LUMENAURA: Powered by IBEW Locals 461 & 701

THE SONIC RUNWAY is a stunning light-art installation that transforms audio signals into patterns of light, shooting down a 400-foot corridor of 23 LED-lined arches at the speed of sound. Visitors will experience musical sound waves rippling away from them and syncing with the light as they walk through the corridor. Photo Credit: Sonic Runway, a creation by Rob Jensen & Warren Trezevant, powered by Creos, photo by City of Aurora.

THE POOL is an interactive field of concentric circles that create a light landscape for visitors to run, walk, dance, jump, and play across, generating an infinite amount of changes to the works’ colors and reflections. Inspired by Australian tidal pools, artist Jen Lewin has brought this immersive experience to over sixty exhibition venues worldwide, encouraging participation in an ever-changing composition. Photo Credit: The Pool by artist Jen Lewin, photo by City of Aurora.

EXPOSURE is an installation enabling visitors to create light-art selfies on a monumental sphere by simply illuminating themselves with a personal flashlight or smartphone. Through interaction, the images captured and rebroadcasted alter the sphere and the image itself in a captivating and engaging light painting experience. Created by LUCION Media | Distributed by Wireframe | Public Art Agency

SHADOWING is a public artwork tracing paths as pedestrians pass under the light of a city lamppost while the same lamp projects the shadow of a path walked previously by another. The artwork plays on the urban sensation of being among others – even if that presence is only a ghostly shadow – while also referencing the ubiquity of digital surveillance. Created by Chomko & Rosier | Distributed by Wireframe | Public Art Agency

BARREL BOY AND FAMILY is a collection of sculptures made from twelve opaque plastic 55-gallon drums. Standing as tall as 14 feet, these playful creations draw inspiration from an eclectic mix of iconic roadside sculptures such as the Jolly Green Giant, Muffler Man, and Uniroyal Gal. Infused with the spirit of the enchanting Dambo Trolls, these sculptures are simple, featuring no faces, hands, or feet, only barrels. The family is of four is represented with the father, mother, twitter teen and child. Standing on the platforms is okay but please no climbing. They are designed to offer fun-filled photo opportunities and add a touch of childhood joy to any location. Created by Joel Edward Sisson | Photo by City of Aurora

PROJECTION MAPPING to be designed for Aurora’s G.A.R. Museum (23 E. Downer Pl.) on display October 11 -13. Designed by George Berlin | Photo by City of Aurora

🚗 By Car

Downtown Aurora is easily accessible from all directions via major highways. Use the directions below based on your starting point or use Google Maps for real-time navigation to Aurora City Hall at 44 E. Downer Place Aurora, IL 60505.

From the East:

Option 1 (via I-290 & I-88):
Take I-290 W to I-88 W. Exit 117 for IL-31/IL-56 E (Lake Street).
Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Aurora, and merge onto IL-31 S (S. Lincolnway St).
Drive about 2.5 miles into downtown Aurora.

Option 2 (via I-55 & I-294):
Take I-55 S to I-294 N. Exit 29 for I-88 W toward Aurora.
Then follow the directions above from Exit 117.

From the West:

Take I-88 E to Exit 117 for IL-31/IL-56 E (Lake Street).
Keep right and merge onto IL-31 S (S. Lincolnway St).
Continue about 2.5 miles into downtown Aurora.

From the North:

Option 1 (Randall Rd):
Take Randall Rd S to Mooseheart Rd, turn left, then right on IL-31 S (Lake St).
Drive about 4 miles into downtown.

Option 2 (IL-25 to IL-56):
Take IL-25 S → Dunham Rd → N. Kirk Rd → IL-56 W.
Turn left on Mitchell Rd, then right on E. Indian Trail.
Turn left on IL-31/N Lake St, continue 1.5 miles into downtown.

Option 3 (IL-47 to I-88):
Take IL-47 S to I-88 E.
Take Exit 117 and follow directions above.

From the South:

Option 1 (via IL-47 & I-80):
Take IL-47 N to I-80 E. Exit 116 for Brisbin Rd, turn left.
Use local roads to reach IL-31 N, follow it about 6 miles into downtown.

Option 2 (via Ridge & Wolf Roads):
Take IL-47 N to I-80 E, Exit 122 to N. Ridge Rd, then follow:
Stewart Rd → Rance Rd → Harvey Rd → Wolf Rd → US-30 W → Hill Ave → E. Galena Blvd → N. East Ave → E. New York St → N. River St → W. Galena Blvd.

Street parking is free within the downtown limits, and there are two parking garages for your convenience. MORE INFO.

🚆 By Train

Take the Metra BNSF Line to the Aurora Transportation Center—less than 1 mile from downtown!
👉 [Download the BNSF schedule here]

🚌 By Bus

Pace Suburban Bus has several routes with stops in or near downtown Aurora:

• 524 (West Aurora)
• 530 (West Galena–Naperville)
• 533 (Northeast Aurora)
• 540 (Farnsworth Avenue)
• 802 (Aurora–Geneva via Lake)
  👉 [View Pace routes here]

Pace On Demand also offers a reservation-based ride service in parts of Aurora.

