Ottawa Downtown Association

Music in the Park with Strung Out
2024-06-29 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois
Get ready to groove and sway because Music in the Park is back in action for 2024!🎉 Join us on Saturday evenings from 6-8 PM in the serene setting of Washington Square for an unforgettable series of live musical performances!

SRCC Celebration Kid's Expo
2024-06-29 09:00 - 17:00 UTC | Old Central School Grounds, 288 Albin Stevens Dr, Ottawa, Illinois
Celebration Kid’s Expo is the new updated version of the annual fundraiser held for Starved Rock Regional Center (formerly Easter Seals, LBC). This year we are planning an extraordinary event filled with kid activities, games, inflatables, demonstrations and more. Don’t worry, we’re bringing back The Auto Inspector too with his awesome car show!
Join us for some fun. Admission is free but inflatables/kid activities will require a wristband available for $10 at the gate.
We’re partnering up with Art in the Park taking place at Washington Park and Infinity Food Truck Festival that will be going on at the Jordan block. There will be so many things going on, bring the family down for a full day of things to do!

Ottawa Art League Art in the Park Fine Art Show & Sale
2024-06-29 09:00 - 17:00 UTC | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois
Original works in painting, graphics, sculpture, photography, wood, glass, metal, fabric, ceramics, jewelry, and mixed media are on display during the annual Ottawa Art League Art in the Park Fine Art Show and Sale!

Art in the Park is being held in conjunction with the Infinity Food Fest and the SRRC Family Fun Festival. Several family-friendly activities are happening downtown that day including Music in the Park that evening starting at 6 pm. Join us for this great community event!

Infinity Food Festival
2024-06-29 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Downtown Ottawa
Join us Downtown Ottawa on Jordan Block and in Washington Park as we welcome over 30 food trucks to satisfy every foodie! Get tickets for the beer tent. Kids head to Junior Chef tent to learn how to make fruit pizza!

Celebration Kid's Expo
2024-06-29 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Old Central School Grounds, 288 Albin Stevens Dr, Ottawa, Illinois

Farmers Market
2024-06-29 07:00 - 13:00, 2024-06-22 07:00 - 13:00, 2024-06-15 07:00 - 13:00, 2024-06-08 07:00 - 13:00, 2024-06-01 07:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Jackson Street, 100 W Jackson Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
The Ottawa Farmers & Makers Market is a home-grown slice of local life, featuring Ottawa area growers, farmers, bakers, and makers! Stop by every Saturday starting June 1st through October 12th from 8:00am to 12:30pm on Jackston Street in Ottawa to check out the local vendors and support your friends and neighbors while purchasing fresh food, handmade artisan crafts, and more.

Starved Rock Concert Series: Fool House
2024-06-22 18:00 - 22:00 UTC | Jordan Block, 101-123 W Main St,, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
OTTAWA IL / NEW CONCERTS
NTL Productions & JJ’s Pub is pleased to present…
The Starved Rock Concert Series
An outdoor concert experience in the Jordan block of Downtown Ottawa where the Illinois & Fox Rivers meet!

*FREE EVENTS/ FAMILY FRIENDLY*
SAT/JUNE 22ND- Fool House – The Ultimate 90’s Dance Party
SAT/JULY 30TH- Tennessee Whiskey Chicago (Tribute to Chris Stapleton & The Ultimate Eric Church Experience
SAT / AUGUST 31st – JUMP – America’s Van Halen Experience

*3 local food trucks & bar provided by JJ’s Pub
*Professional Stage & Light Production
*Lawn chairs and blankets welcome
*No outside food or beverage

Music in the Park with The Neverly Brothers
2024-06-22 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois

Run Today for Tomorrow
2024-06-22 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | 234 Albi Sevens Dr, 234 Albin Stevens Dr, Ottawa, Illinois
Annual 5K where all proceeds stay in the community and provide financial assistance to community members in getting the help they need. Join in-person race or virtually you can run around your neighborhood, post results and help share our message with the world!

