Food Truck Festival returns to First Fridays May 3

On May 3, First Fridays brings more than 30 food trucks to its night of art, music and more in downtown Aurora.

The fourth annual Food Truck Festival fills Benton Street from 5 to 10 p.m. with food vendors ranging from Auntie Vee's cupcakes to Yum Dum's dumplings.

Millennium Plaza, 21 S. Stolp Ave., will feature its first concerts of the season with Joybird at 6 p.m. and Todd Kessler at 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy several venues open to the public. Ride a free trolley and stop by Aurora Downtown's First Fridays' Photo Booth at Downer Place and Stolp Avenue with photographer Jason Arthur.

• Waubonsee Community College, 18 S. River St., will host an arts and music showcase. Purchase one-of-a-kind pottery; print a free, silk-screen T-shirt; and pick up a copy of the student-published "Horizons" magazine. Music will be provided by Waubonsee's Big Band, Jazz Combo, Steel Drum Band, and Chamber Choir. Art exhibits will be open for viewing in the library and cafe areas. Free refreshments provided from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

• HealthMarkets, 41 W. New York St., will host "Nate Velasquez - Digital Media," from 4 to 6 p.m.

• Golden Fox Studios, 52 W. Downer Place will feature the open studios of resident artists Gerardo Madrigal, Joan Paco, and Lisa Gloria. Experience live art demonstration and new works on display from 6 to 9 p.m.

• Aurora Tap House, 134 W. Downer Place, will host "Jason DeLancey - Rusted and Reused," a pop-up art show featuring local artist and curator Jason DeLancey who will be exhibiting works of original photography, collage, and digital artwork from 6 p.m. to midnight

• ArtBar at Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 Broadway, will feature "Let's Be Bad Guys," a plethora of vile depictions of villainy on display. Art and prints for sale from 7 p.m. to midnight

• If These Walls Could Talk Custom Framing and Gallery, 32 S. Stolp Ave., will open "Imagined Realities: Chris Hodge." Explore the intricate world of local artist Chris Hodge from 7 to 10 p.m.

• Gary Brown Art Gallery and Studio, 7 S. Broadway, will host "Welcoming Spring - Honoring Nurses" from 6 to 10 p.m. Multimedia and scratch board created by artists Gary Brown and Christina Snider; live music by Karla Howard; a special honorary recognition gift will be given to any nurse who comes in.

• Aurora Regional Fire Museum, 53 N. Broadway, will open with "The Art of Emergency Care." Explore the museum's newest exhibit from the National EMS Museum. The museum will be open with free admission from 5 to 9 p.m.

• Good News Barbershop + Media Studio, 14 W. Downer Place upstairs, will be open with art and music featuring Lokam Films from 6 to 9 p.m.

• Balderas Beauty Salon, 25 N. Broadway, will host artist Cassandra Baez plus face painting and live painting by Jose Art. Enjoy music and food from 5 to 8.30 p.m.

• Aurora Public Art, 20 E. Downer Place, will continue "Reanimation through Painting and Sculpture: Stephen Signa-Aviles and Jamiah Calvin" from 6 to 9 p.m. on the third floor. The first floor Flexspace will host Discardables: Creations made from recycled materials.

• Endiro Coffee, 29 W. New York St., will host live music from Dan Becker from 6 to 9 p.m.

• Tredwell Coffee, 14 W. Downer Place, Ste. 18, will celebrate their anniversary with a One Year Birthday Celebration featuring a full menu offered with great music, drink specials, raffles and more. Mirabelle Skipworth performs. Open until 9 p.m.

• Gremlen Recording Studios, 130 W. Downer Place, will be open with Mini Sessions and Studio Tours. Get a taste of what goes into an actual recording session at a professional studio from 6 to 9 p.m.

• Payton's Photography, 14 W. Downer Place, entrance on Stolp, will feature photographer CeCe Nedrow and a May flowers backdrop at her studio. Stop in for one free digital photo from 5 to 9 p.m.

• Aurora Historical Society at the Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, will be open with "Aurora Story" on the second floor -- a walk-through history of Aurora; May 4 is the closing day of the Memorial Crosses exhibit commemorating the victims of the Pratt Co. shooting from 6 to 9 p.m.

• Sergio Furniture, 36 W. Downer Place, will open its doors to the public with Catrinas of Aurora, a display of traditional Mexican folk art from 5 to 9 p.m.

• Christian Science Reading Room, 34 S. Stolp Ave., will welcome visitors with a free small plant from 6 to 8 p.m.

• Arcana Studios, 5 1/2 W. Downer Place, will host Poetry Reading and Storytelling in an intimate, living room setting from 8 to 11 p.m. Performances by featured readers will begin at 9 p.m. and an open mic will follow.

• Zen Loft Wellness Center, 6 W. Downer Place, will open with demos of yoga, belly dance, hoop dance, massages, vendors, and more from 6 to 9 p.m. Hang out in an aerial yoga hammock or get a chair massage for $1 per minute.

• PreMil, 46 W. New York St., will celebrate their grand opening with music, art featuring Yesenia Del Toro, Deltizzle, Adriana Vongkorad), comedy, and more from noon to 9 p.m.

• Wyckwood House, 14 W. Downer Place, Ste. 16, will host Eye Candy Bake Shop featuring a variety of gluten free and vegan treats to purchase from 5 to 9 p.m. Live music from Olivia Ports, 6 to 8:30 p.m. and cocktails from Amy Song Ceramics.

• Legacy Nutrition & Fitness, 77 S. River St., will open with a night of art and fitness co-hosted by Them Bad Apples from 6 to 9 p.m. Music by Funk and Soul Collection. Featuring artist Erin Jones Joseph Jone's work is miniature in size but bold in color and design.

• SciTech Hands On Museum, 18 W. Benton St., will open with SPARK Play Learn Connect. Visitors will have limited access to the museum at no cost from 5 to 8 p.m.

• Do or Dye Designs, 24 S. Stolp Ave., will open with karaoke, raffles, a Pure Skin Solutions popup, and refreshments from 5 to 9 p.m.

• All Spoked Up, 14 W. Downer Place, Ste. 12, will host a pop up with Leslie Jenner featuring handmade decorations, jewelry, and pottery from 6 to 9 p.m.

• Collier Community Center, 36 S. Stolp Ave., will be open with its Save Our Youth Fundraiser Catfish Fry and more from 5 to 9 p.m. Catfish Dinner $10. Other menu items available.

First Fridays maps are available at all venues. For more information, visit www.auroradowntown.org.