Bearfest
Bearfest is one of the oldest events on campus. Each year the committee of students who plan Bearfest meet weekly starting in the Fall semester. To stay connected with Bearfest and hear about updates throughout the year such as meeting dates, applications, and contests, follow the Bearfest at Kutztown University Facebook page.
Starry Ride at Bearfest 47 will be held from April 29-May 2, 2026
Below is the schedule of events:
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 (4:30 pm to 7:30 pm): Kickoff Day with Picnic, Foam Slide, Splat Wall, & Dunk Tank (DMZ)
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 (7:30 to 10 pm): Sensory Glow Night (DMZ)
Thursday, April 30, 2026 (3pm to 10pm): Terrestrial Thursday Night with DIY activities, Tarot Reading, Tie-Dye Bearfest t-shirts, and Drag Bingo (DMZ)
Friday, May 1, 2026 (6:30 pm to 9 pm): Casino Night (SDH, Rooms 1 and 2, entering through the PSECU ATM)
Saturday, May 2, 2026 (11:30 am to 5 pm): Community Day with Inflatables & Games/Activities (DMZ)
Ways students can get involved with Bearfest:
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Join the Committee
Bearfest meetings are held every Thursday night at 5pm in the Dixon Conference Room (while classes are in session, not during breaks or finals).
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Volunteer at Bearfest
Such a large, multi-day event takes a lot of people to make it successful! In addition to the committee members, Bearfest also uses volunteers to help with a variety tasks. Students who volunteer for a predetermined minimum number of hours will receive a free t-shirt. Sign up to volunteer for Bearfest 47 at this link!
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Student Organization Booth/Participation
While each year the Bearfest committee determines which events and activities will happen during Bearfest, there are always opportunities for student organizations to get involved, such as hosting a booth on Saturday, Bearfest Community Carnival day. Organizations interested in playing a larger role can contact Bearfest Advisor Marissa Merritt with questions or ideas.
Foam Slide
Thursday of Bearfest has included a slide of some sort for many years. In recent years, it has been a foam slide.
Tie Dye
Bearfest always strives to include a variety of activities for students to enjoy. A popular activity that you may see at Bearfest is t-shirt tie dying.
Human Whack a Mole
Activities range from individual activities to group activities, some are crafts, while others are more active, so there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Stunt Jump
Jump into the fun at Bearfest!
Casino Night
Casino Night is one of Bearfest's longest traditions, and one of its most popular, too! It is completely free to play, but there are so many prizes to win from!
Nice catch!
You'll often see students enjoying the environment at Bearfest, adding their own activities by tossing around a football or frisbee.
So sweet!
No matter your taste, you'll find something you enjoy at Bearfest!
Don't stress!
Bearfest is a great opportunity for students to de-stress a bit before the semester ends.
Go for the jackpot!
Test your luck at Casino Night!