|
|
Our calendar of events is an up-to-the-minute guide on what's happening throughout the Ottawa / Starved Rock area. If you're looking to enjoy everything from small galas to gigantic festivals, from family entertainment to record-setting extreme-sports events, you'll find it listed here, along with contact and admission info and everything you need to make visiting Ottawa an experience you'll enjoy and remember!
There are currently 50 event(s) available.
Hats off to Abe and Steve Monthly Contest
Now - May. 31, 2008
Tip your hat to Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas during our Hats
off event. There are 20 large and 30 small fiberglass hats on display in
Ottawas Old Town District from May 9, 2008 till October 31, 2008. View
these wonderfully decorated hats and join in our monthly contests we will
be giving away over $500 worth of prizes.
May -- View the hats and choose a favorite one for each category: Most historic,Most whimsical, Most creative, Most traditional and Most abstract. Event Type: Entertainment.
|
downtown Ottawa
Ottawa, IL 61350
|
41st Members Only Art Show
Now - Jun. 29, 2008
The Ottawa Art League is presenting its 41st annual Members Only Art Show. This fine art display will include work from members of the Ottawa Art League. On Saturday, May 10, there will be a press party from 2-4 p.m. For the duration of the Members Show, the general public will be able to vote on which piece of art they like best. The artwork with the most votes will be revealed at a reception to be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 29th. The League invites not only the public but also other artists to attend this show, which has no admission fee and is open to the public. free admission. Event Type: Arts.
|
Book Mouse Book Store
820 LaSalle St.
Ottawa, IL 61350
|
Second Sunday Lecture Series
May. 11, 2008 - May. 11, 2008 , 4 p.m.
On the second Sunday of each month, these lectures feature a lively discussion of various topics of local historical interest as well as those relating to the Hegeler Carus Mansion. Refreshments and conversation follow. Donations welcome. Event Type: Arts.
|
Hegeler Carus Mansion
1307 Seventh St.
La Salle,
814 224 5891
|
Success @ 6 Workshop Series
May. 14, 2008 - May. 14, 2008 , 6 p.m.
Beginning Oct. 10, and over the next few months, the Ottawa Visitors Center will host a series of insightful and enlightening workshops through which we hope to involve citizens in "telling our community's story."
The May 14 segment is "Building a Team for a Better Tomorrow" presented by Lee Ann Piano, creator of Destination Excellence Training and Development. $8 per workshop; $45 for the series. Event Type: Arts.
|
807 Conference Center
807 La Salle St.
Ottawa,
815 434 2737
|
Wine, Cheese, and Mystery
May. 14, 2008 - May. 14, 2008 , 6:30 p.m.
Book Mouse Mystery Diva, Kelly Meagher, invites to to an evening of wine, cheese and mystery. The event is co-sponsored by Herman's Liquors and the Cheese Shop.
Our mystery writer guest is Chicagoan, Libby Fischer Hellman. In addition to editing Chicago Blues, Libby Fischer Hellman writes the award-winning suspense series featuring video producer and single mother, Ellie Foreman. Come here about her new novel of suspense, Easy Innocence. Eat a little cheese, sip a little wine or cider and learn about the tools of the suspense writer's trade and other tid bits.
If you have any questions, call us at 815-433-7323. Check out our web site, bookmouse.org for the full list of up-coming Wine, Cheese and Mystery speakers.
Event Type: Entertainment.
|
Book Mouse Book Store
Ottawa,
(815) 433-7323
|
May Demo Days
May. 16, 2008 - May. 18, 2008
See all the latest wakeboarding gear and the latest model boats! Ride, watch, enjoy a few days out with friends along Ottawa's river.
The event is hosted by Ottawa-based Midwest Militia Wakeboarding, a key player in the Midwest wakeboarding scene.
Event Type: Sports.
|
Busted Prop - east end of Main Street
Ottawa,
|
Book Mouse Toddler Time
May. 17, 2008 - May. 17, 2008 , 10:30 am to 11 a.m.
