Events in Ottawa today

Everything on around Ottawa today, each one checked against where it was posted.

4 todayChecked Friday, October 23

Today — Friday, October 23

4 events today. See what the weekend holds →

  • 4pm

    Boo-tique After Dark 👻

    La Salle · 531 1st St

    Downtown LaSalle becomes a festive shopping night with Halloween flair. Explore local businesses featuring seasonal specials, browse the Mystical Market, and see the Hocus Pocus Hags in Pocket Park. At Modern Creek, purchases of $50 or more earn an entry to win a ghost mug filled with goodies, and purchases of $150 or more earn an entry to win a Halloween tumbler filled with goodies. It is an evening for friends to discover local finds and enjoy a touch of spooky fun.

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  • 6pm

    Halloween Trivia Night

    Ottawa · Alfano's Pizza of Ottawa, 1476 N 29th Rd

    Celebrate spooky season with a battle of wits at Halloween Trivia Night at Alfano’s Pizza of Ottawa. Reserve a table for your crew, with space for up to 10 people and a single $100 entry fee per table. Doors open ahead of the first questions, and food and drinks will be available to purchase throughout the event. Look for raffles and games happening all night, with proceeds benefiting the Community Food Basket. Costumes are encouraged. To preregister by phone, call 815-431-0155.

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  • 7pm

    Trap shoot

    Newark · Newark Sportsmens Club, 10251 Fox River Dr

    Friday nights feature a recurring trap shoot held each week. During weeks when breakfast is on the schedule, a Sunday trap session is also available.

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  • 8:30pm

    Discount Vinyl Band

    Ottawa · Shakers Ottawa, 121 W Stevenson Rd.

    Discount Vinyl Band performs a decades-spanning set of hits from the 1960s through the 1990s at Shakers Ottawa in Ottawa, IL.

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Coming up this week

Worth planning ahead for — see the full week →

Saturday, October 24

7 events

  • 10am

    World’s Largest Polio Walk

    Marseilles · Marseilles City Hall

    Free

    This free walk focuses on raising awareness to help end polio worldwide. Participants come together in support of eradication efforts and to amplify the message. Donations are accepted to further the cause.

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  • 2pm

    A Victorian Haunting: Escape from the Asylum

    Ottawa · Reddick Mansion Association, 100 W Lafayette St

    Slip into a Victorian night of mystery and tension at A Victorian Haunting: Escape from the Asylum at Reddick Mansion Association. An escapee prowls the city, scattering clues across downtown Ottawa, and the task is to connect them and unravel the story before time runs out. Tickets provide access to a citywide interactive game, immersive encounters, and spine-tingling surprises at every turn. More twists are planned, though some details remain purposely hidden. Will you find the way out?

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  • 5pm

    Skeleton Strut

    Mendota · Downtown Mendota, 700 Illinois Ave

    Free

    Mendota’s downtown comes alive with a skeleton themed celebration featuring local boutiques, delicious food and drinks, and plenty of photo opportunities. A highlight is a parade of decorated golf carts, a new addition for the area.

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  • 5pm

    Annual Ravioli Dinner

    Marseilles · Yeiser Art Center, 200 Broadway St

    The Annual Ravioli Dinner brings the community together for a hearty meal and friendly conversation. Guests may dine in by entering through the right-side door at the courtyard’s rear, or opt for carryout by using the food pantry entrance. Pricing is $15 for adults, $6 for ages 5 to 10, and free for children under 4, with payment currently accepted in cash only. Volunteers and donated desserts are appreciated. Extra activities include a bake sale, a 50/50 drawing, and a raffle for the Cozy Winter gift basket.

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  • 6pm

    Horror at the Incubator

    Streator · Streator Incubator, 401 W Bridge St

    Streator Incubator hosts a professional wrestling event featuring talent from Illinois Valley Wrestling. An opening showcase leads into the main show. Tickets are $10.

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  • 7pm

    Zazzle Band Rocks

    Ottawa · Berta's Tap, 616 Clinton St

    Matt, Beth, and Randy perform a set of 90s punk and rock hits at Berta's Tap.

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  • 7:30pm

    Casey McGrath is Fiddlerock

    Ottawa · CatsEye Wine Bar, 724 La Salle St

    Casey McGrath delivers fiddle-driven takes on rock and classic rock, with forays into metal, rap, and plenty in between. This genre-hopping performance showcases familiar songs reimagined for the fiddle, blending styles across the musical spectrum.

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Sunday, October 25

1 event

  • 7:30am

    Sunday breakfast and trap

    Newark · Newark Sportsmens Club, 10251 Fox River Dr

    An unlimited breakfast is available while trap shooting takes place. Both activities run at the same time.

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Tuesday, October 27

2 events

  • 6:30pm

    Board Meeting

    Seneca · Seneca Public Library District, 210 N Main St

    Free

    The Seneca Public Library Board will hold a meeting in the Cultural Center, and attendance is open to all.

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  • 7pm

    Tuesday Night Pub Trivia

    Ottawa · Shakers Ottawa, 121 W Stevenson Rd.

    Free

    Shakers Ottawa hosts a free pub trivia night with six rounds. Teams of up to six friends can play through categories like pop culture, sports, entertainment, name that tune, geography and history, and science. Prizes go to first and second place, with an extra prize awarded midway through the game.

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Wednesday, October 28

2 events

  • 5pm

    Wednesday Night Live Featuring Neumann Superhumann Show

    Tonica · Bricks & Stones at Camp Aramoni

    Wednesday Night Live at Camp Aramoni blends casual dining, drinks, and live music in a relaxed setting. Choose from a fast-casual lineup of appetizers, salads, pizzas, handhelds, and desserts, then settle in on the deck overlooking the Vermilion River or opt for indoor seating. This week features a spooky set from the Neumann Superhumann Show, a high energy one-man rock act delivering powerhouse performances and fan favorite rock and roll covers inspired by the bold sound of late 80s rock. Guests are seated and served by staff. Check in with the host to sit on the deck, indoors, or near the pavilion, or bring lawn chairs if you simply want to listen. There is no cover to attend, and ordering food is optional if you would rather just enjoy a drink. Entrees typically range from $10 to $18. A kids menu is available with cheese quesadillas, cheese pizza, and mini cheeseburgers, each priced at $9. Many dietary needs can be accommodated, including gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan choices, though everything is prepared in one kitchen where cross contact may occur, and halal or kosher options are not available. Seating is first come, first served, with reservations accepted only for groups of 10 or more. Parties of six or more are placed on a single tab with a 20 percent automatic gratuity, and a 20 percent gratuity is added to any tabs not closed and signed. Tips are welcome. If it rains, the performance moves indoors. The menu rotates seasonally and weekly specials highlight what is fresh.

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  • 6:30pm

    Book Club

    Seneca · Seneca Public Library District, 210 N Main St

    Pick up the current monthly book club selection at the circulation desk, then take part in a friendly discussion with fellow library patrons.

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Thursday, October 29

1 event

  • 7pm

    Thursday Night Karaoke

    Ottawa · Shakers Ottawa, 121 W Stevenson Rd.

    Shakers Ottawa hosts an evening of karaoke where attendees can sing their favorite songs from beloved artists. Bring friends and enjoy drinks while taking the stage. Expect a lively crowd, with DJ Matty on the Mic keeping the music and energy going throughout the night.

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