Asadoras Argentinas Burgers: Bringing Authentic Argentine Flavors to Oswego and Beyond

Get ready to feel the energy, Aurora! LUMENAURA is back and brighter than ever!From October 10 to 26, downtown Aurora will glow with interactive art, immersive light displays, and community-powered celebration.But the real buzz begins the weekend of October 10–12, when the festival launches its new IBEW Locals 461 & 701 Main Stage at Benton & River Streets and trust me, it’s going to be epic.This isn’t just another weekend. It’s a celebration of who we are as a city bold, creative, and united under the lights.The expanded Main Stage area means more room to dance, more food trucks, more beer vendors, and yes, even more community fun.Here’s what’s lined up for opening weekend:🔥 Friday, October 10 – Soul & Retro NightMotown Nation brings the smooth, timeless sounds of classic soul.Then, party like it’s 1989 with Sixteen Candles, Chicago’s favorite ‘80s tribute band.🎉 Saturday, October 11 – Hispanic Heritage CelebrationKick off the night with the powerful rhythms of Sin Anestesia (Spanish Rock).Then experience a vibrant tribute to a music icon with Selena The Show — a must-see for fans of Tejano and Latin pop.🌈 Sunday, October 12 – Pop Icons & Rock LegendsCalling all Swifties: Fearless – A Tribute to Taylor Swift will have you singing your heart out.Close out the weekend with Hairbangers Ball, delivering an over-the-top ‘80s rock experience that’s pure fun.LUMENAURA is more than a music festival - it’s a multi-sensory celebration of light, sound, and art, unique to Aurora’s identity as the original City of Lights.From October 10–26, downtown streets, alleys, and buildings come alive with:Projection mappingInteractive light art installationsLive performancesFamily-friendly activitiesAnd new this year: community-led pop-up displays!It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that’s free, inclusive, and 100% Aurora-made.Aurora is showing off our city's culinary chops too! Expect:Rotating food trucks and vendors from Aurora and neighboring communitiesCraft beer and beverage tents featuring local brewersSweet treats, snacks, and global flavors to keep you energized all weekendDon’t forget to explore local businesses, many of which will be hosting LUMENAURA specials and extended hours.LUMENAURA is designed for all ages and abilities. The festival grounds are:Walkable and ADA accessibleFree to attend — no tickets needed!Designed with sensory-friendly hours and zones for those who need a calmer environmentVisit LUMENAURA.com for full schedules, artist lineups, and event maps.Aurora residents know: this city is special. From our diverse communities and rich history to our growing arts scene and thriving downtown LUMENAURA is a celebration of it all.Whether you're a lifelong resident or new to town, this is your moment to connect, create memories, and show off what makes Aurora shine.

If you’ve lived in Aurora for more than five minutes, you already know the name Basement of the Dead. It’s not just a haunted house, it’s an experience, a local legend, and a must-do every Halloween season.This fall, the haunt is back, bigger, darker, and scarier than ever.Tucked beneath New York Street in the heart of downtown, Basement of the Dead turns an old, industrial basement into one of the creepiest attractions in the Midwest. Think pitch-black hallways, freakish animatronics, twisted soundscapes, and actors so good you’ll forget they’re not real. (Until you scream. Then it’s real.)The haunt kicks off September 19 and runs through November 8, 2025. Here’s what Aurora locals should know:Locals Nights: Aurora residents get discounted tickets on select weekdays! (Keep an eye on their site or social pages for promo codes.)Off-Season Haunts: Miss the Halloween window? They’ve been known to host bonus haunts — like “Rotten Tails Revenge” around Easter or a creepy Valentine’s Day date night. Yes, seriously.New Scares: Every year, Basement updates scenes, characters, and effects. 2025 brings a new maze section known as The Veil, promising “zero light, zero sound, and zero mercy.”Before you even get inside, street performers, stilt walkers, and DJ beats are waiting to get you hyped (and creeped out). Once you’re in, it’s a relentless mix of:Claustrophobic tunnelsScreaming animatronicsFog, strobe lights, and loud joltsSome of the best makeup and costuming in ChicagolandPro Tip: Not for kids under 13 or anyone with a weak heart. You've been warned.Check basementofthedead.com for the full calendar and to snag your tickets.Local Love“This place isn’t just a haunted house, it’s a rite of passage for anyone in Aurora.” — Marcus J., lifelong East Side resident“I’ve been every year since 2017. They STILL get me. That basement is pure nightmare fuel.” — Carla T., AU studentWhether you’re a haunted house junkie or just looking for something to spice up spooky season, Basement of the Dead is a Halloween essential. And lucky for us? It’s right in our backyard.

