Alley Art Fest To Celebrate Local Art For 12th Year

AURORA, IL — Alley Art Festival, returning Aug. 27, will celebrate local art for the 12th year.

This year, the festival will feature more than 70 artists from Aurora and nearby communities specializing in art, jewelry, pottery, handmade goods and more.

Hosted by nonprofit organization Aurora Downtown, the event will not only return to Water Street Mall but will also expand to Downer Place, between Stolp Avenue and Water Street. It's scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. following the Aurora Farmers Market, open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

"Alley Art Festival makes art accessible for everyone," Marissa Amoni, Aurora Downtown manager, said in a statement. "It's a fun afternoon filled with art. It’s also an opportunity to buy art, get inspired, and connect with the artist community."

Live music and performances are also scheduled at the art fair. Mundy Park, with Nick Wiesner, will start playing at noon, and Eastern Fire Belly Dance is expected to perform at 2 p.m. At 3 p.m., Mo Pippy and Friends will put on a show.

Nonprofit vendors slated to be at the fest include The Light of The Heart, Fox Valley Robotics, Aurora Regional Fire Museum, and Culture Stock.

A full artist and venue lineup for Alley Art Festival can be found on the event's website.

The art festival won't be the only event happening in downtown Aurora Aug. 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., and Santori Public Library, at 101 S. River St., will host CapeCon — a celebration of comics, graphic novels and pop culture — from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.