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BaconTown
This is a festival for all things bacon. This annual event brings individual cooks, restaurants and grocery stores to Bridge View Center in Ottumwa. In the past, the event has featured free admission with samples available for a slight fee. The event features live music and a kids’ area.
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Halloweenapalooza
Iowa’ s only horror film festival returns Oct. 9-10 at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa. The festival is created by horror filmmakers and horror fans. In addition to the film festival, the event traditionally includes a zombie walk, costume contest, vendors and a celebrity appearance. More information on the event can be found at halloweenapalooza. com.
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Holiday Tree Lighting / Lights of Love
This moving ceremony is traditionally held at dusk the Friday after Thanksgiving at Ottumwa’ s Central Park. Dozens of trees, often sponsored in memory of lost loved ones, in the Lights of Love Display are lit one by one as dedications are read. Other trees are sponsored by businesses and other donors to offer support to the Main Street Ottumwa program. The ceremony concludes with the lighting of the big tree on the amphitheater stage.
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Knoxville Living Windows
A Knoxville tradition, Living Windows brings local storefronts to life during the holiday season in November. Local businesses around the square donate window space to fill with decorations and open their doors after hours on Nov. 17 to provide goodies, music, activities and more. Santa also makes an appearance and a tree lighting ceremony, horse-drawn carriages and snowball drop are part of the evening. Visit the Living Windows – Knoxville, Iowa Facebook page for more information.
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Moravia Fall Festival
Celebrating more than a century of tradition, the Moravia Fall Festival returns Sept. 17-19, 2026, with the theme“ Where Freedom Feels Like Home.” The festival marked its 120th year in 2025 and continues to offer a full weekend of small-town fun and community pride. The event features a wide variety of activities such as a parade, queen pageant live entertainment, vendor booths, kids’ activities, contests and more throughout the weekend.
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Southern Iowa Senior Expo
Hosted by The Ottumwa Courier and the Oskaloosa Herald, this annual event offers valuable information and resources for those nearing retirement, already retired or caring for a senior. The Southern Iowa Senior Expo will be held Sept. 25, 2026, at Bridge View Center in Ottumwa. Attendees can visit a wide variety of vendor booths and hear from expert speakers in conference sessions covering topics related to senior living, health, finances and more.
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Nelson Pioneer Farm Fall Festival
This family-friendly event returns Sept. 20 with a celebration of pioneer living and a fun-filled day for all ages. Held at Nelson Pioneer Farm, the annual Fall Festival features games, crafts, a petting zoo, demonstrations, historic interpreters, community tables and vendors spread throughout the grounds. The event is held rain or shine, with indoor activities and demonstrations continuing in the case of light rain, while some activities may be adjusted for severe weather. Advance tickets are available online, and tickets will also be sold at the gate.
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