Batavia’s Windmill City Fest offers a new lineup of music plus food and fun activities
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 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 at noon Saturday, July 12.
The popular Sidewalk Chalk contest will be held at South Riverwalk Plaza at 2:30 p.m. July 12.
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 on Sunday, July 13, from 3 to 4 p.m. presented by the Batavia Mother’s Club.
The carnival will run from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 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, sponsored by Feagans Law Group P.C., will be held Friday from 5 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 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.
The Fortunate Sons, a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band performing with vintage gear, costumes and instruments, will open the festival stage at 6 p.m. Sixteen Candles, a nostalgia band playing a wide range of music from the 1980s, will perform at 9 p.m.
On Saturday, Liz & Hala, an acoustic duo covering pop, rock, country, alternative and southern rock from the 1950s to present day, will open the music stage at 3 p.m. Libido Funk Circus, an over-the-top tribute band playing 1970s disco and rock from the 1960s to today, at 6 p.m. The headliner, Radio Gaga, offers a Vegas-style production show with costumes and choreography playing the hits of Queen and Lady Gaga at 9 p.m.
On Sunday, Totally Taylor, a Taylor Swift tribute band, will perform at 1 p.m. and The Simple Remedy, playing a mix of country, Americana and soul music, with popular cover songs and their original music at 4 p.m. Visit www.windmillcityfest.org/2025-schedule 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 festivalgoers 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.