Fall Fest, an annual bash to start the school year off right, is a two-day campus event hosted by the Students’ Association of MacEwan University (SAMU). It features a relaxing environment to hang out or have a drink and forget about the fact that you’re only in the second week of your first semester. City Centre Campus hosts the biggest Fall Fest event, though there will be smaller festivities at Centre for the Arts and Alberta College Campus. The downtown campus fun will be taking place in the same area as last year — the grassy area near the clock.

“The primary focus of the event is to have the MacEwan student body get comfortable on campus, and enhance the student experience,” says Mike Cristello, SAMU event producer. The event will take place this Sept. 16 and 17 from noon to 7 p.m., and there will be a wide array of entertainment and activities.

SAMU is expected to be heavily involved on the grounds of the festival and staff members will be there to discuss other SAMU services for students. Alongside them will be a number of clubs, vendors and performing artists, as well as some local talent from CFAC and other headlining bands.

“This is for the students, with the students in mind. Some people get that tunnel vision in their first week and forget to take a break and relax,” continued Cristello. This year’s Fall Fest is aiming to be a sort of variety show, with musical acts ranging from the university’s own Bryan Coffee and the Best Friends, Swiss-Canadian artist Rykka, and the synth electro funk group Tupperware Remix Party, just to name a few. Aside from musical acts, there will be vendors supplying food, beer, and promotions for their services.

“People like entertainment,” says Cristello. That’s what the main focus of Fall Fest seems to be. Aside from beer and music, there are many other activities to engage in. Whether you’re between classes and want to check out what the campus clubs have to offer, or you just want to grab a beer and listen to some bands, Fall Fest is a comfort-centric escape from your busy day on campus. Just don’t skip class to go to it.