Alley Art Festival returns to Aurora
A grass-roots art and music festival is coming back to downtown Aurora on the last Saturday in August.
After taking a hiatus, Alley Art Festival once again will showcase local artists from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at Water Street Mall, a tree-lined walkway sandwiched between Aurora's City Hall on Downer Place and Culture Stock on Galena Boulevard.
Alley Art Festival 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. The pedestrian-only Water Street Mall has been home to the festival since its debut in 2010.
Artists and artisans set up tables along Water Street Mall to sell their art. Everything from original paintings, handcrafted drums, pottery, jewelry and plastic monster figurines can be found at the festival.
Musicians including Jake Mack Trio, Max Benson and Rob Anderlik will perform in the adjacent Mundy Park. There also will be stories, poetry, kids' art, Luigi's Pizza and more. The Human Library of the Fox Valley will be set up to converse with patrons and listen to stories.
The festival has grown every year and this year is the largest yet. However, Alley Art Festival stays true to its roots. Rather than seeking corporate sponsors, the festival is funded by city of Aurora festival funding and artist contributions. The contributions are based on their sales at the festival.
For information, visit Alley Art Festival on Facebook at facebook.com/alleyartfestival.