CollegeFest is back for another weekend of free activities all across Philadelphia. From iconic locations like the Liberty Bell and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, to the mind-boggling Museum of Illusions, there’s something for every college student to enjoy in the CollegeFest lineup.
The annual event hosted by Campus Philly will take place Sept. 10 and 11, featuring free access to over 25 museums, SEPTA transportation, giveaways, the new Campus Philly Block Party, and more. Signing up is simple: students just need to register on Campus Philly’s website, and they will receive a confirmation email that serves as their official CollegeFest ticket.
“[CollegeFest] is meant to be the kickoff to the fall semester, the annual ‘Welcome to Philly’ celebration, and really just the best weekend ever in Philly for any college student,” said Marissa Christie, vice president of strategy and communications for
Campus Philly.
This year is shaping up to be the biggest CollegeFest yet, with student registrations expected to reach over 20,000, according
to Christie.
“Last year, we set records having 14,000 students registered, representing 161 different colleges and universities. This year, I think we’re on track to exceed both of those numbers,” Christie said, adding that students have registered from all 35 of Campus Philly’s partner schools, including St. Joe’s.
For Ryan Koos ’23, who is from just outside Washington D.C. area, attending CollegeFest as a first year student in 2019 was a great opportunity to explore the then-unfamiliar city, and it taught him to view Philly as an “extended campus.”
“I can’t tell you how many times I go into the city, whether it be for professional events or just social things,” Koos said. “I think events like CollegeFest and other things that Campus Philly puts on are a great introduction to St. Joe’s being your campus on Hawk Hill and in Philadelphia.”
Petra Langan ’25, who attended CollegeFest last year, said that the event can also give students a way to connect with
local communities.
“It bridges the gap between students and local companies or local businesses,” Langan said. “I know there are some Philly companies that are giving away free stuff or food, and it just helps produce a relationship between students and the locals.”
Forming those relationships is the core purpose of CollegeFest. Students can
connect with fellow St. Joe’s students, non-St. Joe’s students, and the people and places of Philadelphia, all in one low-cost “choose your own adventure” weekend, as Christie put it.
“Students are eager to connect with Campus Philly,” Christie said. “They’re eager to build community, and they’re excited to explore the Philadelphia region as they launch their college career but also launch their time in Philadelphia as a
young professional.”
CollegeFest begins Sept. 10 at 9 a.m. and ends Sept. 11 at 5 p.m. To register for CollegeFest with a valid college ID or to see the full list of activities, visit https://campusphilly.org/collegefest/.
