Batavia’s Windmill City Festival will be held from Friday to Saturday, July 10-12 in downtown Batavia.
The Windmill City Festival has long been a staple of the community and has become a tradition for many families, formerly called Batavia Boo Boo Days until 1978.
The festival had its humble beginnings as a sidewalk sale in 1956. The idea of Boo Boo Days was introduced by Arthur Swanson of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. The idea was that downtown merchants would set out clearance items, overstock, or end of season goods at deeply discounted prices. It was an instant success!
As the interest (and number of shoppers!) grew, Boo Boo Days started adding refreshments and activities for kids so the adults could shop all day. To make employees and festival officials more recognizable, they were issues hats or dressed in costume to match the festival’s theme.
Gradually, the focus of the festival moved away from the bargains. In the 1970s, events such as concerts, the crowning of Miss Batavia, community plays, marathons and even competitions such as the annual Tug of War event were all held during Boo Boo Days. In 1978, the name was officially changed to “Windmill City Fest” to reflect Batavia’s history and to better encompass the city wide – multi day celebration it had become.
Batavians still look forward to the carnival-like event every year, so mark your calendar and be sure to drop by the downtown area to enjoy Batavia’s biggest event of the summer!
Friday, July 10
location: Batavia Depot Museum, 155 Houston Street
- 2-5pm – The Depot Museum will be open during the festival. Visit us to take in some history and shop for unique Batavia merchandise!
location: MAIN Stage, PEG BOND CENTER (The riverwalk – 151 N. Island Avenue)
- 5-8pm | SootheSpace open
- 5-8pm | Batavia mural painting project
- 5-8:30pm – Golf Challenge – Tee up and take your best shot at hitting a golf ball on the target in the Depot Pond.
- 5-10:30pm – Food Trucks & Beer Garden open. ID’s will be checked.
- 5-10pm – Carnival on Houston Street
- 6-8pm – Kashmir
A Led Zeppelin tribute band known for authentic 1970s style performances with vintage gear and costumes that recreates the Zeppelin concert experience.
- 9-11pm – Sixteen Candles
A nostalgia band playing a wide range of music from the 1980s.
Saturday, July 11
location: Batavia Depot Museum, 155 Houston Street
- 10am-5pm – The Depot Museum will be open during the festival. Visit us to take in some history and shop for unique Batavia merchandise!
location: MAIN STAGE, PEG BOND CENTER (The Riverwalk – 151 N. Island Avenue)
- Noon-8pm | SootheSpace open
- Noon-8 pm | Batavia mural painting project
- Noon–8 pm | Fine Art Fest
Located at Callahan Community Center - 12-8:30pm – Golf Challenge Tee up and take your best shot at hitting a golf ball on the target in the Depot Pond.
- Noon–10pm | Carnival
- 12-10:30pm – Food Trucks & Beer Garden open
- Noon–3pm | BingoNew this year: Bingo under the tent. Win prizes! Hosted by the Batavia Overseas VFW Post.
- 1pm | FrogLady
Dive into the enchanting world of amphibians and reptiles with FrogLady! This engaging program is designed for all ages and offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to bring the magic of live animals up close. - 1-2:30pm | Art with Abrakadoodle
Located at Callahan Community Center. Abrakadoodle engages kids with creative art classes, fun themed summer art camps, art parties and special events such as art activity days. - 12:00 pm – Pet Competition at Main Stage
Invite your furry or not-so-furry friends to this unique competition! The first 50 registered participants will receive a complimentary “doggie bag” to take home. Interested participants must register near the Main Stage.Pets can win ‘best overall’ in five categories: Best Kisser, Best Trick, Highest Jump, Best Costume, and Most Unusual. - 2:30-4:30pm – Sidewalk Chalk Contest – All Ages Welcome (South Riverwalk Plaza) – (Free activity)
Join us and draw what you love about Batavia! All ages are welcome to show off their artistic talents and compete to win “People’s Choice” and “Best of Batavia.” The contest will be held on Batavia Park District’s Facebook page after the festival. Location: South Riverwalk Plaza - 3–5pm | This End Up Band
This End Up is a six-piece band with nearly 20 years of experience, delivering energetic covers of rock, pop, and country hits by artists from Aretha Franklin to Bruno Mars. - 6–8pm | Libido Funk Circus
An over-the-top tribute band playing 1970s disco music, and rock from the 1960s to today. - 9–11 p.m. | 7th Heaven
This legendary Chicago band is known for high energy shows, original hits like “Stoplight,” and their iconic 30-songs-in-30-minutes medley of ’70s and ’80s classics.
Sunday, July 12
location: Batavia Depot Museum, 155 Houston Street
- 10am-5pm – The Depot Museum will be open during the festival. Visit us to take in some history and shop for unique Batavia merchandise!
location: MAIN stage, PEG Bond Center (The Riverwalk – 151 N. Island Avenue)
- 10am-5pm | Batavia Depot Museum open
- Noon-6pm | SootheSpace open
- Noon-6pm | Batavia mural painting project
- Noon-6pm | Food Court & Beer Garden open
- Noon–6pm | Golf Challenge
- Noon–6 pm | Carnival
- Noon-12:20pm | Fitness Demo
WERQ fitness demo at Callahan Community Center SkyLoft Room - 12:25-12:34pm | Fitness Demo
Jukebox Dance demo at Callahan Community Center SkyLoft Room - Noon–1pm | Sundae Funday Challenge
A fun and friendly ice cream-eating challenge! Children will compete for two prizes—Fastest Eater and Neatest Eater—as they devour identical ice cream sundaes. Please note: All ice cream served contains 100% dairy. - 1–3pm | Family Activities
Family-friendly games at Callahan Community Center in the River Room. For families with 12 and under children. - 2 p.m. | Friendship Bracelet Making
- 1–3 p.m. | Beyond the Blonde
Enjoy a high-energy tribute to P!NK, Gwen Stefani, and Lady Gaga with hit songs and signature costume changes. Sing and dance along! - 3–4 p.m. | Diaper Derby
Crawling race for babies ages 6–15 months. Register near the Main stage from 2:30–2:45 p.m. - 4–6 p.m. | Simple Remedy
This Chicago band fuses country, folk, rock, blues, and soul, delivering energetic shows, authentic storytelling, and classic-to-modern covers.
