Aurora Downtown announced their schedule of events for the year. The downtown organization will bring back all of their popular events including First Fridays, Art and Market Aurora, and their annual Food Truck Festival. 

First Fridays will start its 10th year in February. The monthly art and cultural offering began in September 2013. Held 10 months out of the year, First Fridays runs from February through December, taking a break in July. 

“First Fridays has become an institution in downtown Aurora with more than 30 businesses regularly participating in the open-house-style event that features art, live music, and activities for all ages,” said Marissa Amoni, manager of Aurora Downtown.

In March, First Fridays will present the theme “Women in the Front,” which Amoni said will pay homage to women who stand up, take charge, and inspire us. May’s First Fridays will bring the large Food Truck Festival to Benton Street, then the Food Truck Court will open in June at Water Street Square with a handful of food vendors across from City Hall.  The food court joins First Fridays in June, and then returns from September through December.

August’s First Fridays will close down Stolp Avenue for Aurora Downtown’s annual Stolp Block Party. Also in August, Alley Art Festival will return with its expanded footprint to Water Street Mall and Downer Place. 

This winter, Aurora Downtown will promote shopping and dining downtown with Love Local Days from February 1 to 14. Participating businesses will offer specials and deals during the two weeks. 

The group will also host Art and Market Aurora on three Saturdays at Society 57, 100 S. River St. The indoor market will feature more than two dozen local makers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on February 25, March 25, and April 22.

On April 1, Egg Hunt on the Island will fill up downtown with Easter and Spring activities at several participating businesses. The event will run from 1 to 3 p.m. and also feature Bunny at the Gazebo, a chance to meet a special Easter Bunny and receive a free photo download.

In the fall, Sugar Skull City will return on October 15 with a butterfly theme to celebrate Day of the Dead. A series of events will be held in conjunction with Sugar Skull City, which will run through November 5. 

“We created all of our events to be unique to downtown Aurora. They all offer a chance to connect with the community, and they support our local businesses,” Amoni said.

One of the group’s year-round events is Boss Babes, which Amoni started with Wyckwood House owner Shannon Gutierrez. The event is now held monthly from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the third Thursday at Wyckwood House. They incorporate a couple of field trips into the lineup, and this year, Boss Babes will be visiting Fox Valley Mall in March and Homestead 1854 in August. 

Summer events will include Downtown Saturdays promotions at downtown businesses, Wednesdays at the Plaza concerts, outdoor movies at The Venue, and more. 

Faithful Cocoa Crawl patrons will want to note that the event returns this year on December 1, and mugs and buttons go on sale on November's First Fridays. A mug and a button are needed to participate.

For a full list of Aurora Downtown’s events and a volunteer sign up, visit https://auroradowntown.org/2023-event-guide/