Clear Lake Events
Clear Lake Iowa Upcoming Events
Check out all the amazing annual events in Clear Lake!
The fun occurs all year round in the beautiful city of Clear Lake, Iowa. Join neighbors, family, and friends at incredible community events held throughout the year. Take a look at the major annual events in Clear Lake below. Click on the links for additional details.
WINTER DANCE PARTY
Celebrate three of rock n’ roll’s greatest legends, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, at the Winter Dance Party at the historic Surf Ballroom in February. Along with incredible live performances from the best local and national musicians out there, enjoy a weekend filled with dance lessons, costume contests, family sock hop, record hop wedding and vow renewal ceremony, memorial site tour, British Buddy Holly Society luncheon, art exhibit, and so much more.
Come to one of the Midwest’s largest ice fishing tournaments in February at McIntosh Woods State Park. During the fishing tournament, do not miss the Saturday Night Ice Bash for dinner, seminars, product demonstrations, and more.
See the winter sky fill with color during this favorite festival in February. It is the Midwest’s largest winter kite festival with participants from all over the United States. Come downtown to check out the huge inflatable kites, dine on delicious food, and shop for a new kite.
Clear Lake takes great pride in our stunning natural environment and celebrates it every year in April for Earth Day. Enjoy a whole week of activities, including a community-wide cleanup, family activities and games, paper shredding and electronics recycling, Green Expo, OutdoorFest, 5K/10K race, and more.
Come to the Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning from 9:00 am till noon from Memorial Day weekend until the 3rd Saturday in October. Held in the Surf Ballroom parking lot, explore 25-45 vendors selling locally grown produce, home-baked goods, handcrafted items, artisanal products, and so much more. There is also music, children’s and educational activities, and food samples throughout the morning.
FRESH ON FRIDAYS
Relax in the always-changing beauty of Central Gardens every Friday in June through August. Every week features seasonal goodies, fun activities, and educational experiences. There are great activities for children to get in touch with nature.
THURSDAYS ON MAIN
Head downtown Clear Lake every week from June through August. Stroll down Main Street to explore the 80 vendors selling crafts and food. Enjoy live entertainment, kids activities and games, classic car show, Movie in the Park, and more.
JULY 4TH CELEBRATION
Check out Clear Lake’s largest annual celebration at the beginning of July. With a carnival and midway, open-air vendor market, nightly live music, family fun day, Independence day parade, and Iowa’s best fireworks display, there is something for everyone at this favorite holiday event.
BREWS ON THE BEACH
Event sponsored by Lake Time Brewery and the Clear Lake Rotary to raise funds for local community projects. Brews on the Beach will host over 20 local breweries with more than 80 different types of beer expected to be available. You must be 21 to attend.
Sit lakeside in July as you listen to the Midwest’s finest storytellers. There are other fun storytelling events that occur throughout the fest, such as special boat cruises.
Check out this annual art event in July at City Park. Find unique, beautiful work created by 100 talented artists during this juried art show.
LAKESIDE DIXIEFEST
The last weekend in July features the best Dixieland jazz music in City Park. Enjoy free outdoor concerts all weekend long during this favorite music festival.
CLASS CAR SHOW AND SUMMER DANCE CRUISE
Check out incredible classic cars during the Clear Lake Auto Social Society’s annual event in August. See almost 1,000 cars cruise around the lake. Along with the spectacular car show, enjoy live music all weekend long.
Come to Central Gardens every Sunday evening from July through September. Bring a delicious picnic and enjoy live performances by magicians, musicians, and more local talent. This is a great family-friendly event.
ANTIQUES IN THE SQUARE
Discover unique antiques from 60+ dealers during this long-running annual event held in September at City Park.
ARTIST STUDIO TOUR
Explore the studios of local artists around town during this self-guided tour held in September. Enjoy interesting demonstrations and purchase unique artwork for your home.
HARVEST FESTIVAL
Celebrate fall every October on Main Street. Enjoy the open-air vendor and farmer’s market, trolley rides, fun competitions, food trucks, live music, and so much more.
LIGHTS ON 5K
Get active in November during this annual race. Don your best holiday costume and lights and run or walk along the course.
CHRISTMAS BY THE LAKE FESTIVAL
Celebrate the holiday season with a full weekend of activities in December. Swing by the Festival of Trees to marvel at 100 beautifully decorated trees and wreaths. Children will love Breakfast with Santa, the Cookie Walk, Secret Shop for little folks, and more. Take a horse-drawn carriage through downtown. Check out the annual parade and fireworks. Brave the cold and participate in the Polar Bear Dip.
For more information about these and other events occurring throughout the year in Clear Lake, click HERE!