Ottawa, IL - The Middle of Everywhere

John Hossack: No Apologies Showings
2026-07-12 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-12 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-11 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-11 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-10 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-09 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-08 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-07 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Ottawa Historical and Scouting Museum, 1100 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Check out the latest documentary from the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum, John Hossack: No Apologies. There are nightly showings at the museum from 7/7 – 7/12, starting at 6 pm. There are also matinees at the museum on 7/11 & 7/12, starting at 2 pm. The film is 59 minutes long. Ticket price is $10 per person, cash or check.

LaSalle County 4-H Show & Junior Fair
2026-07-12, 2026-07-11, 2026-07-10, 2026-07-09 | LaSalle County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1578 4-H Rd, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
The theme for this year’s event is “4-H Celebrates America’s Birthday!” There will be special events with local military, such as “Meet us at the Pole,” to recite the National Anthem, in addition to other patriotic activities throughout the fair days. The image used is the winner of the “Create the Cover” contest, where 4-H members submitted drawing representing the theme of the show.
Schedule
Thursday, July 9th___________________________________________________
9am-1pm Livestock accepted – Check Departments for specific times
9am – U.S. Army Recruiting Station Peru Activities
9:30am – noon IDNR activities
11 am – 4 pm Inflatable Game Activities
1pm – Watermelon Eating Contest, hosted by South Prairie Pioneers 4-H Club
1pm All Livestock Must Be on 4-H Grounds
3pm – Style Revue, Exhibit Hall 3, & “4-H Swag Show!”
3pm – “Meet us at the Pole” National Anthem with Military Guests
3 pm All livestock trailers off of the grounds
3pm – 5:30 OSF of Ottawa Activity Tent
3:30pm – Gaga Ball, hosted by Brookfield Aces 4-H Club
4 pm – Goat Weigh-in
4 pm – 7 pm Laura, Face Painting
4 pm – 7 pm – Girl Scout Council Activities
6pm-8pm Market Lambs Weigh-in
7pm – Back Road Pullers Truck & Tractor Pull – Grandstands

Friday, July 10th_________________________________________________
Beef – Heifer Check-In & Steer Weigh In (time to be posted)
8am Swine Judging – Show Arena
8am Poultry Judging – Poultry Barn
9am Sheep Judging – Show Arena
9am to 4 pm – Activities/Games sponsored by Rural King
11:00 am – Dairy Show
2pm – Goat Show
4pm – Cat Show
4 pm – 7 pm – Gypsy Queen Karaoke
4pm – 3×3 & 4×4 Basketball Tournament, hosted by Brookfield Aces 4-H Club
5 pm – 7 pm – Mechanical Bucking Bull
6 pm T & A Bucking Bulls Mutton Busting
7 pm T & A Bucking Bulls ft. Rugged Cross Cattle Co. Rodeo – Grandstands

Saturday, July 11th___________________________________________________
8:00 am Horse Show – Horse Arena
8:30am Beef Showmanship Contest, followed by Purebred & Market Beef Judging
8:30am Rabbit Show – Rabbit barn
11am, 1pm, 3pm – Rob Thompson- Funny Magic Guy – Exhibit Hall 3
12pm – Pin the Tale on the Eagle, hosted by Brookfield Aces 4-H Club
1pm – Bean Bag Tournament, hosted by South Prairie Pioneers 4-H Club
1pm – 7 pm Dunk Tank
4 pm – 7 pm – Gypsy Queen Karaoke
4:30pm Fair Auction Sponsored by Friends of Extension and 4-H
7pm – Ramer Race Promotions Demo Derby – Grandstands

Sunday, July 12th____________________________________________________________
8am Horse Show – Horse Arena
TBA – Volleyball tournament, hosted by North Star 4-H Club
9am – Illinois 4-H Master Showmanship
11am – 4-H Dog Show
2pm – Closing ceremonies – Special recognition announcements & honoring 4-H & Cloverbud Graduates
4pm Exhibits Released and Clean-up Begins.

Additional Activities

Obstacle course challenges transforming Uganda Farmers
Corn explore pit
corn hole toss
soil and water activities
conservation police display
Rural King activity tent

7th Annual Ottawa Military Show
2026-07-12 08:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-11 09:00 - 17:00 | Rusty Halo, 3277 E. 18th Road, Ottawa, IL 61350, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
The Annual Ottawa Military Show has been going strong for seven years now. This iteration will include a WWII reenactment, military vehicles, convoy, vendors, and food as usual. *NEW* this year are town battles. There is no admission price, but donations are appreciated.

