When the sun sets over the Intramural Field, a wave of color and sound rolls across Eastern Kentucky University’s campus. On Thursday, September 10, 2026, the university will open its gates to the city for its annual CityFest, a street-fair-style celebration that turns campus space into a marketplace of local business stalls, student-run activities, and live music.
CityFest is more than a casual gathering. It is a partnership between Eastern Kentucky University, the Student Government Association (SGA), and the Office of Student Life that brings the university and the surrounding Madison County community together. Over the years the festival has grown from a handful of booths to a full evening of vendors, performers, and family activities, drawing students, families, and local residents each year.
The 2026 festival runs from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Intramural Field and nearby Powell Plaza. Admission is free and open to everyone.
What to Expect
- Vendors and Food Trucks — Local businesses set up stalls across the festival grounds, and food trucks line the field offering a range of options. Students from the Department of Business and Marketing showcase their latest projects alongside handmade crafts and local art.
- Student Performances — Student ensembles from the Music and Drama departments take the stage through the evening, with an entertainment schedule released by the SGA closer to the event. Performances are family-friendly.
- Games and Activities — The festival features games for all ages spread across the field and surrounding areas, from casual lawn games to activities organized by student groups.
- Safety and Security — Campus security officers and volunteer marshals from student organizations are on hand to manage crowd flow, and a first-aid tent is set up near the main entrance of the Intramural Field.
Parking and Transit
Visitors from outside the campus will find parking convenient. The university operates visitor lots on the east side of campus, including the Alumni Coliseum parking structure and the Model parking lot. Those driving on US-25 or I-75 can exit at the Lancaster Avenue (US-25) turnoff and park in either lot. A shuttle runs from the visitor lots to the festival grounds during the event, and the route and timetable are posted on the EKU CityFest event page.
A Friday Night in Berea
The night after CityFest, a family-friendly show opens in Berea: The Spotlight Playhouse (214 Richmond Road) presents The Velveteen Rabbit Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13, with Friday and Saturday performances at 7:00 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. (family-friendly, all ages).
Takeaway
EKU CityFest 2026 is an opportunity to see the university’s students in action, sample local food and crafts, and enjoy live music, all in a safe, family-friendly environment. The event is open to everyone, and parking is convenient for visitors coming from the surrounding county. It is one more way our community brings together students, local businesses, and families for shared experiences.
✍️ About the Author
Chad Hembree serves as the Executive Director of Spotlight Acting School, The Spotlight Playhouse, and Spotlight Performing Arts. A resident of Berea, Kentucky, and a former member of the Berea Council, he has spent decades working in community theater, arts education, and local journalism. Since 1995, he has operated BereaOnline.com, focusing on local news, civic issues, and stories that highlight community collaboration and grassroots efforts across Madison County.
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📅 Upcoming Community & Theater Events
- August 30, 2026: Family Activity: Forest Reptiles at the Berea College Forestry Outreach Center (free, 2–3 p.m.). 🐢
- September 3, 2026: Stephenson Memorial Concert featuring blues legend Tee Dee Young at Phelps-Stokes Chapel, Berea College (free, 8 p.m.). 🎵
- September 4, 2026: Summer Nights in Suburbia: Honey Child at Moondance Amphitheater, Lexington (free, 7–9 p.m.). 🎤
- September 4, 2026: Music at the Mansion: 64West at Griffin Gate Marriott Mansion lawn, Lexington (free, 7 p.m.). 🎷
- September 4–6, 2026: Lexington Comic & Toy Con (Fall Edition) at Central Bank Center, Lexington. 🥶
- September 5, 2026: Stepping Out for Art, the Berea Arts Council’s 40th Anniversary Celebration at Churchill’s, Berea (5–10 p.m.). 🎨
- September 5, 2026: Miss Spoonbread Festival & Miss Berea pageants at Berea Community Gym. 👑
- September 5, 2026: Auditions for Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS (ages 4 to 11) at The Spotlight Playhouse. 🐱
- September 5, 2026: Final performance of Sense and Sensibility… and Margaret (The Bluegrass Players) at The Spotlight Playhouse. 🎭
- September 10, 2026: EKU CityFest at EKU campus (Intramural Field / Powell Plaza), Richmond (5–8 p.m.). 🎉
- September 11–13, 2026: The Velveteen Rabbit (Spotlight on Faith Series) at The Spotlight Playhouse. 🐰
- September 18–20, 2026: Spoonbread Festival (30th annual) at Memorial Park and the Chestnut Street Pavilion, Berea. 🍄
- September 18–27, 2026: Honk! Jr. (Spotlight Acting School students ages 9 to 14) at The Spotlight Playhouse. 🦢
- September 18–27, 2026: Salem’s Daughter (The Bluegrass Players) at The Spotlight Playhouse. 🕇
This article originally appeared on BereaOnline.com – your home for Madison County news, community events, and local updates.