Jordan Block Jams: Cowboy Co Band & JJ's Pub
2024-06-21 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Jordan Block, 101 W Main St, Ottawa, Illinois
Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music, community vibes, and good times as we kick off this exciting new venture plus indulge in delicious food and refreshing drinks from our food and drink vendors! Whether you are a longtime music lover or just looking for a fun way to spend your evening, Jordan Block Jams promises to deliver an experience like no other.

Ottawa's Third Friday Artisan Market
2024-06-21 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Open Space Art Gallery & Studio, 223 W Madison St, Ottawa, Illinois
Art, culture and entertainment come alive every Third Friday in downtown Ottawa, Illinois. Art, vendors, music, food and live events hosted by Open Space Gallery. Enjoy later shopping at many downtown retailers and enjoy custom food and drink specials at several of our fantastic restaurants.

Lions Club Carnival
2024-06-19 18:00 - 2024-06-22 00:00 UTC | Downtown Ottawa
The Ottawa Lions Club Carnival will provide children of all ages with thrilling rides and tasty summer treats we’ve all come to expect! No advanced wristbands or ticket sales this year.

26th Annual Cruise Night
2024-06-14 18:00 - 21:00 UTC | LaSalle St.
Come to Ottawa and check out the antique and custom cars during the city’s 26th Annual Cruise Night! Over 100 different models of cars will cruise the streets! It’s every car buff’s dream! LaSalle Street will be closed down for this event. Hosted by The LaSalle County Cruisers and the City of Ottawa. $10 registration dash plaques to first 300 entries. Expanded 50/50 drawing. Need not be present. Advance purchase available. For more info contact: Craig at 815-351-7411 or Mike at 815-228-4083. Sponsored by Ottawa Special Events Group.

Ottawa Volunteer Fair
2024-06-10 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | YMCA, 411 Canal St., Ottawa, IL
The City of Ottawa, in partnership with the YMCA, is thrilled to announce its upcoming Volunteer Fair, scheduled to take place at the new YMCA Gymnasium on Monday, June 10, from 6 to 8 PM at 411 Canal St, Ottawa, IL. The Volunteer Fair will showcase dedicated tables for various organizations and events actively seeking volunteers. Attendees will have the freedom to explore different opportunities aligned with their interests and passions, allowing them to sign up for roles that resonate with them.

Ottawa Family Pride Fest
2024-06-08 10:00 - 16:00 UTC | Downtown Ottawa
Ottawa Family Pride Fest, featuring over 100 vendors, a kids Foam Party, food trucks and plenty more family entertainment! Parade Kicks off at 10 am and runs down LaSalle Street.

Kites in Flight
2024-05-18 11:00 - 2024-05-19 16:00 UTC | Old Central School Lot, 400 Clinton St, Ottawa, Illioins
This 2-day event will again feature professional kite flying demonstrations from the Chicago Kite Company, a designated area for kids/family kite flying, entertainment to get the children moving, a candy drop, balloon artists, face painting, bounce houses, and more! With over 4,000 attendees, this festival is the largest of its kind in our area, and we anticipate it continuing to grow.
And did we mention…it’s ALL FREE for families to enjoy!

Ottawa's Third Friday Artisan Market
2024-05-17 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Open Space Art Gallery & Studio, 223 W Madison St, Ottawa, Illinois
Arts, Culture and Entertainment come alive every Third Friday in downtown Ottawa, Illinois Art, vendors, music, food and live events hosted by Open Space Gallery. Enjoy later shopping hours at many downtown retailers and enjoy custom food and drink specials at several of our fantastic restaurants.

Starved Rock Country Marathon
2024-05-11 07:00 - 13:30 UTC | IL
A 26.2, 13.1 or 5k run through scenic and historic Starved Rock Country. Great views and run through the area. Starting in the Heart of Starved Rock State Park and ending along the riverfront in Downtown Ottawa. Takes place Saturday, May 11, starting at 7 am in downtown Ottawa, IL.