Every third Saturday of the month, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. is Toddler Time at the Book Mouse. Led by Mrs. B. and Ms. Rachel, it's a half-hour of story-telling, wiggle-around-time, and poetry. Toddlers aged 2-5 and parents are welcome to join the fun. Event Type: Family.
|
Book Mouse Book Store
820 LaSalle St.
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 433-7323
|
Fox Valley Model T Club
May. 17, 2008 - May. 17, 2008
Model T autos on display the morning of the 17th at Washington Square Event Type: Family.
|
Washington Square
|
FSC International Prone and 3P Rifle Meet
May. 17, 2008 - May. 17, 2008
Event Type: Sports.
|
Sandy Ford Sportsmans Club
720 S. Bloomington St.
Streator,
815 673 1880
|
IDNR Boating Safety Classes
May. 17, 2008 - May. 17, 2008
Dates: March 29, May 17, July 12, August 16. Times: 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This minimum eight-hour course included instructions in equipment requirement, navigation rules, legal requirements, handling accident situations, the weather, trailering, visual distress signals, personal watercraft and specialty topics and the final exam. Free. Event Type: Sports.
|
Illinois Waterway Visitors Center, Starved Rock Lock & Dam
815 667 4054
|
Old Town Farmers Market
May. 17, 2008 - May. 17, 2008 , 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Old Town Farmers Market Opening Day!
ALL HOMEMADE
baked goods cookies pies candy
jams & jellies fresh bread snack mixes
dog biscuits fresh roasted coffee beans
& much more
Event Type: Seasonal.
|
Jackson St at Washington Park
Ottawa, IL 61350
|
4th Annual Honor the Eagle Pow Wow
May. 17, 2008 - May. 18, 2008
Native American dancing, drumming, cultural demonstrations, special presentations, storytelling, childrens games & crafts, raffles and tipis. Event Type: Festival.
|
Starved Rock State Park Boat Ramp Area
|
Nature Art Show
May. 17, 2008 - May. 18, 2008 , 9 a.m. to 4 p.m both days.
Enjoy paintings, woodcarvings, pottery and photography of Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Park. Free. Event Type: Arts.
|
Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center
Starved Rock State Park
815 667 5356
|
FSC Range International Pistol Meet
May. 18, 2008 - May. 18, 2008
Event Type: Sports.
|
Sandy Ford Sportsmans Club
720 S. Bloomington St.
Streator,
815 673 1880
|
Sandwich Antiques Market
May. 18, 2008 - May. 18, 2008 , 8 am to 4 pm,
8 am to 4 pm, third or fourth Sunday of the month from May to October, rain or shine.
More than 65,000 collectors attend each summer to explore exhibit booths featuring antiques and collectibles from the 19th & 20th centuries. Exhibitors' booths are inside and outside. $5 per person. Parking is free . Event Type: Family.
|
Sandwich Fairgrounds
Sandwich,
(815) 786 - 3337
|
"Broadway Blast '08" Musical Review
May. 18, 2008 - May. 24, 2008
During the season, the box office is open for two weeks prior as well as during the week of each production. It is closed the week following a show.
Box Office hours are 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., as well as 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. during show weeks.
Event Type: Arts.
|
Community Players of Streator: Engle Lane Theater
1012 Columbus St.
Streator,
(815) 672-3584
|
Music at Hegeler-Carus Mansion
May. 23, 2008 - May. 23, 2008 , 5:45 p.m.
On the fourth Friday of every month, from February to November, enjoy the sounds of local talent at the Mansion. This free event features music from classical to contemporary, from brass to Broadway -- all set in the unbeatably beautiful surroundings of this architectural gem.
As well as co-founding what was to become the largest zinc smelting operation in the United States, Edward Hegeler launched Open Court Publishing to foster the discussion of philosophy, science, and religion. He and his wife, Camilla Weisbach Hegeler, commissioned W. W. Boyington to design their 52 room Mansion and employed August Fiedler to design its interior. Their daughter, Mary Hegeler, married Dr. Paul Carus, editor of Open Court Publishing, and they raised their six children in the Mansion. The Mansion was a hub of intellectual thought and cultural activities as these families grew.
