City Of Lights Ukulele Festival To Debut In Aurora

AURORA, IL — Summertime in Chicagoland known for its music festivals, from the crowds that pack Lollapalooza and Riot Fest to the spectators who come out to hear rock and blues bands at Ravinia and Blues Fest. Aurora plans to shatter the stereotype of music festivals with its inaugural City of Lights Ukulele Festival, set to debut on August 26.

As the name suggests, the festival — slated from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Water Street Mall — will celebrate all things ukulele. The festivities include ukulele workshops and performances by famous ukulele artists, including Hawaiian-born Lanialoha Lee, The Beatleleles (yes, they play Beatles covers on ukulele), and The Fabulous Heftones, a husband-and-wife pair who performs hits from the 1920s.

If you own a ukulele, you're encouraged to bring it, as the festival will offer an opportunity for open mic performances as well. If you don't own a ukulele and you fall in love with the instrument at the fest, you can pick up one of your own from musical instrument vendors who will be on hand.

Food and drink vendors will be onsite at the City of Lights Ukulele Festival as well to keep festival goers fueled throughout the day.

The City of Lights Ukulele Festival was the brainchild of Aurora Alderman Mike Saville. In an open letter, Saville said the festival will "continue to put Aurora on the map as an artist and music community for people of all ages."

What: City of Lights Ukulele Festival

When: August 26 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Water Street Mall, 13 Water St., Aurora

Image credit: Shutterstock / Supachita Krerkkaiwan