Clear Lake Events
Thursday, May 2 – Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Click here to visit our full events calendar
Central Gardens of North Iowa is now open for the season!
Community Conversation: Accessible Library
Clear Lake Public Library [CLPL] has been selected as one of 310 libraries to participate in round two of Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities. The competitive award comes with a $20,000 grant that will help the library to make minor renovations to the bathrooms to allow for better accessibility, as well as potentially create an outdoor space with seating and additional bicycle storage in order to alleviate congestion. As part of the grant, CLPL staff will take an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today. Staff will then host a conversation with residents about these updates and others and use the grant funds to fulfill those needs as requested by our community members with disabilities. Our Community Conversation is scheduled to be held Thursday, May 2nd at 1:00 p.m. in Library Meeting Room B. Its held at the same time as Cards and Creativity, so patrons are welcome to partake in some creative activity during the informal conversation. If you or a loved one has a physical disability and would like to help us make our space more welcoming and inclusive for everyone, we encourage you to join us for this important conversation. This conversation will guide our project through the next six months.
Thursday, May 2, 2024, 1:00 PM -2:00 PM
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library Meeting Room B, 200 N 4th St
Cards & Creativity
Cards & Creativity meets every Thursday that the library is open at 1:00 p.m. This is a weekly opportunity to meet up with others to play games or engage in your creative outlet of choice. You can work on fiber art, writing, music, drawing, or anything else that inspires you! We’ll provide light refreshments as well as coloring supplies and games for you to use! Free!
Thursday, May 2, 2024, 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N 4th St
Casual Chess Club
The spring session of Casual Chess Club will run April 25 – May 16 on Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Players of all ages and abilities are invited to join us during this time. Attend on weeks that you are able to play a game with a friend or a stranger. Free!
Thursday, May 2, 2024, 3:30 PM-5:00 PM
Visit the Library’s website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N 4th St
Meat BINGO Night at Elly’s
Join us for Meat Bingo Night at Elly’s on Thursdays at 6:00 PM! Get ready for an evening filled with fun, laughter, and the chance to win some amazing prizes! It’s first come, first serve, so be sure to secure your spot early! Plus, the prizes are sizzling hot – it’s meaty madness! All prizes are from Louie’s Custom Meats and More. Must be over 21 to participate.
Thursday, May 2, 2024, 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Visit Elly’s on Facebook
Elly’s Lounge, 12 South Shore Drive
NOW PLAYING: The Fall Guy (PG-13)
He’s a stuntman, and like everyone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment. And now, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job. What could possibly go right?
Thursday, May 2 & Friday, May 3 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, May 4 & Sunday, May 5 at 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM, & 7:00 PM
Purchase tickets online
Lake Theatre, 4 N 4th Street
$5 adults, $4 children 12 & under
Karaoke @ TAP’d
For over a year we’ve brought ya the best karaoke service, Mojo Productions All Star Karaoke! Jared & his crew are constantly updating their song book & coming up with new on stage effects to make it so much fun! Whether you love to sing or just want to watch, karaoke night is a hoot! Open @ 4 to pregame for karaoke @ 8!
Thursday, May 2, 2024, 8:00 PM – midnight
Visit our Facebook Event
TAP’d, 313 Main Avenue
Ray Wylie Hubbard
When F. Scott Fitzgerald issued his classic conclusion that ‘There are no second acts in American lives,’ he failed to envision the career of legendary Texas troubadour Ray Wylie Hubbard. A willing conspirator in the late seventies Cosmic Cowboy revolt that ushered in the mythical Outlaw era, Hubbard was a catalyst in the cultural upheaval that led to the peaceful coexistence of Lone Star music enthusiasts who comprised each end of the social and political spectrum of that troubled time. In the stellar company of iconic colleagues like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Doug Sahm and Jerry Jeff Walker, Ray Wylie Hubbard was an architect of the musical legacy that continues to inspire subsequent generations of up-and-coming Texas talent.
Yes, Hubbard is a Texas singer-songwriter, complete with the classic trifurcated handle, fundamental chapter of the canon in his song catalog (“Redneck Mother”), and enough wild hairs in his past to qualify him as a legend. But along the way, his attention began to leave matters extraneous to his art and soul by the wayside and focus on the beauty and potential to be found in the blank canvas of, in his case, the yet to be written and recorded song. The result has been one of the most satisfying musical and lyrical journeys to witness over the last two decades. In the years that followed he evolved into a writer of uncommonly honest portraits of life, alternately mixing deep personal sagas with poignant character studies of those traveling on the dark side of the road.
If one wanted to describe the sound of Ray Wylie Hubbard, one could call it American music, born from the time honored traditions of folk, country, and roots rock.
