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With concerts, conventions and festivals, Wapello County offers a variety of year round activities for all ages. Search by keyword or view all listings below. All events take place in Ottumwa unless noted otherwise. Have a special event you wish to feature on ExploreOttumwa.com? Or have more details to include on one already included? Click on the following: Submit an Event
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All Events

May 24
Exhibit opening: Parodies of a Portrait - American Gothic's Place in Society
American Gothic House Center, Eldon

6-7 pm. "Parodies of a Portrait" explores the history of American Gothic parodies and how this iconic painting is interpreted in society. Free admission. For more information, call (641) 652-3352 or go to www.TheAmericanGothicHouse.net.

May 25
Ayers Addition Dedication & Tour
Pioneer Ridge Nature Area

All are invited to Pioneer Ridge Nature Center for the dedication of the Ayers Addition. This is a parcel of 258 acres recently acquired by the Wapello County Conservation Board. This property adjoins PRNA, and will be a great addition for wildlife enthusiasts at all levels. A tour and dedication ceremony will reveal what is planned for this land. The event time will be posted on the WCCB website. Open to all ages. For more information, contact Wapello County Conservation Board at (641) 682-3091 or go to www.WapelloCounty.org.

May 27
Memorial Day Tribute
Jimmy Jones Shelter

Presented this year by the Ottumwa Chapter Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #775, the VFW and the Ottumwa Chapter of the American Legion gather to pay tribute to veterans of all wars who have served the country and have passed away. The tribute begins at 10:30 am with the playing of patriotic music, followed at 11 am with a presentation and guest speaker. The tribute concludes with a 21-gun salute. For more information, call (641) 799-3626.

May 27
Ottumwa Jog 4 Joe
Greater Ottumwa Park

This is a 5K run/walk in memory of SSGT Joseph J. Hamski, who was killed in action on May 26, 2011 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The event starting place and on-site registration will be at the south end of Ottumwa Park on the trail. Packet pick-up and day-of-registration starts at 7:30 am with the run/walk beginning at 9 am. Until May 3, the registration fee is $20 for participants 19 years old or older. For those younger, it is $10. After May 3, the fees increase to $25 and $15 respectively. Event proceeds will benefit the Fisher House and EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) Warrior Foundation. For more information, contact Carl Hensley at (612) 239-2304 or go to www.Active.com.

June 1 - 29
Ottumwa Farmer's Market
Quincy Place Mall parking lot

Wednesdays 3:30-6:30 pm and Saturdays 8-11 am. For more information, call (641) 777-6437.

June 4
Indian Hills Permanent Art Collection
IHCC Library

This exhibition features a selection of works from the Indian Hills permanent art collection. 7:30 am-8:30 pm. Free admission. For more information, call (641) 683-5144 or go to www.IndianHills.edu.

June 6
Ottumwa Municipal Band Concert
Central Park

This is the first concert of the 149th season and starts at 7 pm. The audience is reminded to bring chairs or blankets for their seating comfort. If it rains, the concert will be held in the center court area of Quincy Place Mall. Any change of venue will be announced on Cable Channel 6, GOTV. For more information, contact Brenda Hagedon at (641) 777-8753.

June 7 - 9
American Gothic Days
Eldon

Eldon celebrates the Grant Wood painting, American Gothic, it helped inspire with live music, musical theater, parade, cardboard boat races, 5K walk/run, art contest, bike ride, and plenty of food. For more information, call (641) 652-7510 or go to wwwAmericanGothicHouse.net.

June 7 - 9
Smoke on the Mountain
McHaffey Opera House, Eldon

Smoke on the Mountain tells the story of a Saturday night gospel sing at a country church in North Carolina's Smoky Mountains in 1938. The show features two dozen rousing bluegrass songs played and sung by the Sander Family, a traveling group making its return to performing after a five-year hiatus. All seats general admission, no reserved seating. Tickets are $10 each. Performances are Friday, June 7 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, June 8 at 2 pm; Sunday, June 9 at 7:30 pm. For more information, call (641) 682-0615 or go to www.AmericanGothicFest.org.

