Visit our full events calendar

All events are free unless noted

Splash Pads to remain open
The City Beach Splash Pad and Everybody Plays Splash Pad will remain open, weather permitting.
Splash Pads operate daily 10:00am-8:00pm
City Beach Splash Pad information

NOW PLAYING: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (PG-13)
Beetlejuice is back! After an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened. With trouble brewing in both realms, it’s only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice’s name three times and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.
Thursday 9/5: 4:00pm & 7:00pm, Friday 9/6: 9:00pm, Saturday 9/7: 7:00pm, Sunday 9/8: 1:00pm, 4:00pm, & 7:00pm, Monday 9/9-Thursday 9/12: 7:00pm
Purchase tickets online
Lake Theatre, 4 N 4th Street
$5 adults, $4 children 12 & under

Business Essentials: Entrepreneurship Essentials I
Are you ready to embark on a journey toward entrepreneurial excellence? The NIACC Pappajohn Center and SBDC proudly present a transformative 3-part series designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs, business beginners, and those seeking to revitalize their entrepreneurial endeavors. Entrepreneurship Essentials is your guide to start mastering the fundamental aspects of business creation, financial management, and effective marketing strategies. In the first installment of our series, 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 free webinar is Part I of the NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC Entrepreneurship Essentials series. Registration is required.
Thursday, September 5, 2024, 5:30-8:30pm
Register for Business Essentials
Online via Zoom

Karaoke at TAP’d
Kick off your Labor Day Weekend with us on Thursday for Karaoke kicking off 4 days of live music at TAP’d! Jared & his crew are constantly updating their song book & coming up with new on stage effects to make it so much fun!
Thursday, September 5, 2024, 8:00 PM – Midnight
Visit the Facebook event
TAP’d, 313 Main Avenue

Fresh on Friday Bouquets
An ideal growing season has resulted in an abundance of flowers in Central Gardens and that’s good news for guests! Fresh on Friday bouquet sales are being extended through September 13 – that’s two extra opportunities to bring the Gardens into your home, your business, or to give to a friend!
Come to Mother Earth’s Workshop from 9 – 11 AM, for fresh-cut flowers beautifully designed and arranged by talented volunteers.
Friday, September 6, 2024, 9:00am – 11:00am
Visit Central Garden’s on Facebook
Central Gardens of North Iowa, 800 2nd Ave N

Iowa Independent Film Festival (PG-13)
Celebrating our 17th year bringing independent films to North Central Iowa.
For tickets, film selections, and full schedule including Mason City Venues, visit our website.
Lake Theatre Showings:
Friday, Sept 6th:
Block H: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM The Unexpected Guests, Hunky Dory, Within the Crystal Hills, A Man for the Job The Doer, Heartbeat by Heartbeat, Arcade Gamer: The True Story
Block I: 1:30 to 3:30 PM Truth Detector, In Your Head, Sendero
Block J: 4:00 to 6:00 PM Masterpiece, COVID Dystopia, Knee High
Block K: 6:30-8:30 PM Memorable Night, Inheritance, Never Not Yours
Saturday, Sept. 7th:
Block L: 11:30 AM-1:30 PM Infinite Battleground, The Suit, Black Raven, Resurrecting Forest Grove
Block M: 2:00-4:00 PM Ukraine, Ukraine (Half the World Away), Riding out the Storm, Unlikely Allies
Block N: 4:30-6:00 PM Dion & Denver, An Open Door – Temple Grandin
Purchase tickets online
Lake Theatre, 4 N 4th Street
Full weekend pass: $30 / Day Pass: $20

Live Music at TAP’d
Lee Klett makes his way back to TAP’d from SE Iowa to play us some country and rock on a Friday Night! His country ranges from Johnny Cash and Brooks & Dunn to Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen! Lee takes the stage at 9!
Friday, September 6, 2024 at 9:00 PM
Visit the Facebook event
TAP’d, 313 Main Avenue

 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 7, 2024, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Visit the Farmers Market on Facebook
Surf Ballroom Parking Lot – 460 N Shore Dr

Lake Area Quilt Guild Annual Show
Experience vibrant fabric creations and intricate designs come to life. This year’s showcase features a stunning array of quilts, from classic patterns to contemporary masterpieces, all crafted by local talent.
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00am – 4:00pm. Exhibit runs September 7th through October 5th, 2024.
Visit the Clear Lake Art Center’s website
Clear Lake Arts Center, 17 S 4th St

Bugs, Bees, & Butterflies
An event for all ages! ISU Insect Zoo will be back with their fantastic staff and bugs. You can also help tag Monarchs, learn about both native and honey bees, and build a native bee house with the Clear Lake Public Library.
Saturday, September 7, 2024, 2:00-4:00pm
Visit Central Garden’s Events Calendar
Central Gardens of North Iowa, 800 2nd Ave N

Live Music at TAP’d
We got a couple Cali Boys making their way to TAP’d! The Schoon Brothers, originally from Manson, Iowa, have been to California and back on their music journey! They’ll be playing us all the country and rock from the 90s and 2000s! Some artists they’ll cover during this 5 hour show are Third Eye Blind, Post Malone and Luke Combs! Showtime is 8pm!
Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 9:00pm
Visit the Facebook event
TAP’d, 313 Main Avenue

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 9, 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, September 9, 2024, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Visit the VFW on Facebook
Clear Lake VFW, 219 Main Avenue

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, September 10, 2024, 9:30am – 10:30am (weather permitting)
Visit Central Garden’s website
Central Gardens of North Iowa, 800 2nd Avenue North

Author Visit: Edward Campbell
Meet local author, Edward Campbell, as he shares his newest publication, For a Breath I Tarry, a collaborative work with other award winning authors. This collection of twenty stories and poems arranged around a central character, Joseph Cooper, a man who lifts others’ pain, explores the possibility that there are multiple versions of ourselves.
Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N 4th St

A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease Series
If you’re struggling with Parkinsons disease or know someone who is, its helpful to know where to find support on the journey. Learn about the causes and symptoms of Parkinsons disease, and how treatments work, as well as therapeutic activities to do at home. This free interactive program is designed to help participants: recognize the symptoms of Parkinsons Disease (PD) understand what causes PD and how treatments work learn about therapeutic activities that can be done in the home Three 60 minute sessions will be led by trained ISU Extension and Outreach staff. For more information: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/parkinsons
Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N 4th St

Whose Live Anyway?
Whose Live Anyway? is an evening of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray will leave you gasping with the very witty scenes they invent before your eyes. Audience participation is key to the show; so bring your suggestions, and you might be asked to join the cast on stage! Whose Live Anyway? showcases some of the improv games made famous on the long-running TV show as well as some exciting new ones, featuring musical direction by Bob Derkach. All ages are welcome, but please note that some PG-13 language will be used during the performance.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Click here for tickets
North Iowa Community Auditorium, 500 College Drive, Mason City
Tickets start at $20