February in Clear Lake: Music History & Winter Magic
If you've been searching for a winter getaway that combines authentic music history with unexpected visual spectacle, February in Clear Lake delivers both—without the tourist-trap feel.
This small Iowa lakefront town comes alive in February with two signature events that draw visitors from across the Midwest: the legendary Winter Dance Party at the Surf Ballroom and the Color the Wind Kite Festival. One honors rock 'n' roll's most poignant moment, the other transforms a frozen lake into a kaleidoscope of color. Both are worth the trip.
The Winter Dance Party: Where Music History Lives
The 2026 Winter Dance Party runs January 29–31 at the Surf Ballroom, featuring headliner Billy F. Gibbons of ZZ Top, along with Jay & The Americans, The Drifters, and more. The event honors Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, who died in a 1959 plane crash after performing at the Surf Ballroom on what became known as "The Day the Music Died".
This isn't a stuffy memorial—it's a full-scale celebration of 1950s rock 'n' roll. Activities include live concerts, dance contests, and tours of the Surf Music Experience Center. Dance lessons are offered in fifties-style by instructor Amy Eckard, open to singles and couples. Many attendees dress in period attire, adding to the immersive atmosphere without feeling forced or gimmicky. The Surf Ballroom itself—a National Historic Landmark with its original 1950s charm and iconic dance floor—is worth visiting even if you're not a music historian.
Additional events bookend the main weekend: On February 1, "Through Their Eyes: 1959 Winter Dance Party Memories" blends storytelling and live music, featuring appearances by members of the Valens family and Buddy Holly's niece. If you're staying through February 2, John Mueller's Winter Dance Party tribute show happens on the exact anniversary, 67 years later.
Planning tip: Three-day passes start at $159, but individual night tickets are available if you can't commit to the full weekend. The Surf Ballroom is about two blocks from Surf & Serenity House—easy walking distance even in winter.
Color the Wind: The Midwest's Largest Winter Kite Festival
Color the Wind takes place Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the frozen shoreline of Clear Lake. The festival showcases gigantic inflatable kites flown by dedicated enthusiasts from across the United States, with choreographed formations set to music.
These aren't your childhood diamond kites—they're massive inflatable characters, animals, and abstract designs that fill the sky above the frozen lake. The display features incredible choreography synchronized to musical numbers, creating a surprisingly artistic outdoor experience. Admission is a suggested $5 donation per person, with proceeds supporting the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.
What to know before you go:
- It's cold and windy out on the frozen lake—dress in layers and protect your head, feet, and hands
- If there's no snow cover, the lake surface will be slippery ice; a recent snowfall makes conditions much easier to navigate
- Arrive early if possible—kites often start flying before the official 11 a.m. start time
- Free shuttle service runs from designated parking areas for $1 per person round-trip, with service beginning at 10:30 a.m. and the last downtown pickup at 4 p.m.
- Bring sunglasses—the bright colors against white snow and ice can be dazzling
- The Surf Ballroom is open 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and the Clear Lake Arts Center is open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. during the festival
Food trucks and local restaurants participate, so you won't go hungry. The festival is family-friendly and genuinely unique—this isn't something you can experience in most winter destinations.
Why February Works in Clear Lake
February might not seem like prime vacation season, but that's part of the appeal. Clear Lake in winter feels authentic and lived-in rather than overtouristed. Downtown is walkable (bundle up), local restaurants aren't overbooked, and lodging is easier to secure than during peak summer months.
The town embraces winter rather than hibernating through it. Between the Winter Dance Party's nostalgic energy and Color the Wind's unexpected visual spectacle, February offers experiences you won't find anywhere else in the Midwest—all within a few blocks of each other.
Where to stay: Surf & Serenity House is steps from both the Surf Ballroom and the lakefront festival area. Self check-in means you're on your own schedule, and the hotel-quality beds make a difference after a day outdoors in the cold.