MOUNT VERNON — Experience Mount Vernon and Ariel-Foundation Park invite the community to celebrate the arrival of fall at the 6th Annual Johnny Appleseed Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 11.
The festival runs from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Schnormeier Event Center at Ariel-Foundation Park.
This free event features live music, food trucks, festive activities, local vendors, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy an autumn afternoon.
Attendees can enjoy live music by Blue Diggity, grab a bite from food trucks, and take part in festive activities, including hayrides, face painting, balloon animals, and pumpkin painting.
Additional attractions include a festive fall photo booth, the Traveling Acres Petting Zoo, and Touch-a-Tractor. Guests can also browse local art and craft vendors offering unique, handcrafted, and seasonal goods.
Guests are also invited to enjoy a little fishing during their visit. The pond at Ariel-Foundation Park will be stocked for the festival, and visitors are welcome to bring their own fishing gear and cast a line before or during the event.
“We’re excited to bring the Johnny Appleseed Fall Festival to Ariel-Foundation Park this year and try something new with a Sunday afternoon celebration,” Lacey Filkins, executive director of Experience Mount Vernon, said.
“The park provides a beautiful setting for a fall gathering, and we’re looking forward to working with Mike Miller and his team to welcome families for an afternoon filled with festive activities, live music, and plenty of opportunities to make memories.”
Sponsors and community partners make the 6th annual Johnny Appleseed Fall Festival possible. Experience Mount Vernon and Ariel-Foundation Park look forward to welcoming the community to this year’s celebration and making new memories together. Whether you’re stopping by for the music, activities, food, or simply to enjoy a fall afternoon with friends and family, there’s something for everyone.
For more information, visit www.experiencemv.org/jaaf.
Upcoming events
Following the Johnny Appleseed Fall Festival, Experience Mount Vernon will turn its attention to the holiday season with Winter in Downtown 2026. This year’s theme is “Holiday Movie Magic.”
The annual celebration will bring festive activities, holiday traditions, and community experiences to downtown Mount Vernon throughout the season.
This year’s schedule includes:
- Saturday, Nov. 28: Shop Small Saturday, all day.
- Monday, Nov. 30: Lighting of Public Square, 5–6 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 6: Annual Holiday Parade, 5 p.m., followed by Pictures with Santa at the Grand Hotel.
- Saturday, Dec. 12: Pictures with Santa from 1–2:30 p.m. at the Grand Hotel.
- Dec. 12–15: 7th Annual Festival of Lights Holiday Lighting Competition.