Events

The History of the I&M Canal is a new 18-panel exhibit now on display in the historic Vintage Room at the I&M Canal Visitor Center.  It features original illustrations by Tom Willcockson, acclaimed artist and author of Passage to Chicago: A Journey on the Illinois & Michigan

The History of the I&M Canal is a new 18-panel exhibit now on display in the historic Vintage Room at the I&M Canal Visitor Center. It features original illustrations by Tom Willcockson, acclaimed artist and author of Passage to Chicago: A Journey on the Illinois & Michigan

This ongoing program runs from Saturday, Aug. 1, to Sunday, Aug. 30. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays.Students are heading back to the classroom in August, but the school of nature is always in session! Stop by the front desk at Isle a

Lincoln-Douglas Debate Re-Enactment: Relive the world’s most famous debate on the very grounds where it first took place in 1858. Debate Days Parade: March through downtown Ottawa in celebration of community, history, and pride. Historic Tours & Experiences: Explore Ottawa’s landmarks and learn how our city helped

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.

Join Camp Tuckabatchee for their 2 day outdoor quilt and art show and Makers Market. Admission to be determined.  

Join us for a decadent pre-registered experience as we pair 4 delicious wines with 4 gourmet cheese's! $20 per person.    

The H.W. Immke Exhibit features a vast collection of restored glass plate negatives and vintage photography equipment from local Princeton photographer Henry William Immke. Visitors can submit family surnames for researchers to search the Immke database to locate potential ancestors within the 20,000 scanned images.Contact: Private appointments

Music in the Park is getting a special extended evening! Come enjoy extra time of live music, summer vibes, and community fun in the beautiful Washington Square. Bring your friends, your family, and your favorite picnic blankets – let's make this a night to remember! Admission is

Join Camp Tuckabatchee for their 2 day outdoor quilt and art show and Makers Market. Admission to be determined.    

  Join us for a decadent pre-registered experience as we pair 4 delicious wines with 4 gourmet cheese's! $20 per person.  

JOIN THE 2026 DEBATE DAYS PARADE! Get ready to wave the flags, crank up the patriotic music, and celebrate America's 250th Birthday in true Ottawa style! This year's parade celebrates the 250th Anniversary of American Independence, and we're inviting the entire community to be part of this

Join us for Summer Socials at Duncan Manor — a weekly outdoor gathering designed to bring our community together through local makers, live music, food, and shared experiences on the grounds of our historic estate. Admission $0 to $20.  

STORYTIME is the best morning on the farm. YAY! Grab the kids and come out to listen to story reading, enjoy an interactive experience, and then visit the farm animals at 10:00 am every Wednesday of our season! Want more time on the farm after? We have

The Bureau County Fair returns bringing five days of entertainment, livestock shows, carnival rides, fair food, and family fun to Princeton. This year's grandstand entertainment features Sawyer Brown & Lonestar on August 27—a concert country music fans won't want to miss! Start making your plans now and

Duane Petersen Trophy Night Light up your engines! The fastest and coolest cars are making their way to Lemont Downtown for our legendary cruise night car shows and block party. Wander the streets of historic Lemont Downtown viewing cars that take you back in time and make

Grab your family, friends, some food and your favorite picnic blanket and come and enjoy the sounds of The Fortunate Sons, a Credence Clearwater Revival Band!! Admission is free.  

The Bureau County Fair returns bringing five days of entertainment, livestock shows, carnival rides, fair food, and family fun to Princeton. This year's grandstand entertainment features Sawyer Brown & Lonestar on August 27—a concert country music fans won't want to miss! Start making your plans now and

In its second year, Chicago Street Markets continues to collaborate with the Village of New Lenox to expand the New Lenox Farmers Market, offering more variety from local farmers, growers, makers and bakers.  

Rockin' at the River Concerts are family-friendly, free, and open to the public. Food vendors will have items for sale, or you can bring your own picnic! Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets to sit on; a small number of chairs will be available if you

Grab your family, friends, lawn chair or favorite picnic blanket and come and enjoy the sounds of Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts before the summer is over!! Admission is free.

The Bureau County Fair returns bringing five days of entertainment, livestock shows, carnival rides, fair food, and family fun to Princeton. This year's grandstand entertainment features Sawyer Brown & Lonestar on August 27—a concert country music fans won't want to miss! Start making your plans now and

Our markets celebrate local creativity and entrepreneurship while bringing unique, handcrafted goods and fresh, locally sourced products to the heart of our community. Since 2023, Chicago Street Markets has partnered with municipalities, park districts, and private spaces to plan and manage events of all sizes.  

The H.W. Immke Exhibit features a vast collection of restored glass plate negatives and vintage photography equipment from local Princeton photographer Henry William Immke. Visitors can submit family surnames for researchers to search the Immke database to locate potential ancestors within the 20,000 scanned images.Contact: Private appointments