Batavia's Windmill City Fest Offers a New Lineup of Music plus Food and Fun Activities

Article by Abbey Mondi, Batavia Park District

BATAVIA – Summer's hottest event is back, with even more new and exciting activities for everyone to enjoy. Windmill City Festival is a weekend filled with musical entertainment, a carnival, activities, a beer tent and amazing food.

The free family festival is organized by Batavia Park District, City of Batavia and The Depot Museum starting Friday, July 11 and running through Sunday, July 13.

Enjoy the many beloved activities Windmill City Fest has to offer, including the Pet Competition, sponsored by McNally’s Heating and Cooling. This activity that is sure to get a round of a-paws, will be held on Saturday, July 12, at noon. The popular Sidewalk Chalk contest will be held at South Riverwalk Plaza, on July 12 at 2:30 p.m. The categories for the contest are most uplifting and best of Batavia, the voting will be held on the Batavia Park District Facebook page. The adorable Diaper Derby, for infants 6-15 months, will be held July 13, from 3-4 p.m. presented by the Batavia Mother’s Club.

The carnival will run from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, noon-10 p.m. on Saturday and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday.  Visit the vendor area all weekend long to explore local organizations, businesses and services.

It’s time to par-tee; the fan favorite Golf Challenge returns. The Golf Challenge will be sponsored by Feagans Law Group P.C. and will be held Friday from 5-8:30 p.m. and Saturday noon-8:30 p.m. Get a bucket of six balls for $5 or 15 for $10. Score a hole-in-one and win a prize. New this year is the exciting Football Toss, on July 12 and Windmill City Bean Bag Tic Tac Toe on July 13. The whole family can test their skills and compete in these free and fun activities.

“We are so excited to introduce the Football Toss and Bean Bag Tic-Tac-Toe to the festival this year. It will be fun to see how families enjoy some lighthearted competition,” said Brittany Meyer, Batavia Park District Director of Community Recreation.

Seven local bands will perform throughout the weekend. Enjoy the sweet tunes from The Fortunate Sons, Sixteen Candles, Liz & Hala, Libido Funk Circus, Radio Gaga, Totally Taylor and The Simple Remedy. Visit windmillcityfest.org to see the entire main stage entertainment schedule.

“On Sunday of Windmill City Fest, we are hosting new family fun activities, a Taylor Swift cover band with bracelet making and more,” Meyer said. “I know Taylor Swift is a fan favorite and I’m looking forward to seeing families enjoy the performance.”

Tasty eats and drinks will be available to purchase throughout the weekend at the Food Court and Beer Garden sponsored by Sturdy Shelter Brewing. Don’t miss out on the amazing options from Billy Bricks Pizza, Cousins Main Lobster, Flynn D. City Grub, Frosty Dog, Midwest Smoke BBQ and Mike’s Catering. 

Returning this year is the Soothespace Tent, sponsored by Fox Valley Special Recreation Association. Offering a calm environment for those who need a quiet place to rest, the tent will be situated behind the Peg Bond Center, adjacent to the playground.

Take a break from the heat and enjoy the historic Batavia Depot Museum. The museum will be open the whole weekend allowing festival goers to enjoy the final week of the exhibit, “The Museum a Community Built; The Batavia Depot Museum Celebrates 50 Years.”

Text “Follow #windmillcityfest” to (630) 879-5235 to receive weather updates and any changing info on the event. Visit windmillcityfest.org for all festival details. For more information about Batavia Park District programs and events, call (630) 879–5235 or visit bataviaparks.org.

Photos courtesy of Batavia Park District.



Windmill City Fest attendees have a blast cruising through the carnival. The carnival will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday July, 11 and runs through 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 13.



The festival’s Golf Challenge is a fan favorite.



Live music by an assortment of popular bands is a festival highlight. Visit windmillcityfest.org to view the 2025 mainstage entertainment schedule.