Donations welcome. Event Type: Arts.
|
Hegeler Carus Mansion
1307 Seventh St.
La Salle,
815 224 5891
|
Heritage Days Celebration
May. 23, 2008 - May. 26, 2008
Sponsored by the Streatorland Historical Society held each day in the Streator City Park the festival includes a carnival, flea market, vendors, food and a parade.
Event Type: Festival.
|
Streator City Park
815/672-2443
|
Water Safety Weekend
May. 24, 2008 - May. 26, 2008
Time: 8:3 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Start your summer activities and celebrate National Safe Boating Week by visiting the Waterway Visitors Center for a holiday weekend of water safety fun for children and adults. Learn how to be safe when you are swimming, boating, fisthing, water skiing, canoeing or enjoying any other type of water activity. Be sure to pick up some free coloring books, posters and stickers. Videos will be available to view and life jackets will be available to try on.
Free. Event Type: Outdoor.
|
Illinois Waterway Visitors Center, Starved Rock Lock & Dam
815 667 4054
|
Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run
May. 26, 2008 - May. 26, 2008 , 2:30 p.m.
On Memorial Day, Monday May 26, the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run will conduct a motorcycle run. It will depart from Summit and travel to St. Anne for an 11:30 a.m. ceremony. Then it will leave for Marseilles for a 2:30 p.m. at the Wall Memorial. Event Type: Outdoor.
|
Wall Memorial
Marseilles, IL
|
"An Evening with Abraham and Mary Lincoln"
May. 31, 2008 - May. 31, 2008 , 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The play is set in the White House close to the end of the Civil War with Abraham and Mary talking/reminiscing about their lives. The 2 of them talk about Lincolns past: how he got started, met his wife, his campaign for the Senate, his Presidential campaign and other events in his life that made him the man we know today.
Reservations can be made by calling the Ottawa Visitors Center at (815) 434-2737.
$8 per person/ $5 students and seniors. Event Type: Entertainment.
|
807 Conference Center
807 LaSalle St.
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 434-2737
|
Family Fun Horse Show
Jun. 1, 2008 - Jun. 1, 2008 , Registration: 8 a.m. Show: 9 a.m.
All riders with their own horses are welcome. Concession stand on site, with proceeds benefitting Camp Tuckabatchee. Ribbons are awarded to the top 6 places in 29 classes. Riders: $5 per class; $25 all classes. Spectators free. Event Type: Outdoor.
|
4H Fairgrounds, South Ottawa
815 433 2984
|
Hats off to Abe and Steve Monthly Contest
Jun. 1, 2008 - Jun. 30, 2008
Tip your hat to Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas during our Hats
off event. There are 20 large and 30 small fiberglass hats on display in
Ottawa's Old Town District from May 9, 2008 till October 31, 2008. View
these wonderfully decorated hats and join in our monthly contests we will
be giving away over $500 worth of prizes.
June - Photo Contest: view the hats and take crazy photos of them. Be creative! You can email the photos and fill the photo submission form at
www.experienceottawa.com/photocontest Event Type: Entertainment.
|
downtown Ottawa
Ottawa, IL 61350
|
"Privy to History"
Jun. 5, 2008 - Jun. 5, 2008 , 7 p.m.
"Privy to History" Jeff Springer, who has excavated more than 1,500 privies, cisterns, wells, and trash pits, will explain how these sites are searched, display examples of artifacts recovered, and illistrate various excavations with videos and photos. Event Type: Outdoor.
|
Ottawa Scouting Museum
1100 Canal Street
Ottawa, IL 61350
|
Music Under the Stars
Jun. 6, 2008 - Jun. 6, 2008 , 7 p.m.
