Aurora says it’s time to start living again!
First Fridays will return on April 2 when several venues will be open downtown with art, music, and more. Food trucks will also join the monthly event this year as they will park in the lot across from City Hall each date.
In lieu of the annual Food Truck Festival typically held at May’s First Fridays event, Aurora Downtown will host food trucks at Water Street Square every First Fridays in 2021. As the First Fridays sponsor, the organization said they continue to reimagine events to allow the community to gather in a safe way.
“We continue to look at creative ways to limit crowds as we return to in person events in our downtown. We’re excited to offer a variety of options so that the community can enjoy events once again,” said Marissa Amoni, manager of Aurora Downtown.
First Fridays will run through December with the exception of July.
On April 2, a variety of venues will offer the following mix of activities:
- Gallery 1904, 1 E. Benton St., will present “The Masters Revealed,” art by Maureen Gasek, Josue Paiz, John Cornelissen, Beth Kolar, Maryellen Newton, Joe Gagnepain, Soterios Gardiakos, Chaz Nieponski, and Patty Fine Vander Sande. DJ Venom will provide music. 5 to 8:30 p.m.
- Gary Brown Art Studio and Gallery, 7 S. Broadway, will be open with “Worldly Eclectic Colorful and Intriguing Art Assemblages” by artist Anton Witek. They will also offer an art contest and new work by Gary Brown. 5 to 9 p.m.
- McCarty Mills Taproom, 140 S. River St., will host a pop-up by artist Devan. A portion of art sales will be donated to Vizo Arts. 5 to 10 p.m.
- Santori Public Library of Aurora, 101 S. River St., will present works by local artist Perry Slade and music by Dave Ramont from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Aurora Tap House, 134 W. Downer Pl., will offer live music by band Who Cares starting at 9 p.m.
- Altiro Latin Fusion, 1 S. Stolp Ave., will feature live music by Damian Rivera and the Altiro Coffee Cart from 6 to 9 p.m.
- Aurora Regional Fire Museum, 53 N. Broadway, will celebrate the museum’s 1921 Stutz fire engine turning 100 years old. Free photos and birthday hats from 5 to 8 p.m.
- Zen Loft Wellness Center, 6 W. Downer Pl., will present the Camelia Danza Belly Dance show at 7 p.m.
- Offbeat Thrift and Vintage, 14 W. Downer Pl. Ste. 16 basement, will be open with a Seconds Sale. Explore a special selection of backstock, clearance, and imperfect inventory. Most items available for $5 and under. Open until 9 p.m.
- Society 57, 100 S. River St., will open from 6 to 9 p.m.
- Aurora Tap House, 24 N. Broadway, will be open with art and music from 7 to 10 p.m.
- The Cotton Seed Creative Exchange, 8 N. Broadway, will feature “A Pigment of Your Imagination,” a pop up with artist Dzhelasi and Thalo Halo. The first 50 guests get a special free item from the artist. 6 to 8:30 p.m.
- Wyckwood House, 14 W. Downer Pl. Ste. 16, will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. with music by Lydia Miller, and jewelry designer Danielle Christine who features repurposed, reused, and reloved jewelry.
- Judd Lofchie & Associates, 76 S. Broadway, will feature an on-street video games lounge. Play video games in a climate controlled game theater from 6 to 9 p.m.
- Payton’s Photography, 14 W. Downer Pl. Ste. 8, will host a photographer’s garage sale with backdrops, props, and other related photography items for sale until 8 p.m.
For those looking for a crowd-free experience, First Fridays will offer the following:
- Aurora Historical Society at David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Pl.
- Play ball! A historical baseball storefront display highlighting Aurora’s baseball history with historic photos and artifacts.
- Egg Hunt on the Island, 14 locations. Enjoy a self-guided scavenger hunt throughout downtown. Find egg posters in storefronts and scan the QR code to enter a giveaway.
- Awakenings, various locations. Celebrate National Poetry Month in April. Wander downtown and find a dozen poems submitted by local poets in storefronts.
For more information on First Fridays events, visit auroradowntown.org.
