Ottawa Downtown Association

Starved Rock Country Marathon
2024-05-11 07:00 - 13:30 UTC
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

Freezin' for a Reezin'
2023-12-01 | WCMY
Join WCMY radio station for their 15th annual Freezin for a Reezin, Friday, December 1, 2023, from 7:30 to 4:00.
Jay will have special guests on air right from the WCMY lobby.
Freezin for a Reezin gives you a unique opportunity to raise money that supports the Community Food Basket of Ottawa. As many know, the food basket brings critical food items to you every first Saturday of the month at the OSF 1050 parking structure. But did you know your monetary gifts provide ten times the buying power that we all have at the grocery store?
The fun-filled day also includes celebrity guests, past WCMY legends of the airwaves and you, stop by and see what a radio station at Christmastime looks like and make your monetary donation.
The halls of WCMY radio Station will be decked out but you don’t even need to come inside, volunteers will be on hand to accept your cash donations on LaFayette outside the station.
There’ll be a school choir to put you in the Christmas mood. Don’t forget the date, Friday, December 1st starting when Jay goes live on the air at 7:30 am all the way till 4:00 pm. WCMY’s 15th annual Freezin for a Reezin.
Click here to donate.

Small Business Saturday
2023-11-25
Get ready to embark on a delightful shopping adventure in the heart of Ottawa, Illinois, as Small Business Saturday descends upon our charming downtown! On November 26th, join us in supporting local businesses and celebrating the vibrant tapestry of our community. Discover unique treasures, enjoy special promotions, and savor the warm, welcoming atmosphere that only small businesses can provide. From boutiques to eateries, our downtown has something for everyone. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a big difference by shopping small and showing your love for Ottawa’s local entrepreneurs. Come be a part of a day filled with shopping, dining, and community spirit as we come together to make Small Business Saturday in Ottawa, IL an unforgettable experience!

Deck the Windows Event
2023-11-24 08:00 - 2023-12-25 17:00 UTC
Downtown Ottawa is already well-known for its picturesque charm, and “Deck the Windows” seeks to take this to new heights this holiday season! Join us in appreciating the remarkable efforts put forth by you, our downtown businesses, as you adorn your windows for the Christmas season.

Throughout this month-long celebration, organized by the Ottawa Downtown Association, downtown businesses are encouraged to showcase their creativity with captivating window decorations that will leave everyone in awe.

In the spirit of the season, the Ottawa Downtown Association will be recognizing and celebrating these businesses for their beautiful window displays. Residents and visitors can vote for their favorites starting Nov. 24!

Businesses! Sign up to be featured on our social media accounts today by clicking here: https://forms.gle/zVue3pENkL1CgGBB6

City-wide Fall Trash Cleanup
2023-11-18 10:00 - 13:30 UTC | Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 2850 Columbus St, Ottawa, 61350, United States
Join our friend, Justine Larabee, to help beautify Ottawa during her city-wide fall trash pickup! Meet at Holiday Inn Express & Suites starting at 10 am. Lunch provided by Rosati’s Pizza at noon.

ODA-IL Night at Cat's Eye
2023-11-17 13:00 - 23:30 UTC | Cat’s Eye Wine Bar, 724 LaSalle Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States

Register to Ring with the Salvation Army
2023-11-10 10:00 - 2023-12-25 18:00 UTC | Salvation Army Ottawa
By signing up at registertoring.com and donating your time, you have the power to make a difference in the lives of those in our community. The Salvation Army of Ottawa needs our help!
