Fun contests for kids and adults, live music and more at Batavia’s Windmill City Festival July 12-14
The largest event of the summer is back! The Batavia Riverwalk will be brimming with activity all weekend long during the annual Windmill City Festival July 12-14.
Enjoy live music from the area’s hottest bands, tasty food and beverages, a carnival, and engaging games and activities, including a sidewalk chalk contest, pet competition, and diaper derby.
Organized by the Batavia Park District and the city of Batavia, the festival will be 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.
Seven bands will entertain during the three-day festival. Hi Infidelity, Hillbilly Rockstarz, Kaleidoscope Eyes, Brass on Fire, This End Up, and festival favorites Radio Gaga and Libido Funk Circus will have the crowd singing and dancing all weekend long. Visit windmillcityfest.org for the main stage entertainment schedule.
Check out our free activities all weekend long. Want to show off your pet’s talent and style?
Enter the Pet Competition at noon Saturday to compete for “Best Overall” in five categories: Best Kisser, Best Trick, Highest Jump, Best Costume and Most Unusual. You also can toss Chuck the Duck into a hoop in Depot Pond at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
Show off your creativity in the Sidewalk Chalk Contest from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Draw what you love about Batavia and compete to win prizes in “Most Uplifting” and “Best of Batavia” categories. Artists of all ages are welcome. Prizes will be awarded in these fun contests.
The Windmill Whirl 5K race along the Fox River is back on Sunday and better than ever. Participants may register on race day. Runners take off at 8 a.m. Lace up your running shoes and join in!
Check out the new stroller division and 1-mile race for kids 10 and under. After the race, runners, ages 21 and up, can enjoy a craft beer from a local brewery.
On Sunday, kids will have the opportunity to race and win prizes. The Big Wheels/Trike Race at noon is for ages 2-8 who bring their big wheels or tricycles to compete.
At 3 p.m., the wee ones also get a chance to show off at the Batavia Mothers Club Foundation’s Diaper Derby, a crawling race for babies ages 6-15 months.
Stop by the Community Craft Fair from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Browse the various offerings from local crafters and artisans all afternoon long.
The annual golf competition is a great activity for enthusiasts of all levels to test their skills during the three-day festival. Get a bucket of six balls for $5 or 15 for $10. Score a floating hole-in-one and win a prize.
Check out the beer garden for a variety of beverages, including craft beer from Sturdy Shelter Brewing and the food court for yummy treats like pizza, tacos, barbecue and shaved ice.
Need a quiet place to rest for a moment? The SootheSpace tent is a safe sensory space available to anyone who needs it throughout the weekend thanks to Fox Valley Special Recreation Association.
During all three days of the festival, the Batavia Depot Museum will be open. Stop by to cool off, learn about Batavia’s fascinating history, and shop for one-of-a-kind Batavia merchandise.
Text “Follow #windmillcityfest” to (630) 879-5235 to receive weather updates and any changing info on the event.
Visit www.windmillcityfest.org for all festival details. For more information about Batavia Park District programs and events, call (630) 879—5235 or visit bataviaparks.org.