9
Friday After Five
Each year, Oskaloosa ' s Friday After Five brings people together for live music, food trucks, beer garden and other activities at downtown City Park. This year ' s dates are May 29 and June 5 and 12. Events run from 5-9 p. m.
10
Greater Ottumwa Rodeo
The Greater Ottumwa Rodeo returns this summer for a patriotic celebration honoring the Red, White and Blue. This year ' s event runs July 2-3, with gates opening at 5 p. m. and rodeo action beginning at 7 p. m. each night. Advance tickets are available starting June 1 at Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress, Hy-Vee and Fareway locations. Active military and veterans with ID are admitted free. Visit gopip. org for more information.
11
Knoxville Nationals
Head to the Sprint Car Capital of the World for an action-packed week of racing. The 65th annual Knoxville Nationals takes place at Knoxville Raceway with the 360 Nationals running Aug. 6-8, the Capitani Classic on Aug. 9, and the 410 Knoxville Nationals Aug. 12-15. While there, discover racing history at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum. For more information, visit knoxvilleraceway. com.
12
Lake Red Rock Balloonfest
Watch more than 30 colorful hot air balloons soar over Lake Red Rock at the 15th annual Balloonfest, featuring nightly glows, tether rides, and great food and drinks. This year ' s event is July 10-12 at North Overlook Beach. For more information, visit lakeredrockballoonfest. com.
13
Music on the Green
Join the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra for their annual outdoor concert on the Marge Dodd Stage at Indian Hills Community College on June 7. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnicking items to join in the fun. The concert runs from 7-9 p. m. and admission is free, with a free-will offering taken. In case of inclement weather, the concert moves indoors to the Hellyer Student Life Center.
14
New Sharon Rose Festival
New Sharon ' s beloved annual Rose Festival returns June 5-7 with a full weekend of community fun. Highlights include a parade, live music, car show, softball tournament, micro circus, inflatables, food vendors, kids ' activities and more. For more information, visit newsharoniowa. com.
15
Old Soldiers and Settlers Reunion
This annual Davis County tradition is celebrating its 180th year, set for July 23-25 in Drakesville. Highlights include a tractor pull, queen contest, talent show, parade, baby contest, rodeo and stage shows. For more information, visit daviscountyossr. org.
16
Ottumwa Pro Balloon Races
Iowa ' s longest running free admission hot air balloon event returns for its 48th year, June 17-21 in Greater Ottumwa Park. The five-day celebration features competition balloon flights, nightly glows, tether rides, a large carnival, live music, food vendors, fireworks, a car show, color run, chili cook-off and more. For more information, visit ottumwaproballoonraces. com.
6 101 + Things To Do 2026