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 1 - 2024 Event Schedule
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 Veranda/Opal/Blarney Rooms, 2023 7th Ave N, Clear Lake
Vinyl albums and records, posters, memorabilia and more available for purchase - there's something for everyone at this show! Vendors may contact Matt Hanna at (641) 251-1275 to reserve space.
Admission: FREE, open to the General Public
Historic Park Inn Tours -11:30am & 1:00pm
15 W State Street, Mason City
Frank Lloyd Wright designed 6 hotels. Five were built, but only one remains! Originally opened in 1910 as the City National Bank and Park Inn, the building now functions as a 27 room boutique hotel following its extensive restoration and rehabilitation which was completed in 2011.
Admission: $10/person - Purchase tickets in the Wright on the Park gift shop in the Historic Park Inn Hotel.
Buddy's Buddies featuring The Mockingbirds -12:30-2:00pm
EB Stillman Auditorium/Clear Lake Middle School, 1601 3rd Ave N, Clear Lake
To commemorate the history of the Surf Ballroom's Winter Dance Party, the public is invited to join Clear Lake Middle School students as they are treated to great live music by The Mockingbirds and CLHS Jazz Choir. Presented by the Surf Ballroom Music Enrichment Center.
Admission: $5.00, open to the General Public (Proceeds benefit the Clear Lake High School Music Program)
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
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. This outdoor memorial is located just under 1/2 mile from the road along the fence row in a farm field north of Clear Lake. There is a large pair of black rimmed glasses marking the trail head on Gull Avenue. Visitors to the site are encouraged to dress in warm layers!
Admission: FREE, open to the General Public
Winter Dance Party Concert featuring Chris Montez, The Chiffons, Dodie Stevens & The Killer Vees
Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr, Clear Lake
Doors open: 7:00pm
Admission: $50 advance; $55 door (general admission tickets available for purchase by calling the Surf Ballroom at (641) 357-6151 or ordering online at www.surfballroom.com)
Winter Dance Party
Date and Time
Thursday Feb 1, 2024
Surf is open 10am-4pm, concert doors open at 7pm.
Location
Surf Ballroom
Website
Contact Information
Surf Ballroom
Send Email
