News TemplateAurora to Host Large Day of the Dead Celebrations Throughout Downtown at First Fridays on Nov 3

November 2, 2023

For immediate release:

Aurora to host large Day of the Dead celebrations throughout downtown at First Fridays on Nov 3 
 

 

What: Aurora Downtown promotes a special First Fridays to celebrate Day of the Dead at First Fridays during Sugar Skull City events.
 
Who: 30+ businesses throughout downtown participate in First Fridays, several are hosting special Day of the Dead activities
 
Why: To celebrate the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos and honor its traditions in Aurora
 
Who Should Attend: Open to the public, all media
 
When: Friday, Nov 3 from 5 to 9 p.m. in downtown Aurora; places of interest are Water Street Mall near City Hall, 44 E. Downer Pl., La Quinta de los Reyes, 36 E. New York St., and Santori Public Library, 101 S. River St.
 
Where: See list below. Free parking at city lots throughout downtown; city lot in the rear of the library and to the north of La Quinta, and the south of Water Street Mall at 65 S. Water St. Traffic note: Avoid construction on Broadway (Route 25) and use Route 31 to enter downtown.
 
Media Contacts:
Marissa Amoni (630) 674-2099
Tina DeChaud (630) 518-6640
Jose Torres (630) 881-0378

 

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Nov 3 First Fridays LOCATIONS

*denotes Day of the Dead activities/participating location

 

ART

 

*Zen Loft Wellness Center, 6 W. Downer Pl. upstairs

“Wings,” an art show celebrating La Mariposa scavenger hunt for Sugar Skull City

6 to 9 p.m.

 

*Yellow Bird Books, 34 S. Stolp Ave.

The Book and the Butterfly: Autumn book specials, autumn art prints by Lisa Lentz Manning

6 to 9 p.m.

 

The Nolan Gallery, 33 S. Stolp Ave.

Visit the photo art gallery on First Fridays in the lower level of the Graham Building.

6 to 9 p.m. 

 

*Aurora Historical Society | Aurora Public Art at The DLP, 20 E. Downer Pl.

1st floor: Patriotic Posters of the World Wars | 10th Anniversary release of Brad Green "Blues for Aurora" CD with live music | Ofrenda + Hispanic Heritage display in lobby

3rd floor: Closed for City of Lights Film Festival

6 to 9 p.m.

 

The ArtBar at Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway

Pop up art gallery for First Fridays in the cafe. Original art and prints for sale.

7 to 11 p.m.

 

Artesan Lofts Art Gallery, 2 S. Stolp Ave.

Healing, Growing, Creating: Kristen Beneke solo exhibition of mixed media oil paintings

6 to 9 p.m.

 

G.A.M.E. Makeup Supply, 9 S. Stolp Avenue

Catrina’s Makeup: Tradicion Y Arte Fusionados with Ana Ceja, Professional Makeup Artist

6 to 8:30 p.m.

 

MUSIC

 

*La Quinta de los Reyes, 36 E. New York St.

Live Music by Roxana Gomez & La China del Bajio + Catrinas Show | Specials: Pumpkin Margarita $8 + Pan de Muerto dessert $5

7 to 11:30 p.m.

 

Ballydoyle Irish Pub, 28 W. New York St.

Live music by Brass from the Past Band | Drink + food specials

Until 1 a.m. 

 

G.A.R. Military Museum, 23 E. Downer Pl.

The McCormick Foundation presents The Mexican American Experience: On loan from the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park, the exhibit details the challenges and accomplishments of Mexican Americans in the U.S. Army

5 to 9 p.m.

 

The Venue, 21 S. Broadway (entrance on Water Street Mall)

The Ron Porter Band | FREE show

8 to 10 p.m.

 

*Wyckwood House Boutique + Cocktail Bar, 80 S. River St.

Live music by Matthew Ripsch | Sugar Skull City merch + fall cocktail menu

5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

 

Tavern on Broadway, 24 N. Broadway

Live music by Corey O’Donnell

8 to 10 p.m.

 

Aurora Tap House, 134 W. Downer Pl.

Double Treble Dueling Pianos

9 p.m. to midnight

 

MORE

 

Yetee Station Arcade, 11 N. Broadway

Elvira and the Party Monsters Mini Pinball Tourney: Best game of first three will be tournament score. First place receives a tee shirt and day pass

4 to 9 p.m.

 

Family Counseling Service, 70 S. River St.

Enjoy cookies and warm beverages and learn how we help our community thrive

5 to 8 p.m.

 

Hoof + Horn, 14 W. Downer Place Ste. 16

Tarot Readings with Nicole: 20 minute tarot readings with house reader Nicole for $35

5 to 9 p.m.

 

*Offbeat Vintage Collective, 7 N. Broadway

The Boys Are Back In Town: Shop expanded men’s and unisex offerings from Prison City Vintage + Thrift There It Is

5 to 9 p.m.

 

Aurora Regional Fire Museum, 53 N. Broadway

Museum + gift shop will be open

5 to 8 p.m.

 

Zen Loft Wellness Center, 6 W. Downer Pl. upstairs

Find Your Zen: Shop local goods in the shop | Hang in hammocks + belly dance performance by Magnolia Dance Collective at 7:30 p.m.

5 to 9 p.m.

 

The Perch, 31 W. Downer Pl., 3rd Floor

Holiday shop sneak peek: apple cider, fall treats, butterfly craft + shopping | learn selfcare 

5 to 8 p.m.

 

*Adecco Staffing, 31 W. Downer Pl. Ste. 202

Tips and Tricks on Job Search: Bring your resume, learn about Adecco + take a treat

Until 7:30 p.m.

 

*Endiro Coffee, 29 W. New York St.

Drink Special: Try an Apple Cider Float (apple cider and pumpkin pie spices with ice cream, topped with spices and whipped cream)

5 to 9 p.m.

 

French 75 Gallery and Lounge, 56 E. Galena Blvd.

First Fridays cocktail + original artwork

4 p.m. to midnight

 

*The Cotton Seed Creative Exchange, 64 S. River St.

Chicago Vibes and Music Pop Up: A Brown Hue custom charcuterie + drink flight | Chef Q of 7323 Chicago charcuterie board demos | DJ GAB with classic and new R&B | Mocktails + more

5 to 9 p.m.

 

*Santori Public Library, 101 S. River St.

Día de los Muertos: Art by Christopher Lucero (Calaveras of Chicago), Catrina-inspired Balloon Fashion Show, Mexican folk dance performance by Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl, community ofrendas, Pan de Muerto, photo ops + music by DJ Omarin

6 to 8 p.m.

 

*The Cornucopia Tea & Gift Shop, 63 S. Broadway

Sugar Skull City goodies | Purchase a Day of the Dead mug, receive free horchata tea

5 to 10 p.m.

 

Society 57, 100 S. River St.

Cocktails + bites

5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

 

*FNBO, 140 S. River St. STE 112

Día de los ofrenda and children’s activity

5 to 9 p.m.

 

McCarty Mills Taproom and Bottleshop, 140 S. River St. Unit 108

Featured Artist: Frankie Contreras | Pop Up: RKN TCO

5 to 10 p.m.

 

FOOD TRUCKS

 

Food Truck Food Court, Water Street Square, 65 S. Water St. 

Grumpy Gaucho, Strawberries BBQ, Home Run Hot Dogs and Lemonade, Polly Ann Cakes, Tapville Social

5 to 9 p.m.