Welcome to the Annual Westside Neighborhood Festival

May 24, 2026
Coach Walter’s Park 612 N May St, Aurora, IL 60506

About the Event​

What started as a simple neighborhood reunion has grown into a cornerstone celebration of Aurora’s vibrant community. Presented by ML Fund1 and the Friends of the Neighborhood Group, the Westside Neighborhood Festival is a tribute to our shared history and a toast to our bright future.

Join us at Coach Walter’s Park for an afternoon dedicated to connection and local pride. Building on the traditions of our inaugural year—which featured family-focused fun and tributes to our local leaders—the 2026 festival expands our footprint to include even more flavor, talent, and community resources. From a high-energy talent showcase to a momentous announcement regarding a new neighborhood memorial, this is a day you won’t want to miss.

Mark your calendars! ML Fund1 and the Friends of the Neighborhood Contact Group are back for the 2nd Annual Westside Neighborhood Festival!

Reserve My Spot

Be a Part of the Magic: Volunteers Needed!

The 2nd Annual Westside Neighborhood Festival is growing, and we need you to help make this our best year yet! On May 24, 2026, ML Fund1 and the Friends of the Neighborhood Group are bringing the community together at Coach Walter’s Park, and it takes a village to make a festival shine.

Ways You Can Help:

  • The Welcome Squad: Greet neighbors, hand out schedules, and spread the good vibes.
  • Kids’ Zone Crew: Assist with activities and games to keep the little ones smiling.
  • Vendor Support: Help our local retail and food vendors get settled and stay fueled.
  • Stage Hands: Support the Talent Showcase and DJ Reggie Chandler to keep the music flowing.
  • The Green Team: Help us keep Coach Walter’s Park beautiful throughout the day.

Why Volunteer?

  • Give Back: Directly impact the neighborhood you call home.
  • Community Perks: Receive a limited-edition volunteer t-shirt and access to the “Volunteer Oasis” for snacks and drinks.
  • Networking: Meet community leaders, local business owners, and your incredible neighbors.
  • Be the First to Know: Get a front-row seat for the special memorial announcement!

If you love the Westside, enjoy helping others, and want to go “behind the scenes” of Aurora’s favorite new tradition, we have a spot for you!

Sign Up Now

Volunteer Sign UP

If you love the Westside, enjoy helping others, and want to go “behind the scenes” of Aurora’s favorite new tradition, we have a spot for you!

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Event Plans​

12:00 PM

Event Start

Opening:

Food

Entertainment

Music, Dance, Spoken Word

5:00 PM​

Event End

This Years Honorees:

Want to Memorialize Someone

Memorial Information

Purchase a brick for display, contact ML Fund1 Inc. at (331) 205-9763 for more information.

Got Talent….. Wanna Showcase it?

Join us for an unforgettable musical experience at the Music Event, featuring renowned artists and diverse genres to please every listener. Join the seminar and take a step closer to being an expert.

Secure your spot now and be a part of the most unforgettable music event of the year.

Jane Roberts​

With a voice as smooth as velvet, Jane is a crooner who effortlessly takes listeners back to the golden age of jazz.

Hank Freeman​

Energetic and soulful, Hank infuses R&B classics with his own unique style that will get you up and dancing.

Tina Flores​

Known for her powerful vocals and emotional performances, Tina’s soul-stirring ballads will leave a lasting impression.

Jamie Dillon​

A true master of the guitar, Jamie’s virtuosic playing combined with her heartfelt lyrics make for an unforgettable experience.

About the Organizers​

ML Fund1 Inc. , is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering families and youth through creative community initiatives. Since 2010, the foundation has evolved from hosting neighborhood reunions and benefit concerts to producing larger-scale public festivals designed to foster brand awareness and community pride.

The Friends of the Neighborhood Group partners with local residents to create a unified voice and take collective action within the Aurora community. Their involvement ensures the festival remains a safe, inclusive environment that prioritizes resident concerns and strengthens the partnership between neighbors and local leadership.

Reserve Your Spot Now!

Our Sponsors​

Our bench of speakers includes some well-established and successful designers who are known to be ruling the industry for years. Join the Event and take a step closer to being a part of the Neighborhood.

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