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Oktoberfest in the Klokkenspel
This event is held in Pella’ s Klokkenspel Plaza downtown. It features Chicago polka band Alpine Thunder, and traditional Oktoberfest food, drinks and games. The event is Oct. 10, from 1-10 p. m.
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Oktoberfest / Rotary Chicken Barbecue
Celebrate fall with the Ottumwa Oktoberfest celebration. The 2026 event runs Sept. 30-Oct. 3 and features the beer and brat tent., live music, kiddie parade, big parade and more. Events typically run Wednesday through Saturday. The event unofficially kicks off with the Ottumwa Rotary Chicken Barbecue, served at Bridge View Center, on Sept. 29.
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Pages for Pennies
The annual book sale, a partnership between Meet Ottumwa and the Ottumwa Public Library, is scheduled for Sept. 25-27 at Bridge View Center. Donations for the event will begin Aug. 24. The event features significantly discounted book titles priced at $ 2 or less, and there also are deals on audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, games, puzzles and sheet music. Admission is free and open to the public all three days.
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Van Buren Scenic Drive Festival
When the leaves begin to change and crisp autumn air settles in, it’ s time for the Scenic Drive Festival, set for Oct. 9-11, 2026. Held throughout the Villages, this popular fall tradition features arts and crafts vendors, antique vendors, art shows, live music, garage sales, kids’ entertainment, parades, and car and motorcycle shows. A wide variety of food and activities are offered across multiple locations, making it a full weekend of seasonal fun. Find more information at villagesofvanburen. com.
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Pancake Day
The 77th annual event is set for Sept. 26. Held on the Centerville square, the event began in 1949 as a way for local businesses to say thank you to their patrons and is held annually on the last Saturday of September. Main attractions of the day include free pancakes in the morning, a Kiddie Parade, the Pancake Day Queen contest, entertainment and the Big Parade. Fore more information and a schedule of events, visit pactiowa. org.
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Southern Iowa Junk Jaunt
The event is held twice a year over a three-day period. The first outing is June 12-14, and the fall edition of the journey will be Oct. 16-18. Visitors can shop with vendors in Appanoose, Lucas, Monroe and Wayne counties, and expect to find antiques, handmade crafts, furniture and repurposed gifts. For more information, to Southern Iowa Junk Jaunt’ s Facebook page.
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Moulton Jamboree
The small Appanoose County community and surrounding area surpassed 100 years as an event four years ago and will be back in early September. The event is typically held the first weekend after Labor Day, and features a talent show, car show, antiques, kiddie pull, carnival and live entertainment. Wristbands and tickets for entertainment can be purchased onsite.
10 101 + Things To Do 2026