Events

Featuring the Highwaymen Show Tribute

Presented by Ariel-Foundation Park and the City of Mount Vernon
Saturday, July 4

Doors at 5:00pm • Openers 5:30pm-7:15pm • Highwaymen Show Tribute 7:30pm • City of Mount Vernon Fireworks 10:00pm

VENUE:
Schnormeier Event Center, Ariel-Foundation Park
(10 Pittsburgh Ave., Mount Vernon, OH 43050)

Celebrate Independence Day 2026 with an unforgettable evening at Ariel-Foundation Park! On July 4th, the Schnormeier Event Center comes alive with the legendary sounds of the Highwaymen Show Tribute, honoring the iconic supergroup of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. This powerful tribute recreates the look, sound, and spirit of the original Highwaymen, performing timeless hits like “Ring of Fire,” “On the Road Again,” “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” and more.

The evening kicks off with openers Backroad Divas, bringing the signature songs of ‘90s country’s leading ladies to life, followed by Linden and Melvin, delivering a soulful blend of classic country and Americana. Bring your lawn chairs, grab some eats from local vendors, and enjoy a night of unforgettable music capped off with a dazzling fireworks display. Don’t miss this free, family-friendly celebration under the stars—Ariel-Foundation Park is the place to be this July 4th!

The Ariel-Foundation Park July 4th Celebration is sponsored by Ariel Corporation, Park National Bank, Gordy and Fran Yance, Knox County Foundation, Knox Community Hospital, Griffin Insurance, The Energy Cooperative, United Aggregates, and the Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Presented by The Triple F Collection

July 11, 2026

General Admission
Join us from 12pm–4pm for The Event 5 Benefiting Make-A-Wish at Ariel Foundation Park for an unforgettable afternoon featuring Hypercars, Supercars & more on display, up close and personal, with never-before-seen visuals. Present your code at the entrance to receive your general admission wristband - please note that local parking is limited, shuttles will be available.

Buy Tickets

Child: 12 & Under
All Children 12 years old or younger receive General Admission for FREE! However, don’t forget to add your tickets here so they can receive their child specific wristband on entry.

If the accompanying adult has purchased Early Entry, the children are of course included at no extra cost.

Early Entry
Have you always wished you could get the perfect photo, video clip or even simply check out a Hypercar without distraction? Early Entry begins at 10:30am and allows you 1.5 hours of extra viewing time before the crowds roll in! All benefiting the Make-A-Wish foundation. Present your code at the entrance to receive your early entry wristband beginning at 10:30am - please note that local parking is limited, shuttles will be available.

Buy Early Entry Tickets

Premier Parking: Early Entry Included (Limited QTY)
Want to skip the hassle of finding a Parking Spot nearby? Not only will you gain 1.5 hours of extra viewing time beginning at 10:30am, you will have a dedicated parking spot located right on Event grounds! Just present your Premier Parking Placard on arrival which will be mailed to you ahead of time. Once parked, present your early entry code at the entrance. All benefiting the Make-A-Wish foundation. 

Buy Premier

Presented by Ariel-Foundation Park & Ohio Goes to the Movies

Sunday, July 26 • 4:00pm

VENUE:
The Lakes at Ariel-Foundation Park
(10 Pittsburgh Ave., Mount Vernon, OH 43050)

FREE EVENT!

Celebrate Ohio’s rich film legacy with Ohio Goes to the Movies, a statewide, 250-day cinematic event coming to all 88 counties! Enjoy screenings of iconic films, hidden gems, and historic footage—all with ties to the Buckeye State. As part of the festivities, Ariel-Foundation Park will present a special outdoor screening of Bye Bye Birdie in tribute to Mount Vernon native Paul Lynde.

Partnership events are supported, in part, through a grant from the Knox County Foundation and the City of Mount Vernon Lodging Excise Tax.