The fall season is creeping in, and you know what that means.. Yorkville’s beloved Scarecrow Walk is back, and it’s shaping up to be the biggest one yet! From September 26 to October 31, 2025, Bicentennial Riverfront Park will transform into a whimsical (and slightly spooky) trail filled with the most creative, quirky, and festive scarecrows you’ve ever seen. And guess what? You can be part of the magic!Whether you’re a DIY dynamo or just in it for the fall fun, the Scarecrow Walk is your chance to shine. All ages and experience levels are welcome to submit their own scarecrow display. From funny to frightening (but family-friendly!), every scarecrow adds to the community spirit that makes this event such a fall favorite.👉 Submit your scarecrow here: https://bit.ly/YPRDscarecrowwalkThis year, the competition is heating up! Each scarecrow will feature a custom sign with a QR code that allows park visitors to vote for their top 3 favorites. It’s interactive, fun, and adds a whole new layer of excitement to your scarecrow-making mission.🗳️ Winners will be announced on the United City of Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department Facebook page, so make sure your entry turns heads!Each participant receives a personalized sign created by the Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department, perfect for showcasing your name, group, or business. Want to rep your brand? You can even include a logo!📅 Dates: September 26 – October 31, 2025📍 Location: Bicentennial Riverfront Park 301 E. Hydraulic St. Yorkville, IL 60560So grab your straw, gather your glue guns, and get your scarecrow on. This is your chance to be part of something unforgettable and a little spooky! Let’s make the 2025 Scarecrow Walk the best one yet. 🍂

Looking for an authentic farm adventure this fall? Step away from the screens, slow down, and make unforgettable memories with your family and friends at Pumpkin Daze at Abbey Farms.This annual event transforms the scenic 40-acre farm into a celebration of all things autumn, packed with outdoor fun for visitors of all ages.Whether you're in search of the perfect pumpkin, eager to test your navigation skills in a corn maze, or simply looking for a peaceful day surrounded by nature, Abbey Farms offers a little something for everyone.Open every Wednesday through Sunday, Pumpkin Daze is a must-visit destination for fall lovers throughout the region.At the heart of Pumpkin Daze is a wide range of attractions designed to get kids and adults active, laughing, and connecting with the outdoors. Here are just a few of the highlights:Corn Maze – Wind your way through this seasonal staple and see who can find the exit fastest.Bouncing Cow Train & Pedal Track – A hit with the little ones and just as fun for the grown-ups.Zip Lines & Rope Maze Challenge – Great for adventure-seekers looking to test their balance and agility.Combine Slide, Tractor Tire Mountain & Megadrop Slide – Unique structures built for climbing, sliding, and exploring.Corn Cannon & Lasso Challenge – Perfect for friendly competitions with a country twist.Jumping Pillow, Tractor Tire Tunnel, and Antique Tractors – Fun meets nostalgia across the farm.Families can also enjoy a classic Tractor/Hay Wagon Ride, try their luck at Water Pump Duck Races, or experience the quirky Hamster Wheel Race. There’s even a Grain Bin Basketball Experience for sports lovers.On weekends and holidays, the Petting Zoo opens its gates, giving kids a chance to interact with friendly farm animals. Animal feed is available for purchase, adding to the hands-on experience. This feature is especially popular, so plan accordingly if it’s a must-see for your group.Beyond the activities, Pumpkin Daze is about more than just entertainment it's about creating cherished moments in a setting that feels miles away from city life. The peaceful landscape and wide-open spaces offer a welcome retreat during the busy fall season.Abbey Farms is located at:2855 Hart Rd., Aurora, IL 60502September 20 – October 30, 2025 Pumpkin Daze runs weekly on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.Whether you’re hunting for pumpkins, challenging your kids to a race, or simply soaking up the crisp autumn air, Abbey Farms is the perfect place to make memories this fall.Don’t miss your chance to experience Pumpkin Daze, your authentic farm adventure awaits.

