Now in its 10th year, First Fridays will celebrate its local roots with events featuring local artists and musicians Feb. 3. "What started as a night featuring a handful of art openings has grown into a downtown-wide arts and cultural open house frequently boasting more than two dozen offerings and sometimes up to 40," said Marissa Amoni, manager of Aurora Downtown, who helped start First Fridays with a group of business owners in 2013.
On Sept. 2, First Fridays will feature Nuna Ceramics grand opening at 77 S. Lake St. and The Cotton Seed Creative Exchange s local hip hop art show at 64 S. River St.
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.