Kicking off this year's Music Festival will be the 7 p.m. Friday, June 6 "Music Under the Stars," and annual event. The show will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Baker Park in Peru with a free outdoor concert at Baker Lake. In case of inclement weather, the event will be Saturday, June 7. free admission. Event Type: Entertainment.
|
Baker Park
Peru, IL
(815) 481-2318
|
Privy Dig
Jun. 7, 2008 - Jun. 7, 2008 , 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Jeff Springer will be performing a privy dig to get a better understanding of local and regional history! Springer will be excavating a site in Ottawa on Saturday, June 7, at Ontario and St. George Sts. in Fox River Park. The site will be open for public viewing between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Come out and see the discoveries as they happen. Be part of the surprise! free admission. Event Type: Outdoor.
|
Ottawa, IL
|
Secret Gardens of Utica Walk
Jun. 7, 2008 - Jun. 8, 2008
Come visit the best-kept secrets in Utica. Over 20 beautiful gardens will be open and on display. Huge plant sale in downtown Utica. Tickets for self-guided walk can be purchased in advance or on the day of event. Starved Rock Lodge is offering guided tours aboard the trolley.
Trolley tours are $17 and should be purchased in advance at the lodge. Tickets are $8. Event Type: Outdoor.
|
Utica
|
Second Sunday Lecture Series
Jun. 8, 2008 - Jun. 8, 2008 , 4 p.m.
On the second Sunday of each month, these lectures feature a lively discussion of various topics of local historical interest as well as those relating to the Hegeler Carus Mansion. Refreshments and conversation follow. Donations welcome. Event Type: Arts.
|
Hegeler Carus Mansion
1307 Seventh St.
La Salle,
814 224 5891
|
Ottawa Scouting Museum Founders Weekend
Jun. 12, 2008 - Jun. 15, 2008
A variety of activities will be offered as hundreds of Scouts arrive to celebrate the movement's founder, W.D. Boyce, who was an Ottawa resident. Event Type: Family.
|
Ottawa Scouting Museum
1100 Canal Street
Ottawa,
815 431 9353
|
Cruise Night
Jun. 13, 2008 - Jun. 13, 2008 , 6 to 10 PM
Ottawa's annual Cruise Night sponsored by LaSalle County Cruisers. Annoucing and music by 3-D Sound. Over 100 antigue and custom cars and motorcycles Event Type: Entertainment.
|
LaSalle ST Downtown Ottawa
|
Concerts for a Cause
Jun. 14, 2008 - Jun. 14, 2008 , 3:30
Montgomery Gentry will perform a "Concert for A Cause". Concert will be staged at Cedar Point Sportsman Club, Interstate 80 and Route 351 north of LaSalle. Gates open at 3 p.m. - music starts at 3:30. No coolers will be allowed. General Admission blanket section seating only for both shows will be sold in advance at Lou's LaGrotts, 3001 Fifth St., Peru, or at the door. Parking fees will be included in each ticket. For more information go online at www.louslagrotto.com. Event Type: Entertainment.
|
Cedar Point Sportsman Club
LaSalle, IL 61350
(815) 223-3083
|
Gebhard Woods Dulcimer Festival
Jun. 14, 2008 - Jun. 15, 2008 , 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Workshops, Demonstrations & Hands-on Instruction, Instrument Builders, Music Recordings & Accessories, Children's Activities, Jam Session & Concerts ... plus much more! Join us for all the fun! Check out www.gwdf.org for more information! Admission. Event Type: Arts.
|
Gebhard Woods State Park
Morris, IL
(708) 331-6875
|
Railroad Crossing Days
Jun. 14, 2008 - Jun. 15, 2008
Event Type: Family.
|
Mendota,
|
"Exit Who?" Engle Lane performance
Jun. 15, 2008 - Jun. 21, 2008
Crane Hammond, suspense-mystery writer, and her country-hating secretary, Kate, rent the same house in Vermont only to find it is the exchange point where missing microdot containing plans of military installations is to be picked up by a
spy at midnight.
During the season, the box office is open for two weeks prior as well as during the week of each production. It is closed the week following a show.
Box Office hours are 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., as well as 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. during show weeks.
