Events in Peru today

Downtown Ottawa, Illinois comes alive every Third Friday from May through September with a free celebration of arts, culture, and entertainment. Hosted by Open Space Art Gallery, this lively street festival features 40 handmade and homegrown makers, live music, food, and rotating themes that keep each month fresh. Families will find a dedicated kids play zone and a free craft activity, creating a welcoming night out for all ages. Stroll the streets as local artists, makers, and performers set the scene. Many shops stay open late with special offers, and nearby restaurants serve custom dishes along with cocktails and mocktails to enjoy while exploring. Whether searching for a unique purchase, meeting new creatives, or simply enjoying a vibrant evening downtown, this Third Friday experience highlights the heart of the community.

Take the spotlight with The Gators at a karaoke night where you can perform the songs you love. The venue is Ottawa American Legion Post 33. Please note the schedule has been updated from the original plan.

Runway to a Cure is a 5K run and walk set right on the runway at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, Illinois, uniting the community to support cancer research and to honor survivors, those in treatment, and the loved ones remembered. Sparked by a personal experience with cancer and the exceptional care received at Northwestern Medicine, this event turns gratitude into action through a memorable, aviation-inspired course. Participants can expect a welcoming 5K on the airstrip for runners and walkers of all ages, a heartfelt Survivor Recognition Lap that celebrates courage and resilience, and a family-friendly atmosphere with music, community sponsors, and light post-race refreshments provided by JumpRun Café. All proceeds benefit ongoing cancer research, helping advance treatments, improve outcomes, and bring hope to families now and in the future. Together, participants run with purpose and move forward toward a cure.

Work on dynamic movement jumps with Mike in a supportive setting that welcomes newer through advanced flyers. Groups will be arranged by similar skill for each day to maintain a fun, safe progression. This is not a first-time angle flying course. The focus will be on refining exits, building speed and managing pitch, and executing safe break offs. To reserve a slot, contact Mike Kammes in advance. Participants need a freefly-friendly rig, an AAD, an audible, the ability to break off safely from a movement jump with three other flyers, and a minimum of 200 jumps. Come ready to chat and go fast.

This gathering is dedicated to honoring America’s Teal Star Warriors and supporting their families. It begins with registration at the Wilmington VFW, continues with a ceremony at the Middle East Conflict Wall in Marseilles, and concludes with a Celebration of Life fundraiser at Jamie’s Outpost in Utica. The fundraiser features live music, plenty of food, raffles, a 50/50 drawing, and more. Preregistration is available.

Set in the countryside at Hornbaker Gardens, Inc., this artisan market returns for its thirteenth year with more than thirty fine artists, food trucks, live music, and a variety of treats. Browse original works, enjoy homemade baked goods, sip beer and wine, and pick up locally grown produce and handcrafted popsicles. Admission is free. All vendor spaces have been filled and vendors have been contacted, so please disregard messages from any other accounts that claim otherwise.

Sheets by Karen returns to Utica at the LCHS Canal Market. The appearance takes place in the Barn. The market is held every Saturday and Sunday.

Set within Covel Creek’s beautiful surroundings, this Concert for a Cause brings people together through music and community. Attendees can enjoy a welcoming atmosphere in a picturesque location while supporting a cause.

The Hegeler Carus Mansion marks its 150th year with its first fundraising gala, blending a biergarten with a steampunk fashion show to honor its heritage and support its future. Drawing on the German roots of the mansion’s first residents and pairing them with contemporary artistry, music, and style, the evening reflects a fresh commitment to preservation and will help propel future capital efforts for restoration and care. Set in The Grove at the Hegeler Carus Mansion, the program features German-inspired food, beer, and specialty cocktails by Thyme Craft Kitchen, desserts by Blue Eyed Rascal Baking Co., live contemporary music from Manderley Strings, a steampunk fashion show judged by textile artist Jane Case Vickers, and a live auction benefiting the mansion. Admission is $150 per person and covers dinner, one drink ticket, live entertainment, and entry to the live auction. An early bird option is available for $125.

This event takes place at Detour Tap in the city of LaSalle.

Ian Leith performs a live set of solo acoustic covers. The performance centers on a single musician reinterpreting songs in an acoustic style.

Aligned & Alchemy Collective marks its first anniversary with a community-focused celebration. Originating as a simple vision, the collective has grown into a place where practitioners, small businesses, and neighbors come together in support of health, wellness, personal growth, and meaningful connection. The afternoon will offer wellness experiences, collaborations with local partners, giveaways, opportunities to connect, and a few surprises. Additional details, including participating vendors and featured experiences, will be shared soon.

Rebels will be at Jamie's OutPost Parlor/Mix's Trading Post for the holiday weekend, with dancing in store.

Amy Thompson with Evergreen Senior Living hosts free bingo at the Henry Nutrition Site, featuring games and prizes. To reserve lunch, call 309-364-4902.

Shakers Ottawa hosts a free, six round trivia night featuring questions on pop culture, sports, entertainment, name that tune, geography and history, and science. Teams of up to six players can compete while enjoying drinks. Prizes are awarded for first and second place, with an additional mid game prize.

Get a bottle of wine for half the regular price when you order dinner. Treat yourself to a little extra pairing while you dine.

Wednesday Night Live at Camp Aramoni pairs a fast casual menu of appetizers, salads, pizzas, handhelds and desserts with drinks and live performances. This edition features Sophie Coyote, whose mix of Americana, contemporary blues and lyric-driven folk draws on classic rock and honky-tonk country, bringing heartfelt storytelling and vocals that create an intimate atmosphere. Artists typically perform on the deck overlooking the Vermilion River, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Guests are seated by a host and served at their tables, and those who prefer to simply listen may bring lawn chairs. There is no cover. Dining is optional, and entrees generally range from $10 to $18. Reservations are accepted only for parties of ten or more, groups of six or more are placed on a single tab, and a 20% gratuity is applied. An automatic 20% gratuity is also added to tabs that are not closed and signed. Dietary needs are often accommodated with gluten free, vegetarian and vegan choices, though everything is prepared in one kitchen and halal or kosher options are not available. A kids menu offers cheese quesadillas, cheese pizza and mini cheeseburgers for $9. The menu changes seasonally and weekly specials highlight what is fresh. In case of rain, the music moves indoors. This Wednesday series runs seasonally and pauses for winter, and the venue also opens to the public for a monthly Sunday brunch outside of the series.