Presented by Ariel-Foundation Park
Saturday, August 1

4:00 PM-5:30 PM

VENUE:
Schnormeier Event Center
(201 S Norton St., Mount Vernon, OH 43050)

FREE EVENT!

Get ready to groove and move at our Fantastic Family Dance Party! Join us as we turn the Schnormeier Event Center into a kid-friendly dance club. The whole family can rock out to their favorite pop songs , learn new dances, and party with friends. Goodie bag with gifts are available to the first 100 kids under 16 along with character meet-and-greets, free pizza, and ice cream from Velvet. Admission is FREE!

The Fantastic Family Dance Party is sponsored by Park National Bank, Knox Community Hospital, the Parent Support Initiative of Knox County, the Knox County Foundation, and Velvet Ice Cream

Presented by Praisestock
Sunday, August 23

Worship Service at 10:00 AM
Music and activities 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM

VENUE:
Schnormeier Event Center, Ariel-Foundation Park
(10 Pittsburgh Ave., Mount Vernon, OH 43050)

Visit the Praisestock Website

Supporting Food For the Hungry, Praisestock is an annual outdoor live Christian worship event highlighting outreach in the community. Sponsored by several local churches, this family-friendly event will include a morning worship service, music from bands and worship teams, children’s activities, food from local vendors, information from local Christian organizations, and more. This is a FREE event.

Partnership events are supported, in part, through a grant from the Knox County Foundation and the City of Mount Vernon Lodging Excise Tax.

Presented by CES Credit Union
Saturday, Saturday 19

Julia Neville 6:30 PM
Simba Jordan 8:00 PM

VENUE:
Schnormeier Event Center, Ariel-Foundation Park

(10 Pittsburgh Ave., Mount Vernon, OH 43050)

CES Website

Get ready for a night of high-energy boots and booming vocals! CES Credit Union is thrilled to announce that regional powerhouses Simba Jordan and Julia Neville will headline the Fourth Annual Concert Night for the Community on Saturday, September 19th.

Presented by Ariel-Foundation Park and the Knox County Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, September 27 • 3:00pm

VENUE:

Schnormeier Event Center, Ariel-Foundation Park
(10 Pittsburgh Ave., Mount Vernon, OH 43050)

Free Event!

Designed with little ones in mind, this one-hour concert event always has a fun theme to engage and delight children. They are encouraged to dance, wiggle, and come to the stage to check out the instruments and maybe even have the opportunity to conduct the orchestra! Once again, the Gund Gallery at Kenyon College will be enhancing the musical experience by providing art activities for the Symphony’s youngest patrons. After the concert, join us for cookies and cider and the opportunity to meet the musicians. Bring your own chair or use one of ours. This event is free to the public!

Partnership events are supported, in part, through a grant from the Knox County Foundation and the City of Mount Vernon Lodging Excise Tax.

Presented by Experience Mount Vernon
Sunday, October 11 • 3:00pm-5:00pm

VENUE:
Schnormeier Event Center, Ariel-Foundation Park
(10 Pittsburgh Ave., Mount Vernon, OH 43050)

FREE EVENT!

Celebrate fall family fun at the 6th Annual Johnny Appleseed Fall Festival, presented by The Peoples Bank of Gambier! This year, Experience Mount Vernon is partnering with Ariel-Foundation Park to bring an even bigger and better autumn celebration to the beautiful Schnormeier Event Center on Sunday, October 11 from 3:00–5:00 PM.

Bring the whole family out for an afternoon packed with festive fun, including the Traveling Acres Petting Zoo sponsored by The Mount Vernon Grand Hotel and Great Point Kitchen & Events, balloon animals, pumpkin painting, hayrides, delicious food trucks sponsored by Glen Hill Orchards, live music by Blue Diggity, and more fall-themed activities for all ages.

Grab your flannel, enjoy the crisp autumn air, and make memories with family and friends at one of Mount Vernon’s favorite fall traditions! FREE COMMUNITY EVENT