College Town Kickoff
August 23, 2025
2 PM to 10 PM in Downtown Cookeville
Live Music – Carnival Games & Activities – Zip Line – Climbing Wall – 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
(Cedar Ave and West Broad St.)
2:00pm - 6:00pm
Community Booths, Block Party DJ, and Kids Zone activities (balloon art, face painting,
and merry-go-round)
2:00pm - 8:00pm
Ferris Wheel, Zip Line, Carnival Games, Air-Brushed Hats, Food Trucks, and Shop and
Dine
4:00pm - 8:00pm
Mobile Axe Throwing
Concert on the WestSide
6:00pm - 10:00pm
West Broad Street near Walnut Avenue
Coming Soon!
Business & Community Involvement
Want to get involved? Submit the form below or contact Katie Aikens and Sandra Bohannon at collegetownkickoff@tntech.edu to express your interest in one or more of these amazing opportunities:
Businesses located in the WestSide Business District 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.
- » 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 Business District 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.
College Town Kickoff Community Involvement Form
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 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 to ride the Ferris Wheel, Zip Line, and Merry-go-round, or to participate in the Climbing Tower and Mobile Axe throwing. Parents/guardians must complete the form for those under 18 years of age.
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Be at the Welcome Tent at 2:30pm 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.
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 23, 2025, 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 6:00pm, 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?
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 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.
