BatFest returns to downtown Batavia for day of Halloween fun
Grab your costumes and get ready for a “batty” day in downtown Batavia!
Batavia MainStreet invites the community to celebrate BatFest, a free Halloween family event, on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Expected to draw more than 5,000 ghouls, goblins and their families, BatFest offers a full morning of Halloween fun throughout downtown.
From trick-or-treating at more than 60 local businesses to live performances, hands-on activities and a community parade, BatFest brings families together to celebrate Halloween while exploring the shops, restaurants and community spaces that make downtown Batavia special.
Trick-or-treat at downtown businesses
From 10 a.m. to noon, families can trick-or-treat at more than 60 participating downtown businesses. Additional activities throughout the morning and early afternoon include a reptile show at the Congregational Church of Batavia, Storytime in the Batavia Public Library’s Reading Garden, a make-and-take craft at Water Street Studios, miniature therapy horses at Fat Sam’s for Pets, and the Incredible Bats experience at Tabletop Game Shop.
Other highlights include a spooky photo-op mural created by Batavia High School’s National Art Honor Society on North River Street, a pottery event at Dirty Clay Co., a mobile sandbox and themed treats at Bocaditos Cafe, a hair tinsel pop-up at Sturdy Shelter Brewing, 10% off all black and orange clothing at Paula’s, and festive games and Halloween pastries at Rosewood Farm & Market.
Visitors can also stop by Wilson Street Mercantile for the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association’s “Inclusion Isn’t Scary!” pop-up.
These activities offer plenty of opportunities to explore downtown, support local businesses and make new Halloween memories.
Parade, pumpkin roll and more
The BatFest Community Parade kicks off the day's festivities. Participants are invited to line up at 9:30 a.m. at Houston Street and Island Avenue, with the parade stepping off at 10 a.m. The route travels south on Houston Street, west on Wilson Street and north on North Water Street. Funway will provide games and music at the parade lineup area.
The Peg Bond Center and surrounding public spaces will serve as a hub of activity from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with BatFest booths in the grassy area in front of Peg Bond Center, Peace Plaza and Appleton Park behind City Hall. The final Batavia Farmers’ Market of the season will also take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Houston Street and in the parking lot near Peg Bond Center.
Additional activities include the Pumpkin Roll hosted by Scouts BSA Troop 6, dance performances by Soleunique Dance Complex and Batavia Academy of Dance, a witches performance by the Batavia Woman’s Club, and a Monster Mash dance lesson. The day wraps up with a Thriller performance by Batavia Academy of Dance at 1 p.m.
Show off your Halloween spirit
Costume contests give both people and pets their moment in the spotlight. The children’s and group costume contest begins at 12:15 p.m. Categories include ages 5 and under, ages 6-8, ages 9-11, ages 12 and older, and groups.
The pet costume contest, follows at 12:45 p.m. Whether participants arrive as superheroes, storybook characters, spooky creatures or a coordinated family of monsters, BatFest is the perfect place to show off their Halloween creativity.
For a full schedule of events and activity locations, visit downtownbatavia.com.
Batavia MainStreet extends a special thank-you to our presenting sponsors: Kurt Hagemann of Gateway Financial Partners, Elliff Dental, and Gerald Subaru of North Aurora.
BatFest is made possible through the dedication of volunteers, downtown businesses, and community partners who make downtown Batavia a vibrant and welcoming destination all year long.