This free lively street festival features 40 handmade and homegrown makers, live music, food, and rotating themed experiences each month that keep every event fresh and exciting. Bring the whole family! We offer a free kids play zone and a free craft activity each month, making it
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
This free lively street festival features 40 handmade and homegrown makers, live music, food, and rotating themed experiences each month that keep every event fresh and exciting. Bring the whole family! We offer a free kids play zone and a free craft activity each month, making it
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.
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
Arts, culture, and entertainment come alive in downtown Ottawa! This free lively street festival features 40 handmade and homegrown makers, live music, food, and rotating themed experiences each month that keep every event fresh and exciting. Bring the whole family! We offer a free kids play zone and a
Join us for an epic fireworks show celebrating America's 250th birthday!
This free lively street festival features 40 handmade and homegrown makers, live music, food, and rotating themed experiences each month that keep every event fresh and exciting. Bring the whole family! We offer a free kids play zone and a free craft activity each month, making it
Arts, culture, and entertainment come alive every Third Friday in downtown Ottawa! This free lively street festival features 40 handmade and homegrown makers, live music, food, and rotating themed experiences each month that keep every event fresh and exciting. Bring the whole family! We offer a free kids
Kick off the holiday season in the Middle of Everywhere with a magical weekend full of festive fun! Happenings All Weekend Long Downtown Ottawa Christmas Open Houses Ornament Hunt & Lamp Light Carolers (Friday) King Carriage Rides (Friday 4-9 PM) Freshly Baked Cobbler by the Ottawa Boy
Kick off the holiday season in the Middle of Everywhere with a magical weekend full of festive fun! Happenings All Weekend Long Downtown Ottawa Christmas Open Houses Ornament Hunt & Lamp Light Carolers (Friday) King Carriage Rides (Friday 4-9 PM) Freshly Baked Cobbler by the Ottawa Boy
Join us in Downtown Ottawa for the Annual Scarecrow Festival. 38 years and running! Kids activities, food, music, fundraising, and, of course, the Scarecrow Competition. New fundraising activities this year: Pet Costume Contest--Famous Duos (you and your pet), Pie Eating Contest--all age groups, plus adult relay round!
Arts, culture, and entertainment come alive every Third Friday in downtown Ottawa, Illinois MAY – SEPTEMBER. Art vendors, music, food, and live events hosted by Open Space Gallery. Enjoy later shopping hours at many downtown retailers and enjoy custom food and drink specials at several of our
Arts, culture, and entertainment come alive every Third Friday in downtown Ottawa, Illinois MAY – SEPTEMBER. Art vendors, music, food, and live events hosted by Open Space Gallery. Enjoy later shopping hours at many downtown retailers and enjoy custom food and drink specials at several of our
Arts, culture, and entertainment come alive every Third Friday in downtown Ottawa, Illinois MAY – SEPTEMBER. Art vendors, music, food, and live events hosted by Open Space Gallery. Enjoy later shopping hours at many downtown retailers and enjoy custom food and drink specials at several of our
Join us for the 37th annual holiday parade, a time-honored tradition of making cherished memories! The parade will kick off at LaSalle Street and the 200 block of West Jackson Street, with festive floats and performances winding their way south on LaSalle, culminating at Main Street. After
Back by popular demand and for ONE NIGHT ONLY! Join us in the Ottawa Hot Glass Hunt through enchanting downtown Ottawa, IL. The Ottawa Visitors Center has once again commissioned local artist Laura Johnson owner of Starved Rock Hot Glass to create 20 beautiful glass blown ornaments
The 2nd annual downtown Ottawa Halloween Parade is coming back on October 26th! Join us as we haunt our way down LaSalle St. from Washington Park to Jordan Block with the spooky train and its conductor in tow. Anyone can join the parade (businesses, organizations, families) –
The long standing Ottawa Scarecrow Fest returns to Downtown Ottawa with activities for the entire family. Stroll from Washington Park to the Jordan block visiting craft vendors, trying a great variety of food (including freshly made apple cider donuts!), and listening to live music. Plus, the kids
Join us a fun-filled day with activities the entire family can enjoy. Demonstrations from a blacksmith, canoeing on the canal, music, tours and so much more.
We’re in the dog days of summer, but that’s OK because even dogs Third Friday! Bring your pup for a night on the town next Friday starting at 5 pm on Madison Street. With temps forecasted in the low 80s, it’s shaping up to be a howling