The premier cultural celebration returns to the streets of Downtown Mount Vernon. Starting Thu, Aug. 7, the 37th annual Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival (MVMAF) will have a packed schedule of performances from great artists, including headline musical acts from country chart-topper and veteran Craig Morgan, NBC’s The Voice contestants Sorelle, and Central Ohio icons Phil Dirt and the Dozers.
Craig Morgan. Photo provided by MVMAF
The headline concerts will be performed each night at 8:30. Preferred seating for Craig Morgan is available at $25, with $50 seats already sold out. You can also grab preferred seating for Sorelle and Phil Dirt & The Dozers for just $10 each. The community is also encouraged to bring bag chairs for traditional open seating outside of the ticketed seating.
Sorelle. Photo provided by MVMAF
In preparation for this four-day event, the Downtown streets, including the Public Square, will be closed at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6. Featuring local, regional, and national performing, creative, and visual artists, the 2025 MVMAF will officially open with performances from the Danville High School marching band and music from Dogwood Blossoms Chapter of Sweet Adelines at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7.
The diverse lineup of local and regional artists who will perform throughout the event includes Jess Kellie Adams, The Engine Room, John Dodson, Jamee Hershberger, Sarah Goslee Reed, The Shuman Band, Side Effects, Tavaci Elite, MTVarts, Dingler Studio, Desmond Wall, Jam for Jims, McKinley Figurski, juggler Mason Chesnut, Joey & Jess, and the Royal Princess Party.
A gastronomic experience is also available for everyone to enjoy during the Festival hours (Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Food trucks, cafes, and restaurants will be available during this DORA-approved event. The vendor village stretches along South Main Street, winding its way from the Square to Gambier Street.
With a mission to 'present a celebration of the arts; creating experiences that entertain, educate and inspire,' the MVMAF will aslo feature a variety of events, including the Festival Flower Show at The Living Center, KidFest on South Main Street, the Wood Design & Kiwanis Celebrity Pie Auction on Saturday, and the Car & Motorcycle Cruise-In on Sunday. Entertainment includes the Youth Showcase, a performance by the Mount Vernon High School marching band, a free Titanic artifact exhibit, and street performances by Madcap Living History.
The 2025 MVMAF is free and open to the public. Parking is available along South Gay Street and South Mulberry Street. Find more information at mvmaf.org or visit the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival Facebook page.
