Music in the Park Presents: Four C Notes
2026-07-18 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois
Music in the Park 2026
Join us on Saturday evenings, 6–8 PM, in the beautiful Washington Square for an incredible lineup of live music all summer long! From local favorites to special guest performers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Bring your friends, your family, and your picnic blankets – let’s make this summer unforgettable in Ottawa!
Don’t forget to tag your friends and share the love. Music in the Park is the place to be this summer!

Music in the Park Presents: The Stingrays
2026-07-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois

Music in the Park Presents: Radium City Rebels
2026-08-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois

Music in the Park Presents: Claremont Drive
2026-08-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois

Jordan Block Jams: Hotel California
2026-08-14 08:00 - 17:00 | Jordan Block, 101-123 W Main St,, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
LIVE AT JORDAN BLOCK JAMS: HOTEL CALIFORNIA An Eagles Tribute Experience

Date: August 14 Time: 8:00 – 10:00 PM Location: Jordan Block, 101 W Main St.
FREE CONCERT
For over three decades, HOTEL CALIFORNIA has been recreating the legendary sound of the Eagles, thrilling audiences around the world with one of the most authentic tribute shows in rock ’n’ roll.
Since setting the bar in 1986, Hotel California has become the industry-leading Eagles tribute band—playing massive outdoor stages and arenas, sharing bills with rock legends, and going places no tribute band has gone before.

What sets them apart? Incredible lead vocal similarity Intensely accurate instrumentation Soaring harmonies A top-flight live performance backed by over 100 years of collective professional experience

Their show is a masterful celebration of the Eagles’ iconic catalog—one of the most game-changing song collections in the history of rock ’n’ roll—performed to perfection before your eyes and ears.
Hotel California has performed across North America and internationally in India, Bermuda, Dubai, Japan, and Tahiti, and has shared the stage with legendary acts including The Doobie Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Styx, Gretchen Wilson, and REO Speedwagon.

If you love the Eagles, welcome to the Hotel California — you’ve just found the next best thing.

Bring your friends, lawn chairs, and your best Eagles sing-along voice for a summer night of classic rock at Jordan Block Jams!

Debate Days
2026-08-15 - 2026-08-23 | Downtown Ottawa
Relive the most famous debate in history.
Step into history as our community transforms into a scene from the past!
Throughout Debate Days, you’ll find exciting events, live entertainment, and experiences that bring Ottawa’s rich history to life, including:

Lincoln-Douglas Debate Re-Enactment: Relive the world’s most famous debate on the very grounds where it first took place in 1858.
Debate Days Parade: March through downtown Ottawa in celebration of community, history, and pride.
Historic Tours & Experiences: Explore Ottawa’s landmarks and learn how our city helped shape the nation’s story.
And so much more!

Music in the Park Presents: Rays Rockets
2026-08-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois

Ottawa's Third Friday-August
2026-08-21 17:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Ottawa
Ottawa’s Third Friday in Downtown Ottawa, Illinois
Dates: May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21, and September 18
Location: Madison Street, Downtown Ottawa, Illinois
Create memories that last a lifetime at Third Friday in downtown Ottawa, Illinois, a lively monthly street festival celebrating local makers, music, and community. Held on Madison Street in the heart of historic downtown Ottawa, Third Friday brings together artisans, musicians, small businesses, and families for a fun, relaxed night out.
Each month features a rotating lineup of local makers and artists, live music, hands-on crafts, family-friendly activities, and pop-up experiences from downtown businesses. Stroll the street market, discover handmade goods, enjoy live entertainment, and connect with the creative spirit that makes Ottawa, Illinois such a vibrant destination.
Whether you’re looking for a unique handmade gift, a fun outing with the kids, or a reason to explore downtown Ottawa shops, restaurants, and galleries, Third Friday is the perfect way to kick off your weekend.
Come experience the energy of Downtown Ottawa, Illinois events and support local artists, makers, and small businesses all summer long.
Admission: Free

Music in the Park Presents: Rosie and the Rivets
2026-08-22 08:00 - 17:00 | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois
Music in the Park – Extended Edition!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 22 – Music in the Park is getting a special extended evening from 6–9 PM! Come enjoy extra time of live music, summer vibes, and community fun in the beautiful Washington Square.

Bring your friends, your family, and your favorite picnic blankets – let’s make this a night to remember!

Music in the Park Presents: Cadillac Grove
2026-08-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois

Ottawa's Third Friday-September
2026-09-18 17:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Ottawa

Walk To End Alzheimer’s
2026-09-26 08:00 - 11:00 | Jordan Block, 101-123 W Main St,, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join us at the Jordan Block on September 26, 2026, from 8-11 am for the Walk To End Alzheimer’s. More information coming soon!

Fall Fest
2026-10-04 | Downtown Ottawa
Join us for Fall Fest on Sunday, Oct. 4 in downtown Ottawa. More information coming soon!

Community Steak Fry
2026-10-08 | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois
Join us for the Illinois Valley Contractor Association’s Community Steak Fry!
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Washington Square + Jackson Street

A Victorian Haunting
2026-10-24 14:00 - 20:00 | Reddick Mansion, 100 W Lafayette St, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
The Third Annual Victorian Haunting Returns… Escape from the Asylum
The doors are creaking open once again for the Third Annual Victorian Haunting, and this year’s theme will test your nerves like never before. Escape from the Asylum invites you into a twisted Victorian-era experience filled with dark secrets, unique characters, and surprises around every corner.
Guests can expect brand-new elements, immersive scenes, eerie encounters, and exclusive special events throughout the evening. Dress to impress (or distress) for our costume contest, capture chilling memories at curated photo opportunities, and explore historic spaces through themed tours that blur the line between history and horror.
This beloved downtown experience will return bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever before—but for now, we’re keeping some of the madness under wraps.
More details, tickets, and reveals coming soon.Until then… start planning your escape.

Chris Kringle Market
2026-11-27 - 2026-11-29, 2026-12-04 - 2026-12-06, 2026-12-11 - 2026-12-13 | Jackson Street, 100 W Jackson Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Holiday Traditions Start Here!
Step into the magic of the season at the 2026 Ottawa Chris Kringle Market, where historic downtown Ottawa transforms into a charming European-style Christmas village—this year entirely along Jackson Street for a more cohesive, festive experience.
Stroll beneath twinkling lights and discover rows of cozy wooden huts filled with handcrafted gifts, holiday décor, artisan goods, and seasonal treats from talented makers and small businesses. The new, fully centralized layout makes it easier than ever to explore every corner of the Market while soaking in the sights, sounds, and spirit of the holidays.
Warm up by glowing firepits, sip on hot cocoa or mulled wine, and enjoy the inviting atmosphere of our warming tent. Throughout the season, guests can experience live carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, family-friendly activities, and special themed weekends designed to bring the community together and create lasting holiday memories.
Whether you’re starting a new tradition or continuing a beloved one, the Ottawa Chris Kringle Market offers a magical escape filled with joy, connection, and Christmas cheer—all in the heart of downtown Ottawa.
2026 Market Dates

Nov. 27-29
Dec. 4-6
Dec. 11-13
Dec. 18-20

Market Hours

Fridays: 4-8 pm (Friday, Nov. 27 has special hours of Noon-6 pm)
Saturdays: 11 am-7 pm
Sundays: 11 am-4 pm

Free admission | Family-friendly | Shop local | Create memories

Ottawa Chris Kringle Market
2026-12-18 - 2026-12-20 | Jackson Street, 100 W Jackson Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
