Gamers Lounge
2026-09-18 16:30 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Farmers and Makers Market
2026-09-19 08:00 - 12:30, 2026-09-26 08:00 - 12:30, 2026-10-03 08:00 - 12:30, 2026-10-10 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.

Escape the Study Room Game: History Museum
2026-09-19 09:00 - 17:00 | 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.

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.

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

Planes & Trains
2026-09-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Ottawa Historical and Scouting Museum, 1100 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Sunday Lecture Series continues on September 20, 2026 at 2pm at the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum. September’s lecture is titled Planes and Trains. Dan Schott will present the history of flight and the local history, including Charles Lindbergh’s mail plane crash, along with Amelia Earhart’s connection to LaSalle County, plus Wild Bil Crawford’s death defying exploits.
Then you will find out about train history, which includes the local lines of the Rock Island and the C, B, and Q. Also the Interurban, hobos, wrecks, and the disappearing railroad blues will be covered.
There is a $10 donation and snacks will be served. Seating may be limited, so stop by the museum or call 815-431-9353 to reserve.

Mural Unveiling Ceremony
2026-09-20 14:00 - 15:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For all ages: Join the Reddick Library and the City of Ottawa Arts Committee for an unveiling ceremony to celebrate 6 local artists and their murals on the Reddick Library’s exterior annex wall. A brief dedication and artist recognition ceremony will begin the celebration, followed by an open house with refreshments. All are welcome!

Mystery Monday Book Club: The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
2026-09-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For adults, The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins will be discussed at this librarian-led book group. New members are always welcome. Copies of the book will be available for checkout. Book Summary: When North Carolina’s richest and most notorious woman dies, her estate passes to her adopted son, Camden. He soon realizes that an inheritance can entail far more than what’s written in a will—and the bonds of family stretch far beyond the grave.

Ready, Set, Read!
2026-09-22 10:00 - 10:45, 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.

LEGO Club
2026-09-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For all ages: Create with library LEGO pieces and have your build displayed in the Children’s Department. This month’s theme is “Found in the Woods”.

Shake, Rattle, Read!
2026-09-23 10:00 - 10:45, 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.

World Traveler's Book Club
2026-09-24 16:30 - 17:15 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For grades k-3, Club—Travel the world through stories during this monthly book club. This month, we are going to Australia! We will be discussing Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French, learning interesting facts about the country, and making an Aboriginal dot painting. Copies of the book will be available for check out in the Children’s Department.

Food for Thought: Cookbook Club: Baking Yesteryear: The Best Recipes from the 1900s to the 1980s by B. Dylan Hollis
2026-09-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Every Day with Babs by Barbara Costello will be discussed at this fun book club. New members are always welcome. Participants will be asked to make a recipe out of the cookbook prior to each meeting and share their opinion of the results

Your Concert Series: You Raise Me Up
2026-09-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Central Intermediate School, 711 E McKinley Rd, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Music duo, Erin Shields & David Shenton present their unique and highly entertaining show: Songs of Love, Hope, & Inspiration. With over 3,500 combined performances to their credit, these consummate and virtuosic performers have been delighting audiences for years with their sophisticated show featuring highly original interpretations of songs every audience knows and loves. The show, which features Shields as vocalist and pianist and Shenton on piano, violin, and vocals has something for everyone.

Your OCA Membership includes 4 concerts in Ottawa & 4 in Pontiac. Find more information on the Ottawa Concert Association Facebook page, or website.

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

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

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.

Ottawa Fall Fest & Parade 2026
2026-10-04 12:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Ottawa
Join us for the fifth annual Ottawa Fall Fest & Parade!Parade, live music, local vendors, food trucks, and LOTS of free kids activities!

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.
