WMVO Good Times Great Oldies
Mount Vernon, Ohio — Experience Mount Vernon invites the entire community to kick off the holiday weekend in star-spangled style at First Friday – on a Thursday! The streets of Downtown Mount Vernon will come alive on July 3, 2025, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. with a Red, White, & Blue Party bursting with music, food, family fun, and patriotic flair.
While the calendar says Thursday, this is First Friday fun through and through – just early enough to launch your Independence Day weekend celebrations!
Presented by Open Road Renewables, this festive summer night has something for everyone:
Live Entertainment on Every Corner
- Knox County Foundation Public Square Main Stage
Rock out with New Mother Nature performing from 6:00–7:00 p.m. and 7:45–8:45 p.m. - Public Square Monument
Let freedom ring with the Mount Vernon Community Band playing patriotic classics from 7:00–7:30 p.m. - New Directions Community Corner on South Main Street
The Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival will host live performances and other entertainment all evening long.
A Feast of Flavor Awaits
Ariel Corporation presents the Knox Foodies Food Truck Trail, with over 10 local and regional food trucks ready to satisfy every appetite!
Family Fun for All Ages
- Gantt Homes presents the MVNU Athletics KidZone — inflatables and interactive fun on Public Square!
- Touch-a-Truck, hosted by PAK United, the Mount Vernon Fire Department, and the Mount Vernon Police Department and presented by Peterman Brothers, will wow kids with fire trucks, police cruisers, and more on West High Street.
- Photo Booth sponsored by Burrata Woodfired — Capture your patriotic pride at our Red, White, & Blue-themed photo stop on West Gambier Street!
- Classic Cars and more Cruise-In, brought to you by A+ Autobrokers, will line Vine Street with vintage charm.
- Free Bicycle Valet, hosted by Get Healthy Knox County, makes biking to the event easy and secure!
Know Before You Go
To safely welcome the community downtown, street closures begin at 3:30 p.m. on July 3. Closed streets include:
- Main Street from Chestnut Street to Ohio Avenue
- Public Square
- High Street from Gay Street to Mulberry Street
- Vine Street from South Gay Street to South Mulberry Street
- Gambier Street from South Gay Street to South Mulberry Street
Parking is available in public lots along South Mulberry and South Gay Streets, or along open side streets outside the closure zone. Please remove all vehicles from closed streets before 3:30 p.m.
Let’s Celebrate Together!
Bring your friends, your family, and your best patriotic outfit — and come party red, white, and blue style with us in the heart of Mount Vernon. It’s July First Friday…on a Thursday!
Follow @experiencemountvernon on social media for the latest event details, sneak peeks, and live updates.