Ottawa, IL - The Middle of Everywhere

The Loop Group
2026-06-20 13:30 - 15:30, 2026-06-27 13:30 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Learn to knit or crochet in a friendly environment with knowledgeable people.

Homeschool Art
2026-06-22 10:00 - 11:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
All ages,
Get ready to get messy! We will be exploring different ways to paint–bubbles, splattering,
unusual paint brushes, and more! Wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy. Funding for this
event was provided in part by the Illinois Arts Council and the Starved Rock Country
Community Foundation. This event will be held outdoors on the Fulton Street side of the library.

Teatime Tutorial
2026-06-24 16:30 - 17:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Grades 7-12,
Black, herbal, oolong? Come test out different varieties of tea and find a new favorite. We will
also learn how to take an afternoon teatime, a perfect addition to an afterschool snack routine

Run Today for Tomorrow 5K & Wellness Fair
2026-06-27 08:00 - 13:00 | Ottawa, IL, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States

Yappers Book Club
2026-06-30 16:30 - 17:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Grades 7-12,
Need a place to study after school or somewhere to hang out with friends? Bring schoolwork, a
project, or a book to read for fun! There’s no pressure here, just friends, snacks, and time to get
something done at the library

LaSalle County 4-H Show & Junior Fair
2026-07-09, 2026-07-10, 2026-07-11, 2026-07-12 | LaSalle County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1578 4-H Rd, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
The theme for this year’s event is “4-H Celebrates America’s Birthday!” There will be special events with local military, such as “Meet us at the Pole,” to recite the National Anthem, in addition to other patriotic activities throughout the fair days. The image used is the winner of the “Create the Cover” contest, where 4-H members submitted drawing representing the theme of the show.
Schedule
Thursday, July 9th___________________________________________________
9am-1pm Livestock accepted – Check Departments for specific times
9:30am – noon IDNR activities
TBA – LaSalle County Soil & Water
TBA – Conservation Police Trailer
TBA – FBI
11 am – 4 pm Bouncy Activity
11 am to 2 pm Market Barrows and Crossbred Gilts Weigh-in
1pm All Livestock Must Be on 4-H Grounds
3 pm All livestock trailers off of the grounds
3 pm – 5:30 OSF Hospital – Ottawa
4 pm – Goat Weigh-in
4 pm – 7 pm Laura, Face Painting
4 pm – 7 pm – Girl Scout Council Activities
6pm-8pm Market Lambs Weigh-in
7pm – Back Road Pullers Truck & Tractor Pull – Grandstands

Friday, July 10th_________________________________________________
Beef – Heifer Check-In & Steer Weigh In (time to be posted)
8am Swine Judging – Show Arena
8am Poultry Judging – Poultry Barn
9am Sheep Judging – Show Arena
9am to 4 pm – Activities/Games sponsored by Rural King
TBA – LaSalle County Soil & Water
TBA – Conservation Police Trailer
11:00 am – Dairy Show
2pm – Goat Show
3 pm – 5:30 OSF Hospital – Ottawa
4 pm – 7 pm – Gypsy Queen Karaoke
5 pm – 7 pm – Mechanical Bucking Bull
6 pm T & A Bucking Bulls Mutton Busting
7 pm T & A Bucking Bulls ft. Rugged Cross Cattle Co. Rodeo – Grandstands
All

Saturday, July 11th___________________________________________________
8:00 am Horse Show – Horse Arena
8:30am Beef Showmanship Contest – Show Arena
Followed by Heifer and Market Beef Judging
8:30am Rabbit Show – Rabbit barn
9am to 4pm – Games/Activities sponsored by Rural King
TBA – Conservation Police Trailer
11am, 1pm, 3pm – Rob Thompson- Funny Magic Guy – Exhibit Hall 3
1pm – 7 pm Dunk Tank
4 pm – 7 pm – Gypsy Queen Karaoke
4:40pm Fair Auction Sponsored by Friends of Extension and 4-H
7pm – Ramer Race Promotions Demo Derby – Grandstands

Sunday, July 12th____________________________________________________________
8am Horse Show – Horse Arena
9am- Illinois 4-H Master Showmanship
11am 4-H Dog SHow
TBA – Conservation Police Trailer
4pm Exhibits Released and Clean-up Begins.

7th Annual Ottawa Military Show
2026-07-11 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-12 08:00 - 13:00 | Rusty Halo, 3277 E. 18th Road, Ottawa, IL 61350, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
The Annual Ottawa Military Show has been going strong for seven years now. This iteration will include a WWII reenactment, military vehicles, convoy, vendors, and food as usual. *NEW* this year are town battles. There will also be a Rusty Halo Mini Market alongside the show. There is no admission price, but donations are appreciated.

