Winter Dance Party

Winter Dance Party is an annual tribute to the lives & legacies of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, & JP "The Big Bopper" Richardson, who played their last concert at the Surf Ballroom on February 2nd, 1959.

The Winter Dance Party is a celebration of the lives and legacies of three rock 'n' roll legends lost too soon. It is a pilgrimage for thousands of rock 'n' roll fans from across the nation and the world!

Saturday, February 4 2023 Event Schedule

Rockin' n Boppin' Record Show - 8:30am-close

Best Western Holiday Lodge Opal Room, 2023 7th Ave N, Clear Lake

Admission: FREE, open to the General Public

Ritchie Valens Family Luncheon - 11:00am

Best Western Holiday Lodge Diamond Ballroom, 2023-7th Ave N, Clear Lake

Admission: $29.00 includes lunch (burger basket with french fries & cole slaw) and live entertainment by Mogan's Heroes

Enjoy lunch with members of the Valens family and great live music. Ritchie Valens memorabilia will be on display and merchandise will be available for purchase. Advance reservations are required!

Split Second Band - 1:00-3:00pm

Legacy Grill, 619 Buddy Holly Place, Clear Lake

Admission: FREE, open to the General Public

Guided Tours of Carl J Fox Home - 1:00-3:00pm

449 N Shore Dr, Clear Lake

Located across the street from the Surf Ballroom stands a lovingly restored vintage home built in 1948 by Carl J. Fox, original owner/creator of the Surf Ballroom. The home features many unique furnishings and characteristics. Much like the Surf, it is as though time stood still in the home - many artifacts having remained in the Fox family home through the years, giving visitors a glimpse of life in the 1940s and 1950s.

Admission: FREE, open to the General Public

The Day the Music Died/American Pie (2022) - 1:00 & 4:00pm Showings

Lake Theatre, 4 N 4th St, Clear Lake

50 years after its release, Don McLean shares the secrets behind his iconic song American Pie. The documentary aired on Paramount+ and in select theaters last year. Enjoy this special presentation sponsored by Lake Theatre and the Surf Ballroom!

Admission: FREE, open to the General Public

Bopper & Me Movie Showing - 2:30pm (90 minutes)

Clear Lake Arts Center Sukup Performing Arts Wing, 17 S 4th St, Clear Lake

Admission: FREE, open to the General Public

Split Second Band - 4:00-6:00pm

Legacy Grill, 619 Buddy Holly Place, Clear Lake

Admission: FREE, open to the General Public

Self Guided Memorial Site Tour

Take a self-guided tour to the farm field north of Clear Lake, Iowa where the ill-fated airplane came to rest. Visitors are encouraged to dress in warm layers - a 1/4 mile walk is required. This outdoor memorial is located just under 1/2 mile from the road along the fence row in a field north of Clear Lake. There is a large pair of black rimmed glasses marking the trail head on Gull Avenue.

Admission: FREE, open to the General Public