Rain Band
Friday, September 5, 2025 from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Follow the VFW on Facebook
Clear Lake VFW, 219 Main Ave.
Brothers Osborne
Brothers Osborne are one of music’s most consistently adventurous bands, a duo connected by not just blood, but also a lifetime of performing together and a shared working-class upbringing in Deale, Maryland. Muti-award-winners, John and TJ Osborne are leaders of a progressive and still classic school of country music, and the faces of the new generation of Nashville. The siblings took home their first GRAMMY in 2022, winning Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their song “Younger Me,” inspired by TJ’s coming out. The song is featured on the deluxe version of their GRAMMY-nominated album, Skeletons. The band has been nominated for 13 GRAMMYs in total, most recently for Best Country Duo/ Group performance in 2025, they stand as six-time CMA Vocal Duo of the Year winners and are four-time ACM Duo of the Year winners. Overall, they have collected seven CMA awards, seven ACM trophies and received the ASCAP Vanguard Award in 2019. Their critically acclaimed hit songs have tallied multiple RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications, while surpassing more than 3.4 billion global streams.
Friday, September 5, 2025, doors open at 8:00 PM
Click here for tickets
Surf Ballroom, 460 North Shore Dr.
Tickets $94
Live Music at TAP’d
Australian sensation, Luke Thomas, is back at TAP’d for a Saturday night show! Luke picked up the guitar at 13 taking inspiration from the classic greats of George Strait, Tim McGraw, and Johnny Cash while learning the more modern songs of Eric Church, Luke Combs, Blake Shelton & Luke Bryan! Luke Thomas takes the TAP’d stage at 9PM!
Friday, September 5, 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, September 6, 2025 from 9:00 AM – Noon
Follow Clear Lake Farmers Market on Facebook
Surf Ballroom Parking Lot, 460 North Shore Dr.
Ritchie Lee & the Fabulous ’50’s
Richie Lee and the Fabulous 50’s will take you back to the roots of Rock ‘n’ Roll history wrapped up into a high energy show! From Des Moines, Iowa, Richie Lee started out performing at a young age and has had the great opportunity in sharing the stage and opening up for many of the original Rock ‘n’ Roll greats. The music will sound just as it did back then. The band does their absolute best to stay true to the original sound of the songs. Just to name a few, you will hear music by Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Roy Orbison, Eddie Cochran, the Beatles, and many more!
Saturday, September 6, 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
Scott Kirkhart is back to TAP’d! Scott has plenty of awesome originals to go along with his covers ranging from Rodney Carrington, Lynyrd Skynyrd & Chris Stapleton! Kirkhart has opened for Granger Smith, Jordan Davis and Mitchell Tenpenny! Scott takes the stage at 9!
Saturday, August 30, 2025, 9:00 PM – Midnight
Follow TAP’d on Facebook
TAP’d, 313 Main Ave.
Official Ribbon Cutting for Surf Music Experience Center
Everyone is invited to attend the official ribbon cutting as we celebrate the opening of the Surf Music Enrichment Center. Today would be Buddy Holly’s 88th birthday, and we celebrate the legacy of our three stars — Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson.
Sunday, September 7, 2025, 12:00 PM
Follow the Surf Ballroom on Facebook
Surf Music Experience Center, 468 North Shore Dr.
Central Garden’s 25th Anniversary Celebration
The community is invited to this celebration of Central Gardens 25th year! There will be live music, yard games, a brief program, and cake.
Sunday, September 7, 2025 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Visit Central Gardens of North Iowa on Facebook
Central Gardens of North Iowa, 800 2nd Ave. N.
Picnics & Performances: The Nonsemble
The Nonsemble, a group of amateur musicians from across north Iowa formed nearly 20 years ago by the late Jim Larson of Clear Lake, will perform in the Gardens 4 – 6 PM to celebrate our 25th Anniversary. . They play many charitable events throughout the year mostly in the Clear Lake and Mason City area but their main goal is to just have fun playing music together as a group. They play a variety of music from swing to pop to 70’s and everything in between. 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, September 7, 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, September 8, 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, September 9, 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.
Downtown Assessment Community Input Session
Clear Lake has been selected for a Downtown Assessment through the Iowa Downtown Resource Center, a division of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). The assessment team will be in Clear Lake from September 9–11, 2025, conducting interviews, touring the community, and identifying opportunities for improving downtown Clear Lake. As part of this process, community members are invited to share their input during an Open Community Session on Tuesday, September 9, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM at the Lakeview Room (10 N. Lakeview Dr.). The session is informal and come-and-go in style. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply someone who cares about downtown Clear Lake.
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Lakeview Room, 10 N. Lakeview Dr.
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, September 10, 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
So You Want To Be a Potter? with Instructor Martie Geiger-Ho
Always wanted to try the pottery wheel? Now’s your chance. Learn the basics of wheel throwing, shaping, and finishing 4 – 6 of your very own ceramic pieces. Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class will get your hands and creativity spinning. Ages 16+ Clay, tools, and expert guidance included. You just bring the passion. Let’s make something amazing.
Wednesdays September 10 – October 15
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 from 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
Visit the Art Center’s website
Clear Lake Arts Center, 17 S. 4th St.
$120, ages 16+