Ottawa Downtown Association

Farmers Market
2024-08-31 07:00 - 13:00, 2024-08-24 07:00 - 13:00, 2024-08-17 07:00 - 13:00, 2024-08-10 07:00 - 13:00, 2024-08-03 07:00 - 13:00, 2024-07-27 07:00 - 13:00, 2024-07-20 07:00 - 13:00, 2024-07-13 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.

LaSalle County Walk to End Alzheimer's
2024-08-26 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | IL
The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Illinois Valley residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Jordan Block, 101-123 W. Main St., in Ottawa, IL.

“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are now treatments that change the course of the disease,” said, Kayli Lavelle, Alzheimer’s Association Walk Manager “We hope that everyone in our community can join us by starting a team to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, take more steps toward treatments and finally ending this disease.”

On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Illinois, there are more than 266,500 people living with the disease and 314,000 caregivers.

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit http://act.alz.org/illinoisvalley

Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s Association®The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

Music in the Park with Silhouettes
2024-08-24 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!

Third Annual Children’s Business Fair
2024-08-24 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Downtown Ottawa
We are taking the Children’s Business Fair out of the park this year and taking over the entire town! Over 20 Junior CEOs will have their booths set up in front of different Downtown Ottawa Merchants stores!

Prairie Fox Books will have passports to show you where everyone will be located, and you can go around and meet every Kid Boss, show them some support, and then have them sign your passport. Visit every Kid Business and fill out your passport to be entered in a raffle for a Downtown Ottawa Experience basket. Get signatures from the Merchant hosts by popping in and supporting them as well and get bonus raffle entries!

Shop small (in more ways than one) on Saturday, August 24th! These kids create AMAZING products every year.

Music in the Park with Claremont Drive
2024-08-17 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois

Music in the Park with Jonny Lyons and the Pride
2024-08-10 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois

Taylor Swift Dance Party
2024-08-04 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | IL
Get ready to shake it off, Ottawa! 🎶 Mark your calendars and dust off your dancing shoes because the City of Ottawa is thrilled to announce the ultimate summer bash: a TSwift Dance Party to close out our 2024 Friendship Days Festival on August 4th!🌟

Music in the Park with Seal with a Kiss
2024-08-03 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois

Canal Day
2024-08-03 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Multiple Locations
Aug. 3, 9 am-4 pm
Hosted at Reddick Mansion, Canal Tollhouse, Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum

Jordan Block Jams: Fueled by Whiskey & Catseye
2024-08-02 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.

Outdoor Craft and Vendors Show
2024-08-02 - 2024-08-04 | Woodward Memorial Parking Log, Woodward Memorial Dr, OTTAWA, IL, 61350-1041, United States
Aug. 2-4, 10 am-6 pm, Woodward Memorial Drive Parking Lot

Kid's Fishing Rodeo
2024-08-01 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Fox and Illinois Rivers
It’s not summer without the traditional Kid’s Fishing Rodeo. Free kid event, under the bridge where the Illinois and Fox Rivers meet.
Thursday, Aug. 1, 5-7 pm

Sidewalk Sales & Chalk the Walk
2024-08-01 10:00 - 2024-08-03 16:00 UTC | Downtown Ottawa
Shop at participating Businesses and chalk the walk to make the downtown bright and colorful for Ottawa Friendship Days! Find amazing deals throughout the downtown. Each participating business will also have chalk for the kids to use while you shop!

Rock The Block
2024-07-31 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois

4th Annual Touch a Truck
2024-07-28 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Riverfront Park, 400 Clinton St, Ottawa, Illinois
4th Annual Touch a Truck
July 28, 11 am-3 pm at Riverfront Park
Hosted by the IL Valley Building Trades, IL Valley Contractors Association, and the IL Valley Labor Management Fund

Music in the Park with Beatelles & Rosie and the Rivets
2024-07-27 18:00 - 21:00 (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! 6-6:50 is Beatelles and 7-9 is Rosie and the Rivets

Drinkin' with Lincoln
2024-07-27 - 2024-07-28 | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois
Join us for the inaugural Ottawa’s Brew Fest “Drinkin’ With Lincoln” as part of Friendship Days at Washington Square Park!The festivities kick off on Saturday, July 27 from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM and continue on Sunday, July 28 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.Enjoy two days of live music featuring performances by Dan Hubbard, 80s Bush, The Beatelles, Rosie and the Rivets, Aaron Kelly, and The David Hilliker Trio. Savor delicious food from vendors like Bertha’s, Flo’s, Dig Doug’s BBQ, Serna’s, Tony’s Tacos, Chicago Maine Lobster, and Yim Curry. Quench your thirst with a fantastic lineup of beer vendors along with a couple of wine vendors.Tangled Roots Brewing CompanyNik & Ivy BrewingChurch Street Brewing CompanyObscurity Brewing & Craft MeadScorched Earth Brewing CompanyRevolution BrewingTwo Brothers Brewing CompanyKite Hill VineyardsUnpossible MeadStar Union SpiritsAugust Hill WineryTickets are available for pre-sale at $20 for 24 tickets online or in person at City Hall and the Ottawa Visitors Center, or $25 for 24 tickets at the gate (credit card fees apply). Beer tastings are 2 tickets each or 6 tickets for a 16 oz pour, and wine tastings are 2 tickets each or 6 tickets for a 5 oz pour. Rumor has it Lincoln might be making a guest appearance- you don’t want to miss this!https://www.visitottawail.com/event/drinkin-with-lincoln/

Music in the Park with Good Clean Fun
2024-07-20 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois

Jordan Block Jams:Ripped Jeans Duo & Floret Events Drinks
2024-07-19 19:00 - 22:00 (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 Promise to deliver an experience like no other.

Ottawa's Third Friday Artisan Market
2024-07-19 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 and live events hosted by Open Space Art Gallery. Enjoy later shopping hours at many of the downtown retailers and enjoy custom food and drink specials at several of our fantastic restaurants.

Music in the Park with Mary & the Troublemakers
2024-07-13 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois

Music in the Park with Quentin Flagg
2024-07-06 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois

We the People: A Traveling Exhibit Grand Opening Ceremony
2024-07-06 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Illinois Valley Community College- Ottawa Campus, 321 W. Main Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
9/11 was a tragic day for our country. Educating younger generations about this tragedy bridges the gap of first-hand experience and fosters and understanding of its lasting impact on our nation.
At the center of the exhibit are two beam pieces from the North Tower of the World Trade Center, which serve as a powerful reminder of the September 11th attacks. The Talk-Back Star Table, designed to engage children in thinking and communicating about helping others in their community, complements the beams. The exhibit is generously shared with us from the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn, IL, and will be available for public viewing at the IVCC Ottawa Campus for July 2024.
Schedule of Events
Monday, July 1 | 10 am
Procession of the “We the People” exhibit with the Illinois State Patriot Guard and area first responders. The caravan will begin in Morris, traveling down Route 6 through Senecan and Marseilles to Ottawa.
Saturday, July 6 | 10 am – 3 pm
Grand Opening Ceremony
10 am: Posting of the Colors by the American Legion, followed by a Ribbon Cutting with the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
We welcome the community to celebrate the arrival of the exhibit. Our generous sponsors will treat guests to hot dogs, popcorn, sno cones, and water/soda, starting at 11 am until supplies last. The OVC will also launch the children’s scavenger hunt. Participants will receive a goodie bag when completed. Please look for details on the OVC Facebook page.
Saturday, July 6-Wednesday, July 31
“We the People” exhibit will be available for public viewing at the IVCC Ottawa Campus, 321 W. Main Street, Room #101. Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm, Saturday, 10 am- 3 pm
