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Aurora (IL) Events

aurora events concerts movies tickets

If you live in Aurora and you’re looking for “events near me” this spring and summer, you have access to affordable fun for the whole family close to home at Venue 1012! We are located at 1012 Station Drive in Oswego (just west of Orchard Road). With ample lawn seating, the amphitheater welcomes families and friends for both free and ticketed live music, as well as free movies in the park! Most events offer food trucks and beverage service with soda, wine, hard seltzers and beer, including craft drafts from Oswego Brewing Co. You’ll also find lots of conveniently located free parking.

We’re here to make having fun easy for you. Choose your dates from our 2024 schedule!

Events Near Aurora (IL): Free & Ticketed Concerts

Thursday June 6 ׀ Sparks Fly – The Taylor Swift Experience
7pm to 9pm (Venue 1012 opens 6pm)

Calling all Swifties! We’re kicking off Venue 1012’s concert season on Thursday, June 6 with Sparks Fly – The Taylor Swift Experience. Sammy Jo tackles one of the biggest country and pop music sensations of our time! Samantha is a Joliet, IL native with humble beginnings playing piano at only 5 years of age. Samantha has been groomed for the big stage by her parents whom still perform professionally to this day in the Chicagoland area. With Music and instruments around her everywhere, she soon picked up the guitar and began playing, starting with her young musical idol, Taylor Swift. Sammy Jo is ready to pay tribute in true adoration of one of the best catalogs and talents in modern music by fronting Sparks Fly-The Taylor Swift Experience!
FREE

Saturday June 22 ׀ Red Wanting Blue
7pm to 9pm (Venue 1012 opens 6pm)

Ohio’s indie rock stalwarts, Red Wanting Blue announce their much-anticipated thirteenth studio album, Light It Up, set for release later this summer. The first single, Goliath, features soaring guitars with a pulsing drum beat and frontman Terry’s trademark ‘rich with grit’ vocals as he shouts “Get rid of the make believe, let’s show the world that we’re not pretending…our new day has just begun and we are proud – say it loud, there’s no stopping us now…In the age of giants here comes Goliath, let’s take him down!”

$10 (active military and veterans), $15 (advanced ticket 13 and up), $20 (at the door), free (ages 12 & under)

Thursday July 11 ׀ The Hair Band Night (Tribute to Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue, Poison, Van Halen and more)
7pm to 9pm (Venue 1012 opens 6pm)

Looking for an awesome night where you can let loose and listen to the greatest hits originating from your favorite hair metal bands for FREE? Join us to see The Hair Band Night who’s playing hits from well-known artists like Van Halen, Motley Crue, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Poison, Journey, Bon Jovi, Skid Row, Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith and Ozzy Osbourne.
FREE

Saturday July 20 ׀ VetFest: 7th Heaven and Eve Casino presented and produced by VetFest141Concert
5:00pm to 11:30pm

Gear up for an electrifying night of rock and local talent as 7th Heaven and Eve Casino take the stage at Venue 1012! Renowned for their explosive live performances and an incredible setlist that spans the greatest hits of the past four decades, 7th Heaven promises an unforgettable evening of music and memories. Joining them is Eve Casino, a band quickly making a name for itself with energetic shows and a unique sound that captures the heart of the local music scene. 7th Heaven, a Chicagoland favorite, has been captivating audiences with their musical versatility and dynamic stage presence, ensuring that every performance is nothing short of spectacular. From rock anthems to power ballads, their show is a must-see for music lovers of all ages. Eve Casino brings a fresh vibrancy to the lineup, showcasing their talents with a mix of original tracks and covers that resonate with fans both old and new. Their passion for music is evident in every note, making them a perfect complement to the night’s festivities. 

Note: Event presented and produced by VetFest141. Tickets may only be purchased through VetFest 141 or Eventbrite
$10 (advanced ticket 13 and up), $15 (at the door), free (Active-duty military, veterans, Police and Fire Departments)

Thursday August 1 ׀ Don’t Rock the Jukebox presented by Hillbilly Rockstarz (Tribute to Country Music icons of the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s)
7pm to 9pm (Venue 1012 opens 6pm)

This free show takes you on a journey of feel-good Country music from iconic artists Shania twain, Garth Brooks, Tricia Yearwood, George Strait, Diamond Rio, Reba, Tim Mcgraw, Dolly, Kenny-Brooks and Dunn, Willie and Waylon, Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, Alabama, Tracy Byrd, Dixie Chicks just to name a few.
FREE

Saturday August 24 ׀ Sins N’ Roses (Tribute to Gun N’ Roses) and Electric Shock – The AC/DC Show
6pm to 8pm (Sins N’ Roses) 8:30-10:30pm (Electric Shock) (Venue 1012 opens 5pm)

