Thursdays on Main: Clear Lake’s favorite summer tradition!

About

Dates: Thursday’s May 28, 2026 – August 13, 2026 (Except July 2, 2026)

Time: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Location: Downtown Clear Lake

From late May through mid-August, Main Avenue becomes an awesome street party filled with live music, shopping, food, and family fun. Hosted by the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Thursdays on Main is the ultimate way to kick off your weekend.

Activities Include

6 p.m.

  • Special Entertainment at 3rd & Main (in front of the VFW)
  • Kids’ Activities – Bounce houses in City Park and Strider bike course on 3rd St. (in front of Gyro Place)
  • Car Show – Classic cars on display each week
  • Vendor Market & Downtown Shops – Shop local and explore unique finds along Main Avenue
  • Food Trucks – Grab a bite from local favorites along the park

7–9 p.m.

  • Live Music at Main & 4th (next to Larson’s Mercantile)

Follow along on Facebook for the latest updates and weekly highlights.

LIVE MUSIC

VENDOR MARKET

FAMILY FUN

Features:

4th of July Parade Music Mobile

Live Music


Enjoy live bands from 7:00–9:00 p.m. on the corner of Main Avenue and 4th Street – bring a lawn chair and enjoy the show!

Children are all smiles on the hand powered kiddie train ride

Kids Activities


There’s plenty for the little ones to enjoy each week! Beginning at 6:00 p.m., find bounce houses inside City Park, Strider bike course on 3rd Street in front of Gyro Place, and special entertainment at 3rd & Main in front of the VFW.

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Car Show


Classic car enthusiasts, we’ve got a spot just for you! Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 5pm in the 400 block of Main Avenue and 5th Ave. N. There’s no entry fee, so bring your ride and enjoy the evening! For pedestrian safety, we ask that cars parked inside the road-closed area remain until 9pm. We can’t wait to see your classic car on display!

4th of July Parade Music Mobile

Vendor Market & Evening Shopping


Shop local and support our downtown businesses with extended hours, along with vendors offering unique finds throughout Main Avenue.

FREE ADMISSION FOR ALL

Admission is free, thanks to support from our generous community sponsors!

Schedule of Events:

THURSDAY

May 28

Thursday, May 28


Special Entertainment: One Vision Human Foosball
Live Music: The Sweet Nuthins

THURSDAY

June 4

Thursday, June 4


Special Entertainment: CLHS Robotics
Live Music: The Better Halves

THURSDAY

June 11

Thursday, June 11


Special Entertainment: Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center
Live Music: Deja Blue

THURSDAY

June 18

Thursday, June 18


Special Entertainment: Clear Lake Fishing Club
Live Music: Betty & the Gents

THURSDAY

June 25

Thursday, June 25


Special Entertainment: North Iowa Children’s Museum
Live Music: Ice Breakers

THURSDAY

July 9

Thursday, July 9


Special Entertainment: Hot Dog Hustle
Live Music: Kurt Allen Band

THURSDAY

July 16

Thursday, July 16


Special Entertainment: Earth Day Everyday
Live Music: Split Second Band

THURSDAY

July 23

Thursday, July 23


Special Entertainment: Clear Lake Police Department
Live Music: The Kraft Brothers

THURSDAY

July 30

Thursday, July 30


Special Entertainment: Kinney Pioneer Museum
Live Music: The Sweet Nuthins

THURSDAY

August 6

Thursday, August 6


Special Entertainment: Plain Ol’ Pumpkins
Live Music: Come Back Buddy

THURSDAY

August 13

Thursday, August 13


Special Entertainment: Back to School Night: CLHS Dance Team & Dunk Tank
Live Music: Bear Creek Band

Vendor Information

Food & Beverage Vendors (Food Trucks):

Due to overwhelming response of food & beverage vendor inquiries, each application will be reviewed by our event staff and we will respond with a confirmation email and payment link if accepted.

Food and Beverage Vendors are individuals or businesses that sell freshly prepared food and beverages intended to be consumed on-site. This category includes any type of food truck, beverage truck, dessert truck, food cart, or vendor that provides meals or substantial food items.

Food Truck Vendor Rates:
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Members: $125/night
Non-Members: $175/night
*Please note: we are not offering a seasonal rate this year. Nightly rates apply.

Please read the Vendor Rules before applying.

General Vendors:

General vendors are individuals or businesses that sell a variety of non-food items or pre-packaged goods. This category includes, but is not limited to, the following types of products: jewelry, handcrafted goods, artwork and crafts, clothing and accessories, home décor, pre-packaged baked goods, or other similar items. Vendors in this category should not be selling food or beverages intended to be consumed on-site as a meal.

