Kane County Reporter

AURORA DOWNTOWN ANNOUNCES 2022 EVENT LINEUP

Aurora Downtown announced their schedule of events for the year. The downtown organization will once again host the popular Food Truck Festival at May’s First Fridays event. Outdoor movies will also return to two downtown locations. 

“We’re hosting more than 40 event dates this year. The list of events is incredible and includes events for all ages. Alley Art Festival is our longest running event going on 12 years, and our newest event is our outdoor movie series which will expand to a brew and view at Mundy Park this summer,” said Marissa Amoni, manager of Aurora Downtown. 

Amoni added that Aurora Downtown’s events remain free with the exception of the annual Cocoa Crawl during December’s First Fridays event. The event requires the purchase of an official Cocoa Crawl mug and button. 

“It remains a priority to offer welcoming and accessible events that everyone can enjoy,” she said. 

First Fridays will kick off its season on February 4 and runs every first Friday of the month through December with the exception of July. The event opens 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 spring. Shop local vendors from 9 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Saturdays starting Feb. 12 through the end of April. The indoor market will return again 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 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 9. Go on an egg scavenger hunt via Stolp Island. Take free photos with the Easter Bunny at Bunny at the Gazebo from 1 to 3 p.m. at Millennium Plaza on Stolp Avenue. 

Aurora Downtown’s Food Truck Festival will return to Benton Street from 5 to 9 p.m. on 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. Enjoy museum tours, specials, and activities. 

Movies at a Museum will be back at Aurora Regional Fire Museum. View a popular film outdoors at dusk on second Thursdays this summer. Dates are June 9, July 14 and Aug. 11.

Movies at Mundy Park will be a new offering this summer. The Venue at Water Street Mall will host the brew and view series. Movies will be outdoors at dusk on third Thursdays this summer. Dates are June 16, July 21 and Aug. 18.

Wednesdays at the Plaza will return to Millennium Plaza from July 13 through Aug. 10. The free summer concert series starts at 7 p.m. and features popular local and regional musicians of different genres in an open air setting along the Fox River. 

Downtown Block Party will return to Stolp Avenue from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5. The night is a favorite among locals who frequent First Fridays. Enjoy music, food, and fun.

Alley Art Festival will be held on Water Street Mall and will expand to Downer Place from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27. The grassroots art festival will celebrate its twelfth year.

Sugar Skull City will celebrate Day of the Dead throughout downtown from Oct. 15 through Nov. 6. The festivities include First Fridays on Nov. 4. 

Trick or Treat Downtown will be held throughout downtown from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sat. Oct. 29. The all ages event brings hundreds in costume. 

Winter Lights will be celebrated from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18. The city’s festive holiday event is held along Downer Place and Stolp Avenue. 

Cocoa Crawl will warm up First Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 5. The event requires purchase of an official Cocoa Crawl mug and button. 

Santa at the Gazebo will be back from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 and 10. Stop by Millennium Plaza on Stolp Avenue for a free photo with Santa. Bring a letter to place into Santa's mailbox. 

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About Aurora Downtown

Aurora Downtown is a nonprofit group of business and property owners within Special Service Area (SSA) One dedicated to a healthy and thriving downtown for everyone to enjoy. Learn more at auroradowntown.org. 

Photos by Joseph Weber/Courtesy of Aurora Downtown