The Surf Ballroom invites music lovers from around the world to the legendary 2026 Winter Dance Party, an annual celebration honoring the lives and legacies of rock ‘n’ roll pioneers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson. The iconic event will take place January 29-31, 2026, at the historic Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. Tickets go on sale November 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM CT.
Headlining the entire event is legendary rock guitar player Billy F. Gibbons of ZZ Top fame and the BFGs. Gibbons is unquestionably one of the finest blues-rock guitar players to ever emerge. Raised in Houston, Texas, Gibbons grew up in a home that favored both classical and country sounds, but upon discovering Elvis Presley via an appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” Gibbons became transfixed by rock ‘n’ roll. The group brings a sound that’s equal parts gritty blues, rock ‘n’ roll swagger, and southern charm.
Performances by beloved artists like Jay & The Americans, Austin Allsup, Richie Lee & the Fabulous 50s, The Killer Vees, The Drifters, The Whitesidewalls, and The Holy Rocka Rollaz as well as Slim Jim Phantom, Midnight Cowgirls, Linda Gail Lewis, and Danny B. Harvey & Annie Marie Lewis will rock the legendary Surf stage.
The Winter Dance Party commemorates the final tour of the three artists who played their last concert at the Surf Ballroom on February 2, 1959. The annual event has become a rock ‘n’ roll pilgrimage, drawing thousands of attendees for a weekend of music, dancing, and heartfelt tributes.
The annual event includes a jam-packed schedule of live performances that will fill the historic ballroom with the sounds of the 50s and 60s. In addition to the main nightly concerts, the weekend will include a dance contest, kids’ show, costume competition, venue and memorial tours, spotlight sessions, and an intimate evening presentation of stories, memories, and music of that night in 1959 at the Surf Ballroom.
Of special note is the new Surf Music Experience Center, right next door to the ballroom. Guests can explore the brand-new Not Fade Away: The Immersive Surf Ballroom Experience, a groundbreaking multi-sensory fully-immersive tribute to the legends of rock ‘n’ roll and the history of American music as it relates to Clear Lake’s Surf Ballroom & Museum.
Schedule of Events
* = NOT included in 3-Day Pass
*Wednesday, Jan. 28:
A Hard Day's Night
Thursday, Jan. 29:
Jay & the Americans
Austin Allsup
Ritchie Lee & the Fabulous 50s
Friday, Jan. 30:
The Killer Vees feat. Chris Montez and Brian Hyland
The Drifters
The Whitesidewalls
The Holy Rocka Rollaz
Saturday, Jan. 31:
Billy F. Gibbons and the BFGs
Slim Jim Phantom
The Midnight Cowgirls feat. Albert Lee
Linda Gail Lewis, Danny B. Harvey, and Annie Marie Lewis
*Sunday, Feb. 1 - Hosted by Tommy Canale:
Through Their Eyes: 1959 WDP Memories
music by The Holy Rocka Rollaz
*Monday, Feb. 2:
John Mueller's Winter Dance Party®