First Place: Halloweekend
Kent State students and local residents celebrated their spooky spirits on Halloween weekend through campus events, trick-or-treating, costumes and parties.
On-campus events like the Boo Bash hosted by FAB or trick-or-treating in the Student Center and other places on campus allowed students to enjoy Halloween traditions.
Trick-or-treating was also available at the Hometown Bank Plaza and in downtown businesses for the Kent community.
With weather in the 50s, those wanting a night out headed downtown. In an unofficial tradition of Halloween in Kent, students walk the streets of downtown in their costumes, creating memories with their friends.
Businesses and bars like Barflyy on E. Erie Street posted pictures of customers, showing off their costumes as they partied.
When drinking and crowds are involved, safety is a priority. Lieutenant Mike Lewis of the Kent Police Department said this year’s Halloween was very manageable in terms of the amount of calls they received.
“I am pleased to say that this past Halloween was not terribly busy,” Lewis said. “We are starting to see a little more activity each year, but it is still manageable. Nothing like the old days.”
Next Halloween is sure to be filled with more spook-tacular fun, with the holiday falling on a Saturday in 2026.
Second Place: Fake Patty’s Day
On March 21, Kent students and residents hit the town to celebrate Fake Patty’s Day. Downtown was filled with green as the celebrations started early in the morning and went on throughout the day.
This year, Fake Patty’s Day was held the Saturday after St. Patrick’s Day. Traditions of Fake Patty’s Day include the Ginger Run on University Drive, hosted by Barstool Kent. This year’s winner was senior Brendan Adams.
Some also headed to the bars to hang out with friends or attended frat parties.
Safety was a priority during Fake Patty’s Day. This year saw a slight uptick in calls to the Kent Fire Department, according to Fire Chief Jamie Samels.
“We ran about 23 calls in a 24 hour period. So that’s a little bit busier than normal for us. Usually we run about 18 calls a day,” Samels said. “I would say that we kind of were anticipating that with the college kids going out for Fake Patty’s day. We knew we’d be a little bit busier, which we were.”
The Fire Department manages days like Fake Patty’s by having extra staff on call and collaborating with the police department and bar owners, as well as neighboring departments.
“We were prepared. It went smooth for us, and I’m glad everyone was safe,” Samels said.
Third Place: Homecoming
Homecoming celebrations kicked off on Oct. 10, with the homecoming game on Oct. 11. This year marked a legendary victory for the Golden Flashes, as the team dominated UMass 42-6 in its first Mid-American Conference win since 2022.
This year’s theme was Flash’s Birthday Bash, with former Flash mascots serving as Homecoming Parade Grand Marshals. At the 1985 Homecoming game, Flash hatched from an egg.
The Block Party started at 9 a.m. on Oct. 11 before the Homecoming parade. The parade started at 10:30 a.m., celebrating students and alumni. It featured Homecoming courts from all eight Kent campuses, cheerleaders, the Marching Golden Flashes and more.
The parade also debuted a new route, starting near the Kent State University Ice Arena and ending near Terrace Drive on Summit Street.
Pregame celebrations, like tailgating, gave guests the ultimate blue and gold energy to show off their Kent State spirit.
The annual “The Kiss at the K” during the Flash Nation Tailgate before the game honored alumni couples who fell in love during their time at Kent State.
More Golden Flash pride will be on display for Homecoming 2026, which will be held Oct. 3. This year, the football opponent will be the Ohio University Bobcats.
Loreal Puleo is a beat reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
