Earth Day

Join us for Clear Lake, Iowa’s Weeklong Earth Day Celebration!

Clear Lake Earth Day Nature at Play Photo Show

Date: April 4- May 3

Location: Clear Lake Arts Center

Event Description: Photographers, both novice and professional of all ages, are invited to submit up to three framed nature shots into the the Clear Lake Earth Day Nature at Play Photo Show. This is a juried show with prizes given to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Honorary Mention winners. The public is invited to stop by the Clear Lake Arts Center to enjoy the work of our talented local photographers from April 4th through May 3rd during regular business hours.  There will also be a special reception on April 19th from 4-7pm.. The Clear Lake Arts Center is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

Trash Bash Community Cleanup

Dates: April 15-20, 2024

The Trash Bash community clean up is an annual Earth Day event happening all week long from April 15-20. This event offers an opportunity for Clear Lakers to make a difference in their community and show their commitment to sustainability by picking up trash in their neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces. Individuals, families, and groups can register for their favorite cleanup site(s) and compete for the coveted “Green Jacket” by collecting the most trash and recruiting the most volunteers. The Trash Bash is an important way to promote environmental stewardship and community involvement in Clear Lake, and is a great way to make a tangible impact on the health and beauty of our town. Click here to sign up to participate in the Trash Bash!

North Iowa Green Expo & Market

Date: Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 4-7 p.m.

Location: The Surf Ballroom & Museum

Event Description: The North Iowa Green Expo & Market is one of the main events of Clear Lake Earth Day, providing a platform for local businesses, non-profits, and organizations to showcase their green products and services. Held on April 18 at the historic Surf Ballroom, the North Iowa Green Expo & Market, in partnership with Healthy Harvest of North Iowa, offers an opportunity to learn about sustainable practices, energy efficiency ideas, gardening tips, and more. Visitors can sample fresh local food, browse eco-friendly products, and talk to experts about environmental issues. The North Iowa Green Expo & Market is free and open to the public, and is a great way to kick off a week of celebrating sustainability and community involvement in Clear Lake. Click here to sign up as a Green Expo exhibitor!

Night Wonder Walk

Date: Friday, April 19, 2024 at 8:00PM

Location: Sister’s Prairie Trail

Stay tuned for more information on this fun & informative walk with guide Cindy Findley!

Earth Day Youth Mile

Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 8:30 a.m.

Location: Clear Lake City Park

Event Description: The Earth Day Youth Mile is aimed at promoting outdoor activity and environmental awareness for young people. This race takes place on April 20 at 8:30 a.m., right before the Earth Day 5K & 10K races, and is open to kids of all ages. Every finisher will receive a cool wooden medal, making it a fun and rewarding way for kids to get involved and make a difference. The Earth Day Youth Mile is a great opportunity for kids to enjoy some fresh air, exercise, and environmental education in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Click here to register.

Earth Day 5K & 10K Races

Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 9 a.m.

Location: Clear Lake City Park

Event Description: The Earth Day 5K and 10K races are an exciting part of the Clear Lake Earth Day festivities, taking place on Saturday, April 20 at 9:00 a.m. The race begins lakeside at the Main Avenue boat ramp and takes runners on a loop around City Park before heading out along South Shore Drive. The 5K turnaround is located at the Y intersection at 20th Ave South and the 10K turnaround is near Lakeside Cyclery. The race finishes in front of the Lady of the Lake, where prizes will be awarded for each race. The Earth Day 5K and 10K races are a great way to enjoy some exercise and celebrate sustainability and environmental awareness in Clear Lake. Click here to register.

OutdoorFest is now IndoorFest!

Date: Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Location: Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center, 115 N 20th Street

Event Description: OutdoorFest is a family-friendly event held on April 20as part of Clear Lake Earth Day celebrations. This event offers a variety of fun activities and educational opportunities aimed at promoting outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. Visitors can enjoy the National Eagle Center program, North Iowa Children’s Museum activities, bounce houses, and games for all ages. There will be plenty of food and drinks available, making it a perfect opportunity to spend a day outdoors with family and friends while learning about sustainability and enjoying the beauty of Clear Lake. OutdoorFest is just one of the many events happening throughout Clear Lake Earth Day, providing an opportunity for everyone to get involved and show their commitment to a more sustainable future.

Full Earth Day Schedule of Events (Subject to Change)

• April 9-May 3 | Clear Lake Arts Center | Nature at Play Photography Exhibit
• Tuesday, April 16 at 12 p.m. | Clear Lake Public Library | Book Chat “Hudson Bay Bound” with Author Natalie Warren
• Tuesday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m. | Clear Lake Public Library | Sandhill Cranes program with Orrin Jones
• Wednesday, April 17 at 6 p.m. | Lake Time Brewery | Books on Tap “Hudson Bay Bound” with Author Natalie Warren
• Thursday, April 18 from 4-7 p.m. | Surf Ballroom | North Iowa Green Expo & Market
• Friday, April 19 from 4-7 p.m.  Clear Lake Arts Center | Nature at Play Artist Reception
• Friday, April 19 at 8 p.m. | Sisters Prairie Trail | Night Wonder Walk – Cindy Findley will take you on a Night Wonder Walk to talk about night creatures, light pollution, and what goes on after dark.
• Saturday, April 20 at 8:30 a.m. | City Park | Earth Day Youth Mile
• Saturday, April 20 at 9 a.m. | City Park | Earth Day 5K & 10K Race
• Saturday, April 20 from 10-1 p.m. | Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center, 115 North 20th ST | OutdoorFest is now IndoorFest
  • 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Outdoor Play Toys Community Share
  • 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. National Eagle Center Presentation
  • Bounce House
  • Human Foosball
  • Gaga Ball
  • Strider Bike Course
  • Family Games (Connect 4, giant JENGA, croquet, potato sack race, tug of war, corn hole, obstacle course, fun run, Go Wild Parade)
  • Pickleball
  • Climbing Wall
  • Clear Lake Arts Center Kermit the Frog Booth
• Monday, April 22 | International Earth Day
  • Educational Bus Tours of the Landfill of North Iowa at 10 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Call 641-357-5452 ext. 5 to reserve your seat!
  • Free movie at the Lake Theatre, “David Attenbourough: A Life on Our Planet” Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for 7:00 p.m. show.