Surf Ballroom

Music venueshort_description_potoo

4.8(413)

Open

Closes 4:00 PM

Surf Ballroom & Museum is a historic music venue and museum that serves as a central stage for legendary musical performances. long_description_potoo

Featured by

The Surf is written into rock history for one reason: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper played here on February 2nd, 1959, before the three young rock stars boarded a plane and crashed.

NRHP

What's the vibe

The space carries a rich, nostalgic energy, feeling like a preserved piece of music history. Visitors can explore curated exhibits that celebrate the venue's storied past through detailed displays and artifacts.ambiance_potoo

What people are saying

Visitors highly recommend the guided tours, specifically noting the expertise of guides like John and the detailed archival work done by staff like Jada. The museum exhibits and the historical context of the ballroom are frequently highlighted as being well worth the trip.reviews_potoo

4.8

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

413 reviews

TripAdvisor

4.8 (366)

Yelp

4.5 (47)

Details

509 Buddy Holly Pl, Clear Lake, IA 50428

Open

• Closes 4:00 PM

surfballroom.com

+1 641-357-6151

About

Rebuilt in 1948, this venue has served as a major stage for many well-known musical performers throughout the decades. It houses a dedicated museum and archive that preserves the rich history of the eras it has witnessed.story_potoo