Bring your military vehicle and join the convoy.

There will be Military Vehicle Rides both days of the show.

For vehicle and visitor information, contact the event organizer (listed below) or call (815) 228-5898. Those interested in participating as vendors or reenactors should contact Rod at (563) 495-5297.

Schedule:
(Friday: Setup begins at noon)
Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Battles @ 11am and 3pm
Convoy thru Ottawa @ 12:30

Sunday: 8am to 1pm
Church Service @ 9am
Battle @ 11am
Show Ends @ 1pm

2026 Boater Safety Courses
2026-07-11 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-15 09:00 - 17:00 | Illinois Waterway Visitor Center, 950 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
*Free IDNR Approved Boater Safety Classes* (Advanced registration required)
This 8-hour class is required to complete your certification. Open to anyone 12 and over. Students under age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Did you know: Anyone born on or after January 1st, 1998 who operates a vehicle powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or more needs to complete an IDNR approved boater safety class
This class is recommended for:

New boaters
Families that enjoy boating
Seasoned boaters who would like to brush up on rules and regulations

Participants should bring their own snacks, lunch, and drinks. Class materials will be provided. Call to register today!
Course Dates:
April 25, 9am to 5pm
May 23, 9am to 5pm
June 20, 9am to 5pm
July 11, 9am to 5pm
August 15, 9am to 5pm

Kids Fishing Rodeo 2026
2026-07-30 17:00 - 19:00 | Ottawa Riverfront, 400 Clinton Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
The Kids’ Fishing Rodeo is an opportunity for children to try their hand at the art of fishing! Held where the two rivers meet. More details TBA!

Ottawa's Debate Days
2026-08-15 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-16 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-17 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-18 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-19 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-20 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-21 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-22 08:00 - 17:00 and 1 more date | Downtown Ottawa
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.
Click here to check out our Lincoln Douglas Bobbleheads, available in a set or separately.

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 ItemBest Douglas ItemPeople’s Choice Award
Limited locations. One week only.
Where Lincoln debated… now you decide.History you can taste.

Schedule
Saturday the 15th
Puzzle contest 10am & 4pm @ Scouting Museum
Event @ LaSalle County Genealogy Guild 1pm
Ticketed Gala @ Ottawa Center for the Arts (evening)
Art Show w/ Lincoln Theme by Ottawa Arts Committee
Flag Scavenger Hunt from 8/15 – 8/22
Sunday the 16th
Lecture on Black Hawk Wars 11am @ Scouting Museum
Ticketed Mrs. Lincoln/Douglas Character Tea @ Reddick Mansion 2pm, with Quilt Trunk Show
Monday the 17th
Lecture on Early Pioneers 6pm @ Scouting Museum
Store Deals
Tours
Tuesday the 18th
Lecture on Lincoln’s in Town 6pm @ Scouting Museum
Store Deals
Tours
Wednesday the 19th
Store Deals
Tours
Chris Vallillo Concert @ the Abbey 7pm
Thursday the 20th
Lecture on the 7 Debates 6pm @ Scouting Museum
Store Deals
Tours
Friday the 21st
Store Deals
Tours
Third Friday Market
Best Beard Contest 5:30pm in Washington Park

Music by Illinois 33rd Band in Washington Park 6pm w/ Lincoln & Douglas Impersonators
Saturday the 22nd
Store Deals
Tours
Old Time Fair w/ Farmers & Makers Market on Jackson St. from 11am to 4pm (fair is FREE)
Carriage Rides pick up on Columbus/Jackson St Corner (Time TBD)
Re-enactment of Lincoln Douglas Debate 4-5pm
Ice Cream Social in Washington Park 6pm w/ Scouting Museum 6pm
Music in the Park 6-9pm
Sunday the 23rd
Store Deals
Tours
250th Anniversary Parade 1pm

Walk to End Alzheimers
2026-09-26 08:30 - 11:00 | Jordon Block, 101-123 W Main St 61350, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Festivities Begin at 8:30am
Ceremony at 9:30am
Walk at 10:00am
For registration and donation information, check out the Walk’s page
More details TBA.

Out of the Darkness Walk
2026-10-10 11:00 - 13:30 | Washington Square Park, 100 West Jackson St, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
At the LaSalle County Out of the Darkness Walk, attendees can walk together to raise awareness, support one another, honor and remember loved ones, and fund critical efforts to protect mental health and prevent suicide.
