08/17/2026
No argument here! Head to Debate Days in Downtown Ottawa. 🎩⚖️
From August 15-23, join the canal town's celebration of the famous 1858 Lincoln-Douglas Debate that took place in Ottawa’s Washington Square.
Enjoy special events, tours, lectures, live music, markets and more—including:
🏛️ Historic tours and programs
🎶 Live music in Washington Square
🧔 Best Beard Contest
🐴 Carriage rides
🍦 Old-fashioned ice cream social
🚲 I&M Canal Ride
🥁 250th Anniversary Parade
🍽️ The Great Taste Debate, with local restaurants going head-to-head in a delicious showdown
And don't miss the centerpiece event on Saturday, August 22 at 4 pm, when Lincoln and Douglas return to Washington Square for a re-enactment of their debate on the same grounds where the original took place 168 years ago!
📅 August 15-23
📍 Downtown Ottawa, Illinois
🔗 See the full Debate Days schedule: https://bit.ly/IMDebateDays2026
Ottawa Visitors Center The Middle of Everywhere