Mt. Vernon - Rockcastle County Tourism

Cinco De Mayo Celebration in Mt. Vernon
2024-05-03 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Kentucky/Louisville) | City of Mt. Vernon, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
Join us in celebrating Cinco De Mayo (a couple of days earlier) on Friday, May 3rd, along Main Street in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky! From 5PM to 8PM, we will have all of our Mexican restaurants in Rockcastle County serving delicious specials. There will be Latino dance lessons, dj music, art demonstrations, and vendors along Main Street. We will have tables and chairs set up so you and your family can enjoy your meal and other activities.

Renfro Valley Dual Sport Ride
2024-05-04 07:00 - 2024-05-05 17:00 | Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, 2590 Richmond Street, Mt. Vernon, 40456, United States
Renfro Valley Dual Sport Motorcycle Ride will be held on May 4th and 5th. The ride is on challenging trails and scenic winding roads that wind through teh Daniel Boone Forest. Much of this course is used only once a eyar during this dual sport ride. You’ll get to take in the view of the beautiful scenery and famous landmarks. Come join us for plenty of fun! There is NO limit on the number of riders. Riding miles is 90-100 miles each day.
Registration will be held at KY Music Hall of Fame & Museum at 2590 Richmond Road, Mt. Vernon, KY 40456. Registration will be Friday 5PM to 8PM, Saturday 7AM to 8AM, and Sunday 7AM to 8:30 AM.
Cost for 2 day $110 that includes lunch on Saturday, dinner on Saturday night, and raffle on Saturday. Cost for 1 day is $65 and includes 1 day of riding. Cash or checks only on day of event. ATM on site.
More info: 513-371-6140 or email renfrovalleydualsport@gmail.com
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Friday After Five
2024-05-17 18:00, 2024-06-21 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-07-19 18:00 - 20:00 | City of Mt. Vernon, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
Friday After Five on Main Street in Downtown Mt. Vernon, Kentucky
Free Non-Judged Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show on Main Street
Cornhole Tournament
Kid’s Activities with Rockcastle Arts Association
Live Music Each Month
May 18th: Donovan Howard Trio
June 21st: Driftwood Gypsy
July 19th: Bill Taylor & The Appalachian Heatherns
Everything kicks off at 6:00 PM.

Great Saltpetre Cave Open House Weekend
2024-05-18 10:00 - 2024-05-19 15:30 | Great Saltpetre Cave, 237 Saltpetre Cave Road, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
The next Great Saltpetre Cave Preserve Open House is:
Saturday, May 18, 2024 – 10am to 3:30pm
Sunday, May 19, 2024 – 10am to 3:30pm.
(Note: The Open House is always the weekend after Mother’s Day.)
Great Saltpetre Cave was a significant source of saltpeter for gunpowder during the War of 1812. (Note: “saltpetre” is the old spelling.)
The property has been an important part of the Rockcastle County community. Join us for:

Guided tours of the Cave.
Free soup beans and corn bread.
Food concession stand operated by the Livingston Fire Department.
Souvenir concession stand.
Miles of hiking trails.
Bring a picnic lunch.

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Bring the whole family for a great day of interesting fun. The free cave tours last 45 to 60 minutes. The cave has electric lights. The cave floor is generally flat. Dress for the cave environment – comfortable shoes and a sweat shirt. The cave is 57 degrees year-round. Bring a flashlight, if you wish.
Admission is free, but donations to the Preserve are always appreciated!
Special Note!
Due to several unfortunate problems at Open House 2023, please leave your pets and horses at home. Thank You.
See us on facebook at: www.facebook.com/thegreatsaltpetrecave/.
Directions:
I-75 to Exit 59 (Mt Vernon/Livingston). Go East on Route 25 for about 100 yards.
Turn Left onto route 1004, continue on route 1004 about 4 miles
until it comes to a “T” (Just past RR tracks and cement bridge).
Turn right and continue about 5 miles farther to the Great Saltpetre Preserve.

KENTUCKY BLUES MUSIC FESTIVAL
2024-06-22 17:00 - 21:00 | Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Amphitheater, 2590 Richmond Street, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
Mount Vernon Rockcastle Tourism, City of Mount Vernon, Kentucky, and Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum proudly present the 2nd Annual Kentucky Blues Music Festival. It will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 in the Amphitheater behind the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. 2024 will feature KMHOF Inductee, Tee Dee Young , along with Rachel Crowe and 2024 Artist in Residence Donovan Howard Music Trio. Music kicks off at 5PM and is FREE to attend.

Patriotic Concert
2024-07-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Amphitheater, 2590 Richmond Street, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
Join the Lexington Concert Band Orchestra for a special Patriotic Concert on Friday, July 5th, at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Amphitheater. It is free to attend and all ages. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on and enjoy the music. Music kicks off at 7:00 PM.

