All events are free unless noted.
This week’s highlights
Aug. 24-Sept. 2, Flight programmes daily 8 AM–6 PM (no programmes during lunch break 1-3 PM), Sept. 2, Final Freestyle 10 AM-12 PM | Mason City Municipal Airport
Experience world-class aerobatic competition with views of precision maneuvers, speed, artistry, aircraft, and pilots from around the globe.
6:30 PM | $35 | City Beach
Kids ages 7–15 swim, run, and have fun in this USA Triathlon youth event, complete with cheering families, a finish under the race arch, and finisher medals.
People are also reading…
7:30 AM | Downtown Clear Lake
Swim from City Beach, bike past prairies and windmills, then run along the lake and the Surf Ballroom to a City Park finish featuring music, food, drinks, and cheering fans.
5-9 PM | Central Gardens
Live music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and a silent auction among the gardens’ summer blooms.
1-3:30 PM | Lady of the Lake | Registration required
Veterans are invited to enjoy a complimentary scenic cruise and meal.
Ongoing and on view
All events are free unless noted.
July 18-Sept. 12 | Tue-Sat, 10 AM-4 PM | Clear Lake Arts Center
Explore paintings inspired by North Iowa landscapes that capture quiet beauty, memory, and emotion while inviting viewers to slow down and appreciate the natural world.
Aug. 8-Sept. 5 | Tue-Sat, 10 AM-4 PM | Clear Lake Arts Center
Layered figures and abstract spaces create paintings that invite the chaotic with themes of connection, memory, and the human experience through immersive, emotionally charged imagery.
Aug. 27-28, 7 PM; Aug. 29-30, 1, 4, and 7 PM; Aug. 31-Sept. 4, 7 PM; Sept. 5-7, 1, 4, and 7 PM | $5 adults, $4 kids | Lake Theatre
After all of the products made by ACME Corporation backfire on Wile E. Coyote in his pursuit of the Road Runner, he hires an equally unlucky human attorney to sue the company. When Wile E.’s lawyer finds out that his former law firm’s intimidating boss is ACME’s CEO, he teams up with Wile E. to win the court case against him.
Aug. 24-Sept. 2, Flight programmes daily 8 AM–6 PM (no programmes during lunch break 1-3 PM), Sept. 2, Final Freestyle 10 AM-12 PM | Mason City Municipal Airport
Experience world-class aerobatic competition with views of precision maneuvers, speed, artistry, aircraft, and pilots from around the globe.
Thursday, Aug. 27
5:30-8 PM | Online via Zoom
Learn startup essentials, avoid common pitfalls, build a solid business plan, and get expert guidance.
6-9 PM | Reserve 173° Bar & Grill
Live jazz, food, and a relaxed, upscale atmosphere.
8-11 PM | Tap’d
An Iowa Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Famer plays favorite songs to listen to with friends.
Friday, Aug. 28
9-11 AM | Central Gardens of North Iowa
Pick up a fresh flower bouquet, enjoy coffee and refreshments, and relax in the gardens.
11 AM-2 PM | Bank Iowa
Chat about small business and commercial banking. $5 coupon to use at Churasan just for stopping by.
6:30 PM | $35 | City Beach
Kids ages 7–15 swim, run, and have fun in this USA Triathlon youth event, complete with cheering families, a finish under the race arch, and finisher medals.
7-10 PM | Rumorz Bar & Grill
Updated song selections for a full night of music.
9 PM-1 AM | Rookies Rockin’ Sports Bar
Request favorites with a live DJ.
9 PM-1 AM | Tap’d
Classic rock, classic country, and blues.
Saturday, Aug. 29
7:30 AM | Downtown Clear Lake
Swim from City Beach, bike past prairies and windmills, then run along the lake and the Surf Ballroom to a City Park finish featuring music, food, drinks, and cheering fans.
9 AM-12 PM | Surf Ballroom parking lot
More than 50 vendors, food trucks, live music, kids activities, and fresh local finds.
5-9 PM | $75 members, $100 nonmembers | Central Gardens
Live music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and a silent auction among the gardens’ summer blooms.
6-9 PM | The Other Place
Live music in the outdoor building to say farewell to summer with inside and deck menus.
8 PM-12 AM | $6 per person per hour | Lake Pin & Play
Glow lights, music, and bowling turned up for a Saturday night.
9 PM-1 AM | Rookies Rockin’ Sports Bar
Request favorites with a live DJ.
9 PM-midnight | Tap’d
Music from the 1950s to today.
Sunday, Aug. 30
10 AM | City Park
Outdoor Sunday worship service welcoming all ages and backgrounds in a lakeside setting.
5-6 PM | Central Gardens of North Iowa
An Iowa Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame member plays tunes in the gardens.
Monday, Aug. 31
6-7 PM | Clear Lake Public Library
Write alongside fellow creatives with prompts, games, and inspiration.
Tuesday, Sept. 1
9:30-11:30 AM | Central Gardens
Outdoor line-dancing classes for all ages and skill levels in Central Gardens.
6-7 PM | Clear Lake Public Library
A sheriff investigates a shocking murder, uncovering secrets, a serial killer, and his town’s past.
Wednesday, Sept. 2
10:30-11:30 AM | Clear Lake Public Library
Stories, body-movement actions, songs, and rhymes for ages 0-5.
1-3:30 PM | Lady of the Lake | Registration required
Veterans are invited to enjoy a complimentary scenic cruise and meal.
6-8 PM | Reserve 173° Bar & Grill
Hosted by Bingo Daddy with prizes and laughs.
