Sip, Savor & Spend a Summer Evening Along the Fox River: Cocktails in the Park Returns for its 15th Year on July 25

Batavia, IL — Looking for an affordable summer date night or a fun evening with friends? Cocktails in the Park returns for its 15th year on Saturday, July 25, from 7:00–10:00 p.m. at scenic Appleton Park (100 N. Island Ave., behind City Hall), offering an evening of handcrafted cocktails, delicious food, live music, and beautiful riverside views.

Hosted by Batavia MainStreet, this signature summer event has become a favorite tradition for residents and visitors alike, bringing together the best of downtown Batavia for an unforgettable evening while supporting the organization's year-round work to strengthen the downtown district.

This year's featured cocktail menu was created by longtime Batavia MainStreet volunteer Jeff Beck, showcasing creative seasonal flavors inspired by summer.

Guests can enjoy:

• After the Fire – A bold bourbon smash featuring burnt honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic bitters, balancing smoky sweetness with bright citrus.
• Quarry Blossom – A vibrant hibiscus paloma combining blanco tequila, fresh grapefruit and lime juices, and hibiscus chile syrup for a refreshing cocktail with just the right touch of spice.
• Morning Market – A bright, refreshing lemon-inspired cocktail inspired by a stroll through the Batavia Farmers' Market on a summer morning.
• Sturdy Shelter Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.

The food lineup is equally impressive, with guests sampling small plates from ten local restaurants and select Batavia Farmers' Market vendors. This year's menu includes lobster rolls, elote, grilled peach and tomato panzanella, smashburger sliders, and many more bites designed to pair perfectly with the evening's cocktails.

"One of my favorite things about this event is that it feels elevated without being out of reach," said Kristen Desler, Assistant Director of Batavia MainStreet. "For just $40, guests can enjoy incredible food, handcrafted cocktails, live music, a take-home treat, and a beautiful evening along the Fox River. Whether it's date night or a night out with friends, it's a memorable summer experience and an incredible value."

Advance tickets are $40 and are available online through 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, or until sold out. If available, tickets will be $50 at the gate.

Each ticket includes:

• Small plates from local restaurants and select Batavia Farmers' Market vendors
• Live music and full event access
• A take-home treat from two current Batavia Boardwalk Shops businesses- either a specialty bottle of Gindo's Spice of Life hot sauce or a lemon drop-inspired cookie from Miss Lindy's Bakery

Guests can also elevate their evening by entering the Cocktails in the Park VIP Experience Raffle. For every $25 donation to Batavia MainStreet, attendees who have already purchased event tickets will receive one raffle entry. One lucky winner will be announced prior to the event.

The VIP Experience includes:

• Skip-the-line entry for you and up to five friends
• Reserved premium picnic table
• Real linens and a floral centerpiece to take home
• Six additional drink/raffle tickets
• Six commemorative cocktail glasses
• An appetizer sampler featuring selections from participating restaurants, delivered tableside by Batavia MainStreet's Board of Directors
• Professional group photos
• Downtown Batavia swag, including a T-shirt and Share the Hype magnet

Tickets are available now at DowntownBatavia.com.

About Batavia MainStreet
Batavia MainStreet is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing downtown Batavia through volunteer-driven initiatives, business support, placemaking, and community events.
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