College Town Kickoff

 

Get ready for a day on the town, as Cookeville and Tennessee Tech come together for a unique and exciting event. Discover your favorite restaurants and shops, win fun prizes, learn more about ways to get involved in your community, and listen to live music in beautiful downtown Cookeville. This event is open to the public.

 

 

 

Event Information

WestSide Block Party

2:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Shop and Dine on the Westside, Carnival Games & Prizes, Rides, Business & Community Booths, Block Party DJ, Kids Zone activities, Food Trucks, and more.

Concert on the WestSide

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Details coming soon.

 

Business & Community Involvement

Community Involvement Form

Thank you to our business and community partners!

• » Business & Community Booth Participants

  College Town Kickoff hopes to connect students with community resources, groups, and opportunities that align with their interests. 

• » Participating Food Trucks

  Food Trucks coordinated in partnership with Trackside

• » Shop & Dine Guide

  A full list of businesses located in the WestSide Business District. 

 

Make the Most of College Town Kickoff

• Tech students, bring your Eagle Card to take advantage of shopping and dining specials.

• Want to ride the rides? Stop by the Welcome Tent at the corner of Cedar Avenue and Broad Street, near the Cookeville Depot Museum, early to complete the Assumption of Risk and receive an event wristband. The wristband is required for rides. Parents/guardians must complete the form for those under 18 years of age. A digital form can be sent to parents or guardians who are not present at the event.

• If you plan to ride, close toed shoes are recommended

• Wear a hat, use sunscreen, and take advantage of free water at the event to stay safe and comfortable.

• If you have questions or concerns during the event, please visit the Welcome Tent.

 

Event Policies

• Prohibited items include: Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives, illegal drugs or substances, and alcoholic beverages.

• Tennessee Tech cares deeply about the safety of children. Parent(s) or others in similar roles are solely responsible for the supervision, oversight, and protection of minors attending this event.

• All participants or their parent/guardian if under 18 years of age are required to sign an assumption of risk (waiver)for rides. See the Welcome Tent for instructions.

• Dogs are permitted in outdoor areas only and must be on a leash at all times. Owners are solely responsible for their dog’s behavior, and Tech reserves the right to require the removal of a dog in violation of these policies.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

• » What is College Town Kickoff?

  The purpose of the College Town Kickoff event is to welcome students, faculty, and community members to the new academic year. The event includes various activities and entertainment. Additionally, the event helps to showcase the campus and town's offerings, promote local businesses, and encourage community involvement.

• » What time does the event start and end?

  College Town Kickoff will be held on August 22, 2026, from 2pm-10pm.

• » Where is College Town Kickoff happening?

  College Town Kickoff takes place in the Downtown Cookeville area West Broad Street at the Depot in front of Cream City and Cedar Ave. A Welcome Tent will be located at the corner of Cedar Avenue and Broad Street near the Cookeville Depot Museum.

• » Is it free or do I need a ticket?

  College Town Kickoff is FREE and open to the public—no ticket is required. However, wristbands and waivers are required for certain rides/attractions. While admission to the event is free, vendors, including available food trucks, may require you to pay for goods and services.

• » How will I know where to go?

  Directional signs and maps will help guide you to the main areas and parking.

• » What time does the concert start?

  The Concert begins at 7:00pm, and the headliner (TBD) will perform at 8:00pm.

• » Where do I park?

  Directional signs will help guide you to available nearby parking areas. Please review the event map (coming soon) for more information. Downtown parking is very limited.

• » Will there be food and beverage available?

  Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the event.

• » Is this event open to the public?

  Yes, this event is open to the public.

• » Are there any age restrictions for attending the event?

  No, all ages are welcome for College Town Kickoff.

• » What items are prohibited?

  1) weapons of any kind (including pocket knives) and 2) illegal drugs or substances, any alcoholic beverages.

• » Is there a rain date or contingency plan in case of bad weather?

  If severe weather is predicted, the event will be cancelled.

• » How can I contact the event organizers if I have additional questions?

  For questions or how to get involved, contact us at collegetownkickoff@tntech.edu.

• » Will there be a shuttle to the event?

  Yes! Shuttles will run from Tennessee Tech's campus to the event from 2pm until 10:30pm. Pick-Up and Drop-Off locations include the Roaden University Center shuttle stop, the south end of the Main Quad (near Bell Hall), and the Leslie Town Centre.