Ottawa, IL - The Middle of Everywhere

The Loop Group
2026-07-04 13:30 - 15:30, 2026-06-27 13:30 - 15:30, 2026-06-20 13:30 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Learn to knit or crochet in a friendly environment with knowledgeable people.

Farmers and Makers Market
2026-07-04 08:00 - 12:30, 2026-06-27 08:00 - 12:30, 2026-06-20 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.

America250: Hamilton
2026-07-03 13:00 - 16:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Teens and Adults:
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary by watching the filmed production on the Broadway hit,
Hamilton (Rated PG with a run time of 160 minutes). Join us to enjoy some snacks, sips, and sing-
a-longs. Film synopsis: Presenting the tale of American founding father Alexander Hamilton, this
filmed version of the original Broadway smash hit is the story of America then, told by America
now.

TikTok Recipe Trends
2026-07-02 13:00 - 13:45 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Grades 3-6: Create viral recipes as seen on TikTok! Registration is required due to the availability of supplies. To register, visit our events page, call the library at 815-434-0509, or stop by the Circulation Desk.

Freedomfest 2026
2026-07-02 - 2026-07-05 | Skydive Chicago, 3215 E. 1969th Road, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Let’s Boogie!Skydive Chicago’s Annual 4th of July Boogie.
When: July 2nd-5th, 2026Registration: FREE

Come on out to Skydive Chicago for the extended holiday weekend and jump with your favorite friends and make some new ones along the way! We will have load organizers in multiple disciplines that weekend as well as events run by All American Bigways, SDC MatriX, SDC CORE, [context] and more!We want to get as many people jumping as we can!No registration required.

Fireworks and night demo jumps Saturday Night!
There will be a fee per car for fireworks (non-jumpers), pricing announced soon. This fee will help cover the fireworks and clean up costs

Shake, Rattle, Read!
2026-07-01 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-06-24 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)
2026-07-01 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.

Yappers Book Club
2026-06-30 16:30 - 17:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Grades 7-12,
Need a place to study after school or somewhere to hang out with friends? Bring schoolwork, a
project, or a book to read for fun! There’s no pressure here, just friends, snacks, and time to get
something done at the library

Ready, Set, Read!
2026-06-30 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-06-23 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.

Stacks and Snacks Cinema: Elio
2026-06-29 15:00 - 17:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
All ages,
Enjoy the out of this world animated adventure of Elio (rated PG with a run time of 1hr and 40
minutes) while you snack on some popcorn and make some crafts. This event is for children of all
ages.

Camp Tuck 100 Year Celebration Concert
2026-06-27 12:00 - 22:00 | Skydive Chicago, 3215 E. 1969th Road, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Celebrate Camp Tuck’s 100th anniversary with a one day music festival along the Fox River, at Skydive Chicago. Scan the QR code for tickets or visit https://www.camptuckabatchee.org/camp-tuck-100/ for more information.
Chicago Farmer & the Fieldnotes
Bob Marley Tribute
Manix Rho
Chad Link
Christina Elvetroog
Katie Bell & Duffelbag Joe
Poke the Bear

Run Today for Tomorrow 5K & Wellness Fair
2026-06-27 08:00 - 13:00 | Jordan Block, 101-123 W Main St 61350, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Check out our interview with event organizer Emily Hardee & coordinator Renee Durden here.
Run Today for Tomorrow’s 7th annual 5K is back, and as of December of 2025, Run Today for Tomorrow, Inc. is officially a 501c3!!
All proceeds will stay in the community and provide financial assistance to community members in getting the help they need as well as a mental health scholarship for local students in the Mental Health field of study. They are partnered with the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation to make this happen. The goal of Run Today for Tomorrow, Inc. is to bring hope and provide help to those affected by suicide. We’re running today because we believe in a Tomorrow where everyone is here to see itJoin us on June 27th for our in-person race or virtually you can run around your neighborhood, on a trail, or on a treadmill, post your results, and help share our message with the world!

