Best events in
Aurora

There is no shortage of events and things to do in Aurora, IL. The city’s cultural life is centered on its walkable downtown, where historic architecture along the Fox River meets a modern performance scene. From Broadway-style productions at the Paramount Theatre to large outdoor concerts at RiverEdge Park, the calendar is full of activity.

Downtown Aurora is the hub for a night out, with a flow of people between restaurants and venues like the intimate listening room at The Venue, especially during the monthly First Fridays art walk.
Major national acts and annual festivals like Blues on the Fox fill the calendar at RiverEdge Park, the city's large outdoor amphitheater on the Fox River.
Beyond the main stages, unique experiences are found at places like Two Brothers Roundhouse for comedy and car shows, or Saddle Up at Q for live country music and line dancing.

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Popular in Aurora

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Tomorrow • 10:00 AM

Aurora City Hall

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Ages 21-39 | Singles Mixer (Aurora, IL) @ Atrevete Cafe 1888

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM

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Thursday • 7:00 PM

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Sat, Nov 7 • 11:00 AM

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PETE ELLMAN BIG BAND with Lisle High School (2 Bands)

Tue, Nov 17 • 6:30 PM

THE VENUE

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Creative Portraits with Niah Aldrich Presented by Sony & Westcott

Thu, Nov 19 • 2:00 PM

PROCAM Chicago

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FREE Pictures with Santa | 6th Annual

Sat, Dec 12 • 12:00 PM

East Aurora High School

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How To Do Business With The City of Aurora!

Tomorrow • 10:00 AM

Aurora City Hall

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Ages 21-39 | Singles Mixer (Aurora, IL) @ Atrevete Cafe 1888

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM

Atrevete Cafe 1888

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Scream for a sip and paint: Ghostface

Thursday • 7:00 PM

Friaco's Mexican Restaurant Cantina & Hola Amor

Check ticket price on event

Drag Brunch at El Jefe: Entre Catrinas

Sat, Nov 7 • 11:00 AM

El Jefe Leña y Mar

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Stryde Training Grand Opening !

Mon, Nov 9 • 4:15 PM

Stryde Training

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PETE ELLMAN BIG BAND with Lisle High School (2 Bands)

Tue, Nov 17 • 6:30 PM

THE VENUE

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Creative Portraits with Niah Aldrich Presented by Sony & Westcott

Thu, Nov 19 • 2:00 PM

PROCAM Chicago

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FREE Pictures with Santa | 6th Annual

Sat, Dec 12 • 12:00 PM

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Tomorrow • 12:00 PM PDT

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Tomorrow • 10:00 AM EDT

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Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Today • 6:30 PM EDT

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Tomorrow • 10:00 AM EDT

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Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Friday • 7:00 PM

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RICO ~ Santana Tribute

Friday • 8:00 PM

THE VENUE

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Día de los Muertos Dinner | Tradition, Music & Flavor

Friday • 6:00 PM

1 S Stolp Ave

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Foodies + New Friends: Aurora | January 2026

Friday • 7:00 PM + 2 more

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Foodies + New Friends: Aurora | DUOS EDITION

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Fall Fest & Walk-a-thon

Friday • 5:00 PM

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Saturday • 10:00 AM

Everlasting Word Church

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Stand up at The Bit Theater Free Show

Sunday • 6:30 PM

The Bit Theater

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Queen of Descent: Seasonal Initiation (Samhain)

Friday • 7:00 PM

The Perch

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Friday • 8:00 PM

THE VENUE

Check ticket price on event

Día de los Muertos Dinner | Tradition, Music & Flavor

Friday • 6:00 PM

1 S Stolp Ave

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Foodies + New Friends: Aurora | January 2026

Friday • 7:00 PM + 2 more

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Friday • 7:00 PM + 2 more

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Friday • 5:00 PM

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Saturday • 10:00 AM

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Sunday • 6:30 PM

The Bit Theater

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Food & Drink events

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Foodies + New Friends: Aurora | Single Friends Edition

Today • 7:00 PM + 65 more

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Foodies + New Friends: Aurora | January 2026

Today • 7:00 PM + 65 more

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Drag Brunch at El Jefe: Entre Catrinas

Sat, Nov 7 • 11:00 AM

El Jefe Leña y Mar

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A very Grinchy Christmas Brunch!

Sat, Dec 12 • 10:30 AM

Altiro Latin Fusion- Aurora

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Foodies + New Friends: Aurora | Single Friends Edition

Today • 7:00 PM + 65 more

Restaurant of the Week

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Foodies + New Friends: Aurora | January 2026

Today • 7:00 PM + 65 more

Restaurant of the Week

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Drag Brunch at El Jefe: Entre Catrinas

Sat, Nov 7 • 11:00 AM

El Jefe Leña y Mar

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A very Grinchy Christmas Brunch!

Sat, Dec 12 • 10:30 AM

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Points of Interest near Aurora

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Frequently asked questions about Aurora

Where are the best spots for live music events in Aurora?

For intimate shows, The Venue offers a listening-room experience with local and regional artists. For large outdoor concerts and festivals, RiverEdge Park on the Fox River hosts national touring acts. Other spots like The Piazza and Two Brothers Roundhouse also feature regular live music.

What venues in Aurora specialize in comedy shows?

The Comedy Shrine is a dedicated club offering improv, stand-up, and scripted comedy performances. Two Brothers Roundhouse, a historic brewery and event space, also regularly incorporates stand-up comedy into its diverse schedule of events.

What is the nightlife like in downtown Aurora?

Downtown Aurora's nightlife is centered around live performances and community gatherings. A typical evening might involve a Broadway show at the Paramount Theatre, followed by drinks nearby, or exploring the lively First Fridays art walk that happens monthly.

Are there notable free events in Aurora?

The monthly First Fridays art walk is a popular free event that activates the entire downtown area with gallery openings and live music. The weekly Aurora Farmers Market, running from June through October, is also free for the public to attend and browse.

What are some family-friendly things to do in Aurora?

The city’s seasonal food truck festivals offer a great outing with diverse food and entertainment. The Aurora Farmers Market, held weekly from June to October, provides a relaxed atmosphere for families. Many events at RiverEdge Park are also suitable for all ages.

How can I experience Aurora's local art scene?

The best way to engage with the local art scene is by attending First Fridays downtown. This monthly event showcases numerous local artists through gallery openings, pop-up shops, and live performances across various venues, creating a festive atmosphere.

What makes for a classic date night in Aurora?

A classic Aurora date night often involves seeing a Broadway-caliber performance at the historic Paramount Theatre. Before or after the show, couples can enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the walkable downtown area along the Fox River.

Which venues host outdoor events in Aurora?

RiverEdge Park is the premier outdoor venue, known for its summer concert series and the annual Blues on the Fox festival. Two Brothers Roundhouse also offers an outdoor beer garden and hosts a weekly Cars and Coffee event during warmer months.