• Book up to 7 days in advance—or as little as 10 minutes before pickup, based on availability.
• Rides are first-come, first-served.
  👉 [Learn more about Pace On Demand]

🚲 By Bike

Explore downtown Aurora by bike along the scenic Fox River Trail and other local paths.
Bike rentals are available at:

• RiverEdge Park (360 N. Broadway)
• Santori Public Library (101 S. River St.)
• Water Street Mall at City Hall (44 E. Downer Pl.)

Choose from hourly rates or monthly/annual memberships.
👉 [Click here to learn more]

🎉 Explore Aurora

Aurora offers a variety of activities for individuals, groups, and families to enjoy year-round!

🎭 Enjoy a Show

• Paramount Theatre
  Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy in a historic venue.
  Upcoming 2025-2026 Broadway Series:
  – Come From Away (Aug 20 – Oct 12)
  – White Christmas (Nov 12 – Jan 11)
  – Dear Evan Hansen (Feb 4 – Mar 22)
  – South Pacific (Apr 29 – Jun 14)
• Stolp Island Theatre
  98-seat venue staging Million Dollar Quartet—feel like you're in Sun Studio with Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis & Carl Perkins.
• Copley Theatre
  Intimate 165-seat space hosting the BOLD Series.
  2025-2026 Season Highlights:
  – True West (Jul 16 – Aug 31)
  – Covenant (Oct 1 – Nov 16)
  – Ride the Cyclone (Mar 18 – May 31)
• The Venue
  Live music indoors and outdoors—local artists and national touring acts.
• Riverfront Playhouse
  Community theater with productions since 1978.

🌿Family Fun & Attractions

• Phillips Park Zoo
  Free, open daily, year-round. See eagles, wolves, otters & more.
• Philips Park Golf Course
  18-hole course has “USGA” Greens, a three-hole junior course, and a driving range.
• Blackberry Farm
  Living history museum with unlimited rides, pony rides, and family fun.
• Aurora Skate Center
  Old-school roller rink with modern updates.
• Astro Fun World
  Go-karts, laser tag, VR rides, bumper cars, and axe throwing.
• Sky Zone Aurora
  Indoor trampoline park with dodgeball, basketball, and obstacle courses.
• Legendary Escape Rooms & Axe Throwing
  Themed escape rooms and games for all ages.
• Sport Zone Family Fun Center
  Go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages, and soccer fields.
• Abbey Farms (Seasonal)
  Pumpkin Daze festival, petting zoo, and 40 acres of fall fun.
• Basement of the Dead (Seasonal)
  Award-winning haunted house open during the Halloween season.

🎨 Arts, Museums & History

• Aurora Public Art
  Public art installations and rotating gallery exhibits, including LUMENAURA.
• Aurora Regional Fire Museum
  Housed in a historic fire station with interactive exhibits.
• William Tanner House Museum
  1857 Italianate mansion on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Grand Army of the Republic Military Museum
  Military history museum honoring veterans throughout U.S. history.

🛍️ Shopping

• Chicago Premium Outlets
  160+ stores, outdoor shopping, fireplaces, art, and a reflecting pond.
• Fox Valley Mall
  Three-level mall featuring Round 1 Arcade, Macy’s, H&M, and more.
• Downtown Aurora Shops
  Explore unique boutiques within walking distance of LUMENAURA.

🍽️ Eat Here

Downtown Aurora serves up a delicious variety of dining options to satisfy every craving!

• Downtown Restaurants – From casual bites to upscale eats, explore our full list of local favorites.
• Bars & Drinks – Grab a cocktail, craft beer, or cozy up with a coffee.

Looking to explore beyond downtown?

• Fox Valley Mall – National chains and quick eats.
• Pacifica Square – A unique mix of Asian-inspired dining experiences.

🛏️ Stay Here

Make the most of your visit with a stay at one of these nearby hotels:

🛌 Holiday Inn Express & Suites
📍 111 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505
📞 630.896.2800
⭐ Located in downtown Aurora!

🛌 Candlewood Suites
📍 2625 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506
📞 630.907.9977

🛌 Hampton Inn & Suites
📍 2423 Bushwood Avenue, Aurora, IL 60506
📞 630.907.2600

🛌 Holiday Inn, Aurora
📍 2424 Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506
📞 630.806.7400

🛌 Meridian Park Suites
📍 4320 Meridian Parkway, Aurora, IL 60506
📞 630.978.2222

🛌 Quality Inn
📍 4005 Gabrielle Drive, Aurora, IL 60504
📞 630.820.3400

🛌 Super 8 Motel
📍 4228 Longmeadow Drive, Aurora, IL 60506
📞 630.423.8668