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.

Friday, February 2 - 2024 Event Schedule

Rockin' n Boppin' Record Show - 8:00am-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

Guided Tours of Carl J Fox Home - 10:00am-12:00pm

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 Legends Lunch - 11:00am

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

Previously known as the British Buddy Holly Society Luncheon, the Legends Lunch carries on all of the fun of this nearly 40 year old tradition!

Admission: $35/person includes lunch and live entertainment. Email Amy at thelegendslunch@gmail.com to purchase tickets (tickets are non-refundable)
Advance reservations are required! *Please note that the Surf Ballroom 3 day ticket does not grant admission to The Legends Lunch.

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.

Wedding/Vow Renewal Ceremony - 1:30pm

Surf Ballroom Dance Floor

Rock and roll fans may get married or renew their vows at the Surf Ballroom. Contact Denni Sue at ericksn1@cltel.net to register!

Rockin' Art of the 50's & 60's Tour - 1:30pm

Charles H MacNider Art Museum, 303

While the1950's were marked by overall conservatism and conformity in an attempt to return to post-war normalcy, the art scene, much like the music scene, began to blossom with emerging artists. The focus of the art world shifted from Paris, where it had been centered for centuries, to New York City. This new American-centric vision of art was supported by art movements such as the development of Abstract Expressionism. Artists like Jackson Pollack developed new painting technique, for example-the splatter technique, that were a far reach from earlier traditional American artists such as Grant Wood and his traditional rolling hills. The Museum holds a variety of work from these ground breaking artists including Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, Lee Krasner, Helen Frankenthaler, Jim Dine and Andy Warhol.Visit www.macniderart.org for additional information about the Museum.

Admission: FREE, open to the General Public

Rockabilly Kid - 2:00-6:00pm

Surf Galley, 619 Buddy Holly Place, Clear Lake

Admission: FREE, open to the General Public

Narrated Memorial Site Tour - 2:30pm

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