Unveiled: Recommended Trick-Or-Treating Hours, New Parade Route For Batavia BatFest

BATAVIA, IL — The annual BatFest parade will look a little bit different this October, as organizers announced Friday a new route for the Halloween-themed procession.

The parade will step off at 10:15 a.m. Oct. 28 at the corner of Houston Street and Island Avenue before heading south to Wilson Street. From there, floats will travel one block west on Wilson Street before turning right on South Water Street, concluding the procession mid-block, according to a news release from Batavia MainStreet and the City of Batavia.

Parade participants can check in beginning at 10 a.m. at Peg Bond Center, 151 N. Island Ave.

By switching the parade route to begin near Peg Bond Center and end at the library, event-goers would have an easier time getting to the library in time to hear BatFest stories, beginning at 10:45 a.m., or head to downtown businesses for trick-or-treating, Communications Manager Lori Botterman told Patch.

BatFest festivities span a variety of categories to entertain both children and adults alike. Events include the 10th annual Halloween-themed Bat Race 5K and 10K along the Fox River Trail, a costume contest, magician performances and trick-or-treating, Patch reported.

For the full schedule: BatFest In Batavia: Check Out The 2023 Event Lineup

The day of BatFest will also mark the final Batavia Farmers Market of the season. The outdoor market will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on North River Street.

Three days later, locals will take to the candy trail to celebrate Halloween. This year, the city set its recommended Halloween trick-or-treating hours for 3-7 p.m.