Event Type: Arts.
|
Community Players of Streator: Engle Lane Theater
1012 Columbus Rd
Streator,
815/672-4066
|
Colgate Country Showdown
Jun. 17, 2008 - Jul. 29, 2008 , 7 p.m.
Entertainers sing their hearts out during the 25th annual edition of America's Largest Country Music Talent Search. The winner from this local competition will move on to the state Country Showdown in August. State winners, who each win a cash prize, advance to the regional competition in the fall. WALS-FM hosts. Event Type: Entertainment.
|
Starved Rock Lodge
800 868 7625 ext. 386
|
2nd Annual Rally for the Cure Ladies Golf Outing
Jun. 19, 2008 - Jun. 19, 2008
First Federal Savings Bank Event, 2nd Annual Rally for the Cure Ladies Golf Outing. To register and for more information, go to www.firstfedsavingsbank.com
Registration: 7:00am; Four-Person Scramble; Tee-off: 8:00am
Location: Senicas Oak Ridge Golf Club
Contact Pam Schmidt, AVP FunTimer Manager at, pschmidt@firstfedsavingsbank.com
Event Type: Sports.
|
|
An Evening of Music and Dance
Jun. 20, 2008 - Jun. 21, 2008 , 7 p.m.
An Evening of Music and Dance. On these nights guests can take in live piano music along with many forms of dance performed by local musicians and dancers from the Dance Center of LaSalle. Tickets will be $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger. Family admission is $45. Event Type: Entertainment.
|
Matthiessen Auditorium at LaSalle-Peru High School
Peru, IL
(815) 481-2318
|
Book Mouse Toddler Time
Jun. 21, 2008 - Jun. 21, 2008 , 10:30 am to 11 a.m.
Every third Saturday of the month, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. is Toddler Time at the Book Mouse. Led by Mrs. B. and Ms. Rachel, it's a half-hour of story-telling, wiggle-around-time, and poetry. Toddlers aged 2-5 and parents are welcome to join the fun. Event Type: Family.
|
Book Mouse Book Store
820 LaSalle St.
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 433-7323
|
Music at the Plaza
Jun. 21, 2008 - Jun. 21, 2008
Visitors will be able to experience the birthplace of the Maud Powell Music Festival with music by the Music School of Illinois Valley, the Peru Municipal Band and music by guest artists visiting the Illinois Valley for the Maud Powell Music Festival. In case of rain, this event will be at Peru-Washington school. free admission. Event Type: Arts.
|
Maud Powell Plaza downtown Peru
Peru, IL
(815) 481-2318
|
Return to the Wall
Jun. 21, 2008 - Jun. 21, 2008 , 1 p.m.
On Saturday, June 21, the Freedom Run organization will have its annual "Return to the Wall." The event at the Wall Memorial honors the troops who have died during the past year while serving in the Middle East. The riders, which number in the thousands, are scheduled to depart from Joliet at 10 a.m. and start arriving by late morning for a ceremony at the Wall Monument at 1 p.m. It will be followed by a 3 p.m. to midnight celebration featuring food, refreshments, vendors and live music. For additional information on either Freedom Run event, visit online at www.ilfreedomrun.org Event Type: Outdoor.
|
Wall Memorial
Marseilles, IL
|
RC Flyers Fly-in
Jun. 22, 2008 - Jun. 22, 2008
Annual event Event Type: Sports.
|
815/672-1689
|
Sandwich Antiques Market
Jun. 22, 2008 - Jun. 22, 2008 , 8 am to 4 pm,
8 am to 4 pm, third or fourth Sunday of the month from May to October, rain or shine.
