Packapalooza 2025 brings the heat

There is a certain charm during a late summer evening that belongs only to a university street. As the southern light fades and the heat settles into the bricks and tarmac, the street seems to breathe differently. Here, Packapalooza comes to life with energetic crowds and the promise of something memorable.

Since 2012, Packapalooza has marked the close of Welcome Week. First launched during the University’s quasquicentennial celebration, the event quickly became a lasting fixture of campus life. Now, it is a symbol of NC State’s community, hosting student organizations such as “Grains of Time” for musical performances along with over 300 vendor booths.

With events spanning from the Memorial Belltower to Nelson Hall, the event is an essential pilgrimage for students and alumni. It hosts local businesses, student organizations and university departments. Each table is lined with souvenirs like bags, pens, candy, fans and other merchandise. 

Brena Gauland, a fourth-year in elementary education, attends Packapalooza every year.

”I love the fact that the entire NC State community gets to be gathered for a day,” Gauland said. 

However, as the NC State community continues to grow, Packapalooza faces the challenge of serving an influx of students and visitors. This encourages expanding the activities and entertainment while simultaneously balancing the vast age group that attends the event, from undergraduates to alumni and children.

“The increase in the number of vendors and booths is something that has changed for the better,” Gauland said. “I think we should continue to see how much farther it can go by increasing in-person entertainment options.”

This massive assortment of performances, crafts and the occasional poetic fox encourages an all-day experience, but the summer heat poses a threat as visitors attempt to tolerate the weather long enough to see all the sights.

However, as the traditional finale of back-to-school festivities, it’s best to simply embrace the August sun as part of Packapalooza culture. After all, anything worthwhile is worth sweating for.

Another option to beat the heat at Packapalooza was the iconic Howling Cow truck behind Founder’s Drive. Those looking to cool off also found shade under the tents of different campus organizations. Students and volunteers tabling at Packapalooza spent hours engaging with Packapalooza attendees, often missing much of the event in service of their organization’s purpose.

Emilio Pena, a fourth-year in electrical and computer engineering, tabled for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) at Packapalooza. Pena discussed how organizations such as IEEE use Packapalooza as an annual effort to attract new members and connect with the community.

“Packapalooza has grown a lot. My favorite thing is that you can see all the freshmen and people who have never been here before become interested in all the different organizations,” Pena said.

Organizing an event of this scale requires considerable effort, and every tent represents outreach that helps sustain a cycle of connection. Today’s newcomers will one day be the upperclassmen welcoming the next generation, ensuring that the community-centered culture of Packapalooza continues to renew itself.

“The attitude is always positive. It reminds me of my freshman year, it’s really beautiful,” Pena said.

After a long, hot afternoon and a lively evening, nothing compared to the taste of a $20 blooming onion enjoyed with a view of the concert at the Belltower. As the night closed with fireworks bursting overhead, Welcome Week came to its fitting end.