Another exciting update for 2026; we will be hosting our very first LaSalle County Wellness Fair! The Wellness Fair is a free, family-friendly event that is all about celebrating health, wellness, and community connection. Please stop on by during or after race time.
Whether your participation is in support of the cause, in honor of a loved one, your personal health, or your personal struggles, we encourage you to participate and let your reason drive you to the finish line. #TomorrowNeedsYouHere
Registration Fee – $30 (thru 5/27/26 includes t-shirt)*Registration Fee – $35 (5/27/26 – 6/27/26)
Packet Pickup will be held on Friday June 26th from 3pm-7pm at Small Dog Candle Co 619 La Salle St, Ottawa, IL 61350Registration Addon – $10.00 to ship your packet to you
*T-Shirt sizes are S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL and 4XL
The race will be held rain or shine. No refunds are allowed after registration is completed. T-shirt sizes guaranteed for all participants registered by May 27th.
Feel free to check out our website at runtodayfortomorrow.org or follow us on Facebook at “Run Today for Tomorrow, Inc.” for more updates about race day!

Cringy Cosplay
2026-06-26 14:00 - 15:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Grades 7-12, Come show off your character creations in a low-pressure cosplay hangout. Your cosplay doesn’t have to be elaborate (or even good), just grab something from your closet and show up for your favorite fandom.

Grilling and Summertime Salads
2026-06-25 17:30 - 18:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Adults,
Join Susan Glassman, University of Illinois Extension’s Health and Wellness Educator, to learn
how to make healthy and delicious meals on the grill and tasty summer salads.

Tinker Time: Loose Parts Nature Art
2026-06-25 13:00 - 13:45 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Preschool-Grade 2,
Create beautiful summer art using found items from nature.

Teatime Tutorial
2026-06-24 16:30 - 17:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Grades 7-12,
Black, herbal, oolong? Come test out different varieties of tea and find a new favorite. We will
also learn how to take an afternoon teatime, a perfect addition to an afterschool snack routine

LEGO Club
2026-06-23 17:00 - 18:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
All Ages,
Make a pet-themed creation with library LEGO pieces and have your build displayed afterwards
in the Children’s Department.

Dungeons & Dragons @ The Reddick Library
2026-06-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Grades 7-12,
Find out what quest your Dungeon Master has created for you. Will you survive? Will you accomplish your goals?

Homeschool Art
2026-06-22 10:00 - 11:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
All ages,
Get ready to get messy! We will be exploring different ways to paint–bubbles, splattering,
unusual paint brushes, and more! Wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy. Funding for this
event was provided in part by the Illinois Arts Council and the Starved Rock Country
Community Foundation. This event will be held outdoors on the Fulton Street side of the library.

Ottawa Lions Club Carnival 2026
2026-06-20 13:00 - 22:00, 2026-06-19 18:00 - 22:00 | Lincoln Douglas Park, 600 E. Norris Drive, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
The 2026 Ottawa Lions Club Carnival will be held from June 17th through the 20th. It will be near the pool again.
$30 Armbands each session (unlimited rides)
Wed-Fri: 6-10 pm, Sat: 1-5pm & 5pm-9pm
Advanced Armband Tickets: $25 EA.
1 ticket good for 1 armband session

Donuts with Dad
2026-06-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
All ages,
Snack on donuts, get crafty, and play games with your favorite dad to celebrate Father’s Day

2026 Boater Safety Courses
2026-06-20 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

28th Annual Cruise Night
2026-06-19 18:00 - 22:00 | Downtown Ottawa
Come help LaSalle County Cruisers celebrate the 250th birthday of the country at the 28th Annual Ottawa Cruise Night. Friday June 19th from 6-10pm. Registration is still $10. Goodie bags and dash plaques to the 1st 300 vehicles registered.Music provided by the famous 3D Sound.
LaSalle County Cruisers has chosen Ottawa River Rescue as the 50/50 beneficiary this year. They will utilize the funds for much needed replacement of their ice rescue gear. Be sure to watch for the people out and about that evening with tickets available. There will also be a ticket both set up at the corner of LaSalle St and Jefferson St.
Event shirts will be available from S&S Shirts N More. They will also be set up at the corner of Jefferson St and LaSalle St

Come hungry and check out the food options from some of your favorite local non-profit organizations. Some of our generous sponsors will have booths set up for you to check out too. This will all be located on West Jefferson St.

Sponsored by the City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Special Events Group.
