Ottawa Downtown Association

Ottawa Scarecrow Fest
2024-09-28 10:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Downtown Ottawa
The long-standing Ottawa Scarecrow Fest returns to Downtown Ottawa with activities for the entire family. Stroll from Washington Park to the Jordan block visiting craft vendors, trying a great variety of food (including freshly made apple cider donuts!), and listening to live music. Plus, the kids can enjoy pumpkin painting and other free crafts, games, and fun entertainers before walking around to view this year’s Scarecrow Competition entries throughout Downtown! Don’t forget to stop in all the local shops along the way to check out all Ottawa has to offer.

Ottawa Farmers and Makers Market
2024-09-28 08:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Jackson Street, 100 W Jackson Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Don’t Miss the Farmers and Makers Market on September 28th!

Kick off your Saturday morning with an exciting market experience from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Enjoy fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and delectable local treats.

Savor a variety of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables.
Discover unique, handcrafted treasures from talented local artisans.
Delight in mouthwatering baked goods and tasty treats from food stalls.

Bring your family, friends, and even your pets for a day of fun and community spirit. Let’s come together to celebrate and support our local farmers and makers. See you there!

Oktoberfest
2024-09-21 11:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Jordan Block, 101-123 W Main St,, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Head down to the Jordan Block in Downtown Ottawa and enjoy the Oktoberfest festivities! Music from The Happy Wanderers German Polka Band and the Flannel Junkies! Beer Garden (ticket link below) with our main sponsor, Tangled Roots Brewery; the Wiener Dog Races; Stein Hoisting Competition; and great food from Polancic’s, The Pierogi Rig, and more!

Ottawa Farmers and Makers Market
2024-09-21 08:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Jackson Street, 100 W Jackson Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Don’t Miss the Ottawa Farmers and Makers Market on Saturday, Sept. 21!

Kick off your Saturday morning with an exciting market experience from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Enjoy fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and delectable local treats.

Savor a variety of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables.
Discover unique, handcrafted treasures from talented local artisans.
Delight in mouthwatering baked goods and tasty treats from food stalls.

Bring your family, friends, and even your pets for a day of fun and community spirit. Let’s come together to celebrate and support our local farmers and makers. See you there!

Ottawa's Third Friday Artisan Market
2024-09-20 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Open Space Art Gallery & Studio, 223 W Madison St, Ottawa, Illinois
Our FINAL event of 2024 is approaching. Arts, culture, and entertainment come alive every Third Friday in downtown Ottawa, Illinois. This handmade and homegrown market offers one-of-a-kind makers, 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. New extended times 𝟱-𝟵𝗣𝗠

We’ve got a fun new addition to our event this year!𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜 𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗙!Participating businesses have a golf icon next to them – pick up your golf ball and score card at Open Space – each participating business will have a unique hole and an adjustable putter for you to play!

🆂🅴🆃🅴🅼🅴🆁 🅼🆄🆂🅸🅲🅸🅽: Kevin Kramer 6-9pm
ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ᴏᴜʀ ᴅᴀᴠɪᴅ ʙᴏᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴘᴏɴꜱᴏʀꜱᴘᴏꜱᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘʀᴀɪʀɪᴇ ᴅᴇꜱɪɢɴ ꜱᴛᴜᴅɪᴏᴏᴘᴇɴ ꜱᴘᴀᴄᴇ ɢᴀʟʟᴇʀʏꜰᴀʀᴍᴇʀꜱ ɪɴꜱᴜʀᴀɴᴄᴇ ʀᴏʙᴇʀᴛ ʜᴀꜱᴛʏ ᴀɢᴇɴᴄʏ

𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦：FREE Open Space Kids Create TentPlus a variety of exploration stations and games set up along the street

Tʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ᴏᴜʀ Eʀɪᴄ Cᴀʀʟᴇ SᴘᴏɴsᴏʀsCᴀɪᴛʟʏɴ’s Eᴠᴇʀ AꜰᴛᴇʀVᴀɴᴅʏ’s CᴀɴᴅɪᴇsSᴇᴇᴅ ᴀɴᴅ Sᴛᴇᴍ SᴛᴜᴅɪᴏSS Sʜɪʀᴛs N’ MᴏʀᴇGᴏᴇᴛᴢ CʀᴇᴀᴛɪᴠᴇMᴇss ᴏꜰ Tʜɪɴɢs ᴀɴᴅ CᴀᴛsEʏᴇCʀᴀꜰᴛʏ Bᴇᴇ Wᴏᴏᴅ PʀᴏᴅᴜᴄᴛsOᴛᴛᴀᴡᴀ Cᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ TʜʀɪꜰᴛAʀᴛɪᴇ Bᴇᴇ DʏᴇsOᴛᴛᴀᴡᴀ Sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ Eᴠᴇɴᴛs Gʀᴏᴜᴘ
Mini Golf – Floral Sculptures – Third Friday ArchTʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ᴏᴜʀ Fʀɪᴅᴀ Kᴀʜʟᴏ SᴘᴏɴsᴏʀsNɪᴋᴜ Jᴀᴘᴀɴᴇsᴇ RᴇsᴛᴀᴜʀᴀɴᴛYᴏᴜʀ Iɴᴛᴇʀɪᴏʀ MᴏᴛɪᴠᴇsUS SɪʟɪᴄᴀRPS TᴏʏsTʜᴇ Lᴏɴᴇ Bᴜꜰꜰᴀʟᴏ
Cool Kids Face PaintingLa Michoacana Ice CreamUnited WayCamp TuckabatcheeGirl Scouts TroupArts4Impact
FREE Axe Throwing with Axtreme Throwing

Tʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ᴏᴜʀ Aɴᴅʏ Wᴀʀʜᴏʟ SᴘᴏɴsᴏʀOᴘᴇɴ Sᴘᴀᴄᴇ Gᴀʟʟᴇʀʏ

𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗦:*Offering later shopping hours and specials!*Heartland by Hand – open until 8PMPrairie Fox Books – open until 8PMA Mess of Things – open until 6PMInfinite Charm – open until 7PMEarthly Muse – open until 7PMYou’re Interior Motives – open until 9PMThe Ottawa Bakery mini golf outside – bakery will not be openOpen Space Gallery – Artist Reception 5-9PM – open until 9PMOttawa Community Thrift – open until 8PMIconic – Open until 7PMSmall Dog Candle Co. – open until 9PMRPS Toys – open until 8PMHey Sweetie – open until 9PMPersonaliTee’s – open until 7PMGoblin Gaming – open until 9PMSPACES – open until 6PM

𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗦:*Offering an Artisan Cocktail + Mocktail!*R grotto – open until 12AMNiku – open until 9PMThe Beach House – open until 9PMThe Lone Buffalo – open until 11PMIniga – open until 9PMSaffron – open until 11PMB.A.S.H. – open until 10PMCatsEye – open until 11PM Artist Reception for Jay ReedCourt Street Pub – open until 12AM

Tʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ᴏᴜʀ Kᴇɪᴛʜ Hᴀʀɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ Mᴀʀᴋᴇᴛɪɴɢ SᴘᴏɴsᴏʀsLᴇx Pᴏᴜʟᴀᴋᴏs﹕ PʜᴏᴛᴏɢʀᴀᴘʜᴇʀTʜᴇ Lᴀᴡ Oꜰꜰɪᴄᴇs ᴏꜰ Pᴇᴛᴇʀ FᴇʀʀᴀᴄᴜᴛɪCoviaSᴛᴀʀᴠᴇᴅ Rᴏᴄᴋ Mᴇᴅɪᴀ

Ottawa Farmers and Makers Market
2024-09-14 08:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Jackson Street, 100 W Jackson Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Don’t Miss the Farmers and Makers Market on September 14th!