Bring your military vehicle and join the convoy.

There will be Military Vehicle Rides both days of the show.

For vehicle and visitor information, contact the event organizer (listed below) or call (815) 228-5898. Those interested in participating as vendors or reenactors should contact Rod at (563) 495-5297.

Schedule:
(Friday: Setup begins at noon)
Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Battles @ 11am and 3pm
Convoy thru Ottawa @ 12:30

Sunday: 8am to 1pm
Church Service @ 9am
Battle @ 11am
Show Ends @ 1pm

Rusty Halo Mini Market
2026-07-12 08:00 - 13:00 | Rusty Halo, 3277 E. 18th Road, Ottawa, IL 61350, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
More details TBA! Parking available in the little town. All vendors will be inside the main Rusty Halo building. Enjoy a unique shopping experience setting in a 1920’s town.

The Loop Group
2026-07-11 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.

2026 Boater Safety Courses
2026-07-11 09:00 - 17:00 | Illinois Waterway Visitor Center, 950 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
*Free IDNR Approved Boater Safety Classes* (Advanced registration required)
This 8-hour class is required to complete your certification. Open to anyone 12 and over. Students under age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Did you know: Anyone born on or after January 1st, 1998 who operates a vehicle powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or more needs to complete an IDNR approved boater safety class
This class is recommended for:

New boaters
Families that enjoy boating
Seasoned boaters who would like to brush up on rules and regulations

Participants should bring their own snacks, lunch, and drinks. Class materials will be provided. Call to register today!
Course Dates:
April 25, 9am to 5pm
May 23, 9am to 5pm
June 20, 9am to 5pm
July 11, 9am to 5pm
August 15, 9am to 5pm

Farmers and Makers Market
2026-07-11 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.

Jordan Block Jams: Sara's Place
2026-07-10 20:00 - 22:00 | Jordan Block, 101-123 W Main St 61350, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Enjoy a free concert at the Jordan Block for this classic summer event!

Shark Week Screening
2026-07-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Grades 7-12: It’s Shark Week! Bring a beach towel to lounge on while we watch Jaws (Rated PG) and celebrate with some sea-themed activities.

Trivia Night @ Jeremiah Joe Coffee
2026-07-09 19:00 - 22:00 | Jeremiah Joe Coffee, 807 LaSalle Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Trivia Night @ Jeremiah Joe’s Bring your smart friends and have a great evening at a great business. $5 entry per table, max 4 players per table. Prizes will be available!

DIY Permanent Marker Tie-Dye
2026-07-08 16:30 - 17:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Grades 7-12,
Come and design your own tie-dye shirt using permanent markers and rubbing alcohol. A limited
supply of white t-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for those in need of one.

Shake, Rattle, Read!
2026-07-08 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.

Escape the Study Room Game: Bad Seed, Good Egg (Recurring)
2026-07-08 09:00 - 19:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
All ages: For the month of July, the Bad Seed and his friends only have 45 minutes to puzzle out their confusing chores. Can you and your team solve the riddles in time to win a prize? Reserve a room or walk in with a team of up to four to take on the challenge during the library’s open hours.

Ready, Set, Read!
2026-07-07 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.

Babies Go to the Beach
2026-07-06 17:15 - 18:15 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Ages birth to 3 years, Join us for a sensory exploration of the ocean.

America250: Boston Tea-n Party
2026-07-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Grades 7-12, come celebrate America’s 250th with a Revolutionary tea party. Toss your complaints in the harbor and prepare for a water pistol duel! You’ll meet in the green space on Fulton Street, weather permitting

Monthly Kit: Summer
2026-07-06 09:00 - 19:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For adults, This month’s kit will contain summer recipes and a summery charm. Kits are available while supplies last and are limited to one per patron.

Ottawa's 4th of July Fireworks
2026-07-04 19:00 - 22:00 | Ottawa, IL, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Gather with friends and family to watch Ottawa’s spectacular fireworks show. More details TBA!

Fireworks! @ Skydive Chicago
2026-07-04 18:00 - 21:30 | Skydive Chicago, 3215 E. 1969th Road, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Save the date for our annual fireworks display in celebration of Independence Day!
Fireworks and night demo jumps Saturday Night!Get here early to get a good spot! Bring chairs or blanket and a cooler, grab some food or drink from on-site Jump Run Cafe or TBD Food Truck for dinner!
$10 per car for fireworks (non-jumpers). This fee will help cover clean up costs.
*Please remain behind the taxiway as indicated before, during, and after show
