News
Batavia Invites Artists to Help Tell Its Story Through Public Art Projects
BATAVIA, Ill. — Water Street Studios, in partnership with the City of Batavia, is inviting artists to apply for two upcoming public art projects that will bring new, community-centered works to prominent locations across the city. The initiative also offers the community an opportunity to learn more about how public art will reflect Batavia’s history, identity and future. One of the featured opportunities is the America 250 Mural Project, a large-scale installation planned for the exterior of Batavia City
Fabyan Windmill will be opn Sundays, Beginning June 7
Volunteers invited to May 17 cleanup GENEVA, IL — Explore one of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County’s most iconic structures — the Fabyan Windmill — beginning Sunday, June 7. The windmill will be open to the public on Sundays, from noon to 3 p.m., June 7 through Sept. 27. Visitors can step inside the fully restored Dutch windmill, learn about its history and engineering, and experience a unique piece of local heritage. In preparation for opening day, the Forest Preserve District invites the
60 Years of Showing Up: Valley Sheltered Workshop Invites Community to Annual Pancake Breakfast
Batavia, IL – May 3, 2026 – For 60 years, families in the Fox Valley have searched for a place where their loved ones could belong, grow, and be seen. For many, that place has been Valley Sheltered Workshop. The community is invited to gather on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM at 325 Main Street in Batavia to celebrate this 60-year legacy at the Annual Pancake Breakfast. Founded in 1966 in response to isolation and limited opportunities for individuals with disabilities, VSW has become a
Batavia Boardwalk Shops Return for Opening Weekend on May 8
Batavia, IL – There’s something a little magical about the Boardwalk… and it’s almost time to experience it all over again.On Friday, May 8, the 7th season of the Batavia Boardwalk Shops officially begins. Every year, 10 unique small businesses come together to create one vibrant, walkable destination in the heart of downtown Batavia. Batavia MainStreet is excited to announce the return of this beloved small business incubator, kicking off Opening Weekend in downtown Batavia. To celebrate the start of the
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Batavia Depot Museum Curator Wins Big Honors for Bringing Batavia’s History to Life
BATAVIA, IL – History came alive in a big way last week as the Batavia Depot Museum and its curator, Jessica Meis, earned two major awards from the Illinois Association of Museums.Meis was named Museum Professional of the Year, a special award given to one person each year who has made a strong impact in the Illinois museum field. Since joining the museum in 2023, she has created 11 temporary exhibits about local history. These exhibits cover diverse topics like Batavian Bernard Cigrand, who helped start
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New Hollywood Casino Aurora Adds Two Renowned Chicago Restaurants to its Boulevard Food & Drink Hall that will Debut this Summer
The dynamic dining experience at the new land-based casino and hotel will now also include Urbanbelly and Tabo Sushi in its star-studded lineup CHICAGO (April 21, 2026) -- Hollywood Casino Aurora today announced, in partnership with McClain Camarota Hospitality (MCH), that the Boulevard Food & Drink Hall at its soon-to-open new location will feature two additional restaurants: Urbanbelly and Tabo Sushi. The two restaurants join the previously announced line-up that includes celebrity chef Stephanie
PLAN FOR TRAFFIC/PARKING DELAYS AT FABYAN WEST DURING PROM SATURDAYS
Expect longer walks to photo locations GENEVA, IL — It’s prom season, and with that will come hundreds of visitors to Fabyan West Forest Preserve in Geneva on spring Saturdays, to take pre-prom photos. The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is asking the public to plan ahead when visiting Fabyan during prom season, and to prepare for increased traffic, parking congestion, wait times and potentially longer walks. Traditionally, students and their families gather at Fabyan West Forest Preserve
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Batavia GREEN Program Returns for Second Year
Expanding Energy Savings Opportunities for Residents BATAVIA, IL (April 6, 2026) — The City of Batavia is launching the second year of its GREEN (Grants for Residential Energy Efficiency in Neighborhoods) Program, building on a highly successful first year that helped residents reduce energy use, lower utility bills, and improve home efficiency. Funded through the City’s single-use bag fee and supported this year by additional Kane County grant funding, the program continues to invest in sustainable
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Raise a Glass: Batavia Uncorked Wine Event Returns June 6
BATAVIA, IL – Sip, savor and celebrate! Tickets are now on sale for Batavia’s favorite outdoor wine event on June 6. Hosted by Batavia Park District, Batavia Uncorked is a casual outdoor wine event featuring unique wines along with food, live music and the relaxed ambience of The Batavia Riverwalk at the Peg Bond Center.Attendees receive a commemorative wine glass and either 15 or 10 one-ounce pours depending on ticket status. Sip, stroll and discover an impressive variety of red, white and rose wine from
PENN Entertainment Sets June 24 as Grand Opening Date for New Hollywood Casino Aurora in Illinois
New Land-Based Entertainment Destination Includes Four-Star Hotel, Event Center and World-Class Dining Experiences WYOMISSING, PA and AURORA, Ill. (March 19, 2026) -- PENN Entertainment, Inc. (“PENN” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: PENN) announced today that it expects to open the new land-based Hollywood Casino Aurora to the public on Wednesday, June 24, pending customary regulatory approvals. This will be the second all-new PENN property to open in the Chicagoland region following the grand opening of the
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Discover Delicious Dining with the 2026 Downtown Batavia Restaurant Guide!
