Clear Lake, Iowa is about to turn up the volume on its rich musical heritage. Opening in Summer 2025, the all-new Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center will offer an unforgettable, immersive journey through the sounds and stories that shaped American music.

Located right next door to the legendary Surf Ballroom & Museum, this state-of-the-art attraction will honor the past while looking boldly to the future—making it a must-see for music lovers, history buffs, and travelers looking for unique things to do in Iowa.

The art deco exterior of the Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center in Clear Lake, Iowa.

“Rendering of the new Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center opening in 2025 in Clear Lake, Iowa”

Step Into the Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center

At the heart of the Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center is an 1,800-square-foot immersive space, designed to bring decades of music to life so you can experience music history like never before. Visitors will be surrounded by vivid projections, interactive exhibits, and immersive storytelling that spans from the golden age of big band to the rise of rock ’n’ roll. Think “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience,” but with guitars, drums, and the sounds that defined a generation.

  • Big Band Immersive Experience Rendering

    Step into the golden age of swing in the Big Band immersive experience at the Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center.

  • Three Stars Immersive Rendering Full View

    The full immersive Three Stars exhibit will bring music history to life with vivid visuals, sound, and storytelling at the Music Experience Center.

  • Three Stars Immersive Rendering Close Up

    A close-up look at the immersive tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson—honoring the legacy of the Day the Music Died.

“Those of us at the Surf feel very passionate about a musical moment in time and in history and that is the Day the Music Died,” said Jeff Nicholas, Surf Ballroom Board President. “We feel like we’re the caretakers of that moment… and now it’s time to do something bold and innovative. That’s what the Music Experience Center is all about.”

Whether you’re reliving the magic of Buddy Holly or discovering the Surf’s lasting legacy for the first time, this experience will strike a chord.

A New Cultural Hub in the Surf Ballroom

The Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center (MEC) is more than a museum. It’s a community space designed to educate, inspire, and entertain. In addition to the immersive exhibit, the MEC will include:

  • A new visitor center and gift shop

  • A box office for Surf Ballroom events

  • Expanded lesson studios for music education

  • A flexible conference and event space with catering kitchen (seating for up to 100)

It’s the perfect venue for school tours, group travel experiences, private events, and anyone looking to explore the musical roots of Clear Lake, Iowa.

Surf District Revitalization Brings Music History to Life

The MEC is the centerpiece of a larger $35.2 million revitalization of the Surf District, a walkable lakeside area that will feature:

  • A new gateway arch

  • Enhanced lake access with a scenic dock

  • Improved streetscapes for a more inviting visitor experience

Major funding for the project includes a $4.37 million Destination Iowa Grant and a $400,000 Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Grant, alongside significant private investment.

Why Clear Lake Should Be on Every Music Fan’s Map

Since opening in 1933, the Surf Ballroom has welcomed music legends from every era and famously hosted the final concert of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson on February 2, 1959. That tragic night became known as “The Day the Music Died”, but the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll continues to thrive in Clear Lake.

The new Music Experience Center ensures that story continues—louder, bolder, and more interactive than ever before.

Plan Your Visit: Tour the Surf Ballroom & Explore Music History in Clear Lake

The Surf Ballroom is more than just a music venue—it’s a piece of American history. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the Surf has welcomed generations of legendary artists since opening in 1933. Best known for hosting the final concert of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, the Surf remains a must-visit destination for fans of rock ‘n’ roll and American music heritage.

  • Exterior of the Surf Ballroom with a vintage teal car

    The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa—a National Historic Landmark and icon of American music history.

  • Interior of the Surf Ballroom dance floor and booths

    The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa—a National Historic Landmark and icon of American music history.

  • Interior of the Surf Ballroom with museum exhibits

    Explore wall-to-wall music history inside the Surf Ballroom, where exhibits honor the legends who played here.

  • Three Stars Plaza art piece lit up at night in neon

    Three Stars Plaza glows at night in tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and “The Big Bopper”—just steps from the Surf Ballroom.

  • Memorial Crash Site trail head marker in winter

    The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa—a National Historic Landmark and icon of American music history.

  • The art deco exterior of the Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center in Clear Lake, Iowa.

    Coming Summer 2025: The Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center will bring music history to life with immersive exhibits next door to the legendary Surf.

The Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center (MEC)—opening right next door—will complement the existing Surf Ballroom tour, not replace it. Visitors will be able to enjoy both:

  • A guided or self-guided tour of the historic Surf Ballroom

  • The new immersive multimedia experience inside the MEC

  • And nearby points of interest, including:

    • Three Stars Plaza, honoring the musicians lost in 1959 (located just steps away)

    • The Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens & Big Bopper Memorial Crash Site, located five miles north of Clear Lake

Exhibition title, details and ticketing for the MEC and Surf Ballroom will be announced closer to the Summer 2025 soft opening and our September grand opening celebration during Buddy Holly’s birthday weekend. Many exhibits and experiences will be included such as a self-guided tour of the historic Surf Ballroom, our signature immersive exhibition, and an all-new exhibition of American music artifacts including items owned by Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and American music legends like Les Paul, BB King, Slash (of Guns n Roses), and more offering a a full-circle tribute to the legacy of music in Clear Lake, Iowa. Whether you’re planning a group tour, family vacation, or weekend getaway, this all-new attraction will be one of the top things to do in Clear Lake, Iowa.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of music history.

Make Clear Lake your next destination—and experience the music that changed the world.