A Midsummer Night's Talent Show
2024-07-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Amphitheater, 2590 Richmond Street, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
The Second Annual A Midsummer Night’s Talent Show will be held on July 27, 2024 at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum outdoor amphitheater at 6:00 PM. It is FREE to attend and enter – you must pre-register to enter.

The prize money has doubled! Each category winner will receive $200 and one of them will be named the overall winner and receive an additional $2000!

Categories have been added!
VOCAL/MUSICAL- Solo – ages 15 and under
VOCAL/MUSICAL- Solo – ages 16 and over
VOCAL/MUSICAL – Group – ages 15 and under
VOCAL/MUSICAL – Group – Ages 16 and over
DANCE – ages 15 and under
DANCE – ages 16 and over
VARIETY/NON-MUSICAL – ages 15 and under
VARIETY/NON-MUSICAL – ages 16 and over

If you are interested in competing this year – please check out the registration link for more information!
https://forms.gle/HBkonzAG8aATDSsv9

Livingston Homecoming
2024-08-30 - 2024-08-31 | City of Livingston, KY, 9317 Main Street, Livingston, KY, United States
Enjoy family and fellowship at the 2024 Livingston Homecoming in Downtown Livingston, Kentucky on August 30-31st. For more information, call 606-308-4543
Friday, August 30th
6PM: 52nd Annual Gospel Singing
Saturday, August 31st
8AM: Community Country Breakfast in School Cafe
10AM: Parade Lineup at Livingston Holiness Church
11AM: Parade Starts
12PM: Awards Ceremony at Old Firehouse
12PM: Cornhole Tournament
1PM: Pink Pig Auction
3PM: Gospel Music by Medley Boys
4PM: Music by Chris Kirby
5PM: Car Show at Livingston Holiness Church
6PM: Bluegrass Music by Timberline Road
8PM: Country Music by Straight Forward
10PM: Fireworks

Rocktember Blast
2024-09-01 18:00 - 22:00 | Rockcastle County Industrial Park, Progress Drive, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
Mark your calendars for September 1st for the return of Rocktember Blast! Just like last year, it will be held in the Industrial Park on Progress Drive off US-150 in Mt. Vernon, KY. Things will kick off at 6PM with fireworks at dusk. There will be music, a variety of food trucks, inflatables for the kids, and more!

Event is brought to you by the City of Mount Vernon, Rockcastle County Fiscal Court, and Mount Vernon – Rockcastle County Fiscal Court.

KENTUCKY FOOD TRUCK CHAMPIONSHIP
2024-09-14 11:00 - 18:00 | Renfro Valley Entertainment Center Festival Field, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
Mark your calendars for our 4th Annual Kentucky Food Truck State Championship in Renfro Valley, Kentucky on September 14, 2024. In 2023, we had 36 Food Trucks competing to win category prizes, as well as the $5,000 cash prize for Grand Champion! Over 10,000 attended in 2023, which included 36 food truck vendors, 30 craft vendors, live music, and Children’s activities. We plan to have an even bigger championship planned for 2024.

Bittersweet Fall Festival
2024-10-04 17:00 - 22:00 | City of Mt. Vernon, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
Bittersweet Fall Festival in Downtown Mt. Vernon, Kentucky – Enjoy free concerts, fun activities for the whole family, craft vendors, food trucks, and more on October 4-5, 2024.
Craft Vendor and Food Truck Vendor Registration – Contact City Hall at 606-256-3437 for more information
Concert Lineup
Friday, October 4th: Tim Goodin, Bill Taylor & the Appalachian Heatherns, Donovan Howard Trio, and Shane Winkler Band
Saturday, October 5th: 7eventh Time Down, We Are Vessel, Empowered, Azlyn, and Jaclyn Bullock

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
2024-10-26 19:00 - 22:00 | Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, 2380 Richmond Street, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
Join us as the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame welcomes Black Stone Cherry, Rodney Griffin, Bobby Mackey, Paul Martin, Jimmy Mattingly, The McLain Family Band, Billy Moore, Ruble Sanderson, Sturgill Simpson, Charlie Sizemore, and Gary Stewart into the Class of 2024. The Induction Ceremony will take place on October 26, 2024, at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center. Tickets are available to the public for purchase starting Friday, March 1st at 10:00 AM at www.renfrovalley.com.
Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Jessica at kentuckymusichalloffame@gmail.com or calling 606-256-1000.