June 7 - 28
Wapello County Farmer's Market
Family Video Parking Lot

819 Albia Rd., Fridays 2-6 pm. For more information, call (515) 208-0804.

June 8
American Gothic 5K Walk/Run
American Gothic House Center, Eldon

All ages welcome (16 and younger must be accompanied by adult). Awards provided for top finishers. 7:30 am. For more information, call (641) 652-3352 or go to www.AmericanGothicHouse.net.

June 8 - 9
American Gothic House Art Contest
American Gothic House Center, Eldon

Enter artwork to win a cash prize for first or second place in each of the five divisions. No entry fees required. Entry forms are due 5 pm on June 4. For more information, call (641) 652-3352 or go to www.AmericanGothicHouse.net.

June 8
Central Park Cinema: "Spy Kids"
Central Park

Presented at dusk. Sponsored by the Ottumwa Kiwanis. Free admission. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, and bug spray. Concessions are available for purchase. For more information, call (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

June 9
American Gothic Bike Ride
American Gothic House Center, Eldon

7:30 am. Join biking enthusiasts for a 20-mile bike ride. Participants will receive a shirt and post-ride pizza. (Ages 16 and younger must be accompanied by adult.) Registration is $15 by May 24 and $18 after. For more information, call (641) 652-3352 or go to www.AmericanGothicHouse.net.

June 9
Music on the Green
Marge Dodd Stage, IHCC

Join the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra for an evening of light music. Bring your blanket and picnic supper. 7 pm. Free admission. For more information, call (641) 680-7685.

June 11
Toddler Camp
Pioneer Ridge Nature Area

Everyone enjoys playing in the mud. Bring your toddler to learn about soil and make some mud creations. Wear clothes that can get dirty and wet. 10 am. Ages: 3-4 with adult. Cost is $5 per child. For more information, call (641) 682-3091 or go to www.WapelloCounty.org.

June 12 - 16
Wapello County Fair
Wapello County Fairgrounds, Eldon

The fair hosts a carnival, exhibits, and food, not to mention harness, car and motorcycle races. The Saturday concert features Greg Bates and JT Hodges. For more information, call (641) 652-7521 or go to www.WapelloCountyFair.com.

June 13
Ottumwa Municipal Band Concert
Central Park

The second concert of the 149th season will be held at 7 pm. The audience is reminded to bring chairs or blankets for their seating comfort. If it rains, the concert will be held in the center court area of Quincy Place Mall. Any change of venue will be announced on Cable Channel 6, GOTV. For more information, contact Brenda Hagedon at (641) 777-8753.

June 14
IHCC Foundation Golf Tournament
Cedar Creek Golf Course

For more information, call (641) 683-5302 or go to www.IndianHills.edu.

June 14 - 16
Ottumwa Community Players presents: Life with Father
Bridge View Center

"Life with Father" is based on the writings of Clarence Day. The play focuses on a father who believes he is the king of his castle, but with four rambunctious boys and a flighty mother who actually knows her family very well, things are not always what he thinks. Young romance, visiting relatives, a series of maids, and revealed secrets keep life interesting for the family. Show times are 7 pm on June 14 and 15, and 2:30 pm on June 16. All tickets are general admission with adults $10 and students $8. For more information, contact Bridge View Center at (641) 684-7000 or go to www.BridgeViewCenter.com.

June 15
Bud Light / Tenco Golf Classic
Cedar Creek Golf Course

This is a double shot gun start tourney with a choice of start times: 8 am or 1:30 pm. The entry fee covers all drinks and flight prizes awarded in four categories. For more information, call (641) 682-8114 x108 or go to www.Tenco.org.

June 15
Canoe Float
Des Moines River

9 am. Take a spring float down the river. (Ages 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.) Pre-register by June 7 to ensure canoes are available for all participants. For more information, call (641) 682-3091 or go to www.WapelloCounty.org.

