Aurora Downtown has announced its schedule of events for the year. The downtown organization once again will be host to the popular Food Truck Festival at May’s First Fridays event. Outdoor movies will return to two downtown locations in the Summer.
The event lineup for the year ahead provides a many opportunities to enjoy all there is to offer in Aurora’s downtown.
• First Fridays will return February 4 and run every first Friday of the month through December with the exception of July. The event will open up dozens of downtown venues with live music offerings, art shows, and plenty of activities for all ages.
• Art and Market Aurora will be back at Society 57 for six Saturdays this Winter and in the Spring. Vendors will be available from 9 a.m. to noon the second and fourth Saturdays to start February 12 through the end of April. The indoor market will return for four dates in the Fall on the second and third Saturdays of November and December.
• Egg Hunt on the Island will return to an in person event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 9. There will be an egg scavenger hunt on Stolp Island. Attendees can take free photos with the Easter Bunny at Bunny at the Gazebo from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Millennium Plaza on Stolp Avenue.
• Aurora Downtown’s Food Truck Festival will return to Benton Street from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Friday, May 6. Food trucks will line the street during First Fridays. The event was on hiatus the last two years due to the pandemic.
• Aurora Museum Week will be celebrated from June 5 through June 11. Museum tours, specials, and activities will be ready for enjoyment.
• Movies at a Museum will be back at the Aurora Regional Fire Museum. View a popular film outdoors at dusk on second Thursdays in the Summer. Dates are June 9, July 14, and August 11.
• Movies at Mundy Park will be a new offering in the Summer. The Venue at Water Street Mall will be host to the brew and view series. Movies will be outdoors at dusk on third Thursdays in the Summer. Dates are June 16, July 21, and August 18.
• Wednesdays at the Plaza will return to Millennium Plaza July 13 through August 10. The free Summer concert series will start at 7 p.m. and feature popular community and regional musicians of different genres in an open air setting along the Fox River.
• Downtown Block Party returns to Stolp Avenue from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5. The night is a favorite among those who frequent First Fridays to enjoy music, food, and fun.
• Alley Art Festival will return to Water Street Mall and will expand to Downer Place from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. The grassroots art festival will celebrate its 12th year.
• Sugar Skull City will celebrate Day of the Dead throughout downtown from October 15 through November 6. The festivities will include First Fridays November 4.
• Trick or Treat Downtown will be held throughout downtown from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. The all-ages event will bring hundreds in costumes.
• Winter Lights will be celebrated from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18. The city’s festive holiday event is held along both Downer Place and Stolp Avenue.
• Cocoa Crawl will warm up First Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. December 5. The event will require purchase of an official Cocoa Crawl mug and button.
• Santa at the Gazebo will be back from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 3 and 10. Stop at Millennium Plaza for a free photo with Santa.
Marissa Amoni is the manager of Aurora Downtown, a group of business and property owners in Special Service Area One. Participants can keep up with downtown events by following Aurora Downtown on Facebook. auroradowntown.org.