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With concerts, conventions and festivals, Ottumwa offers a variety of year round activities for all ages. Search by keyword or view all listings below.
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May 18 - 19
2nd Annual Pickin n Grinnin Festival
Greater Ottumwa Park

Musical entertainment returns to the Jimmy Jones Shelter at Greater Ottumwa Park the evening of 5/18 and all day on 5/19. In addition, a Remembrance Day Parade will take place on 5/19. For more information, contact Dennis Renfrew at (641) 777-4394 or go to www.OttumwaShrineClub.com.

May 18
New Exhibit Opening
American Gothic House Center in Eldon

Come see the newest exhibit to the American Gothic House Center. It starts at 6:00 PM. Free admission with refreshments served. For more information, call (641) 652-3352 or go to www.AmericanGothicHouse.net.

May 18 - 20
Pages for Pennies Book Sale
Bridge View Center

Find bargains in used books, magazines, CDs, LPs, videos, DVDs, & sheet music. Proceeds will go toward the Friends of the Ottumwa Public Library & Bridge View Center projects. The hours will be 5:00-9:00 PM on 5/18, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM on 5/19, & 12:00-5:00 PM on 5/20. All items are 50 percent off on Sunday! For more information, contact Mark Eckman at (641) 684-4303.

May 18
Throwdown 12 MMA
Bridge View Center

Come see mixed martial arts at Throwdown 12. Tickets are $20 per person for general admission with a limited number of seats available ringside for $40 per person. The doors open at 6:00 PM with the fight beginning at 7:00 PM. For more information, contact Bridge View Center at (641) 684-7000 or go to www.BridgeViewCenter.com.

May 18 - October 29
Wapello County Farmers Market
Family Video

Local vendors offer locally grown produce, baked goods and other items for sale Mondays and Fridays 3:00-6:00 PM, May 18-October 29 at the Family Video store at 819 Albia Road. (This is a new location. The market had been held at Pioneer Ridge Nature Center during 2011.) The market is WIC certified. For more information, contact Anthony Powers at (515) 401-3061.

May 18 - 19
Wapello County Trails Council Tips for Trails & Mediathon
Hotel Ottumwa/KMGO Building

On 5/18, the public is invited to raise funds for the trails by tipping celebrity bartenders at the Tom-Tom Club, 5:00-9:00 PM. The next day pledges will be accepted from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the new KMGO studio at the corner of Main and Jefferson Streets as the council broadcasts live over the radio during the Mediathon. Pledges can be called into 641-682-4771. A hike will take place at 9:00 AM starting at the north end of the Wabash Bridge. At 10:00 AM, four new trail sections and new trailhead signs will be dedicated behind the KMGO building. The Mediathon is brought to the public by 105.3 KEDB, 98.7 KMGO, 97.7 TOM-FM, 1480 KLEE, and The Ottumwa Courier. For more information, call (641) 682-8764 x141 or go to www.WapelloCountyTrails.com.

May 19
Upstairs Downtown Tour
Downtown Ottumwa

Check-out projects in the second-floor space of several buildings in downtown Ottumwa. It's a chance to see the "before," "during," and "after" snap-shots of the progress being made in the"upstairs" spaces downtown. The tour will feature the finished space in the Hofmann Building; raw space above 221 E Main St; KMGO studio at the corner of Main & Jefferson Streets; work-in-progress above Appanoose Rapids; & three additional locations.Tickets are $10 in advance & $12 at the door. They are available at the Main Street Ottumwa office & Hotel Ottumwa. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

May 19
Youth Field Day at IKES

Sign up your child for the annual Youth Field Day with fun, outdoor activities. For more information, call (641) 682-3091 or go to www.WapelloCounty.org.

May 22
6th-8th Grade Vocal Pop Concert
Ottumwa High School Auditorium

The concert begins at 7:00 PM with free admission. For more information, call (641) 682-8764 x141 or go to www.ottumwa.k12.ia.us.

May 24
Nonfiction Book Club
Ottumwa Public Library

This monthly book club focuses solely on nonfiction work. The club gathers in the library meeting room the fourth Thursday of each month from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. For more information, contact Sonja Ferrell at (641) 682-7563 x202 or go to www.OttumwaPublicLibrary.org.

May 24
Ottumwa High School Vocal Pop Concert
Ottumwa High School Auditorium

The concert begins at 7:00 PM featuring all five choral ensembles: Preludes, Troubadours, Bells, Sudden Impact & Meistersingers. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students. For more information, call (641) 682-8764 x141 or go to www.ottumwa.k12.ia.us.

May 26 - October 31
Ottumwa Farmers Market
Quincy Place Mall

Local vendors offer locally grown produce, baked goods and other items for sale on Wednesdays 3:30-6:30 PM and Saturdays 8:00-11:00 AM, May 26-October 31 at Quincy Place Mall. For more information, contact Ed McDowell at (641) 777-6437.

