Alley Art Festival will expand its footprint in downtown Aurora this year. The popular, grassroots art festival will be back on Water Street Mall and is expanding to Downer Place between Stolp Avenue and Water Street.
Celebrating its 12th year, the festival run by the Aurora Downtown nonprofit group will feature more than 70 local artists from Aurora and nearby communities.
“We’re excited to grow the festival over the last dozen years,” said Marissa Amoni, manager of Aurora Downtown.
The festival will feature artists and artisans from noon to 5 p.m. following the Aurora Farmers Market across the street at Water Street Square, which runs from 8 a.m. to noon that morning.
The annual festival highlights locally made art, jewelry, pottery, handmade goods, and more. It provides an opportunity to meet and support local artists, Amoni said.
“Alley Art Festival makes art accessible for everyone. It’s a fun afternoon filled with art. It’s also an opportunity to buy art, get inspired, and connect with the artist community,” she added.
Live music kicks off at noon at Mundy Park with Nick Wiesner. Eastern Fire Belly Dance will perform at 2 p.m. Mo Pippy and Friends will perform at 3 p.m.
Nonprofit vendors include Light of the Heart, Fox Valley Robotics, Aurora Regional Fire Museum, and Culture Stock.
Food vendors will be located on the Downer Place bridge and include Sno Cone Sisters, Strawberries BBQ, Holy Pierogi, and Home Run Hot Dogs and Lemonade.
Amoni started the festival in 2010 with artists Jenn Evans, Lisa Gloria, and Nate Miller. The festival is sponsored by Aurora Downtown and the city of Aurora.
Also on August 27, Warehouse 55, a vintage market at 55 S. Lake St., will be hosting a tent sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Santori Public Library, 101 S. River St., will host Cape Con from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Alley Art Festival maps will be available online at auroradowntown.org. A full artist and venue lineup is available at alleyartaurora.com.