Aurora and Kane County residents can expect safer, faster emergency responses thanks to a newly signed Illinois law that changes how emergency vehicles move through intersections.The Law: House Bill 2442Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed House Bill 2442, which allows local and county emergency management agencies to install and operate traffic signal preemption devices. These devices give fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles the ability to change or extend traffic lights while responding to emergencies.For residents, this means quicker response times, smoother passage through busy intersections, and most importantly — reduced risks of collisions when seconds matter most.Why It Matters for AuroraAurora, as Illinois’ second-largest city, sees its share of congested intersections and high-traffic roadways. In life-or-death situations, every second counts. By empowering emergency responders with this technology, Kane County officials have addressed what they called an “unacceptable risk” under the old system, where first responders were often left vulnerable to accidents while crossing red lights.With this law, emergency teams can:Improve safety for drivers and pedestrians by reducing confusion at intersections.Cut down response times for fires, accidents, and medical emergencies.Save lives by ensuring faster arrival of critical services.Local Leadership and AdvocacyKane County Emergency Management Director Scott Buziecki helped push for the change, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing responder and public safety. Aurora stands to benefit directly from this legislative win, as it further strengthens the region’s emergency infrastructure.Looking AheadThe law is a technical upgrade; It’s a step toward a smarter, safer Aurora. As these devices are implemented across intersections in the coming months and years, residents can expect a stronger layer of protection whenever emergencies arise.Aurora Buzz will continue to follow developments and share updates on how this new technology is being rolled out in our community.

Warehouse 55: A Curated Marketplace for Creators and EntrepreneursWarehouse 55 has become one of the Midwest’s most respected vintage showrooms, known for blending modern, contemporary, and antique furnishings with curated home décor and fashion. Originally launched in Aurora in 2019, the venture was founded by Mark Allen Shouldeen, who saw an opportunity to transform a historic downtown space into a collaborative retail hub.What began with 30 vendors quickly grew to nearly 50 curated dealers, spread across two floors in Aurora and later into a second boutique shop in Chicago. The growth underscored the appetite for thoughtfully selected vintage and modern décor—and the ability of Warehouse 55 to serve as more than just a store. It’s a platform for independent dealers, artisans, and curators to showcase their craft and build viable small businesses.A Move to BataviaIn Fall 2025, Warehouse 55 is relocating from its Aurora flagship to an 8,000-square-foot one-story historic warehouse in downtown Batavia (160 1st Street). This new space brings all vendors together on a single floor—a long-time goal for the team. Their last day in Aurora is October 5, with a grand reopening in Batavia on October 18, complete with Christmas décor and followed by their popular holiday market on October 24.According to manager Mindy Schloss, “For years, we’ve needed all one floor. The building is gorgeous.” The Batavia location not only solves that need, but also offers room for future growth while maintaining Warehouse 55’s signature charm.Impact on Creators and EntrepreneursWarehouse 55 is more than a retail destination—it’s a launchpad for creators. By providing vendor spaces in a highly curated, design-forward environment, it gives dealers access to foot traffic, brand credibility, and a customer base they might not attract on their own. The model allows small businesses and individual curators to:Build profitability without the overhead of a standalone storefront.Test and refine their offerings in a collaborative, supportive setting.Connect with design-savvy customers, including HGTV’s Windy City Rehab host Alison Victoria, who featured Warehouse 55 in multiple episodes.Participate in themed events like holiday markets that generate consistent buzz and sales opportunities.This cooperative approach empowers local entrepreneurs—many of them creatives, pickers, and designers—to turn passion into profit while helping Warehouse 55 remain a premier shopping destination.What They OfferWarehouse 55’s mix is diverse and dynamic, including:Vintage and antique furnitureMid-century and retro collectiblesRepurposed and upcycled home décorArt, clothing, and fashion piecesCarefully selected new home accentsTheir ever-changing inventory keeps the shopping experience fresh and ensures return visits from both locals and destination shoppers across Chicagoland.Looking AheadAs Warehouse 55 plants new roots in Batavia, it’s poised to continue its dual role:A curated retail destination that brings character and charm to downtowns.A business incubator for creatives, proving that artistry, design, and entrepreneurship can thrive together.For those looking to support independent creators—or even become one—Warehouse 55 represents both a marketplace and a movement.Learn more: warehouse55.shop