June 15
True Revelation Throwdown 16
Bridge View Center

The next Throwdown will be held at 7 pm with advance general admission tickets $40 ringside, $20 elevated, and $75 cage side (limited to 20 tickets). The latter is new and only available at Bridge View. All tickets increase $5 the day of the show. For more information, contact Bridge View Center at (641) 684-7000 or go to www.BridgeViewCenter.com.

June 18
Dig into Reading with Dizzy the Pirate
Knights of Columbus Hall

A presentation of the Ottumwa Public Library's Dig into Reading Program with Dizzy the Clown. 10:30 am. For more information, call (641) 682-7563 x202 or go to www.OttumwaPublicLibrary.org.

June 19 - 23
36th Annual Ottumwa Pro Balloon Races
Greater Ottumwa Park

The event attracts upwards of 40 balloons for competitive flights, balloon tethering, glows and fun flights. Enjoy food, live music and carnival rides. For more information, call (641) 684-8999 or go to www.OttumwaProBalloons.com.

June 19
Ottumwa Municipal Band Concert
Greater Ottumwa Park - Jimmy Jones Shelter

Please note location change. The third concert of the 149th season will be held at 7 pm. The audience is reminded to bring chairs for their seating comfort. This concert is being presented as part of the Ottumwa Pro Balloon Races. For more information, contact Brenda Hagedon at (641) 777-8753.

June 20
IHCC Jazz Camp: Rhythm Section
St. John Auditorium

8 am-6 pm. This concentrated one-day jazz camp is open to students grades 7-12 who play piano, guitar, base, percussion, or drum set. Registration fee is $30. For more information, call (800) 726-2585 or go to www.IndianHills.edu.

June 22
Mussels of Iowa Presentation
Pioneer Ridge Nature Area

Jennifer Kurth of the Iowa DNR will teach about this important water creature. For more information, call (641) 682-3091 or go to www.WapelloCounty.org.

June 25
"Creepy Crawlies" with the Grout Museum
Knights of Columbus Hall

A presentation of the Ottumwa Public Library's Dig into Reading Program. 10:30 am. For more information, call (641) 682-7563 x202 or go to www.OttumwaPublicLibrary.org.

June 27
Ottumwa Municipal Band Concert
Central Park

The fourth concert of the 149th season will be held at 7 pm. The audience is reminded to bring chairs or blankets for their seating comfort. If it rains, the concert will be held in the center court area of Quincy Place Mall. Any change of venue will be announced on Cable Channel 6, GOTV. For more information, contact Brenda Hagedon at (641) 777-8753.

June 27
TNA Impact Live!
Bridge View Center

7:30 pm. Tickets will range from $68 for VIP/ringside with early access to photograph sessions, to $38 and $18. Discounts available for groups of 10 or more or military personnel but not on VIP tickets. For more information, call (641) 684-7000 or go to BridgeViewCenter.com.

June 28
Lunch in the Park
Central Park

11:30 am-1 pm. Lunch is $6. For more information, call (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

June 29
Central Park Cinema: "Nanny McPhee"
Central Park

Presented at dusk. Sponsored by the Ottumwa Fire Department. Free admission. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets and bug spray. Concessions will be available for purchase. For more information, call (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

June 29
Family Fun Day
Putt Putt Golf - South on US Hwy 63

Bring the family out to enjoy some time together and help raise awareness for a good cause! Activities are 11 am-4 pm specifically designed for families. Dizzy the Clown will be there11 am-2 pm. Food will be available for purchase to help raise money for the Ottumwa Community Outreach Ministry. For more information, contact Yvonne Baldwin-Greene at (641) 684-2099 or go to www.OttumwaOutreach.org.

