Things to do in Aurora, Illinois

Welcome to the Aurora Area of Illinois

 

Discover The Aurora Area in Illinois

Welcome to the Aurora Area, an outstanding travel destination in Illinois. Here you can experience award winning Broadway musical theater, the largest waterpark in Illinois, Chicagoland's largest outlet shopping center, a masterpiece of modern architecture, and unparalleled outdoor adventure on and along the Fox River. Whether you're traveling with family or friends, be sure to check out all that Aurora, Batavia, Big Rock, Elburn, Geneva, Hinckley, Montgomery, North Aurora, Oswego, Plano, Sugar Grove, Yorkville and Kendall County have to offer. Sign up for our e-Newsletter!

Pumpkin Daze

Oct 07
  • October 07, 2026
  • Abbey Farms

Welcome to your authentic farm adventure! Step away from modern life and make new memories with your friends and family at Abbey Farms Pumpkin Daze! Packed with activities, our 40-acre pumpkin farm has everything you need to make your family’s day at the farm special. From our friendly petting zoo…

  • October 09, 2026
  • Water Street Studios

Join us for our monthly Second Friday in the Arts District. Water Street Studios will host a gallery opening reception. Visit our neighbors at Kiss the Sky and Hearth & Hammer to shop and for special pop-ups. This event is open to all and free to attend! Donations are greatly appreciated and go…

  • October 10, 2026
  • Red Roof Inn

Come enjoy a great community gathering featuring: Classic Cars Hot Rods Muscle Cars Motorcycles Trucks & Custom Vehicles Top 30 Awards Best of Show & Top 5 Awards Dash plaques for the first 50 registered participants Food Truck, fun, and an opportunity to connect with fellow community…

  • October 10, 2026
  • Blackberry Farm

A celebration of all things fall, Pumpkin Weekends take place Saturdays & Sundays throughout October plus Columbus Day. Every guest ages 1 and up must have a ticket. Tickets go on sale 9/1/2026

Thiller on 38

Oct 10
  • October 10, 2026
  • Vargo's Dance

This zombie-themed flash mob event hosted by Vargo's Dance features food trucks, a live DJ, and two performances at 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm in the parking lot behind Vargo’s Dance (Hamilton & Second streets).

Here, There Exhibition

Oct 05, 2026 - Dec 11, 2026 Schingoethe Center of Aurora University

Walk-In Clay

Oct 05, 2026 Arts on Fire

Happy Hour at Barrel + Rye

Oct 05, 2026 Barrel & Rye

Trivia Night at Kappy's Bar & Grill

Oct 05, 2026 Kappy's Bar & Grill

Trip Ideas

Discover unbelievable adventures and unique trip ideas curated by interest. Enjoy!

Dinner & A Show

The Venue Aurora

  • 21 S. Broadway Avenue
  • (331) 212-8490

The Venue is a live music venue and community center hosting concerts, workshops…

Comedy Vault

  • 18 E. Wilson Street
  • (630) 454-4174

The Comedy Vault in Batavia is a lively, intimate comedy club located in a renovated…

113 Main

  • 113 Main Street
  • (331) 216-5133

Welcome to 113 Main, located in the heart of downtown Oswego.  Our menu features…

Family Vacation Guide

Fox Valley Mall

  • 195 Fox Valley Center Dr.
  • (630) 851-7200

Fox Valley Mall is the premier shopping center in Illinois, featuring over 120 top…

Heartland Charm

More Polish Pottery

  • 8S953 Jericho Rd.
  • (630) 605-2371

More Polish Pottery is the leading Midwest retailer for Boleslawiec Polish pottery…

Esther's Place

  • 201 W. Galena St. (Rt. 30)
  • (630) 556-9665

Join educator and fiber artist Natasha Lehrer in a memorable experience with nature’s…

South Moon Barbeque

  • 100 E. Lincoln Ave.
  • (815) 286-9227

Fantastic southern-style BBQ!! Aurora Area Champion for the best BBQ and winner of…

The Growing Place

  • 2000 Montgomery Road
  • (630) 820-8088

Started from bare ground in 1989, The Growing Place has grown into a garden oasis for…

Abbey Farms

  • 2855 Hart Rd.
  • (630) 966-7775

Abbey Farms is a unique family-friendly agri-tourism farm in Aurora, IL that has been…

Curated Stories

Welcome to our Insider's Blog, your guide to all the wonders found throughout the Aurora area of Illinois. Get the latest travel tips, highlights, news, and stories from the people who know our city best.

Community

Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Que Buen Churro

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we are celebrating the people, flavors and stories that help make the Aurora Area such a vibrant place to visit. In the heart of downtown Geneva, Peter and…

Olivia Cardenas
5 minute read
Community

Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Dapper Brews

Honoring Latinx Roots in the Aurora Area Hispanic Heritage Month in Aurora offers a window into the city’s vibrant, diverse communities, and few local businesses capture that spirit…

Olivia Cardenas
3 minute read