June 8
Bridge City BBQ Fest
Bridge View Center

The name may have changed but Ottumwa's annual barbecue celebration returns for a fourth year. Local bands - Slick Willie and Sez Who - will perform. Two new competitions will be held: O'Hara Kidsque Challenge and Fire and Vice. The Kidsque is a kids barbecue cooking contest while Fire and Vice pits the Ottumwa Police against the Fire Department in a rib eating contest. Barbecue samples and eats will be in the offing as well. Of course, everyone's favorite beverages will be available for purchase. The event starts at 5:00 PM. on June 8th. Both professional and back yard barbecue teams will be competing for cash and prizes the following day in the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) sanctioned contest. For more information, contact Elizabeth Kimmel at (641) 684-7000 x265 or go to www.BridgeViewCenter.com.

June 9
8th Annual 3-I Chili Cookoff Regional Open Championship
Greater Ottumwa Park - Jimmy Jones Shelter

A three-state chili cooking competition comes to Ottumwa drawing teams from Illinois, Indiana & Iowa (the three "I's"). The public is invited to sample the chili entries at 2:00 PM for $5 per person with all proceeds going to the Food Bank of Southern Iowa. Root for the local competitors and check out the out-of-towners. The event is sanctioned by the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) with the Iowa Chili Pod helping to host it. For more information, contact Virgil Johnson at (641) 684-4525.

June 9
Central Park Cinema: Dolphin Tale
Central Park

Bring friends and family to enjoy a film shown in Central Park. See the "Dolphin Tale" on June 9th. Simply bring lawn chairs and/or blanket for seating. No admission charged. Refreshments available for purchase. Sponsored by Main Street Ottumwa. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

June 10
25th Annual Iowa Chili Pod Chil Cookoff
North Hy-Vee

The day after the 3-I Chili Cookoff, the Iowa Chili Pod will hold its annual cook off at the North Hy-Vee parking lot on June 10th. For $3 per person, the public is invited to sample all the available chili from 12:00 to 2:00 PM. The proceeds benefit the Iowa Chili Pod Charities. For more information, contact Virgil Johnson at (641) 684-4525.

June 10
Music on the Green
Marge Dodd Outdoor Stage at Indian Hills Community College

The Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra will perform its annual outdoor concert at the Marge Dodd Outdoor Stage with David Sharp as conductor and guest artists, The Lowly Brass.The event begins at 7:00 PM and is free of charge. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic lunches. In case of inclement weather, the event will move to the Hellyer Center. The event is sponsored by South Ottumwa Savings Bank. For more information, contact Bob Morrissey at (641) 680-7685.

June 19
KIDS-IN-THE-KITCHEN: Schools Out! Summer Party
South Hy-Vee

Children ages 4-12 are invited to join Heather Ware, your Ottumwa Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian, for "KIDS-IN-THE-KITCHEN" nutirtion and cooking classes 5:30-6:30 PM on the third Tuesday of each month. Hands-on recipes and kid friendly foods will be used to teach your child about nutrition, healthy eating, and basic cooking techniques. The cost is $5 per child, per class. Parents required to attend with children ages 4-6. Advance registration required - see customer service at South Hy-Vee for registration form. For more information, contact Heather Ware at (641) 682-4516.

June 22 - 24
35th Annual Ottumwa Pro Balloon Races
Greater Ottumwa Park

The race is on! More than 30 to 40 balloons are likely to compete. In addition to the competitive flights, expect balloon tethering, night glows and fun flights. Also enjoy food, live music, healthy family fest, and carnival rides. For more information, contact Holly Dommer at (641) 684-8999 or go to www.OttumwaProBalloons.com.

June 22 - 23
Galaxy of Gardens - Garden Tour
First Presbyterian Church - 228 W Fourth St

The four-garden tour will start at First Presbyterian Church and take place on June 22 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and June 23 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM with rain dates of June 29-30 if necessary. Tickets can be purchased for $8 per person in advance at North Hy-Vee and South Hy-Vee or $10 per person at the gardens the day of. The four include: "Reflection Garden" by David & Liz Klanderman, Oakwood Ave; "Serenity Garden" by Richard & Nancy Klodt, 160th Ave; "English Cottage" by Bill & Joyce Kramer, Country Club Place; and "Hosta Haven" by Ruth Brown, Bladensburg Rd. For more information, contact First Presbyterian Church at (641) 684-5465.

