FEST: City of Lights Ukulele Festival (IL)

The City of Lights Ukulele Festival takes place the last Sunday in August, with events at various location in downtown Aurora the night before. The festival has two stages, one across the street from City Hall, and one stage across Water Street Mall from City Hall in downtown Aurora. We also have booth space for instrument makers or others who wish to reach a ukulele crowd. We sponsor workshops at the festival in anything ranging Hula Dancing, to singing and playing, to forming a ukulele orchestra, to open mics, and strum along. We are looking for performers for both stages. This is truly one of the most unique festivals dedicated completely to Ukulele's and we're passionate about finding artists that want to join this festival.

The City of Lights Ukulele Festival was an idea devised by Aurora Alderman Mike Saville. The festival will feature performances from big names in the ukulele scene, workshops, vendors, and more. For several years, Mike envisioned the festival being hosted in Downtown Aurora. With the surging popularity of the ukulele as well as the dedication, creativity, and skills of the members on our committee, we feel that the City of Lights Ukulele Festival can grow into one of the largest in the Midwest. The Downtown Aurora area is the perfect setting for this festival. With the great new restaurants, businesses, museums, the Paramount Theater and other entertainment venues, and this will be a win-win for all. We're looking for local, regional and nationally touring acts that incorporate ukeleles into their sound.

 All acts applying must involve Ukeles in their music. We love Rock, Traditional Hawaiian, Jazz, Folk, Acoustic, Country, Blues and Soul acts, but we're accepting music all genres 

Ukulele players of all playing ability are welcome to apply

Bands must be actively playing shows 

Bands must be willing to heavily promote the show if chosen to play

Bands are able to sell merch on-site

Acts must have a solid online presence 

• Location: Water Street Mall, Downtown Aurora, Illinois
• Date August 23rd, 2020
• All stages have backline and PA's
• Sound engineers will be provided 
• Compensation TBD upon booking
• Our fest typically draws over +1500 people each year