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Tri-Cities
Batavia
Batavia is the oldest city in Kane County, settled in 1833 and known as "The Windmill City" for the windmill makers that once filled its riverfront. About 26,000 people live here (2020 census). Downtown sits on both banks of the Fox River, and Batavia MainStreet says it hosts more than 60 downtown events a year. Follow Batavia news, events, new businesses and local deals here.
Latest news
Local News
Candidate filing for April 2027 local races opens Nov. 16 in the Tri-Cities
Home & Living
Kane County recycling center on Fabyan Parkway reopens early in Geneva
Local News
Batavia library renovation starts in November, and the building stays open
Entertainment & Culture
Trivia, music bingo and comedy nights in the Tri-Cities
Local News
Batavia OKs $9 telehealth charge on utility bills unless you opt out
Upcoming events
Free
A Quantum World: Art Exhibit at Fermilab Through Nov. 30
A Quantum World, a juried exhibit at the Fermilab Art Gallery, is on view now through Monday, Nov. 30. The run opened Sept. 1. Through a public open call, 27 artists were asked how to picture the quantum world, where particles can exist in more than one state at once, and they answer with images, forms and experiences. The gallery is on the second floor of Wilson Hall and is open to the public Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors 18 and older need a physical REAL ID-compliant license or passport to enter the Fermilab site; minors must be with an adult. Public entrances are Pine Street in Batavia and Batavia Road in Warrenville. Questions: art@fnal.gov.
- Fermilab Art Gallery, Wilson Hall, 2nd floor, Batavia
$56.49 general admission, fees included; 2-item minimum
Kevin Nealon at the Comedy Vault Batavia
Kevin Nealon, who spent nine years on Saturday Night Live and had a role on Weeds, headlines the Comedy Vault in downtown Batavia Nov. 12-14. Showtimes: Thursday at 7:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday at 7 and 9:30 p.m. General admission was $56.49 with fees for the Thursday show; the VIP meet-and-greet tickets for that show are sold out. The show is 21+ and all sales are final.
- The Comedy Vault, Batavia
Free
Holiday Lantern Walk 2026
Batavia MainStreet's Holiday Lantern Walk is Friday, Nov. 13, from 5 to 9 p.m. More than 30 downtown businesses stay open late with holiday decorations, a holiday trolley carries shoppers from one side of town to the other, and a lantern trail leads from shop to shop. Participating businesses include Batavia Creamery, Batavia Popcorn Depot, Bocaditos Cafe, Gammon Coach House, Geneva Winery, Kitty Cocoa Cafe, Limestone Coffee & Tea, Red Hive Market, Sturdy Shelter Brewing, Warehouse 55, WindMill Grille & Pizzeria and more; the full list is on the event page. The $25 wine tickets (new for 2026, 1 oz. pours at 12 businesses for adults 21 and older) are sold out, Batavia MainStreet says. Ticket holders need a valid ID at check-in. Browsing the shops and riding the trolley are free and do not require a ticket. Organizer: Batavia MainStreet, 630-761-3528, info@downtownbatavia.com.
- Downtown Batavia, Batavia
Active deals
Deal
Free admission at the Batavia Depot Museum
General admission to the Batavia Depot Museum is free. The museum sits in the restored 1854 Chicago, Burlington and Quincy railroad depot and has seven permanent exhibits on Batavia history plus two rotating galleries. General hours (March through December) are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 2 to 4 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- City:
- Batavia
- Runs:
- Ongoing
How to redeem: Just walk in during open hours, no ticket needed. The museum is closed Nov. 24-28. Ongoing free admission, confirm hours before you go.
Source: Batavia Park District - Batavia Depot Museum
Deal
Happy hour and midweek specials at Riverside Pizza & Pub Batavia
Riverside Pizza & Pub at 142 W. Wilson St. in Batavia runs happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. with $4.25 beers, $5.25 house wines and $6.25 martinis, dine-in only. Other posted dine-in specials: $5 tall Miller Lite and Coors Light drafts on Monday, half-off wine and half-off pasta on Wednesday, $4 well drinks and half-off wings on Thursday, and $5 Bloody Marys on Sunday.
- Business:
- Riverside Pizza & Pub (Batavia)
- City:
- Batavia
- Runs:
- Ongoing
How to redeem: Dine in during the posted times. Recurring weekly offer, confirm before you go: (630) 326-9596.
Source: Riverside Pizza & Pub Batavia - Special Events
Deal
Half-off pizza Tuesdays at Riverside Pizza & Pub Batavia
Riverside Pizza & Pub at 142 W. Wilson St. in Batavia lists half-off pizza on Tuesdays (no coupons, pizza of the month excluded). Other dine-in specials include half-off burgers Monday (burger of the month excluded), half-off pasta Wednesday and half-off wings Thursday.
- Business:
- Riverside Pizza & Pub (Batavia)
- City:
- Batavia
- Runs:
- Ongoing
How to redeem: Dine in on a Tuesday. Specials are dine-in only. Call 630-326-9596 with questions. Recurring weekly offer, confirm before you go.
Source: Riverside Pizza & Pub Batavia - Specials
Plans
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Batavia Creamery
History
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