June 22
Lunch in the Park
Central Park

Enjoy lunch in Central Park on Fridays during the summer 11:30 AM-1:00 PM featuring a different food vendor each week and also offering entertainment. Lunch is $6 per person. Sponsored by Main Street Ottumwa. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

June 29
Lunch in the Park
Central Park

Enjoy lunch in Central Park on Fridays during the summer 11:30 AM-1:00 PM featuring a different food vendor each week and also offering entertainment. Lunch is $6 per person. Sponsored by Main Street Ottumwa. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

June 30
Central Park Cinema: Cat in the Hat
Central Park

Bring friends and family to enjoy a film shown in Central Park. See "Cat in the Hat" on June 30th. Simply bring lawn chairs and/or blanket for seating. No admission charged. Refreshments available for purchase. Sponsored by Main Street Ottumwa. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

July 4
The Ottumwa 4th of July Family Jamboree
Greater Ottumwa Park - Jimmy Jones Shelter

Bring the family out to a day filled with music, food, and fun on Independence Day! Local bands will be providing live music. Kids activities and patriotic observances will also be part of the day's agenda. The band schedule is as follows: Bluegrass Blondies, 12:00-1:00 PM; Flip Top Live, 1:30-3:30 PM; and Slick Willie, 4:00-7:00 PM. Barnyard Billy and the Fire Department will be at the event 1:00-3:00 PM. The VFW and Boys Scouts will be presenting the colors and conducting a veterans remembrance at or about 3:30 PM. The day is punctuated with patriotic music and fireworks at dusk. All of this is presented with no admission! Organizers hope to raise money for the Naval Air Station project with the sale of raffle tickets which is a perfect cause for this event! For more information, contact Brian Morgan at (641) 777-5107.

July 6
Lunch in the Park
Central Park

Enjoy lunch in Central Park on Fridays during the summer 11:30 AM-1:00 PM featuring a different food vendor each week and also offering entertainment. Lunch is $6 per person. Sponsored by Main Street Ottumwa. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

July 13
Lunch in the Park
Central Park

Enjoy lunch in Central Park on Fridays during the summer 11:30 AM-1:00 PM featuring a different food vendor each week and also offering entertainment. Lunch is $6 per person. Sponsored by Main Street Ottumwa. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

July 14
Central Park Cinema: Honey, I shrunk the kids
Central Park

Bring friends and family to enjoy a film shown in Central Park. See "Honey, I shrunk the kids" on July 14th. Simply bring lawn chairs and/or blanket for seating. No admission charged. Refreshments available for purchase. Sponsored by Main Street Ottumwa. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

July 17
KIDS-IN-THE-KITCHEN: Kids are Grilling
South Hy-Vee

Children ages 4-12 are invited to join Heather Ware, your Ottumwa Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian, for "KIDS-IN-THE-KITCHEN" nutirtion and cooking classes 5:30-6:30 PM on the third Tuesday of each month. Hands-on recipes and kid friendly foods will be used to teach your child about nutrition, healthy eating, and basic cooking techniques. The cost is $5 per child, per class. Parents required to attend with children ages 4-6. Advance registration required - see customer service at South Hy-Vee for registration form. For more information, contact Heather Ware at (641) 682-4516.

July 20
Lunch in the Park
Central Park

Enjoy lunch in Central Park on Fridays during the summer 11:30 AM-1:00 PM featuring a different food vendor each week and also offering entertainment. Lunch is $6 per person. Sponsored by Main Street Ottumwa. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

July 27
Lunch in the Park
Central Park

Enjoy lunch in Central Park on Fridays during the summer 11:30 AM-1:00 PM featuring a different food vendor each week and also offering entertainment. Lunch is $6 per person. Sponsored by Main Street Ottumwa. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

July 27
Ottumwa Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic
Ottumwa Country Club

The 71st annual golf classic returns to the Ottumwa Country Club but for the first time ever will be held on a Friday instead of a Monday. The event is very entertaining but also a great chance to network with business colleagues. For more information, contact Brenda Sieren at (641) 682-3465 or go to www.OttumwaChamber.org.

August 3
Lunch in the Park
Central Park

Enjoy lunch in Central Park on Fridays during the summer 11:30 AM-1:00 PM featuring a different food vendor each week and also offering entertainment. Lunch is $6 per person. Sponsored by Main Street Ottumwa. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

August 10
Lunch in the Park
Central Park

Enjoy lunch in Central Park on Fridays during the summer 11:30 AM-1:00 PM featuring a different food vendor each week and also offering entertainment. Lunch is $6 per person. Sponsored by Main Street Ottumwa. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

August 11
Central Park Cinema: E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial
Central Park

Bring friends and family to enjoy a film shown in Central Park. See "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial" on August 11th. Simply bring lawn chairs and/or blanket for seating. No admission charged. Refreshments available for purchase. Sponsored by Main Street Ottumwa. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

August 21
KIDS-IN-THE-KITCHEN: Lunch Box Makeover
South Hy-Vee

Children ages 4-12 are invited to join Heather Ware, your Ottumwa Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian, for "KIDS-IN-THE-KITCHEN" nutirtion and cooking classes 5:30-6:30 PM on the third Tuesday of each month. Hands-on recipes and kid friendly foods will be used to teach your child about nutrition, healthy eating, and basic cooking techniques. The cost is $5 per child, per class. Parents required to attend with children ages 4-6. Advance registration required - see customer service at South Hy-Vee for registration form. For more information, contact Heather Ware at (641) 682-4516.

