Visiting or relocating to Starved Rock Country means two things are certain: boundless outdoor recreation and adventure await, and your social calendar will always be full. From Starved Rock State Park events to events in Ottawa, IL, these year-round events, concerts, hikes, and more will enrich your Starved Rock experience and make memories for a lifetime. So grab your friends and enjoy all the happenings taking place in 2025.
Starved Rock Events You Won’t Want to Miss
Mega-Hike: Explore every trail, venture into each canyon, and take in the numerous waterfalls at one of the most popular Starved Rock State Park events: Mega-Hike. This guided tour is a one-day, all-encompassing adventure through the entire park. Leave first thing in the morning and return late afternoon for an all-day trek. Trolley transportation is available to and from the Starved Rock Lodge, and boxed lunches are provided at lunchtime, along with a special T-shirt to commemorate the day.
- The 2025 Mega Hike dates are Sunday, February 23, at 8:30 a.m.; Sunday, April 27, at 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.; and Sunday, June 29, at 8:30 a.m.
Rockstar: The popular mid-winter singing competition, Rockstar, returns this year on Wednesday, February 19, at 7 p.m. Each week, contestants perform for a panel of judges and a live audience, all of whom vote to advance singers to the next round of the competition. Rockstar will be held on Wednesday, February 26, and Wednesday, March 5, with the finals on March 12.
Tails on the Trails (Spring Hike 2025): Grab your hiking boots and your dog’s leash for one of our favorite Starved Rock events, Tails on the Trails. On Sunday, March 9, at 1 p.m., this guided hike with your furry friends will explore the trail leading to LaSalle Canyon, one of the park’s most popular sights. Can’t make this one? Tails on the Trails is only one of the pet-friendly events taking place at the park this year:
- April 6: Pet Pictures With the Easter Bunny
- May*: Halfway to Halloween Pet Costume Contest
- June, July, and August*: Yappy Hours on the Veranda
- September*: Football-themed hike
- October*: Barktober & Fall Hike
*Check back to see the dates and times for upcoming events
Trolley Trio Progressive Dinner: This delicious event takes you on a culinary journey through Starved Rock Country to enjoy a different course at each location. Beginning at August Hill Winery, diners will enjoy cocktails and appetizers before heading to the gorgeous Camp Aramoni for dinner and drinks. End the night at Starved Rock Lodge for desserts and a nightcap. This is a highly sought-after Starved Rock event, so book today.
- The 2025 Trolly Trio Progressive Dinner dates are Thursday, March 20, at 5 p.m. and Thursday, April 17, at 5 p.m.
Yoga and Hike: Join local yoga instructor Matt Hancock for a 75-minute yoga class to prime your mind and body for the three-mile hike to Starved Rock’s St. Louis Canyon. The class is held in the Great Hall at Starved Rock Lodge. Participants are asked to bring their own yoga mats. Reservations are required for this event.
- 2025 Yoga and Hike dates are Sunday, April 13 at 10 a.m. and Sunday, June 1 at 10 a.m.
Starved Rock Country Marathon and Half Marathon: Lace up your running shoes for the 12th annual Starved Rock Country Marathon and Half Marathon on May 10, 2025. Beginning in the heart of the state park, runners make their way through the area’s rolling landscape amid stunning rock formations, through the neighborhoods of Ottawa, IL, and along the scenic Illinois River. We know running a marathon or half marathon is no easy feat, but this route is bound to put a little pep in your step. Please note that there will be no race day registration, so sign up today!
Lock and Lunch: Board the Saint Geneive, an authentic sternwheel riverboat, and enjoy a day on the Illinois River during Lock and Lunch, a one-of-a-kind experience that allows passengers to go through the Starved Rock Lock on the Illinois Waterway. The half-day Starved Rock event takes passengers from downtown Ottawa, IL, to the state park, where they will enjoy lunch before returning to Ottawa via trolley.
- The 2025 Lock and Lunch dates are Thursday, June 26 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. and July 24 at 9 a.m.
Ottawa, IL, Events to Add to Your Calendar
Heritage Harbor Park Run: Are you an avid runner looking for your next race? Maybe you’re a beginner hoping to get a feel for the running community. Either way, you’re in luck. Every Saturday at 9 a.m., Heritage Harbor hosts its free park run, a 5K event circumnavigating the Heritage Harbor Marina, the heart of this thriving resort community. Afterward, meet up with fellow runners and enjoy a coffee in the Bluegill Boathouse & Marina Bar located in the marina. This weekly Ottawa, IL, event is a great way to stay active and embrace the Harbor Life that Heritage Harbor has to offer.
Harbor Stories Unplugged: Looking for live music events in Ottawa, IL? The Harbor Stories Unplugged series features live, intimate performances at Bluegill Boathouse & Marina Bar at Heritage Harbor. Listen to incredible music while enjoying Bluegill’s mouthwatering food, refreshing drinks, and signature cocktails.
- The 2025 Harbor Stories Unplugged dates include Sunday, February 16, at 5 p.m. with Trapper Schoepp; Sunday, March 2, at 5 p.m. with Chris Pierce; Sunday, March 16, at 5 p.m. with Ivas John and Nick Leet; and Sunday, April 6 at 5 p.m.
Ottawa’s Third Friday Makers Market: This popular street fair kicks off on May 16, from 5-9 pm on Madison Street in downtown Ottawa, IL. Enjoy an evening of local arts, music, and culture on Madison Street in the heart of the city’s business district. Make a night of it and swing by one of the nearby restaurants for dinner and drinks.
- Third Friday Makers Market dates include June 20, July 18, August 15, and September 19.
Scarecrow Festival: One of the longest-running Ottawa, IL, events, the annual Scarecrow Festival welcomes the golden autumn season with family friendly activities, including a scarecrow display, horse-drawn hitch wagon rides, a chili cook-off, face painting, kids’ crafts, a petting zoo, and local vendors. The 2025 festival date is still being finalized.
Heritage Harbor Wine & Art Walk: Spend a beautiful fall Saturday exploring Heritage Harbor’s quaint Navvy Town neighborhood, enjoying delicious wine and local Illinois artwork along the way. The art, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, and more, is all available for purchase. The 2025 event date is still being finalized.
Ottawa’s Chris Kringle Market: If you’re visiting during the holiday season, you’re in luck! The Chris Kringle Market is the perfect place to do a little gift shopping for your friends and family. Check out the booths of artisan vendors, swing by Santa’s house, walk around downtown to shop local businesses, and grab a bite to eat at one of the Ottawa, IL, restaurants. Supporting local businesses has never been so festive. The 2025 market dates are still being finalized.
Festival of Lights Parade: Kick off the holiday season with Ottawa’s Festival of Lights, held every year on Black Friday. Spectators enjoy a procession of holiday floats, musical performances, and, of course, plenty of lights. The parade ends with a special appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus to ring in the spirit of the season. The 2025 parade details are still being finalized.
We’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to Starved Rock events and events in Ottawa, IL. Be sure to check back as we add more events to this already exciting list.
