Between Memorial Day and Labor Day – Cedarhurst stays open late until 8 pm every Thursday. The museum converts the back patio and lawn into a third space, giving the community members a place to gather, network, and enjoy the beautiful southern Illinois summer and scenery. Thursday Night Live is a no-pressure way to engage first time visitors of “non-art folks” to gain appreciation for the arts and learn about the many different programs that we offer year round.
FREE ADMISSION | BRING LAWN CHAIRS/BLANKETS | NO COOLERS
Hear It: 🎸🎵 Live music entertainment is a staple of Thursday Night Live, as local and regional musicians are hired to perform each week on the back patio from 5-8 pm.
Taste It: 🍕🥗🌮 Cedarhurst schedules a local food vendor each week to set up and sell concessions, creating community partnerships that support local businesses and enhance the TNL atmosphere. 🍻🍷Our beer & wine Card & Cash Bar (plus n/a drinks) is open each week and staffed by museum program/event sponsors as volunteer bartenders!
Do It: 👩🏼🎨 The Museum staff coordinates special art experiences and activities during Thursday Night Live to encourage visitors to become more involved with the arts, e.g., artist demonstrations, art chats, pottery firings, and more.
See It: 👀🖼️The museum’s five art galleries are open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, and most are free of charge. On Thursday, all galleries are Free Admission! We hope you have the opportunity to visit each gallery as well as the art in the nationally renowned Goldman-Kuenz Sculpture Park.
May 28
•Hear it:
Hoot N Holler Band
•Taste it:
Complimentary snacks – while supplies last
•Do it:
Enjoy a “Business After Hours” with the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
June 4
•Hear it:
Stephanie and Lily Rains
•Taste it:
JJ’s Sports Bar & Grill
•Make it:
Summer Paper Windsock
•Do it:
Family Night – Foam Party!
June 11
•Hear it:
Game of Trones
•Taste it:
Mt. Vernon Sportsman Club
•Make it:
Spin-A-Pot with coaching from our own Clay Club!
June 18
•Hear it:
back by popular demand!
City of Soul
•Taste it:
Chammies Food for the Soul
•Make it:
Juneteenth Celebration with a special artist spotlight
June 25
•Hear it:
Backstage Guitar Lab Showcase
•Taste it:
El Rancherito
•See it:
~2nd Annual~
Young Members Crafters Fair
Shop and support the artists!
july 2
•Hear it:
The Cool Hand LukeS
•Taste it:
Elk’s Lodge #819
•Do it:
America’s 250th Celebration Parade
Decorate a wagon, bicycle, your dog, or stroller and join the fun
july 9
•Hear it:
Bill Poss
•Taste it:
The Potato Plug
•See it:
Cedarhurst Basketeers Demo
•Make it:
Woven Paper Placemat
july 16
•Hear it:
Shannon Arview
•Taste it:
Ringside Buffet
•Make it:
Butterfly Painting
•Do it:
Country Line Dancing
Experienced and beginners welcome!
july 23
•Hear it:
Edwin Linson
•Taste it:
Kingdom Catering
•Do it:
Christmas in July
Get in the holiday spirit with a preview of The Lights 2026!
july 30
•Hear it:
T & B Sounds & Karaoke
•Taste it:
The Frosty Mug
•Make it:
Musical Craft
•Do it:
Karaoke Night
Take a turn on the Mic and share your favorite song
aug 6
•Hear it:
Jake Martin
•Taste it:
Billy Bob’s BBQ
•Do it:
Back-to-School Pep Rally
Wear your favorite team shirt or school colors to show your spirit!
aug 13
•Hear it:
Ol’ Moose Trio
•Taste it:
Elks Lodge #819
•Make it:
Fabric Button Magnets
aug 20
•Hear it:
Isaiah Cunningham
•Taste it:
Ringside Buffet
•Do it:
Guided Sculpture Park Walk
Sip, stroll, and hear untold stories about the artworks cited around the pond
aug 27
•Hear it:
Sons of Stone
•Taste it:
Kingdom Catering
•Make it:
Watercolor Resist Painting
sept 3
•Hear it:
Just for Spite
•Taste it:
Joe’s Pizza
•Do it:
Bags Tourney
Try your luck at the corn hole competition and other yard games