June 29 - July 7
Peter Pan - The Musical
Bridge View Center

Peter Pan is a unique, family-friendly attraction of spectacle and fantasy. The three children of the Darling family receive a visit from Peter Pan, who takes them to Never Land, where an ongoing war between Peter's gang of rag-tag runaways and the evil Pirate Captain Hook is taking place. All seats reserved. Tickets are $24.50 each or groups of 10 or more, $19.50 each. Performances are Saturday, June 29 at 7:30 pm; Thursday, July 4 at 7 pm; Saturday, July 6 at 7:30 pm; and Sunday, July 7 at 2 pm. For more information, call (641) 682-0615 or go to www.AmericanGothicFest.org.

July 2
4th of July Storytime and Parade
Ottunmwa Public Library

A presentation of the Ottumwa Public Library's Dig into Reading Program. 10:30 pm. For more information, call (641) 682-7563 x202 or go to www.OttumwaPublicLibrary.org.

July 2 - 5
Go, Dog. Go!
Bridge View Center

The shows are July 2, 3 and 5. P.D. Eastman's classic children's book comes to life on stage in an exploration of movement, color and space. The dogs delve into life with gusto, creating a visual spectacle for the audience to feast upon. This is a rollicking free-for-all of chicaneery. All seats general admission, no reserved seating. Tickets are $5 each. All performances are at 7:30 pm. For more information, call (641) 682-0615 or go to www.AmericanGothicFest.org.

July 2
Toddler Camp
Pioneer Ridge Nature Area

Everything has a smell. Some smells are faint and hard to recognize, while others are very potent and recognizable. Discover how animals depend on smell to survive. Ages: 3-4 with adult. Cost is $5 per child. 10 am. For more information, call (641) 682-3-91 or go to www.WapelloCounty.org.

July 2 - 5
"Go, Dog. Go!"
Bridge View Center

P.D. Eastman's classic children's book comes to life on stage in an exploration of movement, color and space. All seats general admission. Tickets are $5 each. 7:30 pm all performances. For more information, call (641) 682-0615 or go to www.AmericanGothicFest.org.

July 3 - 31
Ottumwa Farmer's Market
Quincy Place Mall parking lot

Wednesdays 3:30-6:30 pm and Saturdays 8-11 am. For more information, call (641) 777-6437.

July 4
Ottumwa Fourth of July Family Jamboree
Jimmy Jones Shelter

12-10 pm. Celebrate the holiday over two days with bluegrass and country music, flea market vendors, and Naval Air Station display and merchandise. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. The Ottumwa Municipal Band will perform prior to the fireworks display on the Fourth. For more information, call (641) 777-5107.

July 4
Ottumwa Municipal Band Concert
Greater Ottumwa Park - Jimmy Jones Shelter

Please note location and time change. This concert will be held at 8 pm. The audience is reminded to bring chairs or blankets for their seating comfort. This special Fourth of July concert is being held in conjunction with the Fourth of July festivities in the Greater Ottumwa Park. For more information, contact Brenda Hagedon at (641) 777-8753.

July 5
Live After Five
Central Park

Unwind from the work week with the "Tom Blew Band" sponsored by South Ottumwa Savings Bank. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. 5-7:30 pm. For more information, call (641) 682-7541.

July 5 - 26
Lunch in the Park
Central Park

Every Friday from 11:30 am-1 pm. Lunch is $6. For more information, call (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

July 5 - 26
Wapello County Farmer's Market
Family Video parking lot

819 Albia Rd., Fridays 2-6 pm. For more information, call (515) 208-0804.

July 9
Fax Gilbert presents "Mime, Masks, and Magic"
Knights of Columbus Hall

A presentation of the Ottumwa Public Library's Dig into Reading Program. 10:30 pm. For more information, call (641) 682-7563 x202 or go to www.OttumwaPublicLibrary.org.

July 11
Ottumwa Municipal Band Concert
Central Park

The concert time is 7 pm. The audience is reminded to bring chairs or blankets for their seating comfort. If it rains, the concert will be held in the center court area of Quincy Place Mall. Any change of venue will be announced on Cable Channel 6, GOTV. For more information, contact Brenda Hagedon at (641) 777-8753.

