Big Spring Carnival

Where Memories Are Made and Community Comes Together

There’s something special about the arrival of spring in Mt. Vernon. The days grow a little longer, the air feels a little lighter—and just when we’re all ready to get outside again, one of the community’s most beloved traditions returns.

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.

And some of the most cherished moments happen during Family Nights on Wednesday and Thursday, when every ride takes just one ticket. It’s a time designed for togetherness—where families can ride side-by-side, share cotton candy, and enjoy an evening that feels both exciting and refreshingly simple.

As the weekend arrives, the carnival energy kicks into high gear. Friday through Sunday bring bigger thrills, busier crowds, and that unmistakable buzz of a community fully in motion. It’s the kind of atmosphere where you run into familiar faces, strike up conversations in line, and leave feeling a little more connected than when you arrived.

But what truly makes the BIG Spring Carnival meaningful goes beyond the rides and games.

This event is a fundraiser for Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc., the organization that helps bring some of our community’s favorite events to life—like Fall Fest and other celebrations that remain free and open to everyone. Every ticket purchased helps support those experiences, ensuring that traditions continue and that everyone, no matter their circumstances, can take part in the joy.

Plan Your Visit & Save on Tickets

Make the most of your carnival experience by planning ahead—and saving while you do it.

🎟️ Advance Ticket Deal (Available through April 28):

• 22 tickets for just $20
• Save at least $10 compared to on-site pricing

🎡 Know Before You Go:

• Family Nights (Wednesday & Thursday): All rides take just one ticket
• Friday–Sunday: Rides require multiple tickets

💲 On-Site Pricing:

• Family Nights: 16 tickets for $30 or $2 per ticket
• Friday–Sunday: 22 tickets for $30 or $2 per ticket

📍 Where to Buy:

• Online: Purchase in advance and pick up tickets at
  Mt. Vernon Tourism, 123 S. 10th Street, Suite 503
  Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• In Person:
• Mt. Vernon Tourism
• Damron Insurance
• R & J Tactical Lazer Tag – Mt. Vernon
• Mt. Vernon Peoples National Bank Branches

⏰ Carnival Hours:

• Wednesday–Friday: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Sunday: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
  (End times are crowd permitting and may close early if attendance is low.)

So gather your family, call up some friends, and make plans to spend an evening—or a whole weekend—at the carnival. Ride the rides, enjoy the treats, and soak in every moment.

Because these are the days your kids will remember.
And these are the traditions that keep Mt. Vernon strong.