Get ready, Aurora! The holiday season is about to sparkle a little brighter as Monarch Academy of Dance brings a bold and dazzling twist to a holiday favorite,The Nutcracker: CITY LIGHTS. If you’ve ever dreamed of dancing under the spotlight, this is your chance!Auditions are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and will be held on Saturday, September 6th at 3:00 PM at Monarch Academy of Dance right here in Aurora.Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, there’s a role for everyone. From classical ballet soloists to jazz dancers, tumblers, and young dreamers.📍 Audition Location:Monarch Academy of Dance3682 Prairie Lake Ct, Aurora, IL 60504Audition Schedule – Saturday, September 6:3:00–3:30 PM – Ages 3–43:40–4:10 PM – Ages 5–64:20–5:00 PM – Ages 7–95:10–5:50 PM – Ages 10–126:00–7:00 PM – Ages 13+Casting notifications will be sent by September 10th and Full rehearsal schedule to follow.Performance Date: December 21, 2025 at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre.This is more than just a show — it’s a magical experience!Whether you're looking to perform or cheer on friends and family, The Nutcracker: CITY LIGHTS is a modern, vibrant twist on a cherished holiday tradition, and Aurora is proud to host its rising stars.Register now https://app.gostudiopro.com/online/mymonarch

The City of Aurora, in partnership with the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board, will host Fiestas Patrias 2025 with a full weekend of events, including a free all-day celebration on Saturday, September 6, and the return of the parade to downtown Aurora on Sunday, September 7—its first since 2019.Saturday Festival at Wilder ParkThe festivities begin on Saturday at Wilder Park (350 N. River Street) from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. The festival features seven live performances including:12:00–12:45 p.m. – Ballet Folklórico Quetzalcóatl1:00–1:45 p.m. – Dragones Rock3:00–3:45 p.m. – Juan Diego4:00–4:45 p.m. – Sonora Santanera5:00–5:45 p.m. – Banda Portillos6:00–6:40 p.m. – El Grito de Independencia ceremony7:00–7:45 p.m. – Jose Luis Duval e Irma Infante con Mariachi8:00–9:00 p.m. – Los Sementales De Nuevo LeónIn addition to the performances, guests can enjoy some of the area’s finest food vendors and experience the traditional El Grito de Independencia ceremony commemorating Mexican Independence Day.Sunday Parade in Downtown AuroraAfter a six-year pause, the vibrant and much-anticipated Fiestas Patrias Parade makes its return to downtown Aurora on Sunday, September 7, at 11 a.m. The parade kicks off at the intersection of Broadway (IL Route 25) and Benton Street, drawing residents and visitors alike to celebrate Mexican Independence Day and the rich Hispanic culture that flourishes in the city.Following a public nomination process, longtime community member and East Aurora School District Board Member Saúl Olivas has been named the Parade Grand Marshal for 2025.

It’s that time of year. Crisp air, tailgates, and touchdowns. Whether you’re cheering for your hometown high school, bleeding navy and orange for Da Bears, or playing in a fantasy football league, What does football mean to YOU in Aurora.

Aurora residents will soon have faster, more reliable access to help during mental health or substance use emergencies thanks to a brand-new Crisis Recovery Center opening this September in Wheaton.This 24/7 facility, created by DuPage County, is just a short drive from Aurora and will be open to anyone in need, whether you're a child, teen, adult, or family no insurance required, no barriers based on background or ability to pay.Instead of waiting days for an appointment or ending up in the emergency room, people in crisis will be able to walk in and get immediate support. Whether it's a mental health crisis, suicidal thoughts, or a substance use emergency, the center is designed to respond with speed, compassion, and care.What Makes It a Game-Changer:Separate units for youth, adults, and substance use recoveryMedical staff and licensed counselors available 24/7Short-term crisis stabilization for those needing a safe place to recoverFollow-up support for housing, employment, and long-term careAlthough it’s based in Wheaton, the center is meant to serve all of DuPage County and that absolutely includes the Aurora community. Local officials see it as a way to reduce strain on hospitals and first responders, while offering people a more appropriate and effective path to recovery.This isn’t just another facility it’s a major step toward recognizing mental health and addiction as real health issues, deserving of real solutions.Aurora already has some outstanding local organizations supporting mental health and recovery, like VNA Health Care, Family Focus, Breaking Free, and NAMI KDK. These groups have been vital in providing therapy, addiction services, family support, and peer-led programs and their work continues to be essential.But with the DuPage Crisis Recovery Center coming online, our community gains something truly next-level: a round-the-clock, walk-in center built specifically for crisis care. It doesn’t replace what we have it strengthens it. Now, Aurora residents will have both the local support they know and trust, plus a new, high-impact resource just minutes away when things get critical.Help is closer. Hope is here. And it’s about time.