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Ottawa’s Debate Days

August 22 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Event Series (See All)

Ottawa’s Debate Days is a celebration of the world-renowned debate between future U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and Senator Stephen Douglas. It was held in the heart of historic Downtown Ottawa, at Washington Park. Come celebrate all things Ottawa with a week full of summer fun in the sun! Scroll down for the schedule, as well as information on the Great Taste Debate, Longest Beard Contest, and Debate Days Parade.

Click here to check out our Lincoln Douglas Bobbleheads, available in a set or separately.

Want to join the Debate Days Parade? Check out this form.

Click here to sign up for the Best Beard Contest

Interested in being a vendor? Contact the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce at (815) 433-0084 or

[email protected].

 

The Great Taste Debate

 

🎩 The Great Taste Debate: Lincoln vs. Douglas
📅 August 15–23, 2026
📍 Downtown Ottawa, Illinois
As part of Ottawa’s Debate Days, step into history—and help decide it.
Welcome to The Great Taste Debate, a citywide food & drink experience where local restaurants, bars, coffee shops, bakeries, and ice cream spots go head-to-head in a delicious showdown inspired by Lincoln and Douglas.
🍽️ How It Works:
Participating locations will feature two special items:
🎩 Lincoln – classic, hearty, traditional
⚖️ Douglas – bold, creative, unexpected
Visit participating spots, try one (or both!), and cast your vote to decide who wins the debate.
🗳️ How to Participate:
✔️ Visit official Taste Debate stops
✔️ Choose your side: Lincoln or Douglas
✔️ Scan the QR code to vote
✔️ Make your case!
👀 We’re currently selecting participating locations—stay tuned for the official lineup!
🏆 Awards Include:
Great Taste Debate Champion (Overall Winner)
Best Lincoln Item
Best Douglas Item
People’s Choice Award
📍 Limited locations. One week only.
Where Lincoln debated… now you decide.
History you can taste.

 

Debate Days August 2026 Timeline

Saturday 15th

Puzzle contest 10am and 2pm at the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum

America at 250! Researching Your Revolutionary Ancestors event at LaSalle County Genealogy Guild 1pm

Ticketed Legacy Gala at Ottawa Center for the Arts 6-10pm with Douglas appearance & Art Show

Great Taste Debate

Flag Scavenger Hunt

Reddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm

Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

 

Sunday 16th

Lecture on Black Hawk Wars 11 am Scouting Museum

Ticketed Mrs. Lincoln / Mrs Douglas (Character) tea at Reddick Mansion 2pm with Quilt Trunk Show

Great Taste Debate

Flag Scavenger Hunt

Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

 

Monday 17th

Lecture on 7 Debates 6pm at Scouting Museum

Store Deals at select stores

Flag Scavenger Hunt

Great Taste Debate

Reddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm

Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

Tuesday 18th

Lecture on Lincoln’s in Town 6pm at Scouting Museum

Store Deals at select stores

Flag Scavenger Hunt

Great Taste Debate

Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

 

Wednesday 19th

Store Deals at select stores

Flag Scavenger Hunt

Chris Vallillo concert at the Abbey 7pm (free – per special events committee) – get registration set up

Great Taste Debate

Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

 

Thursday 20th

Store Deals at select stores

Flag Scavenger Hunt

Tale of Two Bluffs movies at the ROXY 7pm – free

Great Taste Debate

Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

 

Friday 21st

Store Deals – sidewalk sales

Third Friday Market

Best Beard Contest 5:30pm

Toast to Lincoln and Douglas @ Valley View

Music by Illinois 33 rdBand 6pm in Washington Park with Lincoln and Douglas Impersonators

Great Taste Debate

Flag Scavenger Hunt

Reddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm

Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

 

Saturday 22nd

Store Deals- sidewalk sales

Old Time Fair inWashington Park from 11am – 4pm (fair is FREE)

YSB Scoops & Smiles 11am-1pm (free)

Farmers & Makers Market on Jackson St from 8am – 4pm

Carriage Rides 1-5pm pick up in front of Reddick Mansion

Re-enactment of Lincoln / Douglas Debate 4-5pm

Ice Cream Social in Washington Park 6pm with Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum ($5 tickets)

American Legion Post 33 cookout 6-9pm

Music in the Park 6-9pm Rosie and the Rivets

Quilt winners announced 6pm

Great Taste Debate

Flag Scavenger Hunt

Reddick Mansion Open House 11-3pm (pay as you go )

Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

I&M Canal Ride with Open Trails

 

Sunday 23rd

Store Deals at select stores

250th Anniversary Parade 1pm (find event details here)

Interested in joining the parade?

Great Taste Debate winner announced- monday on social media

Virtual Duck Race with the Ottawa Exploreum 6pm

Details

Venue

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