Blues, Brews & BBQ returns to historic downtown Mount Vernon on June 27

Historic downtown Mount Vernon will come alive with the sounds of blues and the aroma of award-worthy barbecue on Saturday, June 27, as Blues, Brews & BBQ returns for a full day of entertainment from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public and is proudly brought to the community by Knox Foodies, a local social media hub dedicated to celebrating regional cuisine and “supporting local; one bite at a time.”

This year’s festival features some of the region’s most celebrated blues musicians, including:

• The Joint Rockers – Award-winning performers known for their high-energy, classic blues sound.

• John Henry & the Rainmakers – A crowd favorite blending soulful vocals with electric rhythm.

• The Shaun Booker Dammit Band – The headlining act, bringing powerhouse vocals and unforgettable stage presence.

Guests can enjoy live music throughout the day while sampling barbecue from some of the area’s best pitmasters.

Festival attendees will have the chance to vote for their favorite dishes in several categories, with trophies awarded for:

• Best Chicken

• Best Pork

• Best Ribs

• Best Brisket

• People’s Choice: Best BBQ

Local pride and friendly rivalry make this one of the most anticipated parts of the event. This year’s participating BBQ vendors are: Big Pappy’s BBQ; Squeals on Wheels; Cub Country; The Ugly Drum; Chef Shack; Fine Smoke; Dragon Pit BBQ; Texas Steel BBQ; Pit Stop Express; and The Real McCoy BBQ.

Blues, Brews & BBQ is designed for the whole family. The Family Fun Zone will feature:

• Local artists and vendors

• Activities hosted by the Knox County Public Library – Mount Vernon Branch

• The WOW Bus, offering games and free book selections for kids

• Face painting and temporary tattoos

This event is part of Mount Vernon’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), allowing guests to enjoy beverages from participating establishments as they explore the festival. Many downtown shops and restaurants will remain open throughout the day.

To accommodate the festivities, South Main Street will be closed from the Public Square to Gambier Street. Free public parking is available in nearby lots.

For more information and updates, follow Knox Foodies on Facebook and join the community that celebrates local flavors, local talent, and local pride.