Award-winning author Charles Yu, whose groundbreaking novel Interior Chinatown inspired the Hulu Series, will join NEA Big Read Chair Ira Sukrungruang in conversation at Knox Memorial Theater in downtown Mount Vernon. Festivities begin with a performance by Jingwei Lion Dance Association of Columbus, Ohio, followed by Charles Yu's reading and discussion of Interior Chinatown. Stay afterward for a community meal catered by Chef Nav of Half Baked Bistro.

A fun event for ages 14+! As with all Library programs, this event is free and open to the public but advance registration is required and seats are limited.To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/Mar23-Charles-Yu-Author-Talk or follow the QR code.

The NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. For more information or inquiries about this event, please visit www.knox.net, email knoxwrites1@gmail.com or call (740) 392-2665 EXT. 8259.

** The Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County is delighted to offer a community meal, thanks to generous support from Friends of the Library. Patrons are advised that this event involves food and beverages. We are unable to accommodate allergies and attendees assume responsibility for all risks involved when exposed to or consuming food and beverages provided at this event.

Wow!  So hard to believe it’s been 14 years since Kudos opened its doors for the first time!  What a journey. So much artistic talent discovered right here in Knox County. So many friends made — we have the best customers!  So much fun!  So much beautiful art!  Kudos is indeed blessed.

A huge thank you to our wonderful customers. YOU made our longevity possible. And a very warm welcome to those of you we have not yet met.

Come join us for Birthday Cake, wine, art, and conversation on Thursday, March 20, 6:30-8:30 pm, 10 S Main, Mount Vernon.

Join Library staff and Interns for a fun after work book tasting of companion texts to Charles Yu’s Interior Chinatown. Explore selections and book recommendations from the Library’s collection of poetry and prose by contemporary Asian American and Pacific Islander writers from all over the country. Mocktails will be served, and there will be a book raffle for three lucky winners!

This event is part of our NEA Big Read program celebrating Charles Yu’s novel, Interior Chinatown and exploring the theme “Where We Live.” For more information about the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County’s NEA Big Read programs, visit www.knox.net, email knoxwrites1@gmail.com or call (740) 392-BOOK extension 8259.

Actors interested in speaking parts are not required to memorize lines. You will be reading directly from script during the show. Male and female roles available. Anyone interested in contributing to sound effects, dancing or music may also contact Tammy Souhrada or Mount Vernon Players. Limited rehearsals and a whole lotta fun! Show dates are May 2nd and 3rd.

GET TICKETS HERE

Join us as we kick off the highly anticipated Front Porch Concert Series with a sensational evening of live music, community, and pure entertainment. This event promises to be a soul-stirring experience, featuring local musicians bringing their captivating sounds to the heart of Downtown Mount Vernon. So mark your calendars for a spellbinding evening of melody and harmony at the Front Porch Concert Series kick-off event. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Summer Front Porch Concert Series.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS & INFO

Auditions for William Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. Starts at 1:00pm at Saint Paul's Parish House and ends at 3:00pm. You will read selections from the script, you do not need to prepare anything yourself. Auditions are for ages 16 and up.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS & INFO

GET TICKETS

Katie Pinder Brown is introducing the music of Carole King to a new generation with her dynamic voice and charismatic presence. Her show features jaw-dropping covers of King's biggest hits. Katie has performed with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and for American troops overseas.

Explore the flavors of Cantonese and Sichuan Cuisine with Chef Nav, Executive Chef of Half Baked Bistro in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Wrap, steam and stir fry your way through Classic Chinese flavors! Cooking supplies and food provided.

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/Bw54o83H7vqwnMfK6

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Beauty and the Beast JR. tells the story of Belle, an adventurous young girl, and the Beast, her hideous captor who is actually a young prince trapped under a spell. In order to break the spell, the Beast must learn to love another and earn her love in return – before time runs out. With the help of the castle’s enchanted staff, including a loving teapot, a charming candelabra, and a nervous mantel clock, Belle and the Beast find a beautiful friendship and love that neither knew was possible. Beauty and the Beast JR. features classic songs from the Academy Award®-winning film score such as “Be Our Guest” and “Belle,” as well as original songs from the 1994 Tony®-nominated Broadway musical.

GET TICKETS

Beauty and the Beast JR. tells the story of Belle, an adventurous young girl, and the Beast, her hideous captor who is actually a young prince trapped under a spell. In order to break the spell, the Beast must learn to love another and earn her love in return – before time runs out. With the help of the castle’s enchanted staff, including a loving teapot, a charming candelabra, and a nervous mantel clock, Belle and the Beast find a beautiful friendship and love that neither knew was possible. Beauty and the Beast JR. features classic songs from the Academy Award®-winning film score such as “Be Our Guest” and “Belle,” as well as original songs from the 1994 Tony®-nominated Broadway musical.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS & INFO

GET TICKETS

Beauty and the Beast JR. tells the story of Belle, an adventurous young girl, and the Beast, her hideous captor who is actually a young prince trapped under a spell. In order to break the spell, the Beast must learn to love another and earn her love in return – before time runs out. With the help of the castle’s enchanted staff, including a loving teapot, a charming candelabra, and a nervous mantel clock, Belle and the Beast find a beautiful friendship and love that neither knew was possible. Beauty and the Beast JR. features classic songs from the Academy Award®-winning film score such as “Be Our Guest” and “Belle,” as well as original songs from the 1994 Tony®-nominated Broadway musical.

