Ottawa, IL - The Middle of Everywhere

Farmers and Makers Market
2026-09-26 08:00 - 12:30, 2026-10-03 08:00 - 12:30, 2026-10-10 08:00 - 12:30, 2026-10-17 08:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Jackson St, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Hosted by the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce, the Ottawa Farmers & Makers Market is a vibrant, family-friendly event that brings together local growers, makers, and artisans in the heart of downtown Ottawa, Illinois.

Location: Jackson Street, south side of Washington Square Park(Barricades will block access at LaSalle Street and Columbus Street)
Market Hours: Saturdays from 8 am-12:30 pm.

Walk to End Alzheimers
2026-09-26 08:30 - 11:00 | Jordan 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.

Crafter Hours: Wooden Scarecrow
2026-09-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For adults, Come and make an adorable scarecrow out of wood that’s perfect to display this fall. Registration is required as spots are limited due to the availability of supplies. To register for this class, visit our events page, call the library at (815) 434-0509, or stop by the Circulation Desk

The Loop Group
2026-09-26 13:30 - 15:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Learn to knit or crochet in a friendly environment with knowledgeable people.

Run the River for Respect 5k
2026-09-27 08:00 - 09:30 | Heritage Harbor Ottawa, 2 Great Loop, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office for the 2nd Annual Run the River for Respect 5K! Sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Ottawa/RunTheRiverForRespect5K. Registration on September 27th is 7 am to 7:45 am. Run starts at 8

General WHL Wallace Memorial Event
2026-09-27 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-10-04 09:00 - 16:00 | Ottawa Historical and Scouting Museum, 1100 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Guided Tours of the Wallace-Dickey Family Cemetery & The Wallace Home, The Oaks
2 days of guided tours: Sept. 27 & Oct. 4, from 9am to 4pm.
$15/person, $10/students, or $50/family.
Starts at the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum (1100 Canal St, Ottawa, Il 61350)
Tours start at 9 am, tickets available in the museum starting at 8:30 am.
*Please note: All must ride on provided transportation, comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and the tours are not handicapped accessible.
All funds will be used for the restoration of the Wallace-Dickey Cemetery.
Cash or check only.
Donations may be made to the Wallace-Dickey Cemetery Preservation Association
PO Box 392, Ottawa, Il 61350
For more information, visit genwallace.org.

Library Puzzle Tournament
2026-09-27 13:30 - 15:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join us at the library for our puzzle tournament. Groups of 1-5 players will have 1 hour to complete a 300-piece puzzle for a chance to win gift card prizes. Puzzles are provided. One additional bin for sorting pieces will be provided; no outside supplies are allowed. To register for this tournament, please call the library at (815) 434-0509, stop by the Circulation Desk, or visit our events page. This event is for ages 12 and up.

Homeschool Art
2026-09-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For all ages: We will be making Fall mosaics. Funding for this event is provided in part by the Illinois Arts Council and the Starved Rock Community Foundation.

Ready, Set, Read!
2026-09-29 10:00 - 10:45 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join us every Tuesday for stories, songs, and a craft! Stay and play
after the craft if you have time. Find each week’s theme on the events
calendar on our website. This event is for children ages 3-5 years.

Shake, Rattle, Read!
2026-09-30 10:00 - 10:45 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join us every Wednesday for stories, songs, and a craft! Stay and play
after the craft if you have time. Find each week’s theme on the events
calendar. This event is for children ages birth to 3 years.

Ottawa Fall Fest & Parade
2026-10-04 12:00 - 17:00 | Jordan Block, 101-123 W Main St 61350, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
In downtown Ottawa and @ the Jordan Block, enjoy a parade at 12 pm, followed by live music, food trucks, local vendors, and free kids’ activities from 1 to 5 pm!

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.

SOCU Trunk or Treat
2026-10-17 14:00 - 17:00 | Jefferson Street, Jefferson Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States

A Victorian Haunting
2026-10-24 14:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Ottawa
Take a step back in time with the Ottawa Downtown Association and experience a night of shadows, suspense, and intrigue…

2026 Wine & Art Walk at Heritage Harbor
2026-11-07 14:00 - 18:00 | Heritage Harbor Ottawa, 2 Great Loop, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
The Wine & Art Walk invites guests to stroll through Heritage Harbor while enjoying local art, wine tastings, and scenic waterfront views. Along a self-guided route, visitors can explore one-of-a-kind artwork from talented local artists, sample a variety of wines and spirits, and soak in the creative energy and charm of the Harbor community. More details TBA!

Rusty Halo Snowman Express
2026-11-14 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-11-15 09:00 - 16:00 | Rusty Halo, 3277 E. 18th Road, Ottawa, IL 61350, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Enjoy a unique shopping experience set in the backdrop of a 1920s town. More details TBA!

Festival of Lights Parade
2026-11-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Ottawa
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 night and hearts alike.

Bundle up, bring the cocoa, and make your way downtown for a holiday experience you won’t want to miss!

Freezin' for a Reezin' 2026
2026-12-04 07:30 - 17:00 | IL
More details TBA!

A Very Merry Harbor Christmas
2026-12-05 08:00 - 17:00 | Heritage Harbor Ottawa, 2 Great Loop, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
A Very Merry Harbor Christmas transforms Heritage Harbor into a festive holiday wonderland filled with twinkling lights, seasonal cheer, and family-friendly activities. Guests can enjoy visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, and the warmth of bonfires, all culminating in the beloved lighting of the Harbor Christmas tree to celebrate the start of the holiday season. More details TBA!

Penguin Plunge
2027-01-30 11:00 - 15:00 | Skydive Chicago, 3215 E. 1969th Road, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
