Explore Ottawa's artistic community

Around these parts, the three best bets for catching live entertainment and arts-related events are the Ottawa Municipal Auditorium, Ottawa's Carnegie Cultural Center and the Ottawa University Larry Peters Memorial Theatre in the campus Administration Building.

Ottawa Municipal Auditorium

The Ottawa Municipal Auditorium, Third and Hickory streets, starts its season in September and continues through May.

Throughout the season, the auditorium brings in a variety of musical and theatrical productions by nationally touring acts and local talent for adults as well as children.

The auditorium also can be rented for events throughout the year.

Past shows have included appearances by such country stars as Andy Griggs and Riders in the Sky, as well as a showcase of local high school rock and roll bands.

Auditorium managers can be reached at (785) 242-8810. The ticket office is open from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Cultural Center

The Carnegie Cultural Center, 515 S. Main St., Ottawa, provides a venue not only for musical and theatrical productions, but for courses in various art media for artists of all ages. The center also brings in art and cultural exhibits.

Carnegie personnel can be reached at (785) 242-8478. Its normal hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Friday.

OU Theatre

The Ottawa University Administration Building, 1001 S. Cedar St., houses theatrical productions in the Larry Peters Memorial Theatre throughout the year involving OU students and community members. The school's theater and music departments can be reached by contacting OU at (785) 242-5200.