BATAVIA, IL — What’s for dinner? Let Batavia MainStreet help you decide! The newly updated 2026 Downtown Batavia Restaurant Guide features 35 incredible local businesses across Downtown Batavia. Highlighting the best Bars & Breweries, Coffee & Treats, and Restaurants, the guide makes it easier than ever to eat local and explore our vibrant dining scene all year long.Friday night out. Brunch with friends. Family dinner. Solo lunch break. Celebration dinner. Whatever’s on your calendar, Downtown Batavia has a
FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT ANNOUNCES SPRING BIRDING PROGRAMS
GENEVA, IL — The Forest Preserve District of Kane County has announced its lineup of spring birding programs, scheduled March through May at forest preserves throughout Kane County. The seasonal “Bird Appreciation” series offers residents opportunities to observe migratory birds, build bird-identification skills and hear from regional experts. Most programs are free and many are open to all ages, and include guided walks and family-friendly educational activities. Other birding programs are part of our
Batavia Students Join Global Scientists for Great Backyard Bird Count
BATAVIA, IL — While many students were looking forward to the weekend, students at Vanguard Gifted Academy were busy contributing to global science. Armed with tablets and binoculars, students spent Friday, Feb. 13, participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count, a real-world community science initiative that helps researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology track bird populations worldwide. “At Vanguard, we believe that education should be authentic,” says Amy Trujillo, Head of School. “Participating
Vanguard Gifted Academy Launches Spring STEM Enrichment Series for Gifted and 2e Learners in Batavia
BATAVIA, IL – Vanguard Gifted Academy is launching a major community outreach initiative this spring to ensure high-level STEAM enrichment is accessible to all students in the Fox Valley. By hosting free after-hours events and partnering with local organizations for summer scholarships, the school is working to remove barriers for curious learners in the Batavia area. “We want to make sure that every student who wants this level of challenge gets it,” says Amy Trujillo, Head of School. “Our after-hours
Your Brand Is What It Appears to Be
Every small business is selling two things: the actual product or service, and the way people feel about it. Trust doesn’t bloom in a vacuum—it grows out of consistency, personality, and attention to visual cues. Whether it’s a logo, color scheme, font choice, or even the texture of packaging, visual branding has a way of speaking long before words ever do. For small business owners, getting this right isn’t about copying the look of larger brands—it’s about creating something that feels like it could
Boss Moves: How Adobe Acrobat Helps Women Entrepreneurs Get It Done
Being an entrepreneur is all about juggling, innovating, and growing—but what if you had a secret weapon to make it easier? Enter Adobe Acrobat, a powerful ally that streamlines your day-to-day, helping you work smarter while leaving more room for what truly drives your business forward. This Women’s Small Business Month, we’re celebrating the ways Adobe Acrobat is empowering women entrepreneurs to elevate their hustle, simplify workflows, and realize bigger dreams. Acrobat AI Assistant: Check out
