BatFest in Downtown Batavia

Looking for a festive way to celebrate the season with the whole family? BatFest in Downtown Batavia is a free Halloween family celebration a short drive northwest of Naperville on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Organized by Batavia MainStreet, with its listed venue at the Peg Bond Center and activities spread across downtown Batavia, this free community event invites families to "join over 5,000 ghouls" for a morning and early afternoon packed with seasonal spirit, making it an easy, fun outing for Naperville residents and visitors alike.

Why You Can't Miss BatFest in Downtown Batavia

BatFest transforms downtown Batavia into a hub of Halloween excitement with a community parade, downtown trick-or-treating, music and dance performances, costume contests for people and pets, and hands-on activities from local businesses.

• Answer the organizer's call to "join over 5,000 ghouls" for a morning of lighthearted Halloween fun.
• Explore downtown Batavia, where more than 60 businesses hand out treats from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
• Support local Batavia businesses while creating memorable family moments.

What to Expect at This Free Family Event

The parade lines up at 9:30 AM, and scheduled activities run from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM around the Peg Bond Center and the surrounding downtown streets. Expect a welcoming family event with activities for little ones and adults alike.

• A festive community parade to kick things off: line up at 9:30 AM at Houston Street and Island Avenue for games and music by Funway, and the parade steps off at 10:00 AM, heading south on Houston Street, west on Wilson Street and north on N. Water Street.
• Trick-or-treating at more than 60 downtown businesses from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
• Costume contests for humans and pets: the 12:15 PM Costume Contest has Under 5, 5 to 8, 9 to 12, 12+ and Group categories, and the Pet Costume Contest follows at 1:00 PM.
• Dance performances by Soleunique Dance Complex at 10:30 AM, plus a Monster Mash lesson at 11:30 AM and a Thriller performance at 12:45 PM by Batavia Academy of Dance.
• Activities hosted by local spots, including a Reptile Show at the Congregational Church of Batavia at 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM, BatFest Stories in the Batavia Public Library Reading Garden at 10:30 AM, and Incredible Bats at Tabletop Game Shop.

A Free Halloween Outing Near Naperville

If you're searching for free Halloween fun near Naperville in late October, BatFest is a no-cost option: Batavia MainStreet bills it as a FREE Halloween family event. Downtown Batavia is a short drive northwest of Naperville.

• BatFest Booths fill the grassy area in front of the Peg Bond Center, Peace Plaza and Appleton Park behind City Hall from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
• Family-friendly, with a Photo-Op Mural created by the BHS National Art Honor Society on N. River Street.
• The season's final Farmers' Market runs from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Houston Street and the parking lot near the Peg Bond Center.

Plan Your Visit to Peg Bond Center

The organizer lists the event venue as the Peg Bond Center, 151 Island Avenue, Batavia, IL 60510, with activities spread across downtown. Arrive early to enjoy the full lineup, since the parade lines up at 9:30 AM and trick-or-treating ends at 12:00 PM.

• The organizer's page does not list parking details, and the Farmers' Market uses the parking lot near the Peg Bond Center during the event, so allow extra time.
• Dress for the weather and bring comfortable shoes for walking between activities around downtown.
• Bring your costumed pet for the Pet Costume Contest at 1:00 PM, sponsored by Fat Sam's for Pets, and have your camera ready.
• Batavia MainStreet notes that it may take photos and videos of attendees for promotional use.
• Check the official event page on downtownbatavia.com closer to the date for any updates.

BatFest is a free, festive Halloween morning in nearby Batavia. Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 24, and join the fun.

Event Details At-A-Glance

• When: Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10:00 AM (scheduled activities run until 2:00 PM)
• Where: Peg Bond Center
• Address: 151 Island Avenue, Batavia, IL 60510, United States
• Admission: Free
• Organizer: Batavia MainStreet
• Phone: 630-761-3528
• Email: info@downtownbatavia.com

Dates, times, and pricing can change. Confirm the latest details on the official event page before making plans.

Looking for more? Explore things to do in Naperville or browse the full Naperville events calendar.