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!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Schedule of Events
Dance Lessons - 9:30am
Surf Ballroom Dance Floor
Fifties style dance lessons hosted by instructors Amy Eckard, Margaret Majerczyk and friends - for singles and couples alike.
Admission: FREE, open to the General Public
Rockin' n Boppin' Record Show - 10:00am-6:00pm
Best Western Holiday Lodge Opal Room, 2023 7th Ave N, 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
Narrated Memorial Site Tour - 2:00pm
Take a narrated tour to the farm field north of Clear Lake, Iowa where the ill-fated airplane came to rest. Tour departs from the Surf Ballroom lobby, please arrive 15 minutes prior to tour. Visitors are encouraged to dress in warm layers - a 1/4 mile walk is required. Limited space available; advance reservations encouraged (sign up in the Surf Ballroom box office).
Admission: $8.00/person
LP & The 45s - 4:00-6:00pm
Legacy Grill, 619 Buddy Holly Place, Clear Lake
Admission: FREE, open to the General Public
Winter Dance Party Concert featuring John Mueller's Winter Dance Party; and, Holy Rocka Rollaz
Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr, Clear Lake
Doors open: 7:00pm
Admission: $40 advance; $45 door (tickets available for purchase by calling the Surf Ballroom at (641) 357-6151 or ordering online at www.surfballroom.com)
LP & The 45s - 9:00-11:00pm
Legacy Grill, 619 Buddy Holly Place, Clear Lake
Admission: FREE, open to the General Public