The last Tuesday of January (January 31 this year) is National Vacation Planning Day or NVPD. According to the U.S. Travel Association, “It is a day to encourage Americans to plan their vacation days for the whole year at the start of the year, and inspire them to use those days to explore the USA.”
January is the month that Aurora Downtown busily plans events for the year. Likely, many others are planning baby showers, weddings, family reunions, and more events alongside their vacation planning.
I happen to be assisting in getting my 30-year high school reunion planned. It’ll be next year because I was graduated from West Aurora High in 1994. I recommend having at least one year to plan a big event.
Planning requires picking out a date and a venue. If you are making plans this year, below is a list of venues in downtown Aurora to consider.
Downtown event venues:
Society 57, 100 S. River Street
Along the Fox River, Society 57 offers space for events up to 250 plus the coffeehouse is an available add-on. The historic building features 4,000 square feet of re-imagined space and an aesthetic that can be described as comfortable elegance. Complemented by ample nearby parking, photo opportunities of both River and City, and flexible catering and vendor options, it’s where the past meets the present to create memories. From workshops and classes to gallery viewing, there’s always ways to connect with the community too. Upcoming, check out First Fridays February 3, Art and Market February 25, and an R&B yoga event by Culture Meets Presence February 19.
Santori Public Library of Aurora, 101 S. River Street
A state-of-the-art center for technology, information, literacy, creativity, and community, the Library can be an ideal option for community-oriented events. Santori features multiple private rooms with large windows looking out to downtown. Aurora Business United is a networking event that meets at the Library monthly. If you are working with an organization to be host to an event, it’s a smart choice to consider.
Company 251, 251 S. River Street
An early 20th Century tractor manufacturing building turned 21st Century modern luxury event space. They craft a luxury experience that celebrates life and the joy of entertaining. The event venue is open to private events, concerts, productions, exhibitions, and corporate and private parties. The space boasts architectural and historical elements merging past with present and historic with modern.
Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway
Two Brothers Roundhouse offers a wide array of options for all types of gatherings with rooms and spaces suited for groups from 25 to 600. With large banquet rooms, an outdoor courtyard and gazebo, a two-story tavern bar, and multiple private rooms, the historic Roundhouse in Aurora is one of the most popular venues in the Fox Valley area.
Loft 28 West, 28 W. New York Street
Loft 28 West is 7,000 square feet of loft space above Ballydoyle Irish Pub and Restaurant that boasts high ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, wood floors and exposed brick to create a trendy, industrial-modern, facility. A century-old-building that was once a thriving coat factory is now a thoroughly modern space that is customizable for a truly memorable event.
Meyer Ballroom, 8 E. Galena Boulevard
Meyer Ballroom, in North Island Center across from Paramount Theatre, offers neutral modern decor and lots of options. Picture windows look out over an outdoor patio along the Fox River. There’s an open bar package and catering options. There’s the Paramount’s Grand Gallery, which is a memorable option when available. Receive 10% off for Love Local Days. See venue for details and exclusions.
Bureau Gravity, 56 S. LaSalle Street
Complete with broadcast capabilities that range from global events to private presentations, collaborative meeting and versatile event spaces, a French Industrial themed event space that rivals similar spaces in any city in the world, inviting lounges, and a dynamic collection of artistic talent and specialized services, Bureau Gravity is a premier space for corporate events.
There are other, creative event venue options such as The Venue, 21 S. Broadway, which often features live music, but can be rented for private spaces. Wyckwood House, 80 S. River Street offers space for smaller events, as does The Cotton Seed Creative Exchange, 64 S. River Street.
Several downtown restaurants offer event options such as Stolp Island Social, 5 E. Galena Boulevard, and Craft Urban, 41 S. Stolp Avenue.
There were a couple of outdoor weddings at Millennium Plaza gazebo on Stolp Avenue last year. If a public space interests you, then reach out to the City of Aurora’s Special Events team.
One of my favorite event spaces is truly a hidden secret, but you can check it out on the website at apsvenue.com. APS Venue is on the 3rd floor of the bank building at 105 E. Galena Blvd. The Chicago-style windows and other architectural details make for a stunning event location.
If you have a favorite place, you might want to ask if it would consider being host to your event.
Marissa Amoni is the manager of Aurora Downtown, a group of business and property owners in Special Service Area One. First Fridays will return on February 3. Enjoy Love Local Days specials from Feb 1-14. Follow Aurora Downtown on Facebook and @downtownaurora on Instagram. auroradowntown.org.