Alley Art Festival will fill downtown Aurora with artists for its 15th year from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30. The free arts festival will bring approximately 100 local artists to the area near City Hall to showcase their work.
The popular, grassroots art festival will be staged on both pedestrian-friendly Water Street Mall and Downer Place between Stolp Avenue and Water Street. This year’s festival is sponsored by Superjumbo Records.
The festival will feature artists and artisans from noon to 5 p.m. following the Aurora Farmers Market across the street at Water Street Square, which runs from 8 a.m. to noon that morning.
The annual festival highlights locally made art, jewelry, pottery, handmade goods, and more. It has doubled in size, but stayed true to its origins over the years.
The festival focuses on showcasing only local artists. To that end, all artists reside within 30 miles of Aurora.
“Alley Art Festival has always had the goals of bringing local artists together and celebrating community. It’s a festive day that often inspires future artists. It’s joyful,” said Marissa Amoni, event director.
Live music, belly dancing, children’s activities, and food vendors will all be part of the afternoon. Local band Hot Dog Stand will perform at noon, and Lund Surk will perform at 3 p.m. at Mundy Park. Dianella Dance, Magnolia Dance Collective and Thalia Dance will perform belly dance at 2 p.m..
Food vendors will include Strawberries BBQ, Tamales Plus, The Lovely Lemon, Snow Ballin Sisters, Polly Ann Cakes, and Kool Kat Ice Cream.
A handful of nonprofit partners will also be part of the event including Aurora Film Society, Aurora Regional Fire Museum, City of Lights Film Festival, Mutual Ground, and APS Training Academy.
“It’s nice to reach this milestone. It’s a great reminder that art is important, and equally so is the community that supports it,” Amoni said.
For more information, visit alleyartaurora.com.
—Alley Art Festival