Farmers and Makers Market
2026-08-22 08:00 - 12:30, 2026-08-29 08:00 - 12:30, 2026-09-05 08:00 - 12:30, 2026-09-12 08:00 - 12:30, 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 (America/Chicago) and 1 more date | 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.

Ottawa's Debate Days
2026-08-22 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Ottawa
Ottawa’s Debate Days is a celebration of the world-renowned debate between future U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and Senator Stephen Douglas. It was held in the heart of historic Downtown Ottawa, at Washington Park. Come celebrate all things Ottawa with a week full of summer fun in the sun! Scroll down for the schedule, as well as information on the Great Taste Debate & Longest Beard Contest.
Click here to check out our Lincoln Douglas Bobbleheads, available in a set or separately.

The Great Taste Debate

The Great Taste Debate: Lincoln vs. Douglas August 15–23, 2026 Downtown Ottawa, Illinois
As part of Ottawa’s Debate Days, step into history—and help decide it.
Welcome to The Great Taste Debate, a citywide food & drink experience where local restaurants, bars, coffee shops, bakeries, and ice cream spots go head-to-head in a delicious showdown inspired by Lincoln and Douglas.
How It Works:
Participating locations will feature two special items:
Lincoln – classic, hearty, traditional Douglas – bold, creative, unexpected
Visit participating spots, try one (or both!), and cast your vote to decide who wins the debate.
How to Participate:
Visit official Taste Debate stops Choose your side: Lincoln or Douglas Scan the QR code to vote Make your case!
We’re currently selecting participating locations—stay tuned for the official lineup!
Awards Include:Great Taste Debate Champion (Overall Winner)Best Lincoln ItemBest Douglas ItemPeople’s Choice Award
Limited locations. One week only.
Where Lincoln debated… now you decide.History you can taste.

Schedule
Saturday the 15th
Puzzle contest 10am & 4pm @ Scouting Museum
Event @ LaSalle County Genealogy Guild 1pm
Ticketed Gala @ Ottawa Center for the Arts (evening)
Art Show w/ Lincoln Theme by Ottawa Arts Committee
Flag Scavenger Hunt from 8/15 – 8/22
Sunday the 16th
Lecture on Black Hawk Wars 11am @ Scouting Museum
Ticketed Mrs. Lincoln/Douglas Character Tea @ Reddick Mansion 2pm, with Quilt Trunk Show
Monday the 17th
Lecture on Early Pioneers 6pm @ Scouting Museum
Store Deals
Tours
Tuesday the 18th
Lecture on Lincoln’s in Town 6pm @ Scouting Museum
Store Deals
Tours
Wednesday the 19th
Store Deals
Tours
Chris Vallillo Concert @ the Abbey 7pm
Thursday the 20th
Lecture on the 7 Debates 6pm @ Scouting Museum
Store Deals
Tours
Friday the 21st
Store Deals
Tours
Third Friday Market
Best Beard Contest 5:30pm in Washington Park

Music by Illinois 33rd Band in Washington Park 6pm w/ Lincoln & Douglas Impersonators
Saturday the 22nd
Store Deals
Tours
Old Time Fair w/ Farmers & Makers Market on Jackson St. from 11am to 4pm (fair is FREE)
Carriage Rides pick up on Columbus/Jackson St Corner (Time TBD)
Re-enactment of Lincoln Douglas Debate 4-5pm
Ice Cream Social in Washington Park 6pm w/ Scouting Museum 6pm
Music in the Park 6-9pm
Sunday the 23rd
Store Deals
Tours
250th Anniversary Parade 1pm

Music in the Park
2026-08-22 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-29 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-05 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.

Paint the Town: En Plein Aire Art Festival
2026-09-11 - 2026-09-13 | Nell’s Woodland, 2000 Alexis Ave., Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
The City of Ottawa Arts Committee invites you to their second annual Paint the Town: En Plein Air Festival in Ottawa, IL. Plein air artists are invited to use their vision and talents to capture picturesque scenes. Nestled just 80 miles southwest of Chicago, Ottawa, Illinois, is a hidden gem for artists seeking inspiration. With its beautifully landscaped downtown, historic churches, architecture, and vibrant public parks, the city offers a diverse and dynamic backdrop for plein air painters. Framed by the confluence of the Illinois and Fox Rivers, Ottawa boasts breathtaking waterfront views, lush nature preserves, and charming streetscapes, making it the perfect setting for an immersive outdoor painting experience.