Sins N’ Roses is one of the nation’s most authentic Guns N’ Roses tributes, committed to recreating this iconic band’s legendary songs live and loud! Over the past two years, Sins N’ Roses has played shows and festivals across the Mid-West to thousands of passionate GnR fans. The band rehearses relentlessly to recreate Guns N’ Roses live performances with note for note musical authenticity – and that bad boy attitude. They regularly perform up to 40 classic songs from the GnR catalog – including mega hits like Sweet Child of Mine, Welcome to the Jungle and Paradise City plus classic cuts from their platinum albums and movie soundtracks. Since 2014, Electric Shock – The AC/DC Show has been perfecting the AC/DC show with a high energy performance, faithfully replicating ACDC both musically and visually, proving they are the nations #1 AC/DC show. Playing all the classic hits and deeper cuts from both Bon Scott and Brian Johnson eras! This show is not just a tribute, but an experience that will give you the look, feel and sound like you are witnessing an actual AC/DC concert!

$10 (active military and veterans), $15 (advanced ticket 13 and up), $20 (at the door), free (ages 12 & under)

Saturday September 7 | Rumours – The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show
7pm to 9pm (Venue 1012 opens 6pm)

Rumours was formed in Los Angeles, CA, the Summer of 2012. Since then, they have traveled all of North America, and meticulously put together a show that spares no detail. Recreating the band’s legendary persona, in all its youthful glory from 1975-1987. From period accurate equipment and costumes to spot on characterizations and musical performances. Rumours takes you back to a time when music was still an unbridled cultural experience, and bands weren’t afraid to put on a show. Relive the rock and roll magic with Rumours. The band is comprised of Jesika Miller as Stevie Nicks, Kate Sland as Christine McVie, Ned Brower as Mick Fleetwood, John Rogers as Lindsey Buckingham, Nic Johns as John McVie.  

$10 (active military and veterans), $15 (advanced ticket 13 and up), $20 (at the door), free (ages 12 & under)

Thursday September 26 | Mr. Blotto (Chicago’s Original Jam Band playing originals and music from Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, Phish, and more)
7pm to 9pm (Venue 1012 opens 6pm)

Mr. Blotto started in 1991 as an off-night musical vehicle for members of other local acts around the Chicago area. In response to repeated fan requests for tapes of shows and the surprise popularity of a series of bootlegs, Mr. Blotto released its debut album entitled “Parking Karma” in August 1992.With local radio play, they began headlining larger clubs and theaters on consecutive nights. And with the introduction of tapers, the music spread to a larger audience around the nation.
FREE

Saturday October 12 | Pouring for Pink: Breast Cancer Benefit Concert featuring Billy Elton (Tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John) & Dancing Queen (Tribute to ABBA)
2:45pm to 4:45pm (Billy Elton) 5:30pm to 7:30 pm (Dancing Queen) (Venue 1012 opens 2pm)

Billy Elton is a band that celebrates the music of Billy Joel and Elton John.  Led by Reid Spears on the piano and lead vocals, this 9-piece band takes you on a timeless journey through the catalogs of two of the greatest singers, pianists, and songwriters in pop music history.  Dedicated to top-notch musicianship, the band performs a completely live show without the use of any backing tracks.  Billy Elton will have the audience on its feet singing along to such classics as “Crocodile Rock”, “Only the Good Die Young”, “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting”, “Piano Man”, and many others in a show that is exciting, engaging, and entertaining for all ages, young and old! Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute is the ultimate tribute to the music of ABBA – sure to capture the hearts of fans and audiences of all ages! This live show is full of musical precision, fabulous flair and fashion, and promises a mesmerizing ABBA experience for every Chiquitita, Super Trouper, Fernando, and Dancing Queen around! Fronted by a dynamic Agnetha and Frida duo, the music of the greatest pop band in history comes to life in a joyful celebration of these timeless tunes. Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute is the Midwest’s long-standing resident ABBA tribute, with a repertoire of over 40 all-time favorite hits. From Waterloo to Mamma Mia, S.O.S. to Knowing Me, Knowing You, Honey, Honey to Voulez-Vous, audiences won’t be able to help singing and dancing along with their high-energy homage to everything ABBA! A portion of the proceeds from this “event near me” for Aurora residents will help support local breast cancer–support organizations! 

$10 (active military and veterans), $15 (advanced ticket 13 and up), $20 (at the door), free (ages 12 & under)

Events Near Aurora (IL): Movies Under the Stars

Select Thursdays at dusk. Venue 1012 opens 6pm for games and picnics.
FREE admission

It’s a fun, relaxing evening for the whole family! Bring the kids, a picnic and chairs or a blanket for games and together time while the sun sets. Then sit back and enjoy the movie on a big screen with the summer stars twinkling above you!

June 27 ׀ Wonka
Run time: 1 hour 56 minutes.

July 25 ׀ Trolls Band Together
Run time: 1 hour 31 minutes  

Events Near Aurora (IL): Contact Us

We love seeing our neighbors and friends from Aurora having a great time with us at the Venue. If you have any questions about our 2024 events, simply give us a call at (630) 554-3618 or use our contact form. See you this summer and fall!

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