2nd Annual Quilt Show at the KY Music Hall of Fame
2025-02-01 12:00 - 17:00 | Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, 2590 Richmond Street, Mt. Vernon, 40456, United States
Kentucky Music Hall of Fame will host their 2nd Annual Quilt Show on Saturday, February 1st, 2025. It is free to enter up to 2 quilts. There will be two categories, youth (17 & under) and Adult (18 and older). Attendees will vote for their favorite quilt, and we will have a winner in each category. Winners will take home a $100 cash prize.
Admission is $5 per person (Children 12 & under free). There will also have Quilting Related Vendors on hand that day and Door Prize Giveaways!Link to sign up to show your quilts: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2025QuiltShow

Renfro Valley Dual Sport Motorcycle Ride
2025-05-03 - 2025-05-05 | Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, 2590 Richmond Street, Mt. Vernon, 40456, United States
Renfro Valley Dual Sport Motorcycle Ride will be held on May 3-4, 2025. Participants will ride approximately 100 miles each day of challenging trails and scenic winding roads through the KY Renfro Valley region, including the Daniel Boone Forest. We are excited to announce that Concerts 4 A Cause, a KY 501(c)(3) non-profit, will host the 2025 annual ride and donate the net proceeds to benefit local charitable organizations, including the Climax, Livingston, and Sand Gap Fire Departments and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Registering online before the event is highly encouraged. Late registration will be accepted online and on-site at an increased ticket cost. Cash or credit card is accepted for on-site registration. See the event schedule for on-site registration times. This event will be held rain or shine.
NEW! A kick-off dinner and raffle drawing for door prizes will be held on Friday, May 2 for all riders registered by this date. There will not be a dinner on Saturday.
REGISTER TO RIDE HERE: https://renfrovalleydualsport.ticketspice.com/renfro-valley-dual-sport

Bulls and Barrels 2025
2025-05-03 15:00 - 23:00 | Brodhead Fairgrounds, Castle Village Dr, Brodhead, Kentucky
Join us for an exciting night of bull riding and barrel racing action at Brodhead Fairgrounds! But there’s more! Come be a cowboy for a day as we bring the west, east! The action begins at 7pm, but the gates open at 3pm for all the western fun. In addition to amazing food, mutton busting, and western vendors, we will have additional opportunities for fun that include a petting zoo, horse rides, mechanical bulls, and more! There is an additional charge for horse rides and mechanical bulls. Mutton busting begins at 6pm. Registration is limited to 30 riders. See the mutton busting section for more details.

Riverside Rendezvous Music Festival
2025-05-16 - 2025-05-17 | Rockcastle Riverside, 4211 Lower River Road, Livingston, KY, 40456, United States
Come hang with us at the Riverside Rendezvous Music Festival, in scenic Livingston, KY! Gather with friends, family, and fellow music lovers to experience the magic of live performances from top regional and local bands, delicious food, and handmade artisan crafts. The Rockcastle Riverside is a full service campground with 20 electric hook-ups, water, and dump station. Located in the middle of the Daniel Boone National Forest on the Rockcastle River, The Riverside is home to miles of trails, pristine woods and rock formations, and secluded primitive campsites. Fish, kayak, swim or just enjoy the scenery!

Great Saltpetre Cave Open House
2025-05-17 10:00 - 15:30 | Great Saltpetre Cave, 237 Saltpetre Cave Road, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
Great Saltpetre Preserve Open House for 2025:
Saturday, May 17, 2025 – 10am to 3:30pm (gate entry closes; last cave tour at 3:30pm)
Sunday, May 18, 2025 – 10am to 3:30pm. (gate entry closes; last cave tour at 3:30pm)
(Note: The Open House is always the weekend after Mother’s Day.)
Admission is free, but donations to the Preserve are always appreciated!
Detailed Info on Open House is available on their website, located at https://gsp.caves.org/info/openhouse.shtml
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/thegreatsaltpetrecave
Directions: I-75 to Exit 59 (Mt Vernon/Livingston). Go East on Route 25 for about 100 yards.
Turn Left onto route 1004, continue on route 1004 about 4 miles
until it comes to a “T” (Just past RR tracks and cement bridge).
Turn right and continue about 5 miles farther to the Great Saltpetre Preserve.

Great Saltpetre Preserve Open House
2025-05-18 10:00 - 15:30 | Great Saltpetre Cave, 237 Saltpetre Cave Road, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States

Mount Vernon Summer Kick-Off Party
2025-05-22 17:00 - 20:00 | City of Mt. Vernon, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
Join us for a Summer Kick Off Party on Main Street in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky. We will have a non-judged Car, Truck, & Motorcycle Show with DJ Charlie Napier providing music, Cornhole Tournament, Patriotic Themed Art Exhibit at Rockcastle Arts, and more! It is free to attend and enter in the car show. Cornhole Tournament signups are in person. Sponsored by the City of Mount Vernon and Mt. Vernon – Rockcastle County Tourist Commission.

