Annual Events
Plan Your Year
Mt. Vernon, IL is rich in art and history. It’s located at the intersection of Interstate 57 & 64 in beautiful Southern Illinois. Enjoy everything from family fun activities to art, music, and much more. Explore our curated trip ideas below.
Midwestern Herb & Garden Show
Free event featuring renowned speakers, classes and vendors covering gardening, plants, bulbs, birds, herbal medicines/teas, herbs, and wild flowers.
Southern Illinois Steel Guitar Show
Held every April features some of the best steel guitar players in the world as well as amateur players. Call (618) 218-2517 for more information.
PawFest
Held the second Saturday in June is a celebration of pets at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Mt. Vernon. Bring those furry friends and celebrate with them! Demonstrations, adoptable, contests and more? Email tourism@mtvernon.com or call (618) 242-3151 for more information.
July 4th Salute to Freedom
Held on July 4th at the Mt. Vernon Outland Airport. Food vendors, entertainment, kid zone, fireworks and more. Free to attend. Email tourism@mtvernon.com or call (618) 242-3151 for more information.
Cedarhurst Art & Craft Fair
Held each September. After a special preview party on Friday night, the fair is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 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. Live entertainment can be found in the beer tent and a huge children’s area is tons of fun for your little ones. Admission $5 adults, children under 12 free. Hotel packages are available for this event. Call (618) 242-1236 for more information.
Midwest Light Sport Aircraft Expo
Held in September at the Mt. Vernon Outland Airport. The event was created to sell LSA’s, LSA Ancillary Equipment and LSA related services, but everyone enjoys visiting and learning about the aircraft technology. For more information call (618) 242-7016.
Cedarhurst Ironclad Art: The Motorcycle
This event is held in late September and hosted by Cedarhurst Center for the Arts. You’ll see firsthand why our slogan is “Creativity Redefined” when you see the works of art found in more than 100 bikes from all makes, models, and generations! For more information call (618) 242-1236.
Fall Fest
Held the in late September. It is celebrated in the streets of downtown Mt. Vernon. Live music, free kid’s zone, the DMDC Cruise In & Car Show, vendors marketplace, amazing food court, a 100+ entry parade, 5K Race and more! For more information call (618) 242-3151 or email tourism@mtvernon.com.
Heritage Festival
This festival is held at the Jefferson County Historical Village the first Saturday in October. It is an interactive experience of history brought to life for the whole family. See how a blacksmith works, grind some corn, listen to folk music and enjoy the sites. Free admission. For more information call (618) 246-0033.
The Mt. Vernon Christmas Light Fight Parade & Activities
This special Christmas celebration is held on the first Saturday of December each year. Enjoy the Christmas Light Parade at 5:00 p.m. which will be followed by a tree lighting on the east side of the courthouse, singing, cookie decorating, crafts, refreshments, and more! Don’t forget to stop by Santa’s Cottage while you are there too! For more information call (618) 242-3151 or email tourism@mtvernon.com.
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