General Vendor Rates (for a 10×10 space)
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Members: $150/season, $15 Drop In
Non-Members: $300/season, $30 Drop In

Please read the Vendor Rules before applying.

Vendor Rules

Vendor Rules

1.  Vendor applications are subject to review and approval; submission of an application does not guarantee participation.  You will receive correspondence only  if your application is NOT approved, at which time your application will be refunded.  

2.  Vendors are not allowed to sell or display items deemed by Event staff to be obscene, political, dangerous, or illegal. Complaints and/or concerns will be addressed and resolved by the Event staff.

3.  Electricity is limited and only available near City Park.  Vendors must communicate with Event staff if this is needed.

4.  The Event staff and Board of Directors have the right to refuse any vendor that provides products or services that do not fit the criteria or meet the needs of the expected attendees.

5.  A vendor map layout will be emailed each week to the email provided.  The map will provide designated number and location. Vendors must stay in their clearly marked spots.  It is the vendor’s responsibility to check their location EACH week, as circumstances arise to adjust spots.  Previous location is not guaranteed.

6.  Exclusivity is not guaranteed.

7.   Vendors may NOT arrive before 5 p.m. on the day of event and must be set up by 6 p.m.  Vendors must vacate the event by 10 p.m. This rules are in place for the saftey of the public and in correspondence to the road closures/opening.

8.   Vendors must stay for the entirety of the event. 

9.   Vendors may not use public trash receptacles for disposal of vendor-produced trash.  Vendors are responsible for cleaning their area and removing all garbage. This will be closely monitored.  A dumpster is located on the SW corner of City Park for your use or you must take garbage out with you.  Do not leave on the street, curb or next to a garbage container. *Violators may be prohibited from future events.*

10.  Event spaces for trailers are limited and assigned to designated areas for the safety of the public and other vendors. Trailers will be required to unhook from vehicles and park off-site, unless approved by Event staff.  Trailers will need to purchase additional spaces according to the 10 foot specifications. 

11.  Loading and unloading zones are allowed near booth spaces before and after event hours.  Place your vendor permit in the dash to avoid being towed. Permits can be picked up at the Chamber office or requesting one be mailed.  PLEASE respect other vendors by allowing them space and time to unload. Load/unload swiftly and drive slowly out of the event area.  You MUST park outside the road closed area or you will most likely be ticketed by law enforcement. 

12.  Spaces may not be sold or given to other individuals.  

13.  Event staff will monitor any weather issues and concerns that arise.  Cancellations will be posted on our website and Facebook.  It is the vendor’s responsibility to monitor any changes, cancellations and use their own discretion.    If you choose to leave the event due to weather, you may NOT drive into the event area to load, you will need to carry your stuff out and wait until the event has ended to drive back in.  Safety is always our number one priority.  There is a storm sheltered located inside the VFW. There are no refunds due to weather.

14.  Vendors are responsible for notifying the Event staff if unable to attend.  Absence with or without communication with Event staff may result the termination of your space and/or placed on the waiting list.   There are no refunds.

15.  Smoking is not permitted by vendors/employees.

16.  We do not offer refunds.  This includes delayed, missed or weather related cancellations. Expenses are still incurred if the event is held or cancelled.

NONCOMPLIANCE WITH ANY VENDOR RULE MAY RESULT IN FORFEITURE IN FUTURE EVENTS.

Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors

CURRIES ASSA ABLOY


Presenting Sponsor

Rookies Rockin’ Sports Bar


Presenting Sponsor

Sevens Restaurant


Presenting Sponsor

Tap’d Taphouse


Presenting Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

First Citizens


Gold Sponsor

Pritchard


Gold Sponsor

Joy Supply Co.


Gold Sponsor

Laird Law Firm


Gold Sponsor

Wayne’s Ski & Cycle


Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

CL Tel


Silver Sponsor

Clear Lake Bank & Trust


Silver Sponsor

Larson’s Mercantile


Silver Sponsor

Xtream (Mediacom)


Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

BERGLAND + CRAM


Bronze Sponsor

Cookies etc.


Bronze Sponsor

Farmers State Bank


Bronze Sponsor

VEENSTRA & KIMM INC.


Bronze Sponsor

KINGLAND


Bronze Sponsor

Hall Realty


Bronze Sponsor

Bank Iowa


Bronze Sponsor

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