By Irene Muniz, News Correspondent
CollegeFest, a two-day event with performances and free giveaways, returns to Boston for the 24th year Sept. 26′-27 in the Hynes Convention Center at 900 Boylston St.’
CollegeFest is an event that allows Boston-area college students to experience food, arts and entertainment, said Matt Britton, managing partner of CollegeFest.
CollegeFest is owned and organized by marketing agency Mr. Youth. Since 1985, CollegeFest has attracted more than 15,000 college-aged students from more than 50 Boston-area campuses, said Vincenzo Saulle, vice president of CollegeFest.
This year, there will be live performances, free giveaways and prizes from over 100 corporate exhibitors and sponsors, he said. Performances will include Lansdowne, a local favorite, as well as Jeremih, Hellogoodbye and rapper Talib Kweli. Last year’s performances featured Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em and Chamillionaire.
‘In addition to great headline talents and amazing national brands, ReadyU [CollegeFest’s presenter] wants everybody to come and enjoy CollegeFest for what it really is, which is a half-concert and trade show,’ Saulle said.
New experiential activities include a skate park and a game lounge.’
Former Red Sox pitcher Luis Tiant will sign autographs with his 1975 World Series trophies on display. There will also be a special guest appearance by Woody Harrelson, star of the upcoming movie ‘Zombieland’ and films like ‘The Thin Red Line’ and ‘Seven Pounds.’
‘There’s a whole new list of interesting booths. We’re giving away skydiving prizes and Celtics tickets,’ Saulle said.
Erin McMahon, a middler biology major who has attended CollegeFest for the past two years, said she got a lot of giveaways including posters and magnets.’
‘I never won any prizes but had a lot of fun,’ she said.
Monster Beverage Company will distribute free samples, EF CollegeBreak will give away two free trips to Amsterdam and Paris, music industry titan Live Nation will give away concert tickets and Clear2O, a water company, will have product demonstrations of their newest water bottle with a built in filter.
‘I tried to bring more experiential experiences for students. Ford Fiesta is going to be allowing students to test drive their vehicles on Boylston Street and around the city,’ Saulle said.’
Greyhound Lines, official transportation partner, will shuttle students free of cost to the event ‘- a new attempt to bring more students together, Saulle said.
‘I think CollegeFest is a really good experience to not only meet other college students but businesses as well. It’s great exposure for different products, too,’ said Nicole Niss, a middler communication studies major.
