City Cast Chicago logo
Display Ad: Children play near Chicago's Cloud Gate. "Big plans. Coming right up." with pizza graphic on left; "Enjoy Illinois. Meet in the middle." on right.

Inside Aurora's Rich Entertainment Scene

Posted on August 23, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Sidney Madden

Sidney Madden

A vintage Aurora postcard from the 1940s

A vintage Aurora postcard from the 1940s. (Found Image Holdings / Corbis / Getty)

Ready to soak up fall art? Consider heading out to Aurora to enjoy the west suburb’s rich entertainment scene.

Aurora was once a robust manufacturing center until many factories closed in the ‘80s. The shift spurred development like riverboat casinos, mixed-use business parks, and residential communities.. As the second most populous city in Illinois, the “City of Lights” also has a large Latinx population.

Jim Jarvis is vice president of programming and sales at RiverEdge Park, an Aurora concert venue. Also emceeing shows at the park, Jarvis is a familiar face among west suburbanites. He shares his recs.

Something to Eat

Hit the family-owned Alice’s Corner Bolivian Cuisine for salteñas (empanadas), stuffed arepas, and Peruvian Inca Kola. Both the food and the family have become Aurora favorites.

Something to See

Park your car, and walk through downtown Aurora to take in the murals created by local artists. Stop in at one of seven galleries to take in the different styles and to talk to owners about the pieces.

Something to Do

Poi Dog Pondering, a popular Chicago band on WXRT in the ‘90s, is playing at RiverEdge Saturday. Go to Howling Wolfe Paddlesports to rent a kayak or canoe and breathe in the tranquility of the Fox Valley from the water.

Performers onstage at night at RiverEdge Park in Aurora

RiverEdge Park. (Courtesy of RiverEdge Park)

+ Want to help pen a guide for your neighborhood or suburb? Let’s chat!

Share article

Hey Chicago

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.
Advertisement image

The latest in Chicago

Chicago's BestApril 24

Chicago Was — Is? — a Magic Town

The Hand & The Eye is a new venue marketing Chicago-style magic. But what is Chicago-style magic? And where can you find it around and th...

A self with memorabilia at the Chicago Magic Lounge.
Chicago, ExplainedApril 22

The End of an Era For Lincolnwood Town Center

Lincolnwood Town Center shuts down April 30 — depending who you ask. I went to the mall to check things out for myself.

Emmi Mack at Lincolnwood mall
Chicago, ExplainedApril 17

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

How closely were you paying attention to this week's current events? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.

A security officer and his dog at a CTA Blue Line Station
Chicago's BestApril 15

Chicago’s Splashiest Water Activities

As we mourn the Humboldt Park swan boats, there are still plenty of Chicago water and boat activities to enjoy as the season heats up.

Swan boats dot the Humboldt Park lagoon on a sunny day. (Courtesy of J E Koonce / Flickr)
3 Questions WithApril 14

3 Questions With Chicago’s Poet Laureate

It’s National Poetry Month, and while you can find a variety of workshops and open mics in April, poets call Chicago home all year round.

A woman smiling while sitting. There is a potted plant in the back
Chicago HistoryApril 8

Who’s Preserving Chicago Family History?

If you are like me, all your family history lives within multiple photo albums and VHS tapes stored in your parents’ living room cabinets.

Group of adults and children sit in a circle around an infant lying down in a home
Chicago's BestApril 7

Celebrate Poetry in Chicago

Every month is Poetry Month in Chicago. But since April is actually National Poetry Month, consider diving in deeper.

Two level room with floor to ceiling bookshelves filled with books. On the floor level is a long table has computers on it.
Food & DrinkApril 6

New Spots To Dine & Drink in Chicago

Chicago has no shortage of good places to eat around town. Here are some of the bar, restaurant, and café openings we're watching.

Chef Jake Schneider of Schneider Deli