10 Fun Things to do in Clear Lake in February
We know you were eagerly anticipating Color the Wind on February 17th along with us, but the unpredictable ice conditions had other plans. While the kites may not be soaring, let’s turn this unexpected twist into an opportunity to explore the wonderful winter activities that Clear Lake has to offer. More importantly, it’s a chance for us to rally together and provide crucial support to our local businesses during these quieter winter months.
1. Shop & Dine in Clear Lake:
Clear Lake’s local businesses are ready to welcome you with open arms. Take a stroll through our charming shops and treat yourself to a delightful dining experience at one of our eateries. Check out our shopping and dining guides for a comprehensive list of local businesses. Need more inspo? Here’s a curated shopping list if you’re planning a Girlfriends’ Getaway! Discover trendy shops, delicious snacks, and memorable experiences to make your trip unforgettable. Shopping and dining are perfect Clear Lake winter activities that show our support to our tourism partners.
These boutiques have special activities planned for Saturday, February 17th:
The Funky Zebras Kite Promotion: Pull a kite off the string to reveal your discount or freebie!
White Barn Picket Fence: Free face painting from 11am-2pm!
Looking for a place to stay?
Lakeside Inn Special: Book any future weekend in February and receive a 50% off coupon for your next stay!
2. Live Music
For a weekend filled with soulful tunes and craft beverages, head over to TAP’d and 173° Craft Distillery!
Thursday, February 15th:
KARAOKE IS A ROLLIN’ at TAP’d on THURSDAY NIGHTS! MOJO PRODUCTIONS ALL STAR KARAOKE is the best in the biz and it’s sure been a fun ride! JARED & his crew are constantly updating their song book & coming up with new on stage effects to make it EXTRA FUN! OPEN @ 4 to pregame for KARAOKE @ 8 on Thursday, February 15th!
Friday, February 16th
173° Craft Distillery: Brittany Sword is an American Indie Rock singer-songwriter from Oskaloosa Iowa. Her newest EP release in 2022 titled “Colors” has received praise by music lovers from all over the world! She plays familiar favorites as well as new sultry original’s you’re sure to love! Her light and positive personality paired with her percussive guitar style playing, makes for an other worldly and upbeat performance you can get lost in. Showtime is Friday, February 16th from 7-10pm.
TAP’d: TAP’d brings back MACLANE POWELL for a FRIDAY NIGHT SHOW!! Let’s bring it in for one of our very own Clear Lakers! MACLANE will play a nice mixture of classic and new country while mixing in some southern rock! You’ll hear all the great songs from Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings to Garth Brooks & Lynyrd Skynyrd! MAC takes the stage at 9 on Friday, February 16th!
Elly’s Lounge: Celebrity Bartender Tom Maulsby behind the bar and DJ Chuck behind the music! Sounds like a perfect Friday at Elly’s from 6-9PM on Friday, February 16th!
Saturday, February 17th
TAP’d: BRADFORD JOHNSON makes his TAP’d debut for a SATURDAY NIGHT SHOW! BRADFORD comes to us from Des Moines to play us a nice mix of original music and covers ranging from punk to pop from the 50s to the 2000s! BRADFORD is the lead singer of THE DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS & MINT! BRADFORD takes the stage at 9 on Saturday, February 17th!
3. Lake Theatre Movie Night:
Beat the winter chill by catching a movie at the Lake Theatre. Now Playing: Madame Web (PG-13) In a switch from the typical genre, Madame Web tells the standalone origin story of one of Marvel publishing’s most enigmatic heroines. The suspense-driven thriller stars Dakota Johnson as Cassandra Webb, a paramedic in Manhattan who develops the power to see the future… and realizes she can use that insight to change it. Forced to confront revelations about her past, she forges a relationship with three young women bound for powerful destinies…if they can all survive a deadly present.
Click here for tickets!
4. Clear Lake Library Kite Festival Activities:
Join the library for a day of exciting indoor festivities that will go on as planned!
10:30 am: Color the Wind Story Time
11:30 am – 2:00 pm: Warming Station with hot drinks, wind sock craft for kids, and other activities.
2:30 pm: Celebrations in the Wind with Cindy Richardson. Take a trip down memory lane and revisit celebrations and festivals that once took place in Clear Lake. Then follow Cindy through the last few decades for a look at some of the latest and greatest events happening in Clear Lake. All ages are welcome, but this program is geared toward adults.
5. Explore the Surf Ballroom & Museum historical sites
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Clear Lake by visiting the Surf Ballroom & Museum, Iowa’s 27th National Historic Landmark. Visit Three Stars Plaza, located one block west of the Surf’s main entrance, this circular park plays off the musical significance of Clear Lake and features an art deco inspired central spindle holding three 45 records in position “ready to play.” After visiting the Surf Ballroom, head to the crash site to complete the final piece of rock ‘n’ roll history with a trek to the Three Stars Memorial Site where the plane came to rest just 5 miles north of Clear Lake.
The Surf Ballroom will be open Saturday, February 17th from 9am-1pm. Have you ever wanted to try out a new instrument? This is your chance! Kids, and kids at heart, can explore the Surf Ballroom’s Instrument Petting Zoo that will be set up on the dance floor and make some noise (ahem, music!) on the various instruments: drums, triangle, xylophone, guitar, chimes, maracas, and more from 10am-1pm!
6. Clear Lake Arts Center Exhibit:
Head to the Clear Lake Arts Center to experience the mesmerizing exhibit featuring fiber and paint artist Abby Daleki’s show, “abeyance.”
7. Go on a StoryWalk®:
This series of signs featuring pages from a book combined with prompts will get you moving and develop literacy skills. Follow the 20 story posts starting at the south parking lot at the Outlet Recreation Complex and walk the over half a mile. Now until the end of February, find “When the Snow is Deeper Than My Boots are Tall” by Jean Reidy.
8. Play at Clear Lake’s Newest City Park:
Mild temperatures aren’t good for ice, but it’s great to enjoy our newest park, Everybody Plays Inclusive Playground! Open in October 2023, this park is the only one of it’s kind within 90 miles. Everybody Plays allows children and adults of all abilities to grow and play together.
9. Go Treasure Hunting:
Clear Lake is home hundreds of caches! A modern-day treasure hunt that will take you on some amazing treks, this family-friendly hobby gets you outdoors and active. Be sure to search for Clear Lake Tourism’s cache series that includes a special takeaway in each one!
10. Check off the Cerro Gordo Freedom Rock:
Art enthusiasts, explore the Cerro Gordo Freedom Rock – a piece of a larger mural series throughout each of the 99-counties in Iowa. Grab a Freedom Rock map at the Visitor Center or find it online for an art-filled excursion.
As we navigate the challenges posed by the cancellation of Color the Wind and other winter events impacting tourism, let’s come together to support our local community. Your visit to Clear Lake makes a significant difference in helping our businesses thrive during the slower winter season. Experience the warmth of our community, and create lasting memories in the heart of Iowa and enjoy Clear Lake winter activities.