Stories

There’s nothing quite like a Friday evening in downtown Mt. Vernon—and it all kicks off again on Friday, May 1 with the return of Friday’s Food & Art.

Held at The Commons from 5:00–8:00 p.m., this monthly favorite brings together everything we love about our community—local food, handmade goods, live music, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Stroll through vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and experience the energy of a community coming together. Friday’s Food & Art takes place on the first Friday of each month through November*, making it the perfect tradition to kick off your weekend all season long.

The Mt. Vernon BIG Spring Carnival, happening April 29 through May 3, 2026, isn’t just about rides, lights, and laughter—it’s about connection. It’s about families gathering, friends reuniting, and neighbors sharing in simple, joyful moments that turn into lasting memories.

You can almost feel it the moment you arrive. The glow of carnival lights flickers across smiling faces, the sound of laughter carries through the air, and the excitement builds with every spin of a ride and every step down the midway. For kids, it’s pure magic. For parents and grandparents, it’s a chance to relive those same feelings while watching the next generation experience it all for the first time.

Mt. Vernon, Illinois offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure—all within a couple hours’ drive. Whether you’re planning a couples retreat, a family weekend, or a spontaneous road trip, you’ll find plenty to explore (and plenty of reasons to stay a little longer).

Explore charming shops, local boutiques, and hidden gems throughout town. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find something unexpected—and meet people who make you feel right at home.

Arrive Friday night, wake up to fresh coffee and a day outdoors, spend the afternoon exploring shops and local eats, and cap it off with live music or a sunset by the lake. Simple, memorable, and exactly what a weekend should be.

If you’re looking for a destination packed with energy, creativity, and small-town charm, Mt. Vernon, Illinois delivers year-round. Known as the “Festival City,” Mt. Vernon offers a vibrant lineup of events alongside unique attractions, making it the perfect place for a weekend getaway or day trip.

From seasonal festivals and live music to outdoor adventures and arts experiences, flea markets, concerts, and community events create a memorable Mt. Vernon experience. 

Even when there’s no festival on your calendar, Mt. Vernon offers plenty to explore.

No matter the season, Mt. Vernon offers something new to discover. With a full calendar of festivals, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, it’s easy to see why visitors keep coming back.

Tucked just off Highway 37, King City Dirt Riders spans 120 acres of off-road terrain, featuring a motocross track, wooded trails, hill climbs, and even a kids track. Built by passionate riders and sustained by a tight-knit community, the club continues to provide a place where generations of riders can connect, compete, and enjoy the sport.

A hare scramble is a mass-start off-road race where riders line up, engines roaring, and take off together across a marked course of woods, trails, and open terrain. Races typically last 2–3 hours, testing both speed and endurance.

It’s intense, unpredictable, and incredibly fun to watch—even if you’re not riding.

This April, Mt. Vernon will host a powerful and moving tribute to America’s heroes as the Global War on Terror Wall of Remembrance arrives in conjunction with the 20th Annual LCPL J. Kyle Price Memorial Ride.

The traveling GWOT Wall of Remembrance is more than a memorial, it stretches more than 100 feet in length, and symbolizes the values of honor, strength, courage, and sacrifice, while giving visitors a space to reflect on the true cost of freedom.

Each year, participants take part in a motorcycle ride through the region, symbolizing respect and solidarity with veterans and fallen heroes, along with opportunities to gather, share stories, and support meaningful causes connected to the veteran community.

For decades, Cusumano & Sons has been known for delivering fresh, high-quality produce and goods to the region. Each month, they set up a low-cost produce market during the event—an initiative that does more than just offer fresh fruits and vegetables. In a time when grocery prices can be unpredictable, this effort makes a real difference. It ensures that everyone in the community has access to fresh, nutritious options without breaking the bank.

What sets Cusumano & Sons apart isn’t just their history or their products—it’s their heart. Their willingness to invest in Mt. Vernon, to support local initiatives, and to look for ways to lift others up is what truly defines them.

A Day in the Neighborhood: Make Sweet Memories at WSIU/PBS Kids Day with Daniel Tiger on April 11 at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts. There’s something special about childhood moments that stay with you—the ones filled with laughter, imagination, and just a little bit of magic. On April 11, that kind of day is waiting for you and your family at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mt. Vernon.

It starts with excitement in the air… little hands reaching, eyes lighting up… because Daniel Tiger is coming to town. Pack up the kids, bring your camera, and come spend a day in the Neighborhood—right here in Mt. Vernon. Because the best memories aren’t the big, complicated ones…

They’re the simple days spent together.