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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ottawa, IL - The Middle of Everywhere
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260911
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260914
DTSTAMP:20260504T194650Z
CREATED:20260504T194650Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T194650Z
UID:10001972-1789084800-1789343999@www.visitottawail.com
SUMMARY:Paint the Town: En Plein Aire Art Festival
DESCRIPTION:The City of Ottawa Arts Committee invites you to their second annual Paint the Town: En Plein Air Festival in Ottawa\, IL. Plein air artists are invited to use their vision and talents to capture picturesque scenes. Nestled just 80 miles southwest of Chicago\, Ottawa\, Illinois\, is a hidden gem for artists seeking inspiration. With its beautifully landscaped downtown\, historic churches\, architecture\, and vibrant public parks\, the city offers a diverse and dynamic backdrop for plein air painters. Framed by the confluence of the Illinois and Fox Rivers\, Ottawa boasts breathtaking waterfront views\, lush nature preserves\, and charming streetscapes\, making it the perfect setting for an immersive outdoor painting experience.\n\n\n\nOver three days\, artists will have the opportunity to explore\, create\, and compete for $5\,000 in prizes graciously donated by Bob and Cheryl Nelson\, while connecting with fellow artists and art lovers in a welcoming\, inspiring environment.\n\n\nWhether you’re drawn to the rich textures of historic architecture\, the soft light reflecting off the river\, or the serenity of our natural landscapes\, Ottawa has a scene for every artistic vision. Come paint with the Arts Committee and let the town become your canvas!\n\n\n\nEvent Schedule\n\n\nFriday\, September 11 – Town Tours\n• Get inspired and discover Ottawa’s most scenic spots before painting begins!\n• Two guided bus tours are available\n• Tours will highlight historic sites\, hidden gems\, and ideal painting locations\n\n\n\nSaturday\, September 12 – Paint the Town\n• All-day painting begins\n• Artists may set up anywhere within the Ottawa city limits to paint en plein air\n\n\n\nSunday\, September 13 – Awards Exhibition at Nell’s Woodland\n• 8:00 AM – All completed artwork must be turned in for judging\n• 10:00 AM – Awards Exhibition & Winner Announcements\, and Easel Sales\n• 11:00 AM Nell’s Woodland Arts Day\, including activities\, demonstrations\, and food!\n\n\n\nAwards & Prizes ($5\,000 Total Prize Pool)\n• Best in Show — $2\,000\n• 2nd Place — $1\,000\n• 3rd Place — $600\n• 4th Place — $400\n• 4 × Judge’s Choice — $250 each
URL:https://www.visitottawail.com/event/paint-the-town-en-plein-aire-art-festival/
LOCATION:Nell’s Woodland\, 2000 Alexis Ave.\, Ottawa\, IL\, 61350\, United States
CATEGORIES:Arts,Outdoor
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.visitottawail.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/enpleinaire26.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="City of Ottawa Arts Committee":MAILTO:Arts@cityofottawa.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260911T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260911T170000
DTSTAMP:20260820T171013Z
CREATED:20260820T171013Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T171013Z
UID:10002156-1789117200-1789146000@www.visitottawail.com
SUMMARY:Escape the Study Room Game: History Museum
DESCRIPTION:For all ages: You are new night guards at the museum and only have 45 minutes to fix the mixed-up displays before opening. Can you and your team solve the riddles in time to win a prize? Reserve a Study Room or drop in and request one\, and see if you are successful. This event is for children and teens of all ages. Tuesday\, September 1 through Saturday\, September 19 during open hours.
URL:https://www.visitottawail.com/event/escape-the-study-room-game-history-museum/2026-09-11/
LOCATION:Reddick Public Library\, 1010 Canal Street\, Ottawa\, IL\, 61350\, United States
CATEGORIES:Arts,Entertainment,Family,Get Educated,History,Kids Corner
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.visitottawail.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/reddick-study-rooms-scaled-1.jpeg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260911T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260911T173000
DTSTAMP:20260829T164417Z
CREATED:20260829T164417Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T164417Z
UID:10002194-1789144200-1789147800@www.visitottawail.com
SUMMARY:DIY Thumbprint Magnets
DESCRIPTION:For teens\, Make personalized magnets to decorate your refrigerator door or locker.
URL:https://www.visitottawail.com/event/diy-thumbprint-magnets/
LOCATION:Reddick Public Library\, 1010 Canal Street\, Ottawa\, IL\, 61350\, United States
CATEGORIES:Arts,Entertainment,Kids Corner
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.visitottawail.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_20260527_135620472_HDR-scaled.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260911T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260911T190000
DTSTAMP:20260814T151956Z
CREATED:20260814T151956Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T151956Z
UID:10002143-1789149600-1789153200@www.visitottawail.com
SUMMARY:Flotsam River Circus
DESCRIPTION:Come see Flotsam River Circus in Ottawa\, IL on Friday\, September 11th & Saturday\, September 12th! Free performances! \nFlotsam is a troupe of musicians\, circus artists\, and puppeteers who travel on a handmade raft\, giving free performances in riverfront towns along the way.\nWe’ll be performing at Fox River Park\, right near the Riverwalk Boat Ramp. Just look for the most unusual ‘boat’ on the water — that’s us! \nOur show is family-friendly\, but intended for audiences of all ages. The performance starts at 6:00 pm and will be finished before 7:30. Bring a blanket or lawn chair\, and come early for a good spot!\nAccessibility note: Most of the audience area is grassy and sloped\, but there is a paved path that may be better for wheelchairs.\nThe show is free to attend\, but we keep this project afloat through donations. We suggest $10–$25 per person. Cash is welcome\, or you can Venmo us at @rivercircus. We are a 501c3 non-profit\, and all donations are tax-deductible.\nParking in the area is somewhat limited\, so please consider carpooling\, biking\, kayaking\, or teleporting. If you are thinking about arriving by boat\, please note that our show is much better viewed from shore — and we ask that no boats position themselves behind us during the performance. \nWe hope to see you there — and please spread the word!\n***\nOttawa is just one stop on our 2026 Tour of the Illinois Waterway. Over the next month\, we’ll be traveling up the Illinois River\, performing in a bunch of towns\, all the way to Chicago! See our full schedule at:\nhttp://www.rivercircus.com
URL:https://www.visitottawail.com/event/flotsam-river-circus/
LOCATION:Fox River Park\, 717 Hudson Street\, Ottawa\, IL\, 61350\, United States
CATEGORIES:Arts,Entertainment,Family,Kids Corner,Live Music,Outdoor
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.visitottawail.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/flotsamsept11.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Flotsam! River Circus":MAILTO:info@rivercircus.com
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