Ottawa, IL - The Middle of Everywhere

READY, SET, READ!
2025-11-18 10:00 - 10:45, 2025-11-11 10:00 - 10:45, 2025-11-04 10:00 - 10:45 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Forgotten Valor: The Life and Death of General W.H.L. Wallace
2025-11-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-16 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Ottawa Historical and Scouting Museum, 1100 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Forgotten Valor: The Life and Death of General W.H.L. Wallace will have its first public show at the Museum, Saturday, November 15th through the 20th. $10 per person. Due at the door.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
2025-11-17 17:30 - 19:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Find out what quest your Dungeon Master has created for you. Will you survive? Will
you accomplish your goals?

Mystery Monday Book Club: Zero Days by Ruth Ware
2025-11-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
New members are always welcome to attend this librarian-led book club. Copies of
the book will be available for check out from the library.
Book Summary: Hired by companies to break into buildings and hack security
systems, Jack and her husband, Gabe, are the best penetration specialists in the
business. But after a routine assignment goes horribly wrong, Jack arrives home to
find her husband dead.

The Loop Group
2025-11-15 13:30 - 15:30, 2025-11-08 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.

parkrun
2025-11-15 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-11-08 09:00 - 10:00 | Heritage Harbor Ottawa, 2 Great Loop, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Heritage Harbor parkrun, Ottawa is a FREE weekly 5k event for participants of all standards, which takes place every Saturday at 8:00 AM, May – September, & 9:00 AM, October – April, in Heritage Harbor. It offers an opportunity for all the local community, regardless of age or gender, to come together on a regular basis to enjoy the outdoors and get physically active. We want to encourage people to run, jog, walk and volunteer together – this event is truly open to all and best of all it really is FREE! Taking part is easy – just register before your first ever parkrun. The great thing is that you only ever need to do this once! Then just set your alarm for Saturday morning and get yourself there! Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in the Bluegill Boathouse & Marina Bar – please come and join us! Maybe swap stories about your parkrun that day, chat to other parkrunners over a cup of tea or coffee and just be an part of this community. So whether you’re a complete novice looking to get yourself started or a regular wanting to use this as a part of your training schedule, you’re welcome to come along and join us. Please register before you first come along. Only ever register with parkrun once and don’t forget to bring a scannable copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time. You can visit the event website link to register.

Tech Time
2025-11-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join us for hands-on help from our knowledgeable staff at our new monthly
program. Whether you’re facing issues with the internet, your phone, or tech
accessories, we’re here to help.

Midwest Lumberjack Legends and Lore
2025-11-13 18:00 - 19:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join Chad Lewis, an author and paranormal researcher, for captivating stories about
mysterious creatures that roam the woods, extraordinary supernatural events, and all
the fascinating tales in between. You’ll discover a treasure trove of lumberjack
traditions, superstitions, and legends.

Wednesday Evening Book Group
2025-11-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James
McBride will be discussed at this patron led book group.

DINO EYE MAGNET (Grades 3-6)
2025-11-12 16:00 - 16:45 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Create a dinosaur eye magnet and race flying pterodactyls.

SHAKE , RATTLE, READ!
2025-11-12 10:00 - 10:45, 2025-11-05 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
on our website. This event is for children ages birth to 3 years.

2025 Veterans Day Ceremony
2025-11-11 07:30 - 11:30 | Washington Square Park, 100 West Jackson St, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States

Little Women Radio Play
2025-11-09 14:00 - 15:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Watch nine talented performers from the local theatre group, Pop-Up-Players LTD.,
bring the literary classic turned radio broadcast, Little Women, to life in this free
special event.

Rusty Halo Snowman Express 2025
2025-11-09 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-08 09:00 - 16:00 | Rusty Halo, 3277 E. 18th Road, Ottawa, IL 61350, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Enjoy a unique shopping experience against the backdrop of a 1920s town. The Snowman Express Show will offer antiques & primitives, home-made goodies, jewelry, artwork, custom made items, soaps, seasonal, home decor, candles, and more.
Santa Claus: Nov 9. 11am to 1pm
Bring the kids to visit Santa Claus at this year’s Snowman Express. Young and old can enjoy Santa Claus.
Check out the vendor list below:

Wine & Art Walk at Heritage Harbor
2025-11-08 14:00 - 18:00 | Heritage Harbor Ottawa, 2 Great Loop, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon of sipping, strolling, and soaking in the charm of Heritage Harbor! The Art & Wine Walk is your chance to explore the Harbor like never before – with a glass of wine in hand and local art around every corner.
Follow the path through our beautiful resort community, where each stop along the way features talented local artists and perfectly paired wine tastings. From bold brushstrokes to bold reds, you’ll enjoy a mix of creativity and flavor with every step.
What to Expect:• Local artists showing off their one-of-a-kind work• A variety of wines and other spirits to sample and savor• Scenic Harbor views and good vibes throughout• A self-guided route – go at your own pace, stop where you like
Grab your friends, bring your wine walk energy, and come enjoy an afternoon full of art, flavor, and waterfront fun.
Tickets are now available!

Blood Pressure and Glucose Checks
2025-11-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join OSF OnCall Connect for a free health screening and receive results in two
minutes. Hydrate before testing; fasting is not needed. This walk-in event offers
screenings for blood pressure, oxygen levels, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels.

Shop, Sip, and Sparkle Weekend
2025-11-07 - 2025-11-09 | Downtown Ottawa
Kick off the holiday season in the Middle of Everywhere with a magical weekend full of festive fun!

Happenings All Weekend Long

Downtown Ottawa Christmas Open Houses

Ornament Hunt & Lamp Light Carolers (Friday)

King Carriage Rides (Friday 4-9 PM)

Freshly Baked Cobbler by the Ottawa Boy Scouts (Friday)

Wine & Art Walk at Heritage Harbor (Saturday, Nov. 8, 2–6 PM)

Exploreum’s Sparkle Spectacular Christmas Tree Auction

Shop Local & Win!
Bring 5 receipts from any downtown Ottawa businesses you shop at during Shop, Sip & Sparkle Weekend to the Ottawa Visitors Center. Each set of 5 receipts enters you for a chance to win a $250 Downtown Discover Gift Card!
Drawing will be held Tuesday, November 26 at noon.

Wine & Art Walk
Sip, stroll, and shop as you enjoy wine tastings and beautiful works from local artists at Heritage Harbor. Tickets are on sale now—don’t wait!

It’s the perfect way to jumpstart your holiday spirit, find unique gifts, and make magical memories with family and friends.

Bingo
2025-11-06 19:00 - 20:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Have a blast at bingo with chances to win gift card prizes. This free event is
for adults only.

DINO EXTRAVAGANZA (Preschool- grade 2)
2025-11-06 16:00 - 16:45 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Celebrate Dino-vember with us by building a dinosaur and making a dino mask.

DIY BUTTONS
2025-11-05 16:30 - 17:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Bring your creativity and use our button maker to design your own buttons.

T-REXPLORERS
2025-11-04 17:00 - 18:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
T-Rexplorers will be here at the library to show off authentic dinosaur fossils,
share stories from their digs and some of their latest finds. Special guest
Ranger the T-Rex will greet everyone as they arrive for the presentation.
Registration is required. Please register in person at the library or call 815-434-0509.

STORY TIME @ THE WOODLAND
2025-11-03 10:30 - 11:30 | Nell’s Woodland, 2000 Alexis Ave., Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join us at Nell’s Woodland for a naturethemed story time. Enjoy stories, music,
and crafts followed by a short hike through the park. Please register in
person at Reddick Library or call (815) 434-0509.
