Ottawa, IL - The Middle of Everywhere

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

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.

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.

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

Run Today for Tomorrow 5K & Wellness Fair
2026-06-27 08:00 - 13:00 | Ottawa, IL, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States

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

The Loop Group
2026-06-27 13:30 - 15:30, 2026-07-04 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
2026-06-27 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Washington Square Park, 100 West Jackson St, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Unwind in the park with a chair or blanket, and enjoy the sweet sounds of your favorite performers.

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.

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

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

Escape the Study Room Game: Bad Seed, Good Egg (Recurring)
2026-07-01 09:00 - 19:00, 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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

Library Story Time @ the Woodland
2026-07-06 10:30 - 11:30 | Nell’s Woodland, 2000 Alexis Ave., Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
All ages,
Join us 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.

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

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.

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.

LaSalle County 4-H Show & Junior Fair
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
9:30am – noon IDNR activities
TBA – LaSalle County Soil & Water
TBA – Conservation Police Trailer
TBA – FBI
11 am – 4 pm Bouncy Activity
11 am to 2 pm Market Barrows and Crossbred Gilts Weigh-in
1pm All Livestock Must Be on 4-H Grounds
3 pm All livestock trailers off of the grounds
3 pm – 5:30 OSF Hospital – Ottawa
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
TBA – LaSalle County Soil & Water
TBA – Conservation Police Trailer
11:00 am – Dairy Show
2pm – Goat Show
3 pm – 5:30 OSF Hospital – Ottawa
4 pm – 7 pm – Gypsy Queen Karaoke
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
All

Saturday, July 11th___________________________________________________
8:00 am Horse Show – Horse Arena
8:30am Beef Showmanship Contest – Show Arena
Followed by Heifer and Market Beef Judging
8:30am Rabbit Show – Rabbit barn
9am to 4pm – Games/Activities sponsored by Rural King
TBA – Conservation Police Trailer
11am, 1pm, 3pm – Rob Thompson- Funny Magic Guy – Exhibit Hall 3
1pm – 7 pm Dunk Tank
4 pm – 7 pm – Gypsy Queen Karaoke
4:40pm 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
9am- Illinois 4-H Master Showmanship
11am 4-H Dog SHow
TBA – Conservation Police Trailer
4pm Exhibits Released and Clean-up Begins.