July 12
Live After Five
Central Park

Unwind from the work week with "Sez Who" sponsored by South Ottumwa Savings Bank. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. 5-7:30 pm. For more information, call (641) 682-7541.

July 12 - 13
Promise Land Music Festival
Greater Ottumwa Park

All are invited to a free two day music festival with two stages featuring more than 12 bands from across the nation. Those include Thousand Foot Krutch whose latest album debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 100 for hard rock and Christian rock. There will be camping, fishing, kids entertainment, live music, speakers and much more! For more information, contact Nathan Grooms at (641) 980-5493 x6419 or go to www.PromiseLandFest.com.

July 12
Supper in the Park
Eldon City Park

Hosted by the Eldon United Methodist Church. 5-7 pm. For more information, call (641) 652-3207.

July 13
Eddyville Sand Prairie Hike
Eddyville Sand Dunes

Explore the summer landscape of the rare habitat of the Eddyville Sand Dunes. 9 am. For more information, call (641) 682-3091 or go to www.WapelloCounty.org.

July 15
4-H Expo
Bridge View Center

Parade, royalty crowning, livestock shows, 4-H project displays, variety of kid's activities, workshops, and family entertainment. For more information, call (641) 682-5491 or go to www.extension.iastate.edu.

July 16
Amazing Reading with Mike Prestby
Knights of Columbus Hall

A presentation of the Ottumwa Public Library's Dig into Reading Program. 10:30 pm. For more information, call (641) 682-7563 x202 or go to www.OttumwaPublicLibrary.org.

July 18
Ottumwa Municipal Band Concert
Bridge View Center

Please note location change. The concert time is 7 pm in the Bridge View Theater. The concert is being held in conjunction with the 4-H Expo, and will feature songs about children, animals and fairs. For more information, contact Brenda Hagedon at (641) 777-8753.

July 19
Live After Five
Central Park

Unwind from the work week with "The Blue Band" sponsored by South Ottumwa Savings Bank. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. 5-7:30 pm. For more information, call (641) 682-7541.

July 20
Central Park Cinema: "Elf"
Central Park

Presented at dusk. Sponsored by Cargill Meat Solutions. Free admission. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets and bug spray. Concessions will be available for purchase. For more information, call (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

July 24
Youth Camp
Pioneer Ridge Nature Area

Kids, ages 5-8, are invited to camp, hike, fish, and cook over the fire. Register by July 19 to ensure adequate supplies for all participants. Cost: TBD. 10 am-2 pm. For more information, call (641) 682-3091 or go to www.WapelloCounty.org.

July 25
Ottumwa Municipal Band Concert
Central Park

This is the last concert of the 149th season which starts at 7 pm. The theme will be "Christmas in July." The audience is reminded to bring chairs or blankets for their seating comfort. If it rains, the concert will be held in the center court area of Quincy Place Mall. Any change of venue will be announced on Cable Channel 6, GOTV. For more information, contact Brenda Hagedon at (641) 777-8753.

July 26
Live After Five
Central Park

Unwind from the work week with "The Crushers" sponsored by South Ottumwa Savings Bank. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. 5-7:30 pm. For more information, call (641) 682-7541.

July 26
Ottumwa Area Chamber of Commerce 72nd Annual Golf Classic
Ottumwa Country Club

10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start For more information, contact Tim Kurtz at (641) 682-3465 or go to ottumwachamber.org.

July 26
Wesley UMC presents: Robin Mark Concert
Bridge View Center

The general admission tickets to this Christian music concert are $20 for adults. The event begins at 7:30 pm with doors open at 7 pm. For more information, contact Bridge View Center at (641) 684-7000 or go to www.BridgeViewCenter.com.

July 27
Eldon Barbecue Cook-off
Eldon, KD Center

This is Eldon's annual event for barbecue lovers. 5 p.m. For more information, call (641) 680-2634.

