Events in Clear Lake, IA

Kick off the day with 5K Fridays, a welcoming group outing where participants can walk, run, or bike. Cover as much or as little of the three miles as you like while enjoying good company. The session is led by instructor Joey Ringo. Y members participate at no cost, and non-members are $15. Registration is available on the website.

This bus trip heads to a lively festival where royalty, brave knights, and mythical adventures set the scene. The day offers live entertainment, distinctive artisan shops, and delicious food, with enchanting moments waiting at every turn.

Celebrate Halloween with a thriller themed bingo night designed for adults. Players will use a single card at a time, and there is no charge to participate, with donations welcome. Prizes lean into the mystery vibe and may include items like books, pens, totes, candles, stickers, and bookmarks. Light snacks and bottled water will be available, and attendees may bring their own beverages. No expertise in horror or thriller literature is needed, only a love of bingo and the genre. It also makes a fun spooky outing for book clubs.

Clear Lake Farmers Market takes place in the parking lot of the Surf Ballroom as a weekly market that features live music. Performers include Sam Crosser, Hemsworth Brothers, Island Fever, Happy Campers, Jordan Messerole, Jeff Boehnke, Jen Garmin, Bill Lester, and Kristy N.

Spend an autumn afternoon at the Loop Shelter at a fundraiser supporting a new playground for the campground. Enjoy hayrides, mini golf, pumpkin painting, s'mores, pulled pork sandwiches, pie, crafts, bingo, and more. This outdoor event may be canceled if weather conditions are unfavorable.

Country Glam sets the tone for this Adult Prom. Begin the festivities in boots with a line dancing lesson led by Rayfeather Studio, share an appetizer potluck, then keep the energy going with rides on the mechanical bull and live music from the Borderline Band. Attire that stands out is encouraged, including hats, boots, pearls, and jackets. Although the focus is on adults, there is a designated window when kids are welcome to take part in the mechanical bull and line dancing.

Lauren Alaina performs live at Surf Ballroom & Museum. This concert celebrates her music and offers an evening focused on her songs and the shared energy of a concert setting.

Enjoy a general fiction book club conversation focused on Allen Levi’s novel Theo of Golden. The gathering lasts about an hour and is guided by a staff book lover, and participation is flexible with no long term commitment required. There is no fee to attend. The host appreciates purchases of the book club title or another item to help sustain events, and copies of the novel are available in the store. In the story, a man named Theo arrives in the Southern city of Golden and begins buying the pencil portraits hanging in a local coffeehouse. He gives each portrait to the person depicted and in return asks to hear their story. As these conversations unfold, secrets come to light, regrets are shared, and everyday lives are changed in thoughtful ways. The book has received notable recognition, including status as a number one New York Times bestseller and selections for the Katie Couric and Jen Hatmaker book clubs. Its themes center on generosity, connection, and the small miracles that can follow simple acts of kindness.

The Peace Makers of North Central Iowa Quilt of Valor group hosts a monthly open sewing session at the Forest City Emergency Services Center. Participants may come for some or all of the time to sew on their own machines, help cut fabric, or simply sit and visit. Attendees can bring their own fabric or a kit to work on, or use materials that are already prepared.

Newly launched, this monthly fun run series welcomes children ages 3 to 10, with a different run featured each month. The cost is $5 per session or $50 for a punch card that covers all twelve runs. Most sessions take place at the YMCA, with one Cannonball Fun Run noted as an exception.

Shady Oak Farm hosts the 2nd Annual GoatOberfest, a relaxed afternoon of autumn activities centered around its friendly herd. Expect family-focused games, a cozy seasonal atmosphere, and plenty of time with the goats. The popular goat races make a return, with costumed competitors sprinting down the track for laughs and bragging rights. Guests can enjoy a cider bar, sample treats from local vendors, browse artisan goods, and pick up goat milk soaps and other farm-made products. Festive backdrops and photo moments with the goats offer memorable snapshots of the season. Admission is by free will donation, with proceeds supporting the Barn Fund to help restore and preserve the historic barn. Visitor notes: drive slowly and stay to the right on the long driveway where visibility is limited. Parking is in the grass along the drive and near the barn and house, with volunteers directing traffic. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for uneven ground and typical farm conditions. Please leave pets at home. Children must remain under adult supervision while on the farm and around the animals.

Pumpkin Palooza at Central Gardens of North Iowa celebrates a favorite fall tradition with an evening of family friendly fun. Enjoy games, seasonal treats, and festive activities, then watch the Lighted Pumpkin Parade light up the night. This free community gathering is made possible by volunteers and donors. Those who wish to support the event can contribute funds, carve and donate a pumpkin for the parade, or volunteer during the festivities by coordinating with Central Gardens.

Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter, this monthly support group brings caregivers together in a supportive setting to connect with peers who understand the realities of dementia care. Attendees can share experiences, discover practical resources, and find encouragement within a compassionate community.

Small business owners and leaders gather for the chamber’s roundtable, a monthly forum for candid conversation, problem solving, and exchanging practical ideas. Attendees bring the topics that matter most, often including hiring, marketing, and day to day operations. The format alternates month to month between a guest speaker and open discussion. This session focuses on Annual Meeting Roundtables in an open discussion format. There is no cost to attend. Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch. Advance registration is requested on the chamber’s online calendar.

