Summer is almost here, which means even more exciting events to attend in Mt. Vernon! Mark your calendar for these May events below. There is something for the entire family!
After School Art Time
May 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 3:30 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Strode Art Center at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
Take your kindergarten or first grader to Cedarhurst every Tuesday, after school in May, for hands-on, art time! Students may bring a snack and drink to enjoy during the first 15 minutes of class. This month, students will learn all about clay and explore their artistic skills. Cost is $60 for all four classes.
ABCs & Art Fine Art for Little Fingers
May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 10 a.m.- 10:45 a.m.
Schweinfurth House at Cedarhurst
Toddlers ages 1 ½ to 3 years old can expect a fun-filled morning with an educational story time and different art activity each week. May’s theme is “Colors of the Garden”. Cost is $60 for all four classes.
Cinco de Mayo
May 5th
Mt. Vernon is home to several spectacular Mexican restaurants! On Cinco de Mayo, many of these restaurants offer food and drink specials, live music, and more to celebrate the holiday. Find the following Mexican restaurants under our “Restaurant” tab and check out their facebook pages for Cinco de Mayo specials: Agave, Casa Raya, El Rancherito, La Fiesta, and La Fuente.
Echoes of Pompeii- A Tribute to Pink Floyd
May 6th, 8 p.m.
The Granada Theatre
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” with Echoes of Pompeii at The Granada Theatre. Playing all eras of Pink Floyd, Echoes of Pompeii is an 11 piece band with synthesizers, delayed vocals, slide guitars, and female backup singers. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online here:
Market Days- Mother’s Day
May 13th, 8 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Park
Come out and shop at the first Market Days of the season, sponsored by Continental Tire. Vendors will be set up both inside and outside. The first 200 people in attendance will receive a free, collectible tote bag. The first 200 ladies will also receive a free, special gift for Mother’s Day. Find a wide variety of crafts, jewelry, collectibles, flea market items, and more. Admission is free. To sign up as a vendor, please email tourism@mtvernon.com or call (618) 242-3151.
Mining and Mining Disasters
May 13th, 2 p.m.
Jefferson County Historical Village
Southern Illinois was once home to numerous, productive coal mines. The area has unfortunately also seen its share of mining tragedies. Local teacher and historian, Kari A. Dillingham will speak about the history of coal mining in Southern Illinois, including the Centralia Mine Disaster of 1947. Admission is free. Donations to the Jefferson County Historical Society are appreciated.
Cars and Coffee
May 20th, 7 a.m.- 9:30 a.m.
The Granada Theatre
Car lovers, come on out for a morning filled with classic cars and coffee. Showcase your own vehicle, meet other car enthusiasts, and enjoy a nice, warm cup of coffee with friends. Admission is free.
The Doorz
May 20th, 8 p.m.
The Granada Theatre
The Doorz, a Doors tribute band like no other, will bring the ultimate tribute to one of the most iconic bands in history. Led by the talented Billy Cherry, The Doorz will perform all of their greatest hits including, “Light my Fire” and “Riders on the Storm”. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.thegranadatheatre.com/events/thedoorz
Run for the Wall
May 23rd, 12- 1p.m.
Mt. Vernon Outland Airport
Run For The Wall is an annual motorcycle ride that calls for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), honors the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA), and supports veterans and military personnel all over the world. Hundreds of riders will stop in Mt. Vernon at 12:30 p.m. to refuel and then proceed to the Mt. Vernon Airport for a donated lunch. Onlookers are welcome to line Broadway to watch the parade of motorcycles and give honor as they pass through on the way to their next destination.
Strawberry Festival and Plant Sale
May 27th, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Jefferson County Historical Village
Strawberry season is here! A wide variety of plants and gardening materials will be available for purchase. Fresh strawberry shortcake and pulled pork sandwiches will also be available. New this year, come view classic cars at the Cruise-In at the Village. Cars will be parked at the red barn at the back of the village.
Pride Kick-Off: OUT Mt. Vernon
May 27th, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Rolland Lewis Building
