Alley Art Festival is a local, grassroots art festival in downtown Aurora. Held on the last Saturday in August, Alley Art Festival brings more than 60 area artists together on Water Street Mall near City Hall in the heart of downtown.
The idea came from a student who attended an Aurora Public Art program. The festival became reality in 2010 thanks to the dedication of a small group of community organizers and artists. In 2018, Aurora Downtown, a nonprofit of business and property owners continues to run the annual festival with one of the original event organizers at the helm.
It’s a day like no other in downtown with art, live music, food, family-friendly offerings, and spectacle. It’s an event that brings everyone together, and supports local artists and their craft.
Donations to Alley Art Festival are used to maintain the event by way of hiring musicians and family-friendly entertainment, providing a safe and welcoming environment with convenient amenities, and to promote the event to visitors and residents alike.
Aurora Downtown is a nonprofit organization of downtown property and business owners within Special Service Area #One in Aurora, Ill. Started in 1975, Aurora Downtown’s income is used to underwrite a variety of downtown improvements, enhancements, and events.