Morel Fest
2024-05-04 07:30 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Jordan Block, 101 W Main St, Ottawa, Illinois

Painting for a Purpose: Ottawa Downtown Association
2024-04-11 17:30 - 20:30 UTC | Open Space Art Gallery & Studio, 223 W Madison St, Ottawa, Illinois
Join us as we host a BYOB painting class (40 seats available) and a portion of the proceeds will go towards a local charity or cause. Come create with us while supporting your community. This event will be raising money for the Ottawa Downtown Association.

There will also be raffle baskets at this event.

The Ottawa Downtown Association plays a pivotal role in shaping the heart of downtown Ottawa, Illinois into a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and community. Our mission is to champion and nurture the heart of our city. We are dedicated to fostering a thriving, dynamic downtown community, empowering local businesses, and supporting exceptional events and activities for residents and visitors alike. Through collaboration and innovation, we aim to create an inclusive and vibrant core that reflects the spirit and diversity of our beloved city.

Preregistration required
BYOB permitted to guests over 21.

Floret Events Hurray for Spring Egg Hunt & Scavenger Hunt
2024-03-30 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Jordan Block, 101-123 W Main St,, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join Floret Events for the Hurray for Spring Egg Hunt and Scavenger Hunt. Free treats, crafts, and hunt. Traditional egg hunt will be on the Jordan Block. Scavenger hunt check-in and treats/crafts will be at Flore, 610 Court Street.

Meet the Easter Bunny
2024-03-23 11:00 - 14:00 UTC | RPS Toys, 820 La Salle St, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Guess who’s hopping on by RPS Toys this weekend? If you guessed the Easter Bunny, youd be right!

Stop on by between 11 am-2pm this Saturday and create precious memories with your kids or grandkids.

Plus, our store is stocked with all kinds of Easter basket goodies, like everyone’s favorite Jellycat stuffed animals, Vandy’s Candies freeze dried candies, outdoor toys, and more! We can even create and customize baskets- just tell us about the child you’re shopping for and we can do the shopping for you or you can come in and shop! Take advantage of this while you can!

Free Photo with the Easter Bunny
2024-03-19 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Chad Lucas State Farm, 109 W. Michigan, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States

Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY)
2024-02-24 16:00 - 19:00 UTC | Jordan Block, 101-123 W Main St,, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Illinois Valley PADS is joining in on the national walk – Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY). The Coldest Night of the Year is a winter family-friendly fundraising walk that brings awareness to the plight of the homeless and benefits the mission of Illinois Valley PADS.
IV PADS (with shelters in Ottawa and Peru, IL) is asking everyone to brave the chill together and stand in solidarity with those who face the bitter cold of homelessness every day.
BY WALKING, you’ll feel a hint of the challenge faced by those experiencing homelessness and hopelessness during winter. BY FUNDRAISING, you’ll directly contribute to the vital funds needed to support the growing homeless population in the Illinois Valley area.
REGISTER at CNOY.com (location – Ottawa, IL) to form or join a team, to donate or to volunteer.
Together we can raise funds to continue to provide safe shelter, nourishing meals, and access to life-changing services in the Illinois Valley area.
Day’s Agenda
4:00 pm – Welcome / Check-in
5:00 pm – Send off
6:00 pm – Light meal provided
7:00 pm – Conclusion

City of Ottawa Arts Committee Pop-Up Market-Weekend 2
2023-12-15 - 2023-12-17 | 818 LaSalle St, 818 LaSalle Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Experience the magic of the season at the City of Ottawa Arts Committee Holiday Pop-Up Market! Join us on December 8-10 and December 16-18 for a festive celebration of local art and crafts. Discover unique gifts and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts community. Mark your calendars for a winter wonderland of creativity in the heart of Ottawa!

City of Ottawa Arts Committee Pop-Up Market-Weekend 1
2023-12-08 - 2023-12-10 | 818 LaSalle St, 818 LaSalle Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
