Ottawa Special Events Group

06/03/2026

WEEKEND AT A GLANCE!
The first weekend in June in downtown Ottawa has a variety of offerings for the whole family! Whether it's Girls Night on the Pottery Wheel at Grateful Clay, signing up for the Summer Reading Program at Reddick Public Library District, taking in some live music at one of the many establishments downtown, or just centering in for some silence at The Abbey/Ottawa Center for the Arts, you're sure to find the perfect way to enjoy your weekend!

Also, we'll be out at the intersection of Columbus Street and Norris Drive on Saturday morning collecting donations for the 4th of July Fireworks! Bring us your change! We'd sure appreciate it!

What are you looking forward to this weekend? Let us know in the comments!

06/01/2026

05/13/2026

⛳️ Get ready to tee off this summer!

Ottawa City Rec is excited to partner with Pine Hills Golf Course for our 2026 Golf Camp—perfect for young golfers looking to learn, play, and have a blast on the course! 🏌️‍♂️🏌️‍♀️

Spots fill up FAST, so don’t wait—register today!

📲 Registration is through Pine Hills (not the City Rec website), so be sure to scan the QR code below to sign up.
💵 Please bring $30 cash to your session.

Let’s hit the greens and make it a summer to remember! 🌞⛳️
Pine Hills

05/13/2026

Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Ottawa Lions Club Carnival! Get yours at the Ottawa Visitors Center or City Hall!

05/13/2026

💪 Kids Strength 101 with Coach Jim!
Get stronger, move better, and learn the right way to train with a well-known coach who’s helped athletes of all levels succeed! This fun and supportive program focuses on proper technique, basic strength training, and overall athletic development.
🏆Register now!!!
👟 Be sure to wear proper athletic shoes for lifting and running!

05/13/2026

🚓👮‍♂️ Youth Police Academy is here! 👮‍♀️🚓

Ever wonder what it’s like to be in law enforcement? Join us for this hands-on, 6-day academy where participants will meet local officers, tour the police department and jail, explore squad cars, and take part in real-life scenarios like mock crime investigations, K9 demos, SWAT equipment, and even mock trials!

📅 June 11 – July 15
📍 Police Department & City Hall

⚠️ Spots are limited to just 15 participants! Open to grades 7th-12th.

Don’t miss this awesome opportunity to learn, engage, and graduate like a pro! 🎓

👉 Sign up today: https://secure.rec1.com/IL/ottawa-il/catalog

04/28/2026

We’ve got just a few team spots left for the Ottawa Fall Fest Golf Outing at Deer Park Golf Course on Saturday, May 16!

Grab one of the last openings before they’re gone — plus, we’ve got prizes and raffles you won’t want to miss. Let us know if you want to lock in a spot!

04/17/2026

Thank you everyone for your patience!

Photos with the Easter Bunny are here! Thank you, Samantha Elizabeth Photography 🫶🏼

This gallery hosted by SmugMug; your photos look better here.

04/13/2026

Join us on May 2nd from 11AM to 3 PM for an all-day Earth Day celebration, an immersive experience designed to honor our connection to the planet and to one another.

In collaboration with our partners, this thoughtfully curated gathering brings to life our three spheres of stewardship: Ecology, Wellness, and the Arts. Throughout the day, guests of all ages are invited to explore interactive activations that inspire both personal well-being and environmental awareness. View the full event schedule on our website https://www.nellswoodland.com/

04/08/2026

🌸🎶 Spring is in the air, and it’s time to dance! 🎶🌸

Join us for the Spring Dance, brought to you by the Playground and Recreation Board!
📅 May 3rd
⏰ 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 Rivers Edge Event Center

Enjoy an afternoon of live music by the Yorkville Big Band. Get ready for an afternoon of great company and plenty of dancing fun!
✨ Free admission & all ages welcome — bring your friends and family! 💃🕺