Mount Vernon Heritage Days Festival 2026: Celebrating America’s 250th
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group and the Heritage Days Committee are excited to announce that Heritage Days 2026 will take place Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, bringing the community together for two days of celebration, connection, and hometown pride. This year’s theme, “250 Years of America, and still one hill of a town,” honors the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary while celebrating the spirit that makes Mount Vernon unique.
Check out the full schedule of events below and start planning your Heritage Days weekend! Clink the links below for more detailed information on the following festivities:
Friday, July 10th
Heritage Days kicks off Friday evening at the Lester Buresh Community Center with bouncy houses, food and drink vendors, and the Heritage Days Pickleball Tournament. Enjoy live music from Full Moon Horizon throughout the evening.
New this year, the Heritage Days Fun Run and Ice Cream Social begins at 8 p.m. from the Martha Parsons Activities Center, immediately following the Mount Vernon Bank Kids Fun Run. Stick around afterward for the Starlight Aerial Productions Drone Show at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 11th
Start your morning with the Alumni & Community Breakfast at the Mount Vernon High School Commons before finding your spot for the annual Heritage Days Parade celebrating America’s 250th.
The fun continues all day with:
- Heritage Days Car Show
- Live entertainment on 1st Street East
- Lincoln Highway Chorale and Mount Vernon Brass Band performances in Memorial Park
- Lions Club Bingo
- Mount Vernon Wrestling Club Bags Tournament
- Enhanced youth games and shaded seating on 1st Street West
- USA-themed Pool Night at the Mount Vernon Pool
- Free matinee showing of After Ike at The Bijou Movie Theater
Following the parade, enjoy the CDG Volunteer Appreciation Awards on the Main Stage, performances by Dance Arts Iowa and the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theatre, and evening concerts from Asking for a Friend and Crazy Delicious Band.
Food Vendors
Come hungry! Heritage Days features a variety of local food and beverage options throughout the weekend.
Saturday’s featured food vendor is Bon Appétit, serving food on 1st Street West. Be sure to also stop by:
- Bass Family Farms
- Kona Ice
- The Bijou’s fresh-popped Iowa popcorn
Additional food and drink vendors will be available throughout the festival, especially Friday evening at the Lester Buresh Community Center.
Get Involved
Parade Registration
The Heritage Days Parade is one of the most anticipated events of the weekend. Businesses, organizations, clubs, sports teams, and community groups are invited to participate.
Register for the parade HERE!
Find the Parade Route HERE!
Host a Game
Help create a fun and memorable Heritage Days experience by hosting a game or activity. Businesses, organizations, and community groups are encouraged to sign up.
Sign up to host a game HERE!
We look forward to celebrating with you at Heritage Days 2026!
