Lumenaura Fest brings live music, local flavor and light to Aurora
Lumenaura, the city of Aurora’s annual immersive art, light, and sound experience, returns from Oct. 10-26, spanning Aurora’s entire downtown district.
The event, which is free and open to the public, is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors of all ages to experience cutting-edge, interactive art in public spaces.
It will kick off with Lumenaura Fest Weekend, taking place from Oct. 10-12 on the IBEW Locals 461 and 701 Main Stage, featuring live outdoor music in the heart of downtown Aurora.
The stage boasts a new, convenient location in Parking Lot Q, located at the southwest corner of Benton and Water streets, bringing more space and a bigger, better experience for attendees.
Additional amenities include food trucks lining the East Benton Street bridge, between Stolp Avenue and Water Street, beer vendors, local businesses, and more just steps away from the action.
The weekend begins at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at The Mayan, 77 S. Stolp Ave., with a Native American ceremony led by the Firekeeper, who will ignite the Bonfire LED sculpture.
This opening ceremony will mark the official start to Lumenaura Fest Weekend, leading into an action-packed trio of evenings that includes electrifying live musical performances.
On Friday night, Motown Nation will open the festival at 6 p.m., bringing the golden era of soul back to life. Audiences can expect favorites from Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, and more.
Then, at 8 p.m., get ready for the ultimate 1980s experience with Sixteen Candles, whose high-energy performances and passion for the decade will transport you straight back to the era of Duran Duran, Tears for Fears, Prince, and Journey.
On Saturday, Oct. 11, the main stage comes alive in celebration of Aurora’s diverse Hispanic culture, beginning with Sin Anestesia at 6 p.m., delivering a powerful performance that pays tribute to legendary bands like Hombres G, Los Enanitos Verdes and Café Tacuba.
Headlining the night and entering the stage at 8:15 p.m. is Selena the Show, an electrifying tribute to one of the greatest Mexican-American performers of all time. Karla Perez channels Selena’s charisma and voice to perfection, performing beloved hits like Como La Flor, Bidi Bidi Bom Bom, Dreaming of You, I Could Fall in Love, and Amor Prohibido.
The weekend wraps up in spectacular style on Sunday, Oct. 12, starting with Fearless – A Tribute to Taylor Swift at 5 p.m., serving as the ultimate unofficial Swiftie celebration.
Sing and dance along to chart-topping hits spanning every Taylor era, plus all the style, sparkle, and energy from fans’ wildest dreams. Finally, close out the festival at 7 p.m. with Hairbangers Ball, a nonstop, high-voltage trip back to the “decade of decadence” featuring the biggest hits from Guns N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Poison, Mötley Crüe, and more.
As the music lights up the main stage, roving performers such as circus acts, fire breathers, and wandering musicians will also animate the streets. Saturday’s festivities also include a drum circle, storytelling, and traditional songs, honoring Indigenous history, while converging with futuristic art.
Gates for Lumenaura Festival Weekend musical performances will open one hour prior to bands starting each day. All persons and bags will be subject to search before entering the Festival.
For more information on Lumenaura Fest Weekend, visit experiencelumenaura.com.