More than 65,000 collectors attend each summer to explore exhibit booths featuring antiques and collectibles from the 19th & 20th centuries. Exhibitors' booths are inside and outside. $5 per person. Parking is free . Event Type: Family.
|
Sandwich Fairgrounds
Sandwich,
(815) 786 - 3337
|
Morris Nostalgia Days
Jun. 26, 2008 - Jun. 28, 2008
Stroll back in time during this 4 day summer festival in downtown Morris. Enjoy carriage rides, historic tours, and music from days gone by. There is something for everyone, including entertainment for children, music, food and an old time baseball game. Event Type: Festival.
|
downtown Morris
Morris,
815 941 0245
|
Festival 56 Theater Festival
Jun. 26, 2008 - Aug. 9, 2008
Illinois' largest summer theater festival opens. So-called because Princeton is exit 56 on Interstate 80, the 08 festival features 7 productions at various locations throughout town: Soldiers and Sailors Park,The Council Auditorium at Princeton High School, and Wise Guys Bar & Grill. This year, events also will be scheduled at the festival headquarters at 316 S. Main St., an old newspaper building.
The 2008 season features the following productions: "You're Perfect, Now Change," (June 26-July 5) "Hamlet," (July 6 - August 10)"Jesus Christ Superstar," (July 10-19) "Vanities," (July 8-19) "City of Angels," (July 24-Aug. 2) and "A Doll's House." (Aug. 5-9)
Event Type: Arts.
|
Various
Princeton,
Toll Free (815) 806-5656
|
Music at Hegeler-Carus Mansion
Jun. 27, 2008 - Jun. 27, 2008 , 5:45 p.m.
On the fourth Friday of every month, from February to November, enjoy the sounds of local talent at the Mansion. This free event features music from classical to contemporary, from brass to Broadway -- all set in the unbeatably beautiful surroundings of this architectural gem.
As well as co-founding what was to become the largest zinc smelting operation in the United States, Edward Hegeler launched Open Court Publishing to foster the discussion of philosophy, science, and religion. He and his wife, Camilla Weisbach Hegeler, commissioned W. W. Boyington to design their 52 room Mansion and employed August Fiedler to design its interior. Their daughter, Mary Hegeler, married Dr. Paul Carus, editor of Open Court Publishing, and they raised their six children in the Mansion. The Mansion was a hub of intellectual thought and cultural activities as these families grew.
Donations welcome. Event Type: Arts.
|
Hegeler Carus Mansion
1307 Seventh St.
La Salle,
815 224 5891
|
Streator's Fourth!
Jun. 28, 2008 - Jul. 6, 2008
Fourth of July celebration. The largest fireworks display in downstate Illinois on Saturday evening with the parade on Sunday. Celebration includes a carnival, contests, food vendors, fireworks and parade.
Event Type: Festival.
|
815/672-2611
|
"Hats Off To Gardeners" Garden Walk
Jun. 29, 2008 - Jun. 29, 2008 , 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Ottawa Sunrise Rotary presents "Hats Off to Gardeners"! Many beautiful gardens to visit! Sunday, June 29, 2008. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Event Type: Seasonal.
|
|
Tea at Reddick Mansion
Jun. 29, 2008 - Jun. 29, 2008 , 1 - 4 p.m.
Enjoy a quiet moment with tea and
goodies before, after or during the
Ottawa Sunrise Rotary Garden Walk. Event Type: Entertainment.
|
Reddick Mansion
100 W. Lafayette St.
Ottawa, IL 61350
|
Murder Mystery Matinee
Jun. 30, 2008 - Jun. 30, 2008 , 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"The Killer Wore Red"
You may find yourself in the middle of a murder at this interactive theatre production. $25.95. Event Type: Entertainment.
|
Starved Rock Lodge
800 868 7625 ext. 386
|
Hats off to Abe and Steve Monthly Contest
Jul. 1, 2008 - Jul. 31, 2008
Tip your hat to Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas during our Hats
off event. There are 20 large and 30 small fiberglass hats on display in
Ottawa's Old Town District from May 9, 2008 till October 31, 2008. View
these wonderfully decorated hats and join in our monthly contests we will
be giving away over $500 worth of prizes.
July - Hidden Objects: there are three different hidden objects painted into
numerous hats on display. See if you can find the objects! Event Type: Entertainment.
|
downtown Ottawa
Ottawa, IL 61350
|
|
|
|
