The monthly event in downtown Aurora known as First Fridays is returning on the evening of Feb. 6 — and again, a new group has taken over its management.
First Fridays are held on the first Friday of nearly every month to encourage foot traffic in downtown through events and specials at local businesses. A city news release announcing the upcoming event called it a “free, community-wide open house” with art, music, shopping, history and hands-on experiences.
This month’s First Fridays event will feature 39 participating businesses and organizations, each offering live music, on-site artists, deals or specials. Examples include a free concert by Jack Mack at The Venue, a local artist showcase and a “Make a Card for Someone You Love” station at Yellow Bird Books, dueling pianos at Aurora Tap House, free St. Valentine photo sessions at IDT Photo and the Mercado Market at Society 57, among many other offerings.
A full list, including a map, can be found online at: auroradowntown.org/firstfridays
Last year, the management of First Fridays was taken over by the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance. This came after the former organizing group, Aurora Downtown, joined with other economic development groups to create the Alliance earlier in the year.
But then later in the year, the city of Aurora started working towards the creation of a new organization to be similar to the former Aurora Downtown, which city officials said was based on feedback from downtown business and property owners. This month’s First Fridays is the first event organized by that new group, called the Aurora Downtown District.
The city’s press release announcing the return of First Fridays said the organization will support downtown through marketing, event planning, advocacy and placemaking efforts. Funds for the organization come from Special Service Area One, which is a special property taxing district within downtown.
First Fridays is held each month except January and July and always has offerings of live music, art and deals at various locations downtown.
rsmith@chicagotribune.com