Volks Valley Rally 2025 Car Show
2025-06-07 09:00 - 14:00 | Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, 2590 Richmond Street, Mt. Vernon, 40456, United States
Join the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Central Kentucky Volkswagen Car Club for their annual Volks Valley Rally on Saturday, June 7th. This event continues to grow each year in the field beside the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. It is $25 to register – pre-registration guarantees a tshirt. Free to attend the show as a spectator. There will be dj music and food trucks. Then that evening there will be the Kentucky Blues Music Festival. Make it a full day of fun and music for the whole family!

3rd Annual Kentucky Blues Music Festival
2025-06-07 18:00 - 22:00 | Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Amphitheater, 2590 Richmond Street, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
Join us for the 3rd Annual Kentucky Blues Music Festival on Saturday, June 7th at 6:00 PM. 2022 Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Member, Tee Dee Young will capture our hearts with his soulful music, along with Treyvon King Band and Donovan Howard Music. It will be held on our Amphitheater Stage behind the Hall of Fame. This event is FREE to attend and all ages are invited. Be sure to bring a lawn chair, bug spray, sunscreen. We will have food trucks, as well as beer & wine available for sale. This event is sponsored by Mount Vernon Rockcastle Tourism and the City of Mt. Vernon, KY.

Rockcastle County Farmers' Market
2025-07-08 16:00 - 19:00 | Rockcastle County Farmers Market, 180 Richmond Street, Mt. Vernon, 40456, United States
The Rockcastle Farmers Market is now open 3 days a week!
Come see us for fresh produce, local goods, flowers, and more!

Open: Tuesday 4pm-7pm, plus Thursday & Saturday 9 AM – 1 PM
Located at 180 Richmond street Mount Vernon Ky 40456

Support local – shop fresh, eat fresh!

Firecracker 4K Walk 5K Run
2025-07-12 08:00 - 17:00 | Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, 2380 Richmond Street, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
Celebrate summer with a patriotic bang! This new 2025 race is sure to be a fast one on the flat Renfro Valley course. Proceeds benefit the Mount Vernon Lions Club.

A Midsummer's Night Talent Show
2025-07-26 18:00 - 22:00 | Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Amphitheater, 2590 Richmond Street, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
Join us for the Midsummer’s Night Talent Show with the Rockcastle Arts Association! There are special categories for singing, dancing, and other talents for all ages. The event is held annually on the last Saturday in July at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Amphitheater. The event is free to attend. More information coming soon.

Duck Duck Jeep End of Summer Bash
2025-08-28 17:00 - 20:00 | City of Mt. Vernon, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
Join us for a Jeep-lovin’, duck-tradin’, end-of-summer celebration!Bring your ride, bring your ducks, and bring your friends!
DJ Music from Charlie Napier Cornhole Tournament Non-Judged Car, Truck, & Motorcycle Show with Jeep feature Duck Trading Fun Door Prizes

Free to show and attend.
Main Street – Mt. Vernon, KY Wednesday, August 28th 5:00 PM – 8:00 PMFollow us on social media for updates and more details!
These events are brought to you by City of Mount Vernon, KY, Mt Vernon – Rockcastle County Tourism, and Rockcastle Arts Association.

Rocktember Blast
2025-08-31 18:00 - 22:30 | Rockcastle County Industrial Park, Progress Drive, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
Join us for the 3rd Annual Rocktember Blast on Sunday, August 31st starting at 6:00 PM. We’ll have inflatables, DJ music, Rolling Stoves Food Truck, Matilda’s Dogs & Munchies Food Trucks, Silcox Ice Truck as well as fireworks (at dusk). It will be held at the Rockcastle County Industrial Park off US-150 in Mt. Vernon, KY. This event is brought to you by City of Mount Vernon, KY, Rockcastle County Fiscal Court, and Mount Vernon – Rockcastle County Tourist Commission.

Go Glow Fun Run
2025-09-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Rockcastle County Industrial Park, Progress Drive, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
Join us for the Glow Go Fun Run on Friday, September 13, complete with neon race T-shirt and glow necklace/bracelet! Proceeds benefit CASA.
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA volunteers are community-based and are appointed by judges to serve in child abuse and neglect cases.

5th Annual Kentucky Food Truck Championship
2025-09-13 11:00 - 18:00 | Renfro Valley Entertainment Center Festival Field, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
Mark your calendars for our 5th Annual Kentucky Food Truck State Championship in Renfro Valley, Kentucky on September 13, 2025. We will have over 40 Food Trucks, 30+ Craft Vendors, as well as Beer and Wine Garden. Competitors are judged by a 4 judge panel for overall champion and category winners. Attendees will get the chance to vote for their favorite in the special People’s Choice Award.
Event kicks off at 11:00 AM and goes through 6:00 PM. We are located right off I-75 at Exit 62 (Renfro Valley). You will park at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, located at 2380 Richmond Street, Mt. Vernon, KY. Then walk over the bridge to the RV Park. It is FREE to attend with $5 per vehicle parking fee.
