Celebrating its 12th season, the Downtown Alive! Festival Series has become an Aurora tradition, an icon woven into the fabric of the Midwestern summers here in Illinois’ second largest city. It has invigorated the cultural life of the community as the top hometown summertime event that brings the world to Aurora. Downtown Alive! debuted in 1999 as a Friday evening concert series and later incorporated the renowned Blues on the Fox Festival as its kick-off event. Today it has evolved into the Downtown Alive! Festival Series: Blues on the Fox, Rock on the Fox and Fan Favorites. This annual urban celebration attracts music’s biggest stars, emerging talent and showcases many regional favorites. Beyond the Main Stage entertainment you’ll find a diverse selection of icy libations and fantastic food from Aurora area restaurants, a classic car show, festival merchandise and much more, all set along the beautiful Fox River in historic downtown Aurora. It is a friendly, must-attend festival experience like no other, filled with memories that will last a lifetime!
Who We Are
The Downtown Alive! Festival Series is produced by the City of Aurora Special Events, though it is a department-wide, if not city-wide effort. Internally, we rely on the skills and knowledge of numerous individuals from Police, Fire, Emergency Management, Downtown Services, Motor Vehicle, Streets, Electrical, Youth, Finance, Revenue & Collections, Purchasing, Property Standards, Customer Service, Clerk’s Office, Parks, Legal and Water & Sewer—just to name a few! Last but not least, the dedication of more than 200 volunteers from numerous non-profit groups that service the Aurora area also assist in making it all possible.
City of Aurora Special Events Staff
The City of Aurora employees who work year-round to make the Downtown Alive! Festival Series a reality.
Gina Moga, Manager Mayor’s Office of Special Events
Dale Hazlewood, Events Specialist
Sanura Young, Events Coordinator
Dee Nila Basile, Office Coordinator
Sarah Goding, Summer Event Staff
Blues on the Fox Volunteer Board of Directors
These are the year-round volunteers whose hard work and dedication make the Blues on the Fox Festival a nationally recognized event.
Paula Staiger
Dave Glynn
Rob Cinto
Warren Poi
Nora Vanham
Rick Vanham
Peter Hix
Delia Nila Basile
Sue Vos
Steve Warrenfeltz
Festival Hours
Fridays: 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 2:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
What is the cost of admission?
There is no admission fee. It’s true, the Downtown Alive! Festival Series is FREE! Yes, we know it is very hard to believe, especially with all the nationally renowned performers, but there is absolutely no charge to get in.
Do I need tickets and are tickets available?
NO tickets are needed! In fact we don’t even sell tickets, just come and enjoy the great music, socialize, revel in the festive atmosphere, all completely FREE of charge. Really, you can’t buy tickets for any of the performances at the Downtown Alive! Festival Series. We are not kidding, please believe us, really no tickets are needed. None, nada, zilch. Sorry but sometimes people don’t believe us.
What are the festival age restrictions?
Anyone over the age of 18 with a proper state-issued photo ID can be granted access to the festival grounds. Everyone under the age of 18 without a parent or legal guardian over the age of 21 (state-issued photo ID required) will not be granted access to the festival grounds. No unaccompanied minors are permitted on festival grounds.
What’s the seating situation?
If you want to sit, we highly recommend you bring your own seating. A bag chair, lawn chair or folding chair works best. There is no reserved seating. There are a very, very limited number of benches and picnic tables available on a first come first served basis. Likewise, if you want to “rock out,” “get your groove on,” or “boogie down” right in front of the stage, you will need to arrive early and stake your claim for the most “righteous,” “stellar,” “slammin’,” “radical,” “freakin’ awesome” spot imaginable.
95.9 The River "Best Seats in the House" Contest
One (1) winner and a guest each event day will win the use of an exclusive premier seating area with the best view of the headline entertainment. In addition, they will win a Prize Pack of fabulous mementos, a cooler filled with icy refreshments, two (2) Reuland Food dinner vouchers and maybe even the "Best Seats." Those lucky few winners will also have the chance to win the actual "Best Seats" provided by your friends at 95.9 The River. For complete details and your chance to win the "Best Seats in the House" enter online at www.959theriver.com.
Why do I need a wristband?
If you plan to consume alcoholic beverages on festival grounds you will need to purchase a wristband for $1.00. Hey, it’s only a buck and you won’t be hassled due to your youthful appearance. Wristbands are available at the beer tents. A portion of the proceeds helps to support a variety of Aurora non-profit and charitable organizations. We encourage you to drink responsibly and properly care for your wristband as lost wristbands will not be replaced.
What can I bring to the Downtown Alive! Festival Series?
Lawn chairs and bag chairs are welcome and highly recommended. You may bring onto festival grounds: plastic bottled water (1 gallon maximum), baby food or food for persons with medical conditions (in approved containers only), and service animals for patrons with disabilities. For your comfort we recommend a sport hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen—there’s lots of sunshine in Aurora.
