Stolp Avenue Block Party Is Focus Of August First Fridays In Aurora

AURORA, IL — A new month means another First Fridays celebration in downtown Aurora, and in August, the focus will be on the Stolp Block Party.

Aurora Downtown will host the free event from 6-10 p.m. Friday on Stolp Avenue between Downer Place to Galena Boulevard. The block party has been a part of August's First Fridays since 2017.

This year, Lynne Jordan and The Shivers will be the headlining act, performing at 8 p.m. at the Millenium Plaza gazebo. The Instinct will open for them at 6 p.m.

Local artists curated by If These Walls Could Talk as well as nonprofits will be set up at the end of Stolp Avenue. Food trucks participating include Grumpy Gaucho, Strawberries BBQ, Home Run Hot Dogs and Lemonade, Wurst Kitchen, Holy Pierogi, My Funnel, Chills Italian Ice and Tapville Social.

Over on Water Street Mall, Community Advocacy Awareness Network will host a Business Entrepreneur Unity Expo from 5-10 p.m. that will feature a variety of vendors and activities.

Here's a look at what downtown businesses are participating in First Fridays.

• Yellow Bird Books, 34 S. Stolp Ave. D'Light of the Bug: Whimsical Watercolors feat. local artist Lisa Lentz Manning at the Stolp Block Party with original watercolors, prints, stickers, and t-shirts available for sale. From 6 to 10 p.m.
• The Nolan Gallery, 33 S. Stolp Ave. Dulce Havana and Stillness exhibitions + wearable art. From 7 to 10 p.m.
• Pure Skin Solutions, 26 S. Stolp Ave. Ebony Sade Art. From 5 to 9 p.m.
• Aurora Historical Society | Aurora Public Art at The DLP, 20 E. Downer Place. 1st floor: “Here Comes the Bride” continued: Vintage wedding fashions. 3rd floor: Steve Banks Solo Exhibit feat. contemporary pop art. From 6 to 9 p.m.
• The ArtBar at Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway. Why am I like this? From 7 to 11 p.m.
• Sergio Furniture | Catrinas Aurora, 36 W. Downer Place. Handmade Mexican Art. from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Artesan Lofts Art Gallery, 2 S. Stolp Ave. Comic & Illustration: A collaboration with local artists. From 6 to 9 p.m.
• French 75 Gallery and Lounge, 56 E. Galena Blvd. Select works by Martin Mondrus plus a specialty craft cocktail. From 4 p.m. to midnight
• G.A.R. Museum, 23 E. Downer Place. Live music by The Town Band. From 5 to 9 p.m.
• Zen Loft Wellness Center, 6 W. Downer Place. Late-night open jam hosted by Mo Pippy Music. From 8 to 10 p.m.
• Ballydoyle Irish Pub, 28 W. New York St. Live music plus margarita specials. Until 1 a.m.
• The Venue, 21 S. Broadway. Colleen Wild & The Haunted: Suggested donation show feat. local singer-songwriter and their band. From 8 to 11 p.m.
• Wyckwood House Boutique + Cocktail Bar, 80 S. River St. Live music by Steve Mast plus summer cocktails. Sneak peek of fall fashion. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Tavern on Broadway, 24 N. Broadway. Live music by Michael Rawls. From 8 to 10 p.m.
• Altiro Latin Fusion, 1 S. Stolp Ave. Live music by Damian Rivero. From 6 to 9 p.m.
• Aurora Tap House, 134 W. Downer Place. Karaoke from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• Superjumbo, 102 E. Galena Blvd. Yetee Street Fighter 6 Collection Launch. From noon to 8 p.m.
• Zen Loft Wellness Center, 6 W. Downer Place. Find your Zen: Belly dance performance by Magnolia Dance Collective at 7:30 p.m $1/min chair massage, local vendors, local art for sale, hang in hammocks. From 5 to 10 p.m.
• The Perch, 31 W. Downer Place. Inspirational Magnets and $1 Sale | All ages are invited to create an inspirational magnet for the new school year plus a clearance sale. From 5 to 8 p.m.
• ASU Cycles, 14 W. Downer Place. Francis' Birthday Sale: It's the shop cat’s birthday month. Sales on bikes, clothes, e-bikes, skateboards, decks, etc. plus used bikes for sale outside. From 6 to 8 p.m.
• Endiro Coffee, 29 W. New York St. Live Music Featuring: Invisible Cartoons | Drink Special: Root Beer Horchata Floats. From 5 to 9 p.m.
• The Cotton Seed Creative Exchange, 64 S. River St. Dancehall Vibes Pop Up: DJ GAB spinning Reggae and Dancehall, Izzy’s Fine Designs henna, SUKI Finds vintage clothing, nuEra cannabis consultation, Banana Pudding Twist. From 5 to 9 p.m.
• Santori Public Library, 101 S. River St. Unity Expo: Stop in for children's games, activities, and more, including a new Bookmobile-themed and Warhol-inspired art installation. From 6 to 8 p.m.
• The Cornucopia Tea & Gift Shop, 63 S. Broadway. Introduction to Health & Wellness Teas: Learn about 10 Ayurvedic Tea Infusions. From 5 to 10 p.m.
• Society 57, 100 S. River St. Cocktails and sushi pop up Little Lelani. From 6 to 9 p.m.
• FNBO, 140 S. River St. Special pop-up by The Wood Crafters by Luz and Juan plus a back-to-school raffle. From 5 to 9 p.m.