Over three days, artists will have the opportunity to explore, create, and compete for $5,000 in prizes graciously donated by Bob and Cheryl Nelson, while connecting with fellow artists and art lovers in a welcoming, inspiring environment.

Whether you’re drawn to the rich textures of historic architecture, the soft light reflecting off the river, or the serenity of our natural landscapes, Ottawa has a scene for every artistic vision. Come paint with the Arts Committee and let the town become your canvas!

Event Schedule

Friday, September 11 – Town Tours
• Get inspired and discover Ottawa’s most scenic spots before painting begins!
• Two guided bus tours are available
• Tours will highlight historic sites, hidden gems, and ideal painting locations

Saturday, September 12 – Paint the Town
• All-day painting begins
• Artists may set up anywhere within the Ottawa city limits to paint en plein air

Sunday, September 13 – Awards Exhibition at Nell’s Woodland
• 8:00 AM – All completed artwork must be turned in for judging
• 10:00 AM – Awards Exhibition & Winner Announcements, and Easel Sales
• 11:00 AM Nell’s Woodland Arts Day, including activities, demonstrations, and food!

Awards & Prizes ($5,000 Total Prize Pool)
• Best in Show — $2,000
• 2nd Place — $1,000
• 3rd Place — $600
• 4th Place — $400
• 4 × Judge’s Choice — $250 each

Rusty Halo Autumn Harvest
2026-09-12 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-09-13 09:00 - 16:00 | Rusty Halo, 3277 E. 18th Road, Ottawa, IL 61350, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Enjoy the unique shopping experience set against the backdrop of a 1920s town. More details TBA!

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.

Walk to End Alzheimers
2026-09-26 08:30 - 11:00 | Jordon 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.

Ottawa Fall Fest & Parade 2026
2026-10-04 08:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Ottawa
More details TBA!

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.

A Victorian Haunting
2026-10-24 14:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Ottawa
Take a step back in time with the Ottawa Downtown Association and experience a night of shadows, suspense, and intrigue…

2026 Wine & Art Walk at Heritage Harbor
2026-11-07 14:00 - 18:00 | Heritage Harbor Ottawa, 2 Great Loop, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
The Wine & Art Walk invites guests to stroll through Heritage Harbor while enjoying local art, wine tastings, and scenic waterfront views. Along a self-guided route, visitors can explore one-of-a-kind artwork from talented local artists, sample a variety of wines and spirits, and soak in the creative energy and charm of the Harbor community. More details TBA!

Rusty Halo Snowman Express
2026-11-14 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-11-15 09:00 - 16:00 | Rusty Halo, 3277 E. 18th Road, Ottawa, IL 61350, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Enjoy a unique shopping experience set in the backdrop of a 1920s town. More details TBA!

Festival of Lights Parade
2026-11-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Ottawa
Kick off the holiday season in dazzling style at Ottawa’s beloved Festival of Lights Parade! Join us in the heart of downtown as festive floats, sparkling lights, and holiday music fill the streets with cheer. This magical tradition brings families and friends together to celebrate the season, with a joyful procession that lights up the night and hearts alike.

Bundle up, bring the cocoa, and make your way downtown for a holiday experience you won’t want to miss!

Freezin' for a Reezin' 2026
2026-12-04 07:30 - 17:00 | IL

A Very Merry Harbor Christmas
2026-12-05 08:00 - 17:00 | Heritage Harbor Ottawa, 2 Great Loop, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
A Very Merry Harbor Christmas transforms Heritage Harbor into a festive holiday wonderland filled with twinkling lights, seasonal cheer, and family-friendly activities. Guests can enjoy visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, and the warmth of bonfires, all culminating in the beloved lighting of the Harbor Christmas tree to celebrate the start of the holiday season. More details TBA!

Penguin Plunge
2027-01-30 11:00 - 15:00 | Skydive Chicago, 3215 E. 1969th Road, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