Gather a team for an Oktoberfest four-person best shot tournament centered on a relaxed day of golf, food, and drinks. Chili and beer from the keg are part of the package, and the format uses a shotgun start. The entry fee is 40 dollars per person plus cart rental, and the field is capped at twenty teams.

Settle in for a relaxing bus outing that includes a two-hour train ride through the Iowa countryside. Enjoy the views from your seat while lunch is served onboard. After the excursion, the schedule includes a stop at a charming train museum for more history and exploration before the return trip. This is planned as a peaceful and memorable day trip.

Artoberfest returns to the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum as a fall fundraiser benefiting the museum. This event is for ages 21 and older and highlights a selection of brews from across the Midwest alongside a variety of food. Each guest receives two drink tickets, with additional beverages available for purchase. The program includes a silent auction featuring more than 80 items donated by local businesses and artists, followed by a live auction led by Brian Carlson. Tickets are $50 and will soon be available at the MacNider Art Museum and on the museum's website. Sponsors include Central Park Dentistry, Henkel Construction Co., North Iowa Community Credit Union, Bergland + Cram, CENT Credit Union, Clear Lake Bank & Trust, CL Tel, Dental Center of North Iowa, First Citizens Bank, First Security Bank & Trust, Hawkeye Auto Body, Hildebrand Real Estate, Hogan-Hansen, Hoover's Hatchery, Mason City Glass Service, Metalcraft, Moorman Clothiers, Raymond James, Tierney Development & Construction, Coloff Media, Zilges Appliance Center, and Generous Friends of the Museum.

An annual community tradition in Clear Lake, Iowa brings an ever-growing Halloween showcase to life. Months of planning lead to an elaborate outdoor scene that draws hundreds of drive-by visitors, and throughout October the garage transforms into a witches lair where a coven waits, all building to the main attraction on Halloween night. A Haunting on 16th Street opens only that night, with a spooky family lingering about and surprises inside. The hosts typically welcome 500 to 900 trick-or-treaters within a two hour window, creating a lively stop for Halloween fun. Dedicated to the community, the organizers aim to keep this the place to be each year.

Peace Makers of North Central Iowa, a Quilt of Valor group, hosts a monthly open sewing session at the Forest City Emergency Services Center. Bring a sewing machine to work on projects, help cut fabric, or stop by to visit. You may bring your own fabric or a kit to work on, or use materials that are prepared and available. Come for the whole session or drop in for part of the time.

The Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre Company brings the beloved tale Bremen Town Musicians to the Salsbury Room at the MacNider Art Museum for three free public performances. Seating is general admission on a first come, first served basis, and doors open for seating 15 minutes prior to each performance. Groups of ten or more attending a daytime show can register by calling 641-421-3666, and no registration is needed for the evening performance. Support is provided by a grant from the Bertha Stebens Charitable Foundation, and schools may request a bus subsidy while funds remain.

Celebrate the season with a hands-on workshop where you design a custom spruce top planter to enjoy all winter. No experience is required, with step by step instruction provided in a fun, creative setting. Choose the size that fits your porch, a 12 inch planter for $65 or a 14 inch planter for $78. If you bring your own pot with soil in a comparable size, you will receive a $5 discount. Your project comes together with fresh spruce tops, a mix of accent evergreens, and your choice of red twig dogwood or willow branches, plus a festive bow. A pot and soil are included when using a provided container, and refreshments are available while you create. Personalize your arrangement with premium add ons for purchase, including winter stems, berries, pinecones, ornaments, ribbon, and other decorative accents. Come with friends, family, coworkers, or enjoy a creative evening on your own, and head home with a beautiful porch planter and plenty of holiday spirit. Capacity is limited, and spots tend to fill quickly.

Set out on a relaxing bus trip to the Mall of America and spend the day your way. Skip the hassle of driving and parking, then wander through hundreds of stores, sample a variety of restaurants, and enjoy attractions and entertainment throughout the complex. Whether you are searching for the perfect find, sharing a meal with friends, or simply taking in the sights, this easy getaway suits a wide range of interests.

Back again, this show will be held in conjunction with the North Iowa Gun Show in 2026.

This bus trip heads to Chanhassen Dinner Theater to see Annie, a beloved musical. The day features a touching story, memorable songs, and live entertainment that has delighted audiences for generations. Enjoy a relaxed outing filled with music, laughter, and a Broadway-caliber performance.

A special performance of the classic Christmas opera Amahl and the Night Visitors is directed by Dr. Quiliano Anderson and presented by the Johnson Brothers Cultural Arts Series.

A holiday themed edition of the Clear Lake Chamber’s Quarterly Coffee will be held at the Surf Ballroom & Museum, featuring festive refreshments and the annual ugly or pretty Christmas sweater contest. Expect updates from local leaders, including the Clear Lake Community School District, the City of Clear Lake, and North Iowa Corridor EDC. Chamber members can share brief two minute announcements, whether welcoming a new team member, celebrating a milestone, or promoting an upcoming event. To be added to the agenda, email ashley@clearlakeiowa.com. No registration or RSVP is required.