Last call for Harvest Festival Experience Bags. Pre-order deadline is Saturday, September 5. Order here.
Champagne 5K registration is open until race day, but T-shirt deadline is Monday, September 7. Register here.
All events are free unless noted.
This week’s highlights
Thursday | 6-9 p.m. | $50 | The Music Man Square | Hosted by American Cancer Society of Cerro Gordo County
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Food, auctions, survivor celebrations, remembrance, and “Bras & Briefs on the Runway.”
Friday | 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Lakeview Room
Honor 9/11 through giving at this community blood drive, helping provide hope to neighbors in need.
Friday | 6 p.m. | Clear Lake Fire Department (Front Memorial Area & Station)
Honor 9/11 with FDNY Chief Richard “Pitch” Picciotto, the highest-ranking firefighter to survive the World Trade Center collapse, plus a special memorial statue unveiling honoring sacrifice, courage, and community strength.
Friday | 7 p.m. | $5, all proceeds going to renovation efforts | Lake Theatre
Wayward Kin: A father’s reunion with his daughter ignites a custody battle that uncovers a devastating family secret. Directed by Adam Lowder.
Be Glad He Did It: A lifelong patriot must find the strength and wit to protect his family’s future. Directed by Jim Parrack, starring Barry Corbin.
Enjoy a refreshment break between films, followed by a Q&A with both directors.
Ongoing & on view
All events are free unless noted.
July 18-September 12 | Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | 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.
September 10-12 | Weekend pass $30, day pass $20, block $10 | Mason City
Visit website for tickets, film selections, and schedule.
Celebrating 19 years bringing independent films to North Iowa.
September 11-October 17 | Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Clear Lake Arts Center
Explore layered inks, paints, and sculptural forms inspired by water, earth, and the cosmos, inviting reflection on curiosity, connection, and the lasting impact of even the smallest touch.
Thursday, September 10
11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. | Mason City Culver’s
Mason City Culver’s will give 20 percent of its sales. Help add holiday joy to 1,500 households in North Iowa.
6-9 p.m. | Reserve 173° Bar & Grill
Live jazz, great food, and a relaxed, upscale atmosphere.
6-8 p.m. | Lake Pin & Play
Bingo with prizes plus 50-cent wings.
6-9 p.m. | $50 | The Music Man Square | Hosted by American Cancer Society of Cerro Gordo County
Food, auctions, survivor celebrations, remembrance, and “Bras & Briefs on the Runway.”
8 p.m.-midnight | TAP’d
Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Famer playing country, rock & roll, and outlaw country.
Friday, September 11
9-11 a.m. | Central Gardens of North Iowa
Pick up a fresh flower bouquet and relax in the gardens.
11 a.m.-noon | Clear Lake Chamber
A hands-on workshop covering social media SEO, smarter analytics, search-friendly content, and Google Search Console to help Clear Lake Chamber members spend less time chasing algorithms and create content people can find.
11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Lakeview Room
Honor 9/11 through giving at this community blood drive, helping provide hope to neighbors in need.
6 p.m. | Clear Lake Fire Department (Front Memorial Area & Station)
Honor 9/11 with FDNY Chief Richard “Pitch” Picciotto, the highest-ranking firefighter to survive the World Trade Center collapse, plus a special memorial statue unveiling honoring sacrifice, courage, and community strength.
6-9 p.m. | VFW Post 4868
Maclane Powell performs.
7 p.m. | $5, all proceeds going to renovation efforts | Lake Theatre
Wayward Kin: A father’s reunion with his daughter ignites a custody battle that uncovers a devastating family secret. Directed by Adam Lowder.
Be Glad He Did It: A lifelong patriot must find the strength and wit to protect his family’s future. Directed by Jim Parrack, starring Barry Corbin.
Enjoy a refreshment break between films, followed by a Q&A with both directors.
Trivia meets karaoke with prizes, music, and a chance to win a $25 gift card.
9 p.m.-midnight | Rookies Rockin’ Sports Bar
Your playlist, your night — request your favorites with a live DJ.
8 p.m.-midnight | TAP’d
Acoustic country and rock.
Saturday, September 12
9 a.m.-noon | Surf Ballroom parking lot
More than 50 vendors, food trucks, live music, kids activities, and fresh local finds every Saturday morning.
2-3 p.m. | Clear Lake Public Library
Learn to harvest seeds hands-on, help stock the seed library, and take home your favorites.
2-6 p.m. | VFW Post 4868
Celebrate the Iowa-Iowa State rivalry with a potluck, live music by Kraft Bros, and game-day activities.
3-9 p.m. | Gate: $10 adults, $3 grades K-12, 4 and under free | Bolstorff Field, Forest City
Tailgating, food trucks, a bouncy house, football, autographs, and fireworks.
6-7:30 p.m. | McIntosh Woods; meet at the picnic table to the north of the boat ramp parking lot
Enjoy a guided nature walk while learning how outdoor activity supports physical and mental well-being.
7-10 p.m. | Lake View Pub
Playing a variety of favorites.
8 p.m.-midnight | $6 per person per hour | Lake Pin & Play
Glow lights, music, and bowling turned up for a Saturday night.
9 p.m.-1 a.m. | Rookies Rockin’ Sports Bar
Your playlist, your night — request your favorites with a live DJ.
9 p.m.-1 a.m. | TAP’d
Classic and outlaw country.
Sunday, September 13
National Grandparents Day.
Monday, September 14
6-7 p.m. | Clear Lake Public Library
A relaxed writing group with time for projects, prompts, and creative games.
6:30-8:30 p.m. | VFW Post 4868
Proceeds from every game support local charities and veteran programs.
Tuesday, September 15
8:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | $75 for non-SHRM North Iowa members | Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center
Open to members and nonmembers. Includes professional development and SHRM credits.
9:30-11:30 a.m. | Central Gardens
Outdoor line dancing classes for all ages and skill levels in Central Gardens.
Noon-1 p.m. | Clear Lake Public Library
Discussion of two sisters who take different paths toward survival, resistance, love, and freedom in Nazi-occupied France.
3-6 p.m. | Clear Lake Public Library
Get information about voter registration, polling locations, and voting from the County Auditor’s Office.
Wednesday, September 16
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Central Gardens (meet by the fountain inside the main gate)
Tour the gardens, explore different plants and garden styles, and learn about programs offered.
2:30-3:30 p.m. | Registration required | Clear Lake Public Library
Teen detectives examine a staged crime scene, gather clues, and solve an interactive library mystery.
6-8 p.m. | Reserve 173° Bar & Grill
Hosted by Bingo Daddy with prizes and entertainment.
6-7:30 p.m. | $10 | Registration required | Central Gardens of North Iowa
Chef Quan Joyner prepares soul food while sharing cooking tips in this America 250-themed event.