Kick off your Saturday morning with an exciting market experience from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Enjoy fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and delectable local treats.

Savor a variety of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables.
Discover unique, handcrafted treasures from talented local artisans.
Delight in mouthwatering baked goods and tasty treats from food stalls.

Bring your family, friends, and even your pets for a day of fun and community spirit. Let’s come together to celebrate and support our local farmers and makers. See you there!

United Way Day
2024-09-10 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois
Join us in Ottawa’s Washington Park as we kick off our 2024 Campaign with a celebration of community and partnership! Mayor Robb Hasty will officially proclaim September 10th as United Way of Eastern LaSalle County Day, marking the start of a new chapter in our mission to support our comunity.

Come enjoy coffee, donuts, and good company as we gather to celebrate the impact we can make together. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to United Way, everyone is welcome to be part of this special event!

Let’s come together to make a difference!

Tuesday, September 10th 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Washington Park, Ottawa

Ottawa Downtown Association Annual Meeting
2024-09-09 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | Cat’s Eye Wine Bar, 724 LaSalle Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Calling all downtown Ottawa business owners. Join the ODA for an informational meeting for the upcoming holiday season and events. We will be announcing the window decorating contest theme, giving tips and ways to promote yourselves with all the upcoming events, goals for the coming year and questions and suggestions. Coffee and pastries will be provided. We look forward to seeing you all!

Music in the Park: The Stingers
2024-09-07 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois
Join us on Saturday evenings from 6-8 PM in the serene setting of Washington Square for an unforgettable series of live musical performances!

Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast, a rock aficionado, or a fan of soothing acoustic melodies, we’ve got something for everyone in our lineup. Expect toe-tapping beats, soulful tunes, and a vibrant atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding with friends and family.
Bring your picnic blankets and chairs, grab some food from our local vendors, and let the music carry you away as you soak up the summer vibes. Don’t forget to tag your friends and spread the word – Music in the Park is where it’s at this summer in Ottawa!
See you there!

FOOD:Labra’s Eggroll Co.Aussem Dogs

Winner$ Gaming Grand Opening Block Party
2024-09-07 12:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Winner$ Gamig, 612 Canal Street, OTTAWA, IL, 61350, United States
Winner$ Gaming: Sept 7, 12-8 PM

The street will be closed. This will be one you definitely do not want to miss.

2 amazing performances:

Andru Jamison one of the very best up and coming artist from Chattanooga TN. A must see.
The Breakfast Club from Chicago IL. One of the best tributes to the 80s cover bands. High energy and put on a great show.

Live music, Cold drinks, Food trucks, door prizes, giveaways, cash grab machine, Kountry Vodka tent and much more.

Seating will go quick so bring your bag chairs if you prefer. Make sure to like and follow their page!

Ottawa Farmers & Makers Market
2024-09-07 08:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Jackson Street, 100 W Jackson Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Don’t Miss the Farmers and Makers Market on September 7th!

Kick off your Saturday morning with an exciting market experience from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Enjoy fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and delectable local treats.

Savor a variety of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables.
Discover unique, handcrafted treasures from talented local artisans.
Delight in mouthwatering baked goods and tasty treats from food stalls.

Bring your family, friends, and even your pets for a day of fun and community spirit. Let’s come together to celebrate and support our local farmers and makers. See you there!

Mix'd & Mingle: An ONYX Street Fest
2024-09-05 17:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Jordan Block, 101-123 W Main St,, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
TICKETS ARE NOW LIVE! Don’t miss the best street fest of the year Mix’d & Mingle down at Jordan block! There will be music, local celebrity bartenders, food trucks and so much more—do not miss your chance to buy your ticket for this amazing event.Tickets are available here.

Music in the Park with Wild Daisy
2024-08-31 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!

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 (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) | Illinois
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

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) | Illinois
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!