July 30
Summer Carnival with Dizzy the Clown
Ottumwa Public Libary Park

A presentation of the Ottumwa Public Library's Dig into Reading Program. 10:30 pm. For more information, call (641) 682-7563 x202 or go to www.OttumwaPublicLibrary.org.

August 2
Kiwanis of Ottumwa Barbecue
Central Park

Entertainment will be provided by a band on stage with barbecue served 5-7 pm, $6.00 per meal. The Kiwanis funnel cake trailer will be selling dessert. Proceeds will benefit the children's section of the Ottumwa Public Library. For more information, contact Thomas Shafer at (641) 684-6264.

August 2 - 9
Lunch in the Park
Central Park

Fridays from 11:30 am-1 pm. Lunch is $6. For more information, call (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

August 2
Wapello County Farmer's Market
Family Video Parking Lot

819 Albia Rd., Fridays 2-6 pm. For more information, call (515) 208-0804.

August 3 - 31
Ottumwa Farmer's Market
Quincy Place Mall parking lot

Wednesdays 3:30-6:30 pm and Saturdays 8-11 am. For more information, call (641) 777-6437.

August 6
Toddler Camp
Pioneer Ridge Nature Area

Signs. Signs. Everywhere animal signs. Explore for signs left by animals. Ages: 3-4 with adult. Cost: $5 per child. 10-11 am. For more information, call (641) 682-3091 or go to www.WapelloCounty.org.

August 9
Supper in the Park
Eldon City Park

Hosted by TTT. 5-7 pm. For more information, call (641) 777-2933.

August 10
Central Park Cinema: "Angels in the Outfield"
Central Park

Presented at dusk. Sponsored by the Wapello County Sheriff's Reserve. Free admission. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets and bug spray. Concessions will be available for purchase. For more information, call (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

August 17
Canoe Float
Des Moines River

9 am-noon. Take a late summer canoe trip on the river. Register early to ensure canoes are available for all participants. (Ages 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.) Cost: $5 per person. For more information, call (641) 682-3091 or go to www.WapelloCounty.org.

August 29
Margaritas for Main Street

This is a lively fundraiser held in conjunction with Walk on Art Street. A silent auction accompanies a party with tapas and margaritas. Tickets can be purchased at Main Street Ottumwa. 6 pm. For more information, call (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

August 31
Walk on Art Street
Central Park

Approximately 50 artists will be displaying and selling their work. In addition to art, expect children's activities, entertainment, and food vendors. 10 am-4 pm. For more information, call (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

September 6 - 8
OCCP presents: The Little Mermaid
Bridge View Center

In a magical kingdom fathoms below, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she'll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince Prince Eric that she's the girl with the enchanting voice. The Ottumwa Community Children's Playhouse will presented the show adapted from Disney's 2008 Broadway production featuring hit songs. Show Times: Friday, September 6th at 7 pm; Saturday, September 7th at 7 pm; and Sunday, September 8th at 2 pm. To purchase tickets or for additional information, please contact Becky Ingle. For more information, contact Becky Ingle at (641) 226-1523.

October 25
8th Annual Sleep Out
Jimmy Jones Shelter

Learn about homelessness and hunger and how it may affect your neighbor. Games for kids, food, and interesting facts about those in need in Ottumwa! The event begins at 5 pm with family activities taking place until 8 pm. For more information, contact Yvonne Baldwin-Greene at (641) 684-2099 or go to www.OttumwaOutreach.org.

November 8 - 10
Ottumwa Community Players presents: Arsenic & Old Lace
Bridge View Center

A drama critic's life is turned upside down when he discovers his two spinster aunts have taken to poisoning their gentlemen house guests and burying the bodies in their old Victorian home. Show times are 7 pm on November 8 and 9 and 2 pm on November 10. The general admission tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. For more information, contact Bridge View Center at (641) 684-7000 or go to www.BridgeViewCenter.com.

Ottumwa Area CVB
102 Church Street
Ottumwa, Iowa 52501
(641) 684-4303
F: (641) 684-6305
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