Annual Events in Mt Vernon


Annual Events in Mt Vernon

Known as the “Festival Arts City,” there is always something going on in Mt. Vernon. From live musical entertainment to gallery openings, Mt. Vernon is the place for the artist in all of us. Check out our calendar on our website: www.enjoymtvernon.com for complete calendar listings, which are sortable by date or type of event.

Some highlights each year include:

Midwestern Herb & Garden Show features more than 50 exhibitors with fresh herbs, dried flower arrangements, books, woodcarving, garden art and more. Free admission includes complimentary classes and seminars. Call (618) 242-3151 for more information.

Southern Illinois Steel Guitar Show features some of the best steel guitar players in the world as well as amateur players. For more information, call (618) 218-2517.

Market Days are Mt. Vernon’s very own flea market and vendor fair. Market Days are held at Veteran’s Park, 800 S. 27th St., on the first Saturday of the month from May to September. At Market Days, a variety of vendors sell diverse items such as antiques, collectibles, handmade items, plants, jewelry, blacksmith, flea market finds, produce, baked goods and kettle corn. Admission is free and kids activities are provided. Visit, shop and enjoy the fun atmosphere at Mt. Vernon’s Market Days. For more information, call (618) 242-3151.

PawFest, a day of fun for pets and their owners, returns to Veteran’s Park on the first Sunday in June from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Outdoor and indoor vendor booths will feature special pet items and products, crafts, food, games and more. The event also includes demonstrations and exhibits; laser tag; activities for pets, owners and children; and a pet contest with categories for floppiest ears, loudest bark and best trick. A fun pet runway show will showcase several doggies up for adoption from Jefferson County Animal Control. For more information or to get involved, contact tourism@mtvernon.com or (618) 242-3151.

The inaugural Mt. Vernon Homebrewers Festival is the newest addition to the Mt. Vernon Festivals Inc. lineup, showcasing the work of area home beer brewers. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste the work of local and regional home beer makers. The event includes food vendors and live music. For more information, contact mtvernonhomebrewersfestival@gmail.com or find mtvernonhomebrewfest on social media.

July 4 Salute to Freedom is always held on Independence Day at the Mt. Vernon Outland Airport. This free event features food vendors, entertainment, kid zone, fireworks and more.

The AirVenture Cup Race comes to Mt. Vernon every other year, and returns in 2019. Cheer on the participants in this cross-country air race with a variety of air classes. Visit www.airventurecuprace.com or call (618) 242-7016 for more information.

Cedarhurst Center for the Arts is the place to be for the 43rd Annual Cedarhurst Arts & Craft Fair. After a special preview party on Friday night, the fair is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. More than 100 exhibitors from throughout the country will be on hand to demonstrate and sell crafts. Each year crafters bring jewelry, metal work, pottery and more for collectors to enjoy and purchase. Check out the beer tent for live entertainment, and a huge children’s area is tons of fun for your littles. Admission $5 for adults, and free for children under 12. Hotel packages are available for this event. Call (618) 242-1236 for more information.

Midwest Light Sport Aircraft Expo at the Mt. Vernon Outland Airport was created to sell light sport aircraft, ancillary equipment and related services, but everyone enjoys visiting and learning about the aircraft technology. For more information, call (618) 242-7016.

Cedarhurst Center for the Arts hosts its annual Ironclad Art: The Motorcycle show in September. The exhibit showcases motorcycles as sculpture and objects of self-expression featuring more than 100 bikes from all makes, models and generations. For more information, call (618) 242-1236.

Fall Fest fills the streets of downtown Mt. Vernon. Enjoy live music, a free kids zone, the DMDC Cruise In & Car Show, vendors marketplace, an amazing food court, a 100+ entry parade, 5K race and more. For more information, call (618) 242-3151.

The Heritage Festival at the Jefferson County Historical Village is a interactive take on history. See how a blacksmith works, grind some corn, listen to folk music and enjoy the sights. Free admission. For more information, call (618) 246-0033.

The Annual Downtown Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting on Main Street in Mt. Vernon is held the first Saturday in December. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with the Parade from 7th Street to 10th Street, around the square and back down Broadway. The big tree on the courthouse grounds at 9th and Main will feature singing, games and more for all ages. Don’t forget to visit Santa’s Cottage by the Court House while you are here. For more information, call (618) 242-3151.

Visit www.enjoymtvernon.com for a complete listing of festivals and events in Mt. Vernon where we are living Creativity: Redefined! through our passions in life!