Ottawa, IL - The Middle of Everywhere

Escape the Study Room Game: History Museum
2026-09-11 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-12 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-13 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-14 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-15 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-16 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-17 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-18 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) and 1 more date | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
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.

DIY Thumbprint Magnets
2026-09-11 16:30 - 17:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For teens, Make personalized magnets to decorate your refrigerator door or locker.

Flotsam River Circus
2026-09-11 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Fox River Park, 717 Hudson Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Come see Flotsam River Circus in Ottawa, IL on Friday, September 11th & Saturday, September 12th! Free performances!
Flotsam is a troupe of musicians, circus artists, and puppeteers who travel on a handmade raft, giving free performances in riverfront towns along the way.
We’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!
Our 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!
Accessibility note: Most of the audience area is grassy and sloped, but there is a paved path that may be better for wheelchairs.
The 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.
Parking 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.
We hope to see you there — and please spread the word!
***
Ottawa 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:
http://www.rivercircus.com

Farmers and Makers Market
2026-09-12 08:00 - 12:30, 2026-09-19 08:00 - 12:30 | 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.

Rusty Halo Autumn Harvest
2026-09-12 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-09-13 09:00 - 16:00 | Rusty Halo, 3277 E. 18th Road, Ottawa, IL 61350, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Enjoy the unique shopping experience set against the backdrop of a 1920s town. The Autumn Harvest show will offer pumpkins, antiques & primitives, home-made goodies, jewelry, artwork, custom made items, soaps, seasonal, home decor, candles, mums & perennials, soups, ice cream, kettle corn, and coffee bar.
Vendor List (* denotes new vendor)
ROCK N ROAD RELICS
REFURBISHED TREASURES LLC
MUSTANG SALLY
BAUBLES BANGLES & BEADS*
HILLBILLY CANDLE CO.
CRAFTS FROM THE BLUFF*
CRAFTY BEE WOOD PRODUCTS
CHRISTINE LYNN DESIGNS
NIFTY VINTAGE
DI’S HOMEMADE DELIGHTS
LAURIE RAGAN FINE ART
CHICAGO FIREHOUSE KITCHEN
BETH’S BLOOMS
SUBLIME INTENT
ABSOLUTE CRAFTS
THE HAPPY CRAB COFFEE BAR
CHERYL’S CRYO CREATIONS
THE CRAFTED APPLE*
BLU MYSTE PRIMITIVES*
KEY CREATIONS BY ASHLEY MOUTRAY
COUNTRY CHICK FACE PAINTING
JIM’S WOODCRAFTS & MORE*
GJK DESIGNS
SHOSH DESIGNS
MARY’S PRIMITIVE PRETTYS
GAST’S PUMPKINS AND MORE
MyPfaffandme
SCRIPTURE BREAD
CREATIONS BY RACHEL
GRANDPA’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM*
AHERN KETTLE CORN
K & K BEAMING BLISS
MEAGSCRAFTS 24
THE WICKERY*
M N B SWEETS, LLC
GIZMO’S
HILLTOP HARVEST*

The Loop Group
2026-09-12 13:30 - 15:30, 2026-09-19 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.

Music in the Park: Radium City Rebels
2026-09-12 17:00 - 19:00 | Washington Square Park, 100 West Jackson St, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
RAIN DATE!!
🎶 Music in the Park 2026 🎶
Join us on Saturday evening, 5-7PM, in the beautiful Washington Square for an incredible lineup of live music all summer long! From local favorites to special guest performers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
🌞 Bring your friends, your family, and your picnic blankets – let’s make this summer unforgettable in Ottawa!

Story Time @ the Woodland
2026-09-14 10:30 - 11:30 | Nell’s Woodland, 2000 Alexis Ave., Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
All ages, Join the Reddick Public Library at Nell’s Woodland for a nature-themed story time. Enjoy stories, music, and a craft followed by a short hike through the park, weather permitting. Registration is required. Please register online, in person at the library, or call (815) 434-0509.

Ready, Set, Read!
2026-09-15 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.

Artist's Workshop
2026-09-15 17:30 - 19:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Looking for a space where you can sit down and create? Join us for some dedicated time to work on your art and spend time with other artists. This monthly adult event is in collaboration with the Ottawa Art League.

Shake, Rattle, Read!
2026-09-16 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.

Nature Scavenger Hunt Walk
2026-09-16 16:30 - 17:00 | Nell’s Woodland, 2000 Alexis Ave., Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For grades 3-6, Join us at Nell’s Woodlands to do a scavenger hunt on a nature walk. Registration is required. To register for this event, visit our events page, stop by the Circulation Desk, or call the Library at (815) 434-0509

Voter Registration Event
2026-09-16 18:00 - 19:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Register to vote during this drop-in event.Requirements include being 18 years or older as of Election Day (11/3/26), two forms of identification, both including current name and at least one including proof of current address. This event is held in Study Room 2.

Discovering Witches
2026-09-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For adults, Witches have become iconic figures in the realm of popular culture. You can find them in beloved films and streaming shows, as well as in ancient texts and peculiar writings. In this program, we will explore the authentic records and printed materials referenced in your favorite productions, delve into the inspirations that motivated the writers, and learn how to access historical resources for free from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re a devoted fan or a casual history enthusiast, bring your curiosity and join us for this enlightening experience. If you are not able to attend in person, join along at home on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88122404643 pwd=[REDACTED]

Gamers Lounge
2026-09-18 16:30 - 17:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For teens, It’s Friday and time to hang out and play games! We will have board and card games available. You can also bring your own Switch or take a turn on our Switch 2

Ottawa's Third Friday Maker's Market
2026-09-18 17:00 - 21:00 | Madison Street
Arts’ culture and entertainment come alive in downtown Ottawa, IL every Third Friday of the month May – September!

Runway to a Cure 5k
2026-09-19 07:00 - 09:30 | Skydive Chicago, 3215 E. 1969th Road, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
The 5K will take place on Skydive Chicago’s runway. Skydive is also offering a survivor lap at no charge. Families are welcome to walk/run.

All proceeds are going towards the Northwest Hospital Cancer Research Fund.

Skydive Chicago is also looking for a few sponsors to help with water stations and the timing system.

Saturday Morning Cartoons
2026-09-19 10:30 - 11:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For teens, Join us for a bowl of cereal and some old school cartoons.
