June First Friday 2026

"On The Road With Big Blue” – June First Friday Edition

Join WNZR in downtown Mount Vernon on Friday 6/5 for June’s First Friday!

Break out the bobby socks, poodle skirts, and blue suede shoes because Downtown Mount Vernon is ready to rock around the clock at June First Friday.

This month’s theme is Shake, Rattle, & Roll Downtown. Join the 1950s-themed community celebration on Friday, June 5, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. in downtown Mount Vernon.

This free, family-friendly event is sponsored by Edward Jones of Mount Vernon and will feature live entertainment, hands-on activities, food, and more than 85 exhibitors and vendors!

WNZR will be in downtown Mount Vernon for June’s First Friday!

Look for Big Blue on South Main Street, near the dog fountain.

Stop by and register to win a special "Sip, Shop and Splash" prize basket featuring:

One $15.00 gift card to Happy Bean Coffee Shop

One $25.00 gift card to the ACTS Center Thrift Store

A Family 4 Pack of One-Day Passes to the Hiawatha Water Park and Pool (Valued at $36)

Plus, WNZR goodies including an “On the Road with Big Blue" t-shirt, NIV Bible, water bottle,

micro-fiber cloth, hand fan, Frisbees, guitar flyswatter, magnets, chip clips and more! The prize package is valued at over $100!

Activities include:

Guests can twist the night away with live music by Project Roundtable on the Edward Jones Main Stage on the Public Square.

The Community Spotlight, sponsored by MTVarts, will feature special sneak peek performances by the MTVarts cast of Grease.

Event attendees will also have the chance to sign up to test their music knowledge with a special 1950s edition of Name That Tune, hosted by Experience Mount Vernon Events Chair, Ian Ernsberger, adding a little friendly competition and plenty of oldies fun to the evening!

While you’re enjoying the live music and performances, stop by the Words on Wheels (W.O.W.) Bus and grab a free book provided by Giving Hope Charity.

More than 10 food trucks, sponsored by Ariel Corporation, will be serving up favorites throughout the event, including on Public Square, West Vine Street, and West Gambier Street.
A new and improved Activity Zone on South Main Street, sponsored by Chevrolet GMC of Mount Vernon, will offer interactive fun for kids, teens, and families, including games hosted by MVNU Athletics, free glitter tattoos with Creations 2 Dye 4, and make-and-take crafts with Experience Mount Vernon volunteers.

Families can also explore an expanded Touch-a-Truck experience, sponsored by CES Credit Union, featuring vehicles and equipment from United Aggregates, Chevrolet GMC of Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon Fire Department, and Mount Vernon Police Department.

Looking for even more activities? Head over to East High Street to test your aim at the archery trailer provided by the Knox County Fish and Game Association.

Strike a pose at our 1950s-themed photo booth on Public Square, sponsored by the Teen Advisory Council!

Want to show off your First Friday pride? Stop by the Experience Mount Vernon information table to grab a limited edition First Friday temporary tattoo. Be sure to collect all four throughout the season!

June First Friday will mark the debut of the First Friday Passport, a new free activity hosted by Experience Mount Vernon for children 12 and under. Participants can pick up a passport at the Experience Mount Vernon information table on Public Square, complete activities each month to earn stamps, and be entered to win that month’s prize pack. Participants who collect all four months’ stamps will be entered into a drawing for a $150 downtown experience gift card, redeemable at over 30 downtown locations!

As always, all First Friday events and activities are free and open to the public!

Please note that a cruise-in will not be part of this event.

Event Logistics
Street closures for parked vehicles begin at 2:00 p.m., with full road closures to all traffic beginning at 3:00 p.m., including:

Main Street between Chestnut Street and Ohio Avenue

All of Public Square

High Street between Gay and Mulberry Streets

Vine Street between S. Gay and S. Mulberry Streets

Gambier Street between S. Gay and S. Mulberry Streets

Guests are encouraged to ride to the event and take advantage of the free bicycle valet on West Vine Street, hosted by Get Healthy Knox County. Cyclists can enjoy secure, complimentary bike parking while exploring First Friday, making it easy to roll into downtown and join in the fun.

Whether you come for the music, the food, the family activities, or just to stroll downtown and soak up the nostalgia, June First Friday promises a toe-tappin’, soda-shop-style good time for all ages. Experience Mount Vernon invites the community to kick off summer, support local businesses, and make memories in the heart of downtown.

Follow @experiencemountvernon on social media for the latest event details, sneak peeks, and live updates.