The exterior of the ballroom is cool, I guess. There is a nice marker about the crash that killed Buddy Holly et al. on one side of the entrance and the National Register marker on the other side. But the Surf really needs to rethink the schedule for when the museum is open. Prior to Memorial Day, it's open weekdays... More

After seeing Peter Asher's (of Peter and Gordon fame) program twice at the Dakota in Minnneapolis, a friend and I decided to drive down to Clear Lake, Iowa to see him and his band and other greats from the 60s British invasion (Denny Laine [former Moody Blues], Albert Lee, Terry Sylvester, Eric Burdon [and the Animals]) perform at The Surf... More

Need to open doors at 7:00 as ticket displayed & not make all the ladies in skirts freeze (torture). Dancing was good except Saturday night (over-sold), no room on dance floor, very packed. Bar service quick and friendly. Couldn't hear from the booth when the entertainers were speaking, it was very muffled and distorted!!!!! People stood at tables in front... More

The Surf Ballroom is an experience you can't begin to describe even if you just stop by for a tour and can't attend a concert. The volunteers are so friendly and knowledgeable of the history of the Surf and will spend the time to make your visit memorable. The Surf is full of history and has never lost it's charm... More

The Surf Ballroom was amazing. The people were very friendly. Great event. We were there for the Winter Dance Party. The facility is a gem. The volunteers were very friendly and informative. Lots of fun.

Great venue, classic feel, decent acoustics. We saw Dwight Yoakam in January 2013 and it was a great show. Our only disappointment is that all of the booths around the exterior are reserved for sponsors and the like, so even though half of them were empty, there was no place to sit down anywhere in the venue. Given that Dwight... More

There is so much history in the Surf its like stepping back in time. Its a great sized vinue to get up close to your favorite entertainers. Love this place

This is a great museum to visit, expecially if you are old enough to remember "The Day That The Music Died" The Ballroom has been restored to its 1950's look and they have a number of displays and pictures of the music greats that have played the Surf and they have a number of concerts through out the year.

As a one year old toddler I was visiting my grandparents' home in Nora Springs, IA the night the music died. Clear Lake and the Surf Ballroom have always been an important part of my life. The night of their last concert at the ballroom, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper left for a fateful flight that ended... More