Art weaves communities together, stitching local pride and cohesion. By nurturing local artists and hosting cultural festivals and exhibitions, small towns create vibrant tapestries that celebrate local talent and enrich their shared identity. Over the course of the last few years Mount Vernon has created a “rural renaissance”, phrase often used by Mount Vernon Arts Consortium Executive Director, Martin Booker. “Mount Vernon has always had a love for the arts and an extremely robust community of artists and musicians,” says Booker. “It’s so exciting to see how the collaboration has just continued to grow in new ways, creative ways and just overall supporting each other with great pride for our small town.”
“Mount Vernon Presents…” began last year as a kick-off to the 2024 arts and entertainment schedule with local partners like Ariel-Foundation Park, Experience Mount Vernon, the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival, the Woodward Opera House, the Knox Memorial,Community Concert Association of Knox County and the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium. While there are many more arts partners, businesses and organizations that contribute to Mount Vernon’s local talent, events and vibrancy, these partner groups have joined together to elevate the historic stages and arts scene. Working together to streamline scheduling, marketing, technical needs, volunteers, donations and more; this group is cultivating a creative network of support.
As the arts partners kick off a new season of “Mount Vernon Presents…”, they’ve saved you a seat and invited you to preview all the magic and electrifying entertainment, coming to town in 2025! This FREE event will feature live performances, ticket giveaways, major show announcements, ticket presales, and more. Doors, bar, and concessions open at 5:30pm, program begins at 6:00pm at the Knox Memorial Theater.
So call your friends, make it a night out and join our talented arts partners on February 8th!
Interested in learning more about these arts partners? Here’s a look beyond the lights….
Did you know the Knox Memorial Theater is celebrating 100 years in 2025!?!? Since 1925, the Knox Memorial Theater has been a monument in the life of the arts in central Ohio. From regular live theatrical performances to unique recreational and educational opportunities, from dynamic concerts to inspirational speakers, the facility honors Knox County veterans through its spirited use. In celebration of 100 years, they are kicking off a Name-A-Seat Campaign! Seat sponsorship will generate funds for immediate use to support technical stage equipment purchase and maintenance. Celebrate a veteran, loved one, honor an arts lover, or give a gift to the person who has everything with a seat donation that leaves a legacy. These seats have never been available for naming, so now is your chance!
Did you know the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival brings over 12,000+ community members and visitors to downtown every August!? 2024 was a record year for the festival with over 15,500 art lovers converging onto Main Street. Every August the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival shuts down Main Street and turns up the volume with local, regional and award-winning artists performing all weekend.
Did you know the Woodward Opera House is the oldest, authentic operating 19th century theater in North America!? Built in the mid-1800s and reopened in 2019 after a 20+ year restoration. Located in the heart of Mount Vernon’s vibrant downtown, the Woodward showcases the perfect blend of vintage style and elegance with modern amenities. Its proximity to restaurants, breweries, and lodging makes it the perfect choice for a memorable event.
Local Tip: Dinner and a show! Enjoy (lunch or) dinner at Bickerdyke Table & Tap, located on the first floor of the Woodward. Paying homage to the Knox County Civil War nurse Mary Ann Ball known as “Mother Bickerdyke", BTT is locally owned and operated, now brewing their own unique beers!
Did you know Ariel-Foundation Park is celebrating 10 years in 2025!?Located just steps from South Main Street, the park is a stunning 250-acre example of adaptive reuse, created on the former site of a glass-making factory. It offers architectural ruins, lakes, observation tower, walking trails, steel sculptures, a museum, and connections to both the Kokosing Gap Trail and the Heart of Ohio Trail. When you attend the preview learn about the epic events taking place at the park in 2025.
Local Tip: Fourth of July falls on a Friday in 2025, join the park as they invite 6,000+ closest friends and visitors to experience the firework show!
Did you know that MTVarts offers acting and create arts classes for all ages!? MTVarts believes in the power of arts education. They focus on varying aspects of arts education, small group instruction, performance-based workshops, and partnerships to connect live theatre to the classroom. Their impact is felt across generations of local talent and in 2024, their team received the Investor in the Future award from Knox County Chamber of Commerce, Nonprofit of the Year from Experience Mount Vernon and Director Janis Stone received Volunteer of the Year from The City of Mount Vernon, Ohio.
Did you know Community Concert Association of Knox County has been providing the community entertainment for nearly 100 years!? Community Concerts, first started in Mount Vernon in 1919 and was called “Community Music Club.” Today the Community Concert Association of Knox County offers six concerts a year at the Knox Memorial. Individual tickets can be purchased, but memberships are a great way to invest and support the arts.
Did you know that Experience Mount Vernon offers a Downtown E-Gift Card!? The perfect gift for birthdays, celebrations, anniversaries and any reason to shop in Downtown Mount Vernon. The downtown e-gift card removes the hassle and makes it easy to shop for anyone; cards can be used at 20 different shops and restaurants!
Local Tip: When planning your visit to Mount Vernon, check the event calendar to see what is happening downtown during your visit. From First Fridays, food events, merchants shop hops and more, there is always something fun going on for the whole family!
Did you know Mount Vernon Arts Consortium has a box office on South Main Street!? Dedicated to amplifying the arts and entertainment in Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon Arts Consortium Box Office is open Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at 214 South Main Street. Their knowledgable team can help you purchase your tickets, answer event inquires and connect you to your next creative adventure.
