Alley Art Festival will fill downtown Aurora with artists for a 13th year from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. The festival will welcome 90 artists this year.
The popular, grassroots art festival will return to Water Street Mall and Downer Place between Stolp Avenue and Water Street.
“It’s exciting to keep this important event going,” said Marissa Amoni, one of the event founders. Amoni started the festival in 2010 with artists Jen Byrne, Lisa Gloria, and Nate Miller.
“Over the years, we’ve seen the event go from 40 to 60 to now 90 artists. It’s been incredible to see the growth and support of the arts in our community,” she said.
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 items. It provides an opportunity to meet and support local artists, Amoni said.
“Alley Art Festival makes art accessible for everyone. It’s a fun afternoon filled with art. It’s also an opportunity to buy art, get inspired, and connect with the artist community,” she added.
Live music will start at noon at Mundy Park with Huguito Gutierez and Armando Bakle. Eastern Fire Belly Dance will perform at 2 p.m. Cat Gaddis Band will perform at 3 p.m.
Food vendors will be on the Downer Place bridge.
The festival is sponsored by Aurora Downtown and the city of Aurora. For more information, visit alleyartaurora.com.
—Aurora Downtown