When First Fridays in Aurora started in the fall of 2013, the tagline for the event was “art, music and more.” The event grew into a must-attend, thriving epicenter of culture thanks to the commitment to art at the forefront.
As First Fridays added offerings and more venues over the years, the “more” category increased, but art stayed the focus. Art was the binder of the popular monthly event in downtown Aurora.
There’s just something about art that connects us, and brings us together. An event with art at its core is going to be a great event. In 2026, there are numerous art-centered events and opportunities in the area that will help bring art to the community.
These events wouldn’t be possible without a wonderful and evolving community of artists in the Fox Valley. Here are current calls for artists and membership programs to share with them.
On March 19, Suicide Prevention Services will host Spring into Art, a new fundraiser to support their mission to open minds, save lives, and restore hope. The inaugural event at Society 57 will invite attendees to “spring up” and take turns at selecting original artwork to take home. Artists are invited to donate original artwork for the event at spsamerica.org.
Geneva will welcome artists to showcase their work throughout downtown businesses at the inaugural Art Explosion from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 2. Merchants will transform into pop-up galleries to feature local artists at this free one day event. Artists are invited to apply through March 1. All mediums are encouraged, paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, and more. To apply to be a showcasing artist, visit genevachamber.com.
Celebrating its 24th year of all-original art by more than 140 national artists, Geneva Arts Fair will be back on Third Street in downtown Geneva on July 25-26. The bustling arts fair was recently recognized among the Top 20 fine art fairs in the nation. Artist applications are open through February 10. For more information, visit genevachamber.com.
Enjoying its Sweet 16th and final year Saturday, Aug. 29, Alley Art Festival is a day filled with local art and community. There’s nothing quite like the end-of-summer event that brings together art, music, food, and fun. The festival welcomes handcrafted work and runs from noon to 5 p.m. on Water Street Mall in downtown Aurora. Local artists residing within 30 miles of Aurora are invited to apply from February 1 to May 1. To apply, visit alleyartaurora.com.
There are several rotating gallery shows for artists to explore, like Water Street Studios membership shows held this year in April and September. To become a member, visit waterstreetstudios.org.
Other local membership opportunities include Aurora Art League, DuPage Art League, Naperville Art League, Elmhurst Artists’ Guild, Wayne Art League, and Side Street Studio Arts.
Stop into If These Walls Could Talk and Yellow Bird Books on Stolp Avenue in downtown Aurora or follow them on social media to find out about their First Fridays shows.
More artisan-friendly offerings include Art and Market at Society 57 run by Aurora Farmers Market and Creativity at the Crossroads on June 13 in North Aurora. Applications for the latter are open until April 12 at northaurora.org.
Art might be a great savior this year, and the Aurora area is all the better for having multiple opportunities for local artists.
Marissa Amoni is the owner of Marissa Bright, a public relations and event management company specializing in shining the light on nonprofits and small businesses. She coordinates Alley Art Festival and Geneva Arts Fair. Follow her on Instagram @marissashinesbright. Visit a full calendar of art events on alleyartaurora.com/artscene.