Food Truck Festival Returning To First Fridays In Downtown Aurora

AURORA, IL — The fourth annual Food Truck Festival returns to First Fridays on May 3 in downtown Aurora. According to a release, more than 30 food trucks will fill Benton Street from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. next Friday, including Yum Dum's dumplings and Auntie Vee's cupcakes. The first concerts of the season at Millennium Plaza, 21 South Stolp Avenue, will take place at 6 p.m. with Joybird, and Todd Kessler at 7:30 p.m. There will also be plenty of art and other fun.

According to a release, several venues will be open to the public, and there will be a trolley to ride for free. Attendees can also stop by First Fridays’ Photo Booth at Downer Place and Stolp Avenue with photographer Jason Arthur. First Fridays maps are available at all venues.

These venues will host events open to the public Friday, May 3:

• Waubonsee Community College, 18 S. River Street, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Arts and music showcase - purchase one-of-a-kind pottery; print a free, silkscreen t-shirt; and pick up a copy of the student-published "Horizons" magazine. Music will be provided by Waubonsee's Big Band, Jazz Combo, Steel Drum Band, and Chamber Choir. Art exhibits will be open for viewing in the library and cafe areas. Free refreshments provided.
• HealthMarkets, 41 W. New York Street, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.: “Nate Velasquez - Digital Media”
• Golden Fox Studios, 52 W. Downer Place, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Featuring the open studios of resident artists Gerardo Madrigal, Joan Paco, and Lisa Gloria. Experience live art demonstration and new works on display.
• Aurora Tap House, 134 W. Downer Place, 6 p.m. to midnight: Hosting “Jason DeLancey - Rusted and Reused,” a pop-up art show featuring local artist and curator Jason DeLancey who will be exhibiting works of original photography, collage, and digital artwork.
• ArtBar at Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 Broadway, 7 p.m. to midnight: Featuring “Let's Be Bad Guys,” a plethora of vile depictions of villainy on display. Art and prints for sale.
• If These Walls Could Talk Custom Framing and Gallery, 32 S. Stolp Avenue, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Opening of “Imagined Realities: Chris Hodge.” Explore the intricate world of local artist Chris Hodge. 7 to 10 p.m.
• Gary Brown Art Gallery and Studio, 7 S. Broadway, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Hosting “Welcoming Spring - Honoring Nurses.” Multi-media and scratch board created by artists Gary Brown and Christina Snider; live music by Karla Howard; a special honorary recognition gift will be given to any nurse who comes in.
• Aurora Regional Fire Museum, 53 N. Broadway, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Opening with “The Art of Emergency Care.” Explore the museum’s newest exhibit from the National EMS Museum. The museum will be open with free admission.
• Good News Barbershop + Media Studio, 14 W. Downer Place, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: The upstairs will be open with art and music featuring Lokam Films.
• Balderas Beauty Salon, 25 N. Broadway, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Hosting artist Cassandra Baez plus face painting and live painting by Jose Art. Enjoy music and food.
• Aurora Public Art, 20 E. Downer Place: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Continuing “Reanimation through Painting and Sculpture: Stephen Signa-Aviles and Jamiah Calvin” on the third floor. The first floor Flexspace will host Discardables: Creations made from recycled materials.
• Endiro Coffee, 29 W. New York Street, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Hosting live music from Dan Becker.
• Tredwell Coffee, 14 W. Downer Place, Suite 18, open until 9 p.m.: Celebrating their first anniversary with a One-Year Birthday Celebration featuring a full menu offered with great music, drink specials, raffles and more. Mirabelle Skipworth performs.
• Gremlen Recording Studios, 130 W. Downer Place, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Open with Mini Sessions and Studio Tours. Get a taste of what goes into an actual recording session at a professional studio.
• Payton's Photography, 14 W. Downer Place (entrance on Stolp), 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Featuring photographer CeCe Nedrow and a May flowers backdrop at her studio. Stop in for one free digital photo.
• Aurora Historical Society at the Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Open with Aurora Story on the second floor: A walk-through history of Aurora; May 4 is the closing day of the Memorial Crosses exhibit commemorating the victims of the Pratt Co. shooting.
• Sergio Furniture, 36 W. Downer Place, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Opening its doors to the public with Catrinas of Aurora, a display of traditional Mexican folk art.
• Christian Science Reading Room, 34 S. Stolp Avenue, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Visitors will be welcomed with a free small plant.
• Arcana Studios, 5 1/2 W. Downer Place, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.: To host Poetry Reading and Storytelling in an intimate, living room setting. Performances by featured readers will begin at 9pm and an open mic will follow.
• Zen Loft Wellness Center, 6 W. Downer Place, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Opening with demos of yoga, belly dance, hoop dance, massages, vendors, and more. Hang out in an aerial yoga hammock or get a chair massage for $1 per minute.
• PreMil, 46 W. New York Street, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Celebrating their grand opening with music, art (feat. Yesenia Del Toro, Deltizzle, Adriana Vongkorad), comedy, and more.
• Wyckwood House, 14 W. Downer Place, Suite. 16, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m..: Hosting Eye Candy Bake Shop featuring a variety of gluten free and vegan treats to purchase. Live music from Olivia Ports, 6 to 8:30 p.m. and cocktails from Amy Song Ceramics.
  
• Legacy Nutrition & Fitness, 77 S. River Street, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Opening with a night of art and fitness co-hosted by Them Bad Apples. Music by Funk and Soul Collection. Featuring artist Erin Jones Joseph Jone's work is miniature but bold and design.
• SciTech Hands On Museum, 18 W. Benton Street, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Opening with SPARK Play Learn Connect. Visitors will have limited access to the museum at no cost.
• Do or Dye Designs, 24 S. Stolp Avenue, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Opening with karaoke, raffles, a Pure Skin Solutions pop up, and refreshments.
• All Spoked Up, 14 W. Downer Place, Suite 12, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Hosting a pop up with Leslie Jenner featuring handmade decorations, jewelry, and pottery.
• Collier Community Center, 36 S. Stolp Avenue, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Opening with its Save Our Youth Fundraiser CatFish Fry and more. Catfish Dinner $10. Other menu items available.

More information: auroradowntown.org