Main Street Ottumwa is looking ahead to a busy fall season with new businesses, downtown events, community programs and opportunities to support the continued growth of downtown Ottumwa.
Main Street Ottumwa represents a 16-square-block district that is home to about 180 residents, 14 eateries, 145 businesses and more than 1,180 employees. This year also marks 20 years of Main Street Ottumwa working to support downtown businesses and encourage continued investment in the area.
Several new businesses have joined the downtown district since January, including Medicap Home Medical, Curtis Graham Farm Bureau Financial Services, Wildflowers Skin Studio, 228 E 2nd Health Clinic and M-P Oriental Market. North Court Brewing is also preparing to open.
Main Street Ottumwa recently hosted Future Ready Main Street, a seven-week program through Economic Vitality that helped local businesses learn how artificial intelligence can be used in their businesses.
The organization is also updating its downtown business directory. Businesses will be contacted in October to confirm their contact information and other business details.
Fall Events Planned Downtown
Main Street Ottumwa has several events planned for the coming months.
Motor Heads on Main will return October 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. The event will feature motorcycles, cars, food trucks, kids’ activities and live entertainment from The Boys at Main and Market. Several downtown streets will be closed beginning at 3 p.m. for the event.
The annual Endowment Dinner is scheduled for October 22.
Witch Way to Main will take place October 29. The event will include downtown trick-or-treating, displays from local businesses and activities for families. Trunk registration is currently open, with a $30 registration fee.
The annual Light of Love celebration will return to Central Park November 27. Applications for trees opened September 30, with trees available for $125.
The holiday season will officially get underway with A Classical Main Street Christmas on November 28. The Small Business Saturday event will feature a lighted parade, live windows and prizes.
Honoring Community Heroes
Main Street Ottumwa is also launching a new Hometown Hero Banner series recognizing first responders, healthcare workers and teachers with connections to the Ottumwa community.
The banners will be displayed along Main Street from mid-January through mid-May 2027 and again during the holiday season in 2028. Each banner costs $185, which covers the banner, installation and a contribution to the Ottumwa Food Bank.
Applications are available through the Main Street Ottumwa website.
Main Street Ottumwa is also preparing downtown for the holidays. On November 21 and 22, volunteers will decorate the downtown area, with planters receiving greenery on November 21 and Light of Love trees wrapped in lights on November 22.
For more information about upcoming events, business opportunities, sponsorships and downtown programs, visit Main Street Ottumwa or call 641-814-5225.
Source: Main Street Ottumwa, Fall 2026 Main Street Matters newsletter.
Photo/graphic: Main Street Ottumwa.
