What’s happening in downtown Ottawa?
Latest Updates & News
Stay connected and informed about the latest happenings in Ottawa’s vibrant community.
Ottawa Downtown Association Begins Search for International Sister City
OTTAWA, Ill. — Ottawa is looking beyond the Illinois Valley. The Ottawa Downtown Association has begun the process of identifying an international community that could become Ottawa's first Sister...
Ottawa Downtown Association Awarded Enjoy LaSalle County Tourism Grant for Holiday Tourism Campaign
OTTAWA, IL — September 21, 2026 — The Ottawa Downtown Association (ODA) has been awarded an Enjoy LaSalle County Tourism grant to support a coordinated holiday tourism marketing campaign encouraging...
Ottawa Community Thrift Named August Business of the Month
By Sarah Finley, ODA Treasurer Walking down LaSalle Street in downtown Ottawa, it’s hard to miss Ottawa Community Thrift. Grateful Dead bears and colorful tapestries in the windows offer a hint of...
The Ottawa Bakery Celebrates 11 Sweet Years
By Sarah Finley, ODA Treasurer This July, the Ottawa Downtown Association is proud to recognize The Ottawa Bakery as our Business of the Month. The timing couldn't be more fitting. As owner Holli...
Ottawa Downtown Association Announces New Downtown Block Party and Fireworks Viewing Experience for July 4
OTTAWA, IL — The Ottawa Downtown Association is excited to announce a new and expanded 4th of July celebration in conjunction with Ottawa’s annual Fireworks Display. This year, fireworks will be...
Disco Bungalow Named Ottawa Downtown Association’s Business of the Month for June
By Sarah Finley, ODA Treasurer Nearly one year after opening its doors in downtown Ottawa, Disco Bungalow is already becoming a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike. Owner Kaley Dilley, along...
StartUp Starved Rock Announces 2026 Grant Recipients Supporting New Businesses in Downtown Ottawa
Ottawa, IL – The Ottawa Downtown Association and the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce the nine recipients of the 2026 StartUp Starved Rock Grant, a program designed to support...
StartUp Starved Rock Initiative Launches to Grow Ottawa Businesses with Support from Midland States Bank
Ottawa, IL – The Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce and the Ottawa Downtown Association are proud to announce they have been awarded a $7,500 grant from Midland States Bank to support StartUp Starved...
New Community Christmas Tree Program to Light Up Washington Square Park
OTTAWA, IL — The Ottawa Downtown Association, in partnership with the City of Ottawa and Garden’s Gate Garden Center, is thrilled to launch a brand-new holiday tradition in downtown Ottawa — the...
Interactive “Explore Downtown Ottawa” Map Now Available
New tool connects locals and visitors with dining, shopping, public art, and more Ottawa, IL –Aug. 15, 2025— The Ottawa Downtown Association is excited to announce the launch of the Explore Downtown...