Alley Art Festival Celebrates 15 Years This Summer

AURORA, IL — The annual Aurora's Alley Art Festival, returning on Aug. 30, will celebrate its 15-year anniversary this summer.

The popular independently run event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. on the final Saturday of August on Water Street Mall and Downer Place between Stolp Avenue and Water Street.

The festival highlights locally made art, jewelry, pottery, handmade goods and artisan wares. Live music, belly dancing, children's activities and food vendors are also on the docket.

To celebrate its anniversary, Alley Art Festival will host a series of free workshops leading up to the event, including a puppet-making class from 2-4 p.m. March 22 at Santori Public Library.

Applications to participate in the festival will open March 1 until June 1. The lineup is limited to artists who reside within 30 miles of Aurora, but if space is limited, residents in Aurora and its adjacent communities will be given priority.

The booth fee is equivalent to 10 percent of total sales.