What is NOT allowed at the Downtown Alive! Festival Series?
Sorry Charlie…but the following items can’t be brought onto the Downtown Alive! festival grounds. This includes but is not limited to: alcohol, coolers, cans or bottles, outside food, pets, audio recording devices, professional still or video cameras, boom boxes, bicycles, in-line skates, scooters, roller skates, skateboards, Frisbees, water projecting devices, pocket knives or weapons of any kind, laser pointers and coaster wagons. Bags, backpacks and other hand-carried items are subject to inspection. The Downtown Alive! Festival Series reserves the right to alter carry-in policies at any time.
Can I bring my camera or video camera?
Yes, you may bring your personal camera or video camera to the Downtown Alive! Festival Series. However, flash photography and video or audio recording in the stage area is strictly prohibited by the artists. If you do not comply with the artist policies, your equipment may be subject to confiscation in the stage area. Only individuals with valid Downtown Alive! Festival Series-issued media credentials will be allowed to bring professional photography or video equipment into the festival. For more information, see the Media Credentials section.
Blues on the Fox |
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| Friday, June 18, 2010 | |
| Tinsley Ellis | 6:30 p.m. |
| Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue | 8:30 p.m. |
| Saturday, June 19, 2010 | |
| Hix Brothers Junior All-Stars | 2:00 p.m. |
| Guy King and his “Little Big Band” | 3:30 p.m. |
| Ronnie Baker Brooks | 5:15 p.m. |
| Joined at the Hip | 7:00 p.m. |
| Jimmie Vaughan | 8:30 p.m. |
Rock on the Fox |
|
| Friday, July 9, 2010 | |
| DBL-SHOT | 6:15 p.m. |
| Creedence Again | 8:00 p.m. |
Fan Favorites |
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| Friday, July 23, 2010 | |
| Winner of the Battle of the Ballybands | 6:15 p.m. |
| ARRA | 8:00 p.m. |
Bands and times subject to change.
Are there food and beverages available?
You betcha! There is always plenty of great food and icy libations at the Downtown Alive! Festival Series. Take a gander at the Eat, Drink & Wear It section for complete details.
I collect fine art and would like a poster, how do I get one?
A connoisseur like yourself knows a good thing when you see it. Check out the Eat, Drink & Wear It section or visit the Festival Merchandise Tent located in front of the Paramount Theater.
How do I get one of those high fashion festival shirts?
Obviously you’re a “fashionista extordinaire” with very discriminating tastes! The festival polo shirts are currently available only to festival sponsors, but the must-have tees and hats are available while supplies last. Check out the Eat, Drink & Wear It section or visit the Festival Merchandise Tent located in front of the Paramount Theater.
Where can I get information about hotel accommodations?
Visit the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.enjoyaurora.com.
How do I obtain media credentials?
Performers and the Downtown Alive! Festival Series management strictly prohibit flash photography, video and audio recording in the stage area. Your equipment may be subject to confiscation. Professional equipment is NOT permitted on the grounds without prior written permission from festival management. If you are interested in documenting the festival grounds, please contact the City of Aurora Special Events in advance. Photography requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis PRIOR TO each festival. Requests not submitted PRIOR TO the festival CANNOT be guaranteed. Please send an email to info@downtownaliveaurora.com or call 630-844-4731. Please specify your publication and include a contact name and phone number for verification.
When is the full entertainment schedule available each year?
The full lineup of Blues on the Fox entertainers is usually announced in early February. The complete Downtown Alive! Festival Series schedule will usually be available by April, we promise, cross our hearts, pinky swear.
Are there activities for children?
Children and families are always welcome at the Downtown Alive! Festival Series. This year the KidZone will only be offered on Friday July 9 and Friday July 23 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The KidZone is a free interactive activity area for children. It is located in Mundy Park adjacent to the Water Street Mall entrance.
What happens if weather conditions become undesirable at the Downtown Alive! Festival Series?
We do our best to control all weather conditions but every now and then a brief incident may occur (completely without our permission) and the Downtown Alive! Festival Series will go on…“r-word” or shine. If the weather forecast calls for the…“r-word,” please bring…“r-gear” and “r-umbrellas” to be proactive. The Downtown Alive! Festival Series does not reschedule due to inclement weather. However, some performances might be delayed or canceled due to weather conditions. Check this website for last minute updates after 4:00 p.m. on the day of the event.
Is there a Lost and Found?
Yes, the Lost and Found is located at the Water Street Mall Entrance Tent. After the festival has ended, you may inquire about lost items by contacting the City of Aurora Special Events at 630-844-4731 or info@downtownaliveaurora.com. If a person is lost contact the nearest police officer, assuming you want them returned.
If I have a comment, suggestion or just want to express my uncontrollable jubilation, who can I talk to?
