Downtown Aurora in Bloom for May’s First Fridays
Fresh flowers, friendly faces, and a flourishing downtown await
Aurora, Illinois — Downtown Aurora is set to burst into bloom on Friday, May 2, as First Fridays returns with its May Flowers celebration. Hosted by the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance, the monthly event invites residents and visitors to explore local galleries, shops, restaurants, and live performances from 5 to 9 p.m., with dozens of downtown businesses offering seasonal specials and entertainment.
In partnership with participating businesses and community partners, the Aurora Alliance has helped coordinate this month’s showcase, continuing its work to strengthen Aurora’s local economy through collaboration and visibility.
“First Fridays is a wonderful way to experience the heartbeat of downtown,” said Kelly O’Brien, CEO of the Aurora Alliance. “We’re honored to support the businesses and artists who shape Aurora’s future with creativity and care.” A full event map, including locations and offerings, is available at Downtown Aurora Facebook page and will also be distributed to downtown storefronts.
Highlights from this month’s lineup include restaurants like Tavern on Broadway will offer in-house specials including a Pineapple Mango Margarita and host a booth at the popular Food Truck Fest. Alice’s Corner, Aurora Tap House, and Leilani Asian Fusion are among the many downtown favorites opening their doors with evening specials and live entertainment.
Entertainment venues will bring music and energy to the streets, with performances at The Venue, La Quinta de los Reyes, Red Room on NY, and more. At 13 Water Street, the Community Advocacy Awareness Network will host a Small Business Entrepreneur Expo featuring vendors, entertainment, and live music from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Art and retail spaces like Archetype Stained Glass, Yellow Bird Books, and Nuna Ceramics will offer hands-on experiences and displays to inspire creativity. Museums and community centers, including the Aurora Historical Society and the Grand Army of the Republic Museum, will also open their doors to guests.
“First Friday is our favorite Friday of the month in Downtown Aurora! I love seeing the town alive with people out enjoying the local businesses, the art community, and socializing around food and drinks! It’s always a magical night and we love being a part of it at Wyckwood House!” said Wyckwood House owner Shannon Gutierrez.
The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance is committed to fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and economically strong downtown for all. First Fridays is one way the Alliance continues to elevate the local community through coordinated outreach and shared celebration.
For full event details, including the list of participating businesses, visit:
🌐 https://www.auroradowntown.org/
📱 @DowntownAurora on Instagram
📱 @AuroraDowntown on Facebook
About the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance
The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance) is an Economic Development and Chamber of Commerce corporation charged with fostering equitable and sustainable economic growth. By joining forces through the Alliance, the region will present a unified front in support of existing businesses, advocate for a positive economic environment, amplify the voices of women- and minority-owned businesses, and attract investment. Its work will support and complement Aurora’s development and redevelopment initiatives by marketing the city’s assets and competitive advantages and supporting existing businesses.
The organization was established to unite the efforts of Invest Aurora, the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce, and Aurora Downtown, forming an umbrella organization that provides the collaborative structure necessary for greater impact. It became officially operational in January 2025.
