Shake, Rattle & Roll downtown at June 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: Shake, Rattle, & Roll Downtown, a 1950s-themed community celebration happening Friday, June 5, from 6-9 p.m. in downtown Mount Vernon. This free, family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, hands-on activities, food, and more than 85 exhibitors and vendors.

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

Hungry? More than 10 food trucks 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 will offer interactive fun for kids, teens, and families, including games, free glitter tattoos, and make-and-take crafts. Families can also explore an expanded Touch-a-Truck experience, 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, or strike a pose at our 1950s-themed photo booth on Public Square. 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 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.

Street closures for parked vehicles begin at 2 p.m., with full road access to all traffic beginning at 3 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; and Gambier Street between S. Gay and S. Mulberry streets.

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

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