August 31
Walk on Art Street Patrons Party

The Patron's Party is a fundraiser benefiting the efforts of Main Street Ottumwa and Walk on Art Street with drinks, appetizers, art auction and music. Location and ticket prices to be announced. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

September 1
Walk on Art Street
Downtown Ottumwa

More than 60 artists from within and outside of Iowa exhibit at his juried art festival located on Third Street from Market to Washington Street adjacent to Central Park. In addition to the art displayed for sale, expect children activities, entertainment and food vendors. The fair runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

September 18
KIDS-IN-THE-KITCHEN: Fall into Nutrition
South Hy-Vee

Children ages 4-12 are invited to join Heather Ware, your Ottumwa Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian, for "KIDS-IN-THE-KITCHEN" nutirtion and cooking classes 5:30-6:30 PM on the third Tuesday of each month. Hands-on recipes and kid friendly foods will be used to teach your child about nutrition, healthy eating, and basic cooking techniques. The cost is $5 per child, per class. Parents required to attend with children ages 4-6. Advance registration required - see customer service at South Hy-Vee for registration form. For more information, contact Heather Ware at (641) 682-4516.

October 6
History Walk
Downtown Ottumwa

A tour of historic downtown Ottumwa with volunteers in period costume entertaining participants from landmark to landmark. More than 200 people took part in the first History Walk in 2011! Ticket prices and hours to be announced. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

October 16
KIDS-IN-THE-KITCHEN: Trick-Or-Healthy Treat
South Hy-Vee

Children ages 4-12 are invited to join Heather Ware, your Ottumwa Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian, for "KIDS-IN-THE-KITCHEN" nutirtion and cooking classes 5:30-6:30 PM on the third Tuesday of each month. Hands-on recipes and kid friendly foods will be used to teach your child about nutrition, healthy eating, and basic cooking techniques. The cost is $5 per child, per class. Parents required to attend with children ages 4-6. Advance registration required - see customer service at South Hy-Vee for registration form. For more information, contact Heather Ware at (641) 682-4516.

November 20
KIDS-IN-THE-KITCHEN: Thanksgiving Feast
South Hy-Vee

Children ages 4-12 are invited to join Heather Ware, your Ottumwa Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian, for "KIDS-IN-THE-KITCHEN" nutirtion and cooking classes 5:30-6:30 PM on the third Tuesday of each month. Hands-on recipes and kid friendly foods will be used to teach your child about nutrition, healthy eating, and basic cooking techniques. The cost is $5 per child, per class. Parents required to attend with children ages 4-6. Advance registration required - see customer service at South Hy-Vee for registration form. For more information, contact Heather Ware at (641) 682-4516.

November 29
Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Boutique
Downtown Ottumwa

The Holiday Boutique is featured in the Hotel Ottumwa's ballroom with dozens of local artists and gift vendors from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony occurs at 6:00 PM when the city lights its tree in Central Park. Expect Christmas carol singing and a visit from Santa. This is a family-friendly event offering food, drink and holiday shopping. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130 or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

December 23
KIDS-IN-THE-KITCHEN: Baking Christmas Cookies
South Hy-Vee

Children ages 4-12 are invited to join Heather Ware, your Ottumwa Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian, for "KIDS-IN-THE-KITCHEN" nutirtion and cooking classes 5:30-6:30 PM on the third Tuesday of each month. Hands-on recipes and kid friendly foods will be used to teach your child about nutrition, healthy eating, and basic cooking techniques. The cost is $5 per child, per class. Parents required to attend with children ages 4-6. Advance registration required - see customer service at South Hy-Vee for registration form. For more information, contact Heather Ware at (641) 682-4516.

January 20
Performance by Simon Estes

More information to come.

January 21
MLK Celebration
St John Auditorium

An observance of the life and contributions of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr in words and music will take place at 7:00 PM on January 21 on the campus of Indian Hills Community College featuring keynote speaker, Simon Estes, Indian Hills Concert Choir, Ottumwa High School Meistersingers and other local musicans and speakers. Free admission. For more information, call (641) 683-5224 or go to www.IndianHills.edu.

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