MVNU Unveils New Look for SonFest 2025 with Headliner ELEVATION RHYTHM

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University is excited to announce updates are in store for SonFest 2025, MVNU’s premier one-day Christian music festival. Scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, SonFest will now be held in the newly-renovated R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium, making it a rain-or-shine event for the first time.

The 2025 lineup features a powerful lineup of worship, alternative rock, and faith-driven performances, headlined by ELEVATION RHYTHM. Also taking the stage are acclaimed artists John Mark McMillan, Citizens, and central Ohio favorite Rock City Worship, with more artists to be announced.

ELEVATION RHYTHM is the youth expression of Elevation Church (Charlotte, N.C.), crafting music for the next generation to sing, dance, and worship. John Mark McMillan, a Platinum-selling songwriter and genre-defying artist, brings lyrical depth and poetic honesty to the stage. Citizens, based in Seattle, rose to prominence with their 2011 debut and have since built a reputation for energetic, genre-crossing songs rooted in raw honesty and deep faith. Rock City Worship, a musical ministry based in Columbus, combines powerful praise and local impact.

Tickets are on sale now at mvnu.edu/sonfest. Due to venue capacity, concert tickets are limited. A full festival schedule will be released soon.

• General admission: $40
• Limited availability VIP admission: $75 (includes a Meet-and-Greet with artists and early entry)
• Group sales (10 to 50 tickets) or Children ages 4-10: $25
• Children 3-and-under: Free (must sit on a lap)

In true SonFest tradition, the event will feature outdoor activities throughout the day, free and open to everyone. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of food trucks and a vendor tent for shopping and refreshments. Please note: Concert entry requires a ticket; outdoor festivities are free and open to all.

For the latest updates, visit mvnu.edu/sonfest or follow @mvnu1968 on social media.