A little mid-century magic is making its return to downtown Batavia next month.

Boo Boo Days — a throwback celebration running alongside the Windmill City Festival — will bring vintage ads, sidewalk deals, and retro cocktails to downtown from July 11–13.

The event has its roots in 1956, when local businesses set up sidewalk sales to clear out overstock. It was officially named “Boo Boo Days” until the late ‘70s, and over the years, it became a beloved summer tradition for bargain hunters and families alike.

This year, downtown businesses are embracing the old-school vibes with storefronts dressed up in large-scale ads pulled from Batavia’s past. These real promotions were part of early Boo Boo Days and offer a playful glimpse at what local summer shopping used to look like.

“Boo Boo Days represents Batavia’s entrepreneurial spirit—local retailers coming together to offer unbeatable deals, delightful promotions, and a sense of community,” said Kristen Desler of Batavia MainStreet. “We’re hoping to spark some nostalgia while giving people a fresh, fun way to explore downtown.”

Local bars and restaurants are also joining in, with retro drink specials such as a Vodka Gimlet at Pal Joey’s, a Tom Collins at Sturdy Shelter Brewing, and other themed cocktails at Gammon Coach House, Windmill Grille, Sidecar Supper Club, Grainology BrewStillery, and The GOAT Burger + Cocktail Bar.

On the shopping side, you can expect classic clearance deals and end-of-season discounts from a wide mix of local shops. Participating businesses include Wilson Street Mercantile, Batavia Boardwalk Shops, Special Occasions on the Avenue, 63rd Street Apothecary, Urban Apothecary, Fat Sam’s for Pets, The Tea Tree, Red Hive Market, The Instrument Exchange, Kiss the Sky, Foltos Tonsorial Parlor, and others.

The Comedy Vault is offering $4 tickets to select shows featuring comedian Chris Roach — just use promo code BOOBOO4 at checkout.

Want to win free tickets to Cocktails in the Park?

Snap a photo of your Boo Boo Days shopping find or retro cocktail and enter the #BooBooDaysThrowback contest. Here’s how:

• Post the photo on Instagram or Facebook

• Tag @downtownbatavia (Instagram) or @Batavia MainStreet (Facebook)

• You’ll be entered to win two free tickets to Cocktails in the Park on July 26

Boo Boo Days runs the same weekend as Windmill City Festival, just steps away at Peg Bond Center, with live music, carnival rides, food vendors, and plenty more family-friendly entertainment.

For more details, head to downtownbatavia.com.

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