Events in Ottawa today

An evening waterfront market at Heritage Harbor brings together local vendors and makers, live music, and food and drinks along the Illinois River. Attendees can browse handmade goods, enjoy entertainment, and take in sunset views in a relaxed setting with family and friends. This monthly event blends shopping, music, and riverfront atmosphere for an easygoing night out.

A lively karaoke night at Shakers invites singers to share favorite tunes from beloved artists. Groups can enjoy drinks while performing, and the crowd adds a fun, welcoming vibe. DJ Matty on the mic keeps the music flowing and the energy high.

Flotsam River Circus brings a riverfront spectacle to Fox River Park in Ottawa, featuring a troupe of musicians, circus artists, and puppeteers who travel on a handmade raft and offer free performances. The setup is near the Riverwalk Boat Ramp, and the raft will be easy to spot on the water. The show is family friendly and created for all ages. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and consider arriving early for a comfortable spot. Most of the viewing area is grassy and on a slope, while a paved path is available and may work better for wheelchairs. Attendance is free, and voluntary contributions are welcomed, with a suggested amount of 10 to 25 dollars per person. Donations can be made in cash or via Venmo at @rivercircus. Flotsam River Circus operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so gifts are tax deductible. Parking nearby is limited, so alternate ways of getting there such as carpooling, biking, or kayaking are encouraged. The performance is best enjoyed from shore, and boats are asked not to position behind the performers.

World Champion and DZO Rook Nelson leads a vertical sequential flying event designed to sharpen freefly skills. Over the course of the weekend, a group of flyers receives a series of dives to plan and complete. Expect technical jumps that raise the bar for everyone, with opportunities for the group to suggest additional challenges. Participation requires the ability to take docks while head down and while sit flying. No registration is needed, and sending a brief courtesy message to Rook in advance is welcome.

A drive-thru food distribution will take place at the OSF Healthcare 1050 Building parking structure, allowing attendees to remain in their vehicles while receiving assistance. Please arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before distribution begins, and plan for the line to potentially take up to two hours. This event is open to anyone seeking food support, regardless of where they live. To receive food for a household, either come in person or send a representative with a completed proxy form, which is available for download.

Enjoy a Show & Shine car show that welcomes cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Vehicle owners can display their rides for a $10 entry fee, and all makes and models are invited. Highlights include dash plaques and trophies, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, and music by AMC Sound, all in a family-friendly setting. Proceeds benefit We Are Oglesby, NFP, a 501(c)(3) supporting local community initiatives, events, and improvements in Oglesby.

Now in its fifth year, Partridge’s Pit Stop Bar & Video Gaming hosts a car show that benefits the Starved Rock Regional Center for Therapy and Child Development. Spend the day enjoying cars while supporting the mission of SRRC.

Readers who are interested in writing come together for a relaxed club gathering. It is a simple way to meet others who love books and share the same interest in writing.

Mixd & Mingle combines a lively bar crawl and cocktail competition with community impact. Create your own route through participating bars, sample signature creations at each stop, and cast a vote to help crown the favorites. The festivities continue at Jordan Block with complimentary games and an after-party atmosphere, plus confirmed food trucks Cousins Maine Lobster and Philly Factory, with additional vendors to be announced. A live concert by The Flannel Junkies caps the celebration, and drinks will be available for purchase. Proceeds support scholarships for local high school students and fuel ONYX programming that shares insights and opportunities with the business community.

This is an outdoor event in an open-air setting.

Flotsam River Circus brings a free, family-friendly spectacle to Fox River Park in Ottawa, IL, featuring musicians, circus artists, and puppeteers performing from a handmade raft on the water near the Riverwalk Boat Ramp. Expect an imaginative riverside show designed for all ages. Attendees may want to bring a blanket or lawn chair and arrive early for a comfortable viewing spot. Most of the audience area is grassy and on a slope, while a nearby paved path can offer an easier option for wheelchairs. Parking is limited, so consider carpooling, biking, or even arriving by kayak. Those coming by boat are encouraged to watch from shore and avoid positioning behind the performers. Admission is free, and donations keep the project afloat, with a suggested contribution of $10 to $25 per person. Cash or Venmo are accepted, and as a 501c3 nonprofit, donations are tax-deductible. Ottawa is one stop on a tour along the Illinois Waterway, with performances planned in additional river towns all the way to Chicago.

Leo Fron performs a live acoustic set at CatsEye, a laid back neighborhood wine bar in downtown Ottawa, Illinois. Situated a short drive from Starved Rock, Matthiessen, and Buffalo Rock, the space blends an eclectic vibe with urban vintage character. The bar serves handcrafted cocktails and spirits, craft beer, and a seasonal wine selection, along with charcuterie plates that fit the relaxed setting.

Enjoy a live performance by KALAMIT̄ at Fire on Fifth in Peru, Illinois.

A live music event centered on McDermott’s songs. Stephen King has said this music helped him reconnect with a part of himself he feared was gone, only to realize it had been misplaced. Tickets are $35.

A friendly gathering where participants sing, laugh, dance, and move along to music.