Alley Art Festival returns to downtown Aurora Aug. 27

A grassroots art and music festival is coming back to downtown Aurora this summer.

After taking a hiatus in 2015, Alley Art Festival is once again showcasing local artists on the last Saturday of August.

Alley Art Festival is a fun-filled afternoon in downtown Aurora that highlights the local, creative community and brings out all ages to enjoy a day of art, music, and spectacle.

More than 65 artists will be part of this year's festivities along Water Street Mall, a tree-lined walkway sandwiched between Aurora's City Hall on Downer Place and Culture Stock on Galena Boulevard.

The pedestrian-only area has been home to the festival since its debut in 2010.

Artists set up tables along Water Street Mall to sell their art. Artisans and makers are also part of the festival. Everything from original paintings, hand-crafted drums, pottery, jewelry, and plastic monster figurines can be found at the festival.

Musicians including Jake Mack Trio, Max Benson, and Rob Anderlik perform in the adjacent Mundy Park. There also will be stories, poetry, kids' art, Luigi's Pizza, and much more. The Human Library of the Fox Valley will be set up to converse with patrons and listen to stories.

The festival grows every year and this year is the largest yet, however, Alley Art Festival stays true to its roots and continues to be non-corporate sponsored. The festival is completely funded by city of Aurora festival funding and artist contributions. The contributions are based on their sales at the festival.

Alley Art Festival is from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 at Water Street Mall in downtown Aurora. For more information, visit Alley Art Festival on Facebook.