Mount Vernon’s final First Friday of 2025 celebrates back-to-school spirit Sept. 5

It’s time to sharpen your pencils, dust off your backpacks, and head downtown, because Experience Mount Vernon’s September First Friday is taking us back to school for one last hoorah of the season. The event takes place Friday, Sept. 5, from 6-9 p.m. in downtown Mount Vernon and is presented by The Parent Support Initiative of Knox County.

This family-friendly evening is designed to celebrate the incredible educational opportunities in our community while bringing together food, music, hands-on fun, and more. The centerpiece of the event is the department and activity fair on Public Square, where attendees can engage with representatives from Kenyon College, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Central Ohio Technical College, and the Knox County Schools Career Center. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet educators, explore programs and events, and learn something new, all in a fun, casual atmosphere.

Attendees will be able to grab dinner or a sweet treat from over ten food trucks along the Knox Foodies Food Truck Trail, presented by Ariel Corp. Whether you’re craving savory bites or sugary snacks, there will be something for every appetite.

The night’s entertainment will feature a toe-tapping street show performance by Six Miles to Nellie on Public Square, and an energetic MTVarts Community Corner on South Main Street, where the cast of SpongeBob the Musical will give a sneak peek performance.

For the youngest learners and explorers, Peterman Brothers presents Touch-a-Truck on West High Street. Kids can climb into Mount Vernon police cruisers and Mount Vernon fire trucks and meet the local heroes who drive them. The New Directions Teen Advisory Council and MVNU Athletics will host a high-energy KidZone on Public Square, featuring games, prizes, and fun activities for all ages.

Don’t forget to smile for the camera at the themed photo booth on West Gambier Street. This month, you can strike a pose at “The Yearbook Page,” sponsored by Burrata Woodfired, and get your First Friday superlative photo. For those arriving on two wheels, Get Healthy Knox County is offering its free bicycle valet on West Gambier Street, so attendees can park their bikes safely while enjoying the event. 

Also returning for the final First Friday of 2025 is the A+ Autobrokers Classic Cars and More Cruise-In on Vine Street, featuring a line-up of stunning vehicles sure to impress car enthusiasts of all ages.

Event organizers remind attendees that street closures will begin at 3 p.m. for parked cars and 3:30 p.m. for through traffic on Friday, Sept. 5, to facilitate event setup. Closed streets include: Main Street (Chestnut Street to Ohio Avenue), Public Square, High Street (Gay to Mulberry), Vine Street (Gay to Mulberry), and Gambier Street (Gay to Mulberry). All vehicles must be moved from these areas by 3 p.m.. Event parking is available in public lots on South Mulberry and South Gay Streets, as well as street parking on any open streets. 

September First Friday is the final event in the 2025 First Friday series, and Experience Mount Vernon encourages the entire community to come out, celebrate, and kick off the school year in style. With the support of our incredible sponsors, partners, and volunteers, we’re closing out the season with an event that earns an A+ in community spirit.

Upcoming Experience Mount Vernon 2025 Events:

— Friday, Oct. 3, 5-8 p.m.: 5th Annual Johnny Appleseed Fall Festival.

— Winter in Downtown (dates/times subject to change)

Saturday, Nov. 29: Shop Small Saturday.

Sunday, November 30:

3:45 p.m.: Annual Holiday Parade.

5:15 p.m.: Lighting of Public Square.

5:30-7 p.m.: Pictures with Santa.

3-5:30 p.m.: Holiday Photo Booth.

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 5:30-7 p.m.: Pictures with Santa.

Friday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Dec. 14: 6th Annual Festival of Lights Holiday Lighting Competition.

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