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It's the 41st Annual Black Squirrel Festival!

This Kent State tradition offers music, food trucks, student businesses, downtown bingo and much more

Celebrating ºÚÁÏÍø’s unofficial mascot, the annual Black Squirrel Festival is back for its 41st year. Planned and organized by the student-staffed Flashes Activities Board, the festival takes place Friday, Sept. 29, from 4-7 p.m. on Risman Plaza and the Student Green.

2023 Black Squirrel Festival logo design.

This year’s event is happening during Kent State’s Parents and Families Appreciation Weekend and offers something for everyone.

Students shopping at a past Black Squirrel Festival
Students at the Black Squirrel Festival.

(Event photos are from a past Black Squirrel Festival.) 

This year’s festival features:

  • Music from student bands and a DJ.
  • Information tables from student organizations.
  • Student businesses selling their products.
  • Five food trucks.
  • The Thanks for the Memories PhotoBooth.
  • A henna tattoo artist
  • Tables from local businesses and university partners, plus a bingo card activity from the Center for Student Involvement in collaboration with downtown businesses. Students and families can visit stores downtown to collect stamps and turn in their completed cards for a chance to win raffle prizes.
  • Plus, there will be free Black Squirrel Festival T-shirts (available only to students, while supplies last). 
2023 Black Squirrel Festival t-shirt design

The Flashes Activity Board, the Center for Student Involvement – and Kent State’s black squirrels – hope to see you there! 

Black squirrel peeking around a tree.
POSTED: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 01:57 PM
Updated: Wednesday, October 11, 2023 12:05 PM
WRITTEN BY:
Phil B. Soencksen