Melanie Jensen/Fourth Estate
Free live music, games and novelties allow students to celebrate the end of the school year before finals
BY MELANIE JENSEN, STAFF WRITER
One of Mason’s longest-standing traditions, Mason Day, returns this Friday, April 25, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Lots L and A. The beloved end-of-year celebration hosts live music, carnival rides, games, food trucks and more for students and faculty to enjoy and recharge before final exams.
Admission is free for all Mason students and faculty with a valid Mason ID. Attendees will only have to whip out their wallets if they choose to purchase from one of the 15 lined up food and drink vendors. One guest pass per Mason community member is available for $35 and can be purchased at the EagleBank Arena box office before or during the event.
“I describe Mason Day as the event that happens when the doors open and school is over in the movie ‘Grease,’” said Lauren Long, Director of Student Involvement. “It is a big carnival, music and food festival.”
The event is co-coordinated by the Office of Student Involvement and the Patriot Activities Council, the student-run organization responsible for planning events across campus. According to Long, it’s the only event that every member of Student Involvement helps organize. Some planning, such as booking musical guests, begins nearly a year in advance.
Several student performers–including Anderson White, Adrenalina, Elijah Cyler and MSN– will take the stage beginning at 3:25 p.m. Pop artist MAX, known for his hits like “Lights Down Low” and “Love Me Less,” is set to headline on the main stage at 7 p.m.
While Mason Day is known for its live music and exciting headliners, this year’s expansion was designed to reflect the growing student population. Organizers introduced additional food vendors and a variety of entertainment options to ensure every attendee finds something to enjoy.
A new area called the Novelty Nook will offer activities like gem mining, slime making, stuff-a-plush and license plate decorating, giving students an interactive way to take home Mason Day memorabilia. Mini-golf, laser tag and a gaming truck for e-sport fans are also new additions to the lineup of midway and carnival games featured in previous years.
Artist Alley, opening at 4:30 p.m. will feature speed-sketch caricature artists, airbrush tattoos, face painting and balloon twisters. Long explained that Student Involvement expanded the 2025 games and novelty sections to accommodate the growing attendance rates of between 6,000 to 8,000 people.
Fan favorite carnival attractions like Cole Shows Amusement Company—including the Himalaya, the Sizzler and the Rainforest Expo Wheel–will be returning alongside loyal Mason Day food partners like Domino’s and Rita’s Italian Ice.
Phil McDaniel, associate director of Fraternity and Sorority Life for Student Involvement, is responsible for organizing food vendors and trucks for the event. McDaniel said this year’s food lineup is the most Mason has ever had, and the variety is meant to reflect the diverse student population. A new addition to the vendors include Fireside Kabob, a local Afghan food truck that travels across Northern Virginia.
Mason Day takes place rain or shine, and whether students are looking for a place to listen to live music, play games with friends or connect with professors over drinks and snacks, the celebration has something for everybody.
“It’s about coming together as a community, it’s about creating memories, and continuing to build on a sense of belonging. This is our school, this is our tradition, and this is our fun that other schools don’t have,” Long said.
