Memorable meetings & moments in the Aurora Area
Seeking a new and exciting destination for your next event? Look no further than the Aurora Area.
The ten communities of the Aurora Area are joined by their ideal placement in the Fox Valley just west of Chicago. This is where award winning Broadway theatre, premium outlet shopping, a vibrant arts & culture scene, and plenty of historic charm combine to create an outstanding backdrop for weddings, events, creative retreats, and small- to mid-sized meetings.
At the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, it is our mission to connect groups like yours with the activities, attractions, and venues that provide memorable moments for meetings and events.
Start your search in the City of Lights
Entering the 9th season of its Broadway Series, Aurora's Paramount Theatre gears up to provide world-class entertainment for over 300,000 theatergoers who attend its award winning shows every year. Your event could be the Paramount's next big production. By customizing its services to their clients' needs, Paramount's event team is dedicated to making sure your event is everything you dreamed, whether it's a wedding in the art-deco inspired Grand Gallery or a corporate meeting for as many as 8,000 attendees at RivereEdge Park.
Two new event spaces in Aurora offer memorable experiences at unique attractions. Blackberry Farm is a living history museum where pioneer life is re-created through educational demonstrations and hands-on fun. The Barn at Blackberry Farm is new for 2019, a 4,500-square-foot venue offering rustic touches and country charm amidst Blackberry Farm's historic backdrops. Loft 28 West is also newly available above Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant, a favorite for authentic Irish food, drink, and live entertainment. At 7,000 square feet, it features thoroughly modern event space with a private sky deck where guests can enjoy scenic views of downtown Aurora.
Elsewhere in downtown Aurora, Two Brothers Roundhouse provides entertainment, dining and nightlife options for guests, as well as rentals of their own. Find space for up to 600 guests accompanied by artisan beer, spirits distilled on-site, and locally sourced menu options at Two Brothers Roundhouse.
Company 251 combines elegance and luxury in a beautifully renovated historic building containing multiple levels and seating for up to 350. No expense was spared in the renovation of the spaces you'll find here, and that same attention to detail goes in to creating a rewarding experience for your guests.
Memories have been cultivated for generations at Abbey Farms, an especially popular agritourism destination in the fall and winter months. The Nagel Emporium at Abbey Farms is an attractive venue for weddings, corporate, and civic events with seating for up to 300 guests.
Located near destination shopping and outdoor attractions, Pipers Banquets accommodates up to 400 guests in its richly constructed grand ballroom.
From rustic chic to cutting edge
Polo grounds, rustic remodeled barns, an Italianate villa, and contemporary conference rooms can be found in the Aurora Area's inventory of venues. Here are some highlights of the diverse array of spaces available to meeting planners in the region.
Arranmore Farm + Polo Club offers sweeping views of the Oswego countryside at its multipurpose venue. Host a wedding, a corporate retreat, or enjoy a "Bring Your Own Party" tailgate at polo matches or outdoor concerts under the stars.
Emerson Creek Pottery & Tea Room is an ideal country setting for events, weddings, showers, and reunions. Dine on the patio, explore unique features like its one-of-a-kind bridal coop, and celebrate in the renovated rustic barn with a furnished stone patio.
Ashley Farm, a historic landmark in Yorkville, provides its guests with lovingly crafted experiences and many "Instagrammable" moments throughout the grounds. Creative retreats, intimate weddings, and company parties are a perfect fit for The Homestead 1854, a historic Italianate villa in Plano, Illinois. The Homestead 1854 is a perfect launching point for a visit to the Farnsworth House, events oriented around yoga & wellness, or culinary adventures with a signature dinner and wine pairing. And for planners in need of cutting-edge facilities and amenities, Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove boasts over 10,000 sq. ft. of contemporary meeting and event space in close proximity to the Aurora Municipal Airport and brand-name lodging in the Aurora Area.
Entertainment & attractions for guests
Chicago Premium Outlets is the Midwest's premier outlet mall, where guests can find exclusive savings on over 160 designer and brand-name outlets, including the only Shinola and Restoration Hardware outlets in Illinois. Group discount packages and easy bus drop-off or pick-up are available at Chicago Premium Outlets.
Illinois' largest waterpark offers outrageous fun all summer long-beat the heat and make a splash at Raging Waves Waterpark in Yorkville. Dozens of breathtaking waterslides and water features make this a Midwest destination for waterpark enthusiasts of all ages, and new kiddie play areas make it easy to keep the whole family entertained. Corporate and group discounts make Raging Waves a great recognition gift or group outing.
Enjoy Vegas-style gaming at Hollywood Casino Aurora, home to over 1,100 of the suburbs' hottest slot machines, as well as table games, live entertainment, and a top-rated steakhouse. Located in the heart of downtown Aurora, your guests can keep the party going at Hollywood Casino Aurora after your next meeting or event.
Hotels & lodging in the Aurora Area
New to the Aurora Area is My Place Hotel offering a perfect blend of comfort and value at its convenient location next to destination dining at The Turf Room in North Aurora. Find welcoming and affordable accommodations to house your group at the hotels of the Aurora Area-visit us online at EnjoyAurora.com to learn more. To learn more about the Aurora Area, contact Lisa Wisner at 630.256.3192 or email lisa@enjoyaurora.com.
• Cort Carlson is executive director at the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.