In the movies on a college campus, there are always students hanging out on the lawn and different groups advertising their clubs and everyone is just having a good time.
It turns out that can happen in real life too. Tables stretch in every direction, offering free swag, colorful flyers and conversations that echo with both excitement and nerves. For incoming students, Fall Fest is often their first glimpse of Marquette’s blend of small-town charm and college-town energy. More than just a fair, the annual event reflects NMU’s spirit of connection, drawing together students, organizations, and local businesses into one bustling celebration.
“I absolutely think fall fest is a good place to find all kinds of different opportunities to find clubs and groups you may be interested in or just looking for new ones,” freshman Evelyn Deerwester said.
Starting Monday, August 25, students were able to wander around the Northern Center lawn and take a look at all the organizations that Fall Fest has to offer.
Stepping onto the crowded academic mall, freshmen were immediately immersed in the energy of campus, and surrounded by opportunities that might have otherwise remained hidden. The event encourages new students to step outside of their comfort zones by talking with club leaders, signing up for activities and meeting peers who share their interests.
One group at the fest was the NMUDoIt organization, who have put on a few great student productions with great actors and great leaders. “This is a student-led theatre organization dedicated to creating and producing student art and opportunities around campus and beyond. All of our projects are student produced and directed,” President Ryan Zepp said.
“This year we hope to get even more people involved not just in our projects but behind the scenes. I would love to see people use NMUDoIt as a medium to produce their own ideas and projects and let us be there to help them navigate making their visions a reality,” Zepp said.
Fall Fest also serves as a bridge between NMU and the greater Marquette community. Dozens of local businesses and nonprofits line the sidewalks with banners, giveaways and conversations aimed at welcoming students into town. Dominos, for example, was giving away pizza and multiple local stores were giving away coupons and discounts.
“My first impression was that there are a lot more sports and clubs you wouldn’t think NMU has,” Deerwester said.
In the end, Fall Fest is more than just a lively afternoon of free pizza slices, raffle tickets and music drifting across the lawn. It is a tradition that embodies the values of Northern Michigan University. By blending excitement with purpose, Fall Fest transforms the start of each academic year into a celebration of possibility, setting the tone for the months ahead.
