March First Fridays: More Than 30 Businesses Set To Participate

AURORA, IL — Aurora businesses are kicking off the new month with a plethora of activities as part of the First Fridays series.

Hosted by the nonprofit Aurora Downtown on the first Friday of each month, downtown businesses collectively host open houses with special offerings — including promotions, live music and educational offerings — pop-ups.

More than 30 businesses are participating. Take a look at what is planned:

• The Venue, 21 S. Broadway: Free concert featuring Demi Clara
• ThinkAi Accelerator Lab, 56 S. LaSalle St.: Studio tours, live podcasting and brain bar
• Mich Big Taco, 31 N. Broadway: Three tacos for $7.99
• Tecalitlan Mexican Restaurant, 35 S. Broadway: $4.99 margaritas and 10 percent discount on total bill
• Foreign Exchange Brewing Co., 110 Cross St.: Choice of double smash burger, birria grilled cheese or Bombay sandwich; waffle fries and choice of appetizer; and a beer for $35. Available all day.
• Miss Lee's Bar, 215 E. Galena Blvd.: Modelo and Corona beers for $4
• Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway: The ArtBar, from 7-11 p.m., will showcase local and national artists in a themed show.
• Aurora Public Library District, 101 S. River St.: Be among the first to see the new, original artwork inspired by our Community Voices initiative. Meet local artists, enjoy live music, sourdough bread and more. From 6-8 p.m.
• Eden Properties Read Estate Group, 140 S. River St.: Free St. Patrick's Day goodies.
• Aurora Tap House, 134 W. Downer Place: At 9 p.m., Ebony and Ivory will perform songs from Motown to today's hits.
• The Cornucopia Tea and Gift Shop, 63 S. Broadway: Five artists from the Aurora Art League will be in store, plus free tea and snacks in the Artist Alley.
• Subway, 5 E. Downer Place: 10 percent off entire order from 4-9 p.m.
• Grand Army of the Republic Military Museum, 23 E. Downer Place: "Standard Issue: America's Fighting Rifles" exhibit, plus 10 percent discount on all items in the museum gift shop.
• Aurora Regional Fire Museum, 53 N. Broadway: Help us celebrate Women's History Month with a themed scavenger hunt and free admission from 5-8 p.m. Follow the clues and learn facts about women in the fire service.
• Craft Urban Aurora, 41 S. Stolp Ave.: Happy hour from 4-6 p.m. and late-night ramen from 9-11 p.m.
• Legacy Nutrition and Fitness, 77 S. River St.: Vida Wellness Market from 5-9 p.m.
• Dark Horse Grill and Catering at Saage Culinary Studio, 160 S. River St.: Stone-fired pizza and sandwiches from 5-9 p.m.
• Alice's Corner, 37 W. New York St.: Buy three empanadas, get one free.
• The Perch, 140 S. River St.: Shop our women-made market, plus Girl Scouts cookie sale
• The Nolan Gallery, 33 S. Stolp Ave.: Two for one collectible, wearable art from 6-9 p.m.
• French 75 Gallery and Lounge, 56 E. Galena Blvd.: Specialty First Fridays cocktail
• Society 57, 100 S. River St.: Cocktails and bites from 5-9 p.m.
• Nide Jardin Boutique, 140 S. River St.: Plant bingo, Loteria and Strawberry's BBQ. Come and play to win prizes. Charity Blooms will be our Bingo callers and Eden Properties will be our Loteria callers.
• Ballydoyle Irish Pub, 28 W. New York St.: $8 burgers and fries
• Offbeat Vintage Collective, 112 E. Galena Blvd.: 10 percent off storewide, plus make-your-own lucky charm bag with a purchase
• Cinco de Mayo Bakery, 102 N. Lake St.: 20 mixed meat tacos plus four drinks for $40 from La Chula food truck
• La Quinta de los Reyes, 36 E. New York St.: St. Patrick's Day margarita for $8, plus green enchiladas for $19.95
• Artists' Collective of Aurora, 2 W. Downer Place: Jack the Acquaintance, three sets, vendors and chair massages. From 6-9 p.m.
• Office of State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, 1 E. Benton St.: Sharing information regarding our services. Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network will be on site.
• McCarty Mills Taproom, 140 S. River St.: Andrew's Kitchen Irish fare with DJ Tito Latino and friends house party. From 5-11 p.m.
• Achetype Stained Glass, 33 S. Broadway: Refreshments and food will be available.
• Giardino Trattoria and Pizzeria, 12 N. River St.: Join us for our March specials before heading out to enjoy First Fridays.
• Touche French Creole, 6 N. River St.: Happy hour from 3-5 p.m.
• Daisy Trujilo Insurance Agency, Inc., 31 W. Downer Place: Women's Council of Realtors Fox Valley will be on site to answer questions about buying and selling homes. Giveaways will also take place.