GET TICKETS

Beauty and the Beast JR. tells the story of Belle, an adventurous young girl, and the Beast, her hideous captor who is actually a young prince trapped under a spell. In order to break the spell, the Beast must learn to love another and earn her love in return – before time runs out. With the help of the castle’s enchanted staff, including a loving teapot, a charming candelabra, and a nervous mantel clock, Belle and the Beast find a beautiful friendship and love that neither knew was possible. Beauty and the Beast JR. features classic songs from the Academy Award®-winning film score such as “Be Our Guest” and “Belle,” as well as original songs from the 1994 Tony®-nominated Broadway musical.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS & INFO

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS & INFO

THE WOODWARD OPERA HOUSE PARTNERS WITH FOP LODGE 147 FOR “A NIGHT OF COMEDY WITH COMEDIAN MIKE CONLEY”

On Saturday February 22nd, join The Woodward Opera House in support of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 147. Beat the cold, cabin fever, post holiday blues with a fun night out at The Woodward Opera House. Our comedy night will bring to the stage Sam Bendegkey, Bob Ciotola, Jeff Robinson and feature headlining comedian Mike Conley. Mike is in his 32nd year of doing stand-up Comedy; he has over 25 years as a touring Comedian. Born and raised the middle child in an Irish Catholic Family, he has the mental scars to prove it with stories that entertain audiences from 21 to 81 (and beyond) 

Currently, Mike is also the Co-Host of the "Ike & Conley Morning Show" at Z Country 99.9FM WTUZ radio station in New Philadelphia, Ohio." 

All proceeds from this event will go to support Knox County FOP lodge 147 and the amazing work they do in our community. 

Doors and Bar will open at 6pm for main floor table holders and 6:30pm for balcony seat ticket holders. The show will begin at 7pm. 

Main floor tables of 10 seats are available for $300.00 and balcony single seats are available for $20 each. 

Tickets are available for purchase at TheWoodward.org and at the door the night of the event. Full tables include a meal and must be purchased online prior to the event to accomodate for food orders. 

For information email Dena@TheWoodward.org or call 740-462-3163

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS & INFO

On Thursday, February 20th acclaimed poet Andy Grace will lead a poetry writing workshop exploring the NEA Big Read theme “Where We Live.” Andrew Grace has published three books of poems: A Belonging Field (Salt Publishing), Shadeland (Ohio State University Press) and SANCTA (Ahsahta/Foundlings). His work has appeared in the New Yorker, Poetry, Boston Review and New Criterion. A former Stegner Fellow at Stanford, he is a Senior Editor at the Kenyon Review and teaches at Kenyon College. His fourth collection A Brief History of the Midwest is forthcoming from Black Lawrence Press in May 2025. Join us at the Library’s Authors Anonymous meeting, from 6:00 P.M.-7:30 P.M. at the Mount Vernon Library, 201 North Mulberry Street for Andy’s workshop.No prior experience is required. This workshop is open to all writers age 18+.

INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN: In the event of inclement weather, we’ll move this workshop to Zoom. Patrons can access the zoom event at https://tinyurl.com/yd9b5cv9 If necessary, the inclement weather plan will be activated by 11:00 A.M. on the event date via a pre-recorded message at (740) 392-BOOK extension 8259. If patrons wish to be notified of the inclement weather plan via email, please contact knoxwrites1@gmail.com by 11:00 A.M. on the date of the event.

This event is part of our NEA Big Read program celebrating Interior Chinatown and exploring the theme “Where We Live.” For more information about the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County’s NEA Big Read programs, visit www.knox.net, email knoxwrites1@gmail.com or call (740) 392-BOOK extension 8259.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS & INFO

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

The Downtown Merchants are bringing you all the love with the 3rd Annual Show Some Love Shop Hop for Valentine’s Day!

So get ready to help us spread the love!

Explore local businesses, shop unique gifts, and enjoy exclusive deals all around town! Whether you're treating your Valentine or spoiling yourself, we've got you covered. There are going to be amazing giveaways donated by the downtown businesses. Stay tuned for participating businesses and more details leading up to this absolutely special weekend!

Mark your calendars & don’t miss the sweetest shopping experience of the year!

This is a DORA approved event.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS & INFO

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

The Downtown Merchants are bringing you all the love with the 3rd Annual Show Some Love Shop Hop for Valentine’s Day!

So get ready to help us spread the love!

Explore local businesses, shop unique gifts, and enjoy exclusive deals all around town! Whether you're treating your Valentine or spoiling yourself, we've got you covered. There are going to be amazing giveaways donated by the downtown businesses. Stay tuned for participating businesses and more details leading up to this absolutely special weekend!

Mark your calendars & don’t miss the sweetest shopping experience of the year!

This is a DORA approved event.

Join the Mount Vernon Arts Partners as they preview events from their upcoming 2025 seasons! This FREE event will feature live performances, ticket giveaways, major show announcements, ticket presales, and more. Doors, bar, and concessions open at 5:30pm, program begins at 6:00pm. No tickets needed, just come on in! We hope to see you there!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS & INFO