Decorate the cover of a pocket notepad using recycled paper, making it a stylish and useful place to jot down your notes. Registration is required as spots are limited due to the availability of supplies. To register for this class, visit our events page, scan the QR code, call the library at (815) 434-0509, or […]
Join fellow fiber artists for some craft time and conversation. Limited assistance and supplies may be available. All experience levels are welcome.
This year’s Victorian Haunting: Escape from the Asylum invites you into a chilling, immersive night where the line between guest and participant disappears. An escapee has slipped into the city—and they’ve left a trail behind. As you wander through shadowy streets, historic spaces, and eerie encounters, you’ll piece together clues, follow whispers, and uncover fragments […]
Due to some rainy weather in August, Ottawa's Third Friday Makers Market is joining A Victorian Haunting this year! There will be live music, vendors, art, and more to enjoy. More details TBA
David is renowned for his engaging performance style, charming personality, and an ability to cross multiple musical genres. David has played the leading roles in some of Broadway’s famous musicals, including The Phantom (The Phantom of the Opera), Valjean (Les Miserables), & Sweeney Todd (Sweeney Todd). For more information visit the Ottawa Concert Association […]
Join us for a Halloween hangout with a scary movie, creepy crafts, and spooky games. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
We will be painting ghosts and black cats! Funding for this event was provided in part by the Illinois Arts Council and the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation.
Join us every Tuesday for stories, songs, and a craft! Stay and play after the craft if you have the time! Find each week's theme on the Events Calendar on our website. This event is for children ages 3-5 years.
Need a place to study 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.
Make a creepy-themed creation with library LEGO pieces and have your build displayed in the Children’s Department.
Join us every Wednesday for stories, songs, and a craft! Stay and play after the craft if you have the time! Find each week's theme on the Events Calendar on our website. This event is for children ages birth to 3 years.
Join us for a story and Halloween fun. We’ll have activities and create a snack. Costumes are welcome but not required.
Join us for some spooky Halloween trivia. Groups of 1-4 people will answer as many questions correctly as they can for a chance to win prizes. Halloween costumes are encouraged but not required. Registration is required. To register, visit our events page, scan the QR code, call the library at (815) 434- 0509, or stop […]
Join us for Trunk or Treat at the Y! The south end back parking lot will be transformed into a fun & festive Trunk or Treat experience for the whole family. Bring the kiddos dressed in their favorite costumes & enjoy a safe, fun evening of Trick-or-Treating
Drop in any time during open hours to trick-or-treat and make a spooktacular craft.
Join fellow fiber artists for some craft time and conversation. Limited assistance and supplies may be available. All experience levels are welcome.
Ottawa's Trick or Treating hours are from 6 pm to 8 pm on Halloween night. Have a happy and safe Halloween!
More info TBA!
🎄✨ SHOP, SIP, SAVOR & SPARKLE WEEKEND! ✨🎄 📅 November 6–7, 2026 📍 Downtown Ottawa, Illinois Where Holiday Memories Are Made! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in downtown Ottawa! Join us for a festive weekend of Christmas Open Houses, holiday shopping, delicious dining, and a little extra Christmas magic! 🛍️ CHRISTMAS OPEN […]
Grab a glass and hit the Harbor! Spend the afternoon sipping your way through Heritage Harbor with wine tastings, local art, tasty bites, shopping and fun surprises along the way. What to Expect: • Local artists sharing one-of-a-kind work • Wine and spirits to sample along the way • Tasty bites and a market to […]
On the North side of Washington Square Park, a ceremony for Veterans' Day will be held on November 11th 10:15 am.
Your “BLT” dinner includes a delicious Lobster tail or T-bone steak, perfectly prepared by Harbor House by Valentino’s, and a Bourbon tasting experience. A full bar will also be available. $80 per person or $150 per couple. RSVP and Tickets: srccf.org/event/the-new-blt/ Presented by Hometown National Bank, Hosted by The Vue at Heritage Harbor (111 […]
Enjoy a unique shopping experience set in the backdrop of a 1920s town.
Enjoy a unique shopping experience set in the backdrop of a 1920s town.
Submarine Installation Dedication Ceremony, will be held at Allen Park Shelter D on Saturday, November 21, 2026. The event is scheduled from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., with the ceremony beginning at 12:00 p.m. More details TBA
Holiday Traditions Start Here Stroll beneath a canopy of twinkling lights and breathe in the scent of pine and fresh holiday treats as you wander through the Chris Kringle Market in beautiful downtown Ottawa, Illinois! Sip from your festive market mug filled with hot cocoa as you browse cozy vendor huts and charming downtown boutiques, […]
The Ottawa Exploreum is excited to introduce the Exploreum Merry Makers Market, a new indoor holiday shopping & family experience happening for three weekends this November & December! We are looking for makers and vendors offering handmade, unique, creative, specialty, and gift-worthy items to help us create a festive place for families to shop, […]
Kick off the holiday season in dazzling style at Ottawa’s beloved Festival of Lights Parade! Join us in the heart of downtown as festive floats, sparkling lights, and holiday music fill the streets with cheer. This magical tradition brings families and friends together to celebrate the season, with a joyful procession that lights up the […]
Holiday Traditions Start Here Stroll beneath a canopy of twinkling lights and breathe in the scent of pine and fresh holiday treats as you wander through the Chris Kringle Market in beautiful downtown Ottawa, Illinois! Sip from your festive market mug filled with hot cocoa as you browse cozy vendor huts and charming downtown boutiques, […]
The Ottawa Exploreum is excited to introduce the Exploreum Merry Makers Market, a new indoor holiday shopping & family experience happening for three weekends this November & December! We are looking for makers and vendors offering handmade, unique, creative, specialty, and gift-worthy items to help us create a festive place for families to shop, […]