If you have comments, suggestions or overwhelming effervescent praise during the festival, you may stop by any Entrance Tent and fill out a comment card. During the rest of the year, please let us know your thoughts at any time by mailing us at Downtown Alive! Festival Series, 44 E. Downer Place, Aurora, Illinois 60507 or emailing info@downtownaliveaurora.com.
Where do I park my wheels?
The Downtown Alive! Festival Series offers FREE parking at all City of Aurora municipal lots, curbside meters and the Stolp Avenue Parking Deck. Check out the Parking Map for exact locations. The Metra Station is within walking distance to Downtown Alive! Festival Series. We encourage you to GO GREEN and take advantage of mass transit. The Downtown Alive! Festival Series is not responsible for ticketing, towing or the loss or damage to vehicles, accessories or contents resulting from theft, fire, collision or any other cause whatsoever.
Does Downtown Alive! provide access for persons with disabilities?
Yes, the Downtown Alive! Festival Series is accessible for persons with disabilities. Nearby parking is available at various metered spaces and the Stolp Avenue Parking Deck, as available. Service animals are allowed on the grounds.
So your band wants to play at Downtown Alive! Festival Series?
Each year when the sun climbs higher on the horizon and the spring air fills with the scent of budding guitarists, and the twitter of lead vocalists’ wafts across the land…we begin to get thousands (really we get thousands) of requests to perform at the Downtown Alive! Festival Series. Unfortunately, we only have a few slots for local and regional acts. There is just not enough time for everyone who wants to take the stage and strut their stuff. (Please note: A top-notch team of scientists is currently working on a solution with a very long and complicated mathematical equation to solve this issue.) However…if you think you got the goods…simply send an email to specialevents@aurora-il.org with the following information: Name of band, contact name, contact email, phone and address, genre of band, # of pieces in band, web-based demo material (website or MySpace) and bio. Submissions are ONLY accepted between August 1 through October 31 each year. Yes, we know its Halloween, don’t be frightened, just be sure to get you stuff in on time and you may be one of the "chosen few." Best of luck!
How does my company become a sponsor of Downtown Alive! Festival Series?
Event marketing is a great way to advertise and reach customers. “Experiential marketing” drives purchases and consideration across age, gender, and ethnicity. 70% of consumers say that they would be more likely to purchase a product or brand after experiencing it at an event. Click here to request more information.
Non-profit Fundraising
Over the years, the Downtown Alive! Festival Series has helped local non-profit and charitable organizations raise funds for their causes. These groups recruit and schedule their own volunteers to operate beverage and entrance tents during the festival. If your group is interested, our application period is January 2 through February 15 of each year ONLY. Simply email us your contact information at specialevents@aurora-il.org within the application period. Requests at any other time of year will not be accepted.
Showcasing Local Talent
The 2010 Downtown Alive! Festival Series is offering young musicians from Aurora real world on-stage experience. These talented kids have the opportunity to perform on a professional stage, with a complete backline of high-end gear, sound and lighting equipment, in front of a real world audience, not just friends and family. The Hix Brothers Junior All-Stars features the best “Rock U” students from the Hix Bros. Music Store in Aurora. This first family of music has been around since 1946 and will be showcasing the cream of the crop of their young students. Brothers Andrew, Peter and Carl offer their unique brand of music lesson programs called “Rock U” and the “Marching Guitar Band.” Both of these programs have garnered industry-wide attention. The Hix Brothers Junior All-Stars will be performing at Blues on the Fox demonstrating their versatility. This year, the Hix Brothers All-Stars lineup includes an all-girl group of young rockers.
Our Greening Efforts:
At the Downtown Alive! Festival Series and other City of Aurora special events, we are actively trying to do our part in being environmentally conscious. We are taking more steps each day to raise awareness, encourage “green behavior” among our patrons and to practice what we preach. Some of the initiatives we’ve already taken include: expansion of the recycling program, banning of Styrofoam single-use products, separated dumpsters to reduce trash to landfills, “green” and recyclable supplies, elimination of handbills at parades, expansion of e-business and many other efforts. We realize the impact our actions have on the environment and are working to increase our greening efforts every day for this cause! For more on Aurora’s green and sustainability initiatives visit www.aurora-il.org.
Help Us Recycle!
When packing for the festival, drop in your own trash bag, and help us to keep the festival grounds in great shape! Please don't drop trash, and more importantly recyclables, on the ground. Convenient receptacles for both trash and recyclables are located throughout the festival site. As Woodsy the Owl always says “Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute!”
Media Credentials
Performers and the Downtown Alive! Festival Series management strictly prohibit flash photography, video and audio recording in the stage area. Your equipment may be subject to confiscation. Professional equipment is NOT permitted on the grounds without prior written permission from festival management. If you are interested in documenting the festival grounds, please contact the City of Aurora Special Events in advance. Photography requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis PRIOR TO each festival. Requests not submitted PRIOR TO the festival CANNOT be guaranteed. Please send an email to info@downtownaliveaurora.com or call 630-844-4731. Please specify your publication and include a contact name and phone number for verification.