Friday, May 3, 2024, Doors open at 8:00 PM
Visit the Surf Ballroom’s Website
Surf Ballroom, 460 North Shore Drive
$25 advance / $30 at the door
Live Music @ TAP’d
Finally we get to bring David Simmons back to TAP’d! Mr. Simmons will be playing us a diverse mix of classic rock, country, blues and pop. His ever-evolving set list may include songs from REO Speedwagon, Luke Bryan, The Eagles, Jimmy Buffett & The Beatles, just to name a few! David has shared the stage with REO Speedwagon & Alice Cooper! We are very excited to get David back to TAP’d! He takes the stage at 9!
Friday, May 3, 2024, 9:00 PM – Midnight
Visit the Facebook event
TAP’d, 313 Main Avenue
Spring Sales Event for Childhood Hunger Relief
The Clear Lake United Methodist Church is hosting a Spring Sale to raise funds to help combat Children’s Food Insecurity in our area. Spring into action and shop a variety of items at our market! Remember, the early bird gets the best deals!
Saturday, May 4, 2024, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Visit the Facebook event
Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 508 2nd Avenue North
Lightsaber Lockdown Escape Room
All ages welcome! Embark on an intergalactic adventure in our Star Wars-themed escape room, where the Force and your wits will guide you through a galaxy far, far away.
May the clues be with you! Each session is 30 minutes.
Saturday, May 4, 2024, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Visit the Library’s Website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 North 4th Street
Cinco de Drinko
Get ready for a 2-day long celebration of Cinco de Mayo at Avion Azul and Surf Galley! Free hand-crafted margarita samples Saturday: Avion Azul 5-6pm, Surf Galley 6:30-7:30. Ticket for giveaways at each location with every purchase of Margarita. Margarita & taco specials at both locations. Saturday after party at Surf Galley until 11pm.
Saturday, May 4, 2024, & Sunday, May 5, 2024 Hours vary at each location
Visit the Facebook event
Avion Azul at the Airport, 9184 265th Street & Surf Galley, 619 Buddy Holly Place
Kentucky Derby Party at Elly’s
Join us at Elly’s for the most eventful sport in history! Contest for best hat and costume!
Saturday, May 4, 2024, starting at 2:00 PM
Visit our Facebook event
Elly’s Lounge, 12 South Shore Drive
Live Music @ 173° Craft Distillery
Kickstart your adventure with singer/ songwriter Allie Crummy! A deep thinker who will ask big questions and dive into the full range of human emotions, delivered through soulful and expressive vocals. Her musical style is roots/ indie-folk with influences from blues to bluegrass to classical.
Saturday, May 4, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Visit 173° Craft Distillery’s website
173° Craft Distillery, 306 1st Avenue North
Live Music @ TAP’d
You don’t want to miss Saturday night when we bring back Midwest CMO New Artist of the Year, Mr. Jordan Beem! Jordan plays a wide variety of music from classic rock to all kinds of pop and country! Jordan takes the stage at 9 and he’ll keep the party going all night long!
Saturday, May 4, 2024, 9:00 PM – Midnight
Visit the Facebook event
TAP’d, 313 Main Avenue
Volunteer Open House
Join us for conversation and refreshments in the Garden and learn how you might be a part of our wonderful team of volunteers! There are a variety of opportunities for all ages and abilities.
Sunday, May 5, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Visit Central Garden’s website
Central Gardens of North Iowa Nature Education Pavilion, 800 2nd Avenue North
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 6:00-7:00pm on Monday nights whenever the library is open. Free!
Monday, May 6, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Visit the Library’s Website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N 4th St
Mystery Book Club: The Word is Murder
The Mystery Book Club meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm in the library. May’s selection is The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz. A woman crosses a London street just after 11 am. Six hours later the woman is dead, strangled with a crimson curtain cord in her own home. Enter disgraced police detective Daniel Hawthorne, a brilliant, eccentric man as quick with an insult as he is to crack a case. And Hawthorne has a partner, the celebrated novelist Anthony Horowitz, curious about the case and looking for new material. Free!
Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Visit the Library’s Website
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N 4th St
Clear Lake Friendly Garden Club Plant Auction
The plant auction features a wide variety of perennials and annuals donated by club members and friends dug from local gardens. Free refreshments and lots of fun!
Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Surf Ballroom, 460 North Shore Drive
BINGO @173° Craft Distillery
Kickstart your adventure at 173° Craft Distillery! Savor expertly crafted cocktails, mingle with others, have fun, and win prizes!
Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Visit 173° Craft Distillery on Facebook
173° Craft Distillery, 306 1st Ave N
Game card available with purchase of food or drink.

