College Town Kickoff
Save the Date - August 23, 2025
August 24, 2024
11 AM to 10 PM in Downtown Cookeville
Live Music – Carnival Games – Zip Line – Ferris Wheel – Food Trucks – Shopping and Dining Specials – Community Booths – Kids Zone – and more!
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 Info
» Download Event Map (PDF) » Frequently Asked Questions
WestSide Block Party
11:00am - 6:00pm
Cedar Ave and West Broad St.
Carnival Games, Ferris Wheel, Zip Line, Community Booths, Food Trucks, Shop & Dine, Kids Zone, Restrooms
Concert at Dogwood
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Dogwood Performance Pavilion
Live Music, Food Trucks, Mobile Ace Throwing, Games
David Unlayao, 6:00pm & DJ DIF4ENT, 7:30pm
Featuring
American Authors, 8:30pm
Make the Most of College Town Kickoff
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Tech students, bring your Eagle Card to take advantage of shopping and dining specials.
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Want to ride the rides? Stop by the Welcome Tents early to complete the Assumption of Risk and receive an event wristband. The wristband is required to ride the Ferris Wheel and Zip Line, or to participate in the Face 2 Face Race and Mobile Axe throwing. Parents/guardians must complete the form for those under 18 years of age.
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Be at the intersection of Broad St and Cedar Ave at 11:30am or the concert at 6:30pm for a chance to take home a free event shirt (while supplies last).
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Wear a hat, use sunscreen, and take advantage of free water at the event to stay safe and comfortable.
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Check out the Spirit Squad at 11:30am during the West Side Block Party, and the Golden Eagle Marching Band at 7:00pm during the Concert.
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 24, 2024, from 11am-10pm.
- » Where is College Town Kickoff happening?
College Town Kickoff takes place in the Downtown Cookeville area including Dogwood Performance Pavilion (next to Dogwood Park),West Broad Street at the Depot in front of Cream City, and Cedar Ave. A welcome/info tent will be located at Cedar Avenue and Dogwood Performance Pavilion.
- » 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 6:00pm, and American Authors will perform at 8:30pm.
- » 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?
The event will be rescheduled to a later date.
- » 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 11am until 10pm. 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.
Community Involvement
Want to get involved? Submit the form below or contact Ben Stubbs at collegetownkickoff@tntech.edu to express your interest in one or more of these amazing opportunities:
- » Booths and Tables
College Town Kickoff hopes to connect students with community resources, groups, and opportunities that align with their interests. Businesses and community groups are invited to set up a table or booth at the event. Booths will be set up during the WestSide Block Party and are responsible for providing all necessary equipment.
- » Food Trucks and Vendors
Food Vendors should contact us at collegetownkickoff@tntech.edu.
- » Shop and Dine
Businesses located in the WestSide and Courthouse Square areas are encouraged to participate in College Town Kickoff by offering discounts, extended hours, or other opportunities that will help students get to know your business. We expect more than 2,000 students to attend this event and want to help you make the most of it.
- » Kids Zone
Host a tent in our Kids Zone. Face painting, fun games, bounce houses, or other features will help kids and families make the most of the event.
- » Program Sponsorship
Tennessee Tech seeks event sponsors to help us provide the best possible experience for students and community members alike. Sponsorship opportunities include financial and in-kind contributions in support of the following event features:
- Kids Zone
- Water Stations
- The Shop & Dine Guide
- Promotional items and giveaways
College Town Kickoff Community Involvement Form