Kalamazoo Times

More than 400 vendors, including student organizations, university departments, businesses, and nonprofits, are set to participate in Bronco Bash 2025 at Western Michigan University. The event will take place on Tuesday, August 26, from 3 to 6 p.m. on the main campus.

“Bronco Bash is big; it’s exciting. There are lots of giveaways. Students come here from all over, and sometimes it’s their first time stepping foot on campus or really getting the feel of Western Michigan University. This is an opportunity to showcase what Western is all about,” said Tyler Maruschak, assistant director for campus engagement.

The Bronco Marching Band will perform during the event. Organizers expect up to 20,000 attendees as Bronco Bash serves as the unofficial start of the academic year.

“I’m just really excited to see how students react and all the connections that are made,” said Mikaylah Gardner, a psychology major and Bronco Bash vendor relations intern. “I have always loved planning. And being able to put something big like this together that’s so rooted in tradition and that everyone loves so much is something I’m really proud of.”

“We’re focused on creating an event that connects the campus and community together,” Maruschak added. “The community is celebrating a lot of wins right now. Western has a new president. We have a national hockey championship. We have cool wins in the Kalamazoo-area as well. And Bronco Bash brings together everyone—students, employees, local nonprofits, businesses and community members—to celebrate all of that as well as to showcase their talents and their services.”

WMU President Russ Kavalhuna will open the festivities by firing Boomer, the cannon—a tradition marking his first time doing so as university president.

“It’s great to be back for Bronco Bash after attending many years ago as a student living in Ackley Hall,” said Kavalhuna. “Bronco Bash is a staple of campus life and a high-energy kickoff to the start of the academic year. I hope every student soaks up the excitement, makes memories and leaves with plenty of swag.”

This year’s event features more than 400 vendors representing various groups across campus and beyond. Many will offer free items such as refillable popcorn buckets from Celebration Cinema.

“This year, we almost doubled our popcorn bucket order from last year! We know people line up early for those, and we want to make sure as many people have a chance to get one as possible,” Maruschak said.

A raffle organized by the Campus Activities Board offers students a chance to meet two-time platinum artist Yung Gravy before his free tailgate concert ahead of WMU football's home opener on September 6.

Attendees can engage in activities including carnival-style games, mechanical bull rides, dunk tanks with Michigan State Police participation, drone soccer hosted by WMU's College of Aviation, gem mining led by the Geology Club, photo booths with instant prints, caricature art stations and more.

“The thing I’m most excited about is probably the photo booth where people can get a strip of photos. We’ll also have a caricature artist,” said Angelina Onkeosy, marketing major and programming intern for Bronco Bash coordination. “We have so many fun things for people to do. We can’t wait for everyone to come out and experience it all.”

A sensory room inside WMU Student Center will be available for visitors seeking respite from outdoor activity; amenities include fidget toys, coloring sheets and therapy dogs.

Due to ongoing construction aimed at improving pedestrian access on campus—including green space development—the location for Bronco Bash will shift toward Sangren Hall through Faunce Student Services into Rood Hall areas this year.

Traffic changes around Ring Road North and West Michigan Avenue near Student Recreation Center may affect access; however free parking will be provided nearby main entry points at Sangren Hall and Rood Hall.

Organizers are preparing safety measures due to expected late summer heat: shade tents with water stations/cooling towels will be available along with access to air-conditioned buildings; Emergency Medical Services staff will be stationed centrally near University Computing Center; all staff are trained in heat illness prevention protocols.

Beyond entertainment value—Bronco Bash aims at fostering belonging among students while providing networking opportunities which may shape their university experience long-term.

“If I never went to Bronco Bash, I would never be where I am today," says Angelina Onkeosy.“Bronco Bash had a butterfly effect for me... Coming to my first bash... it’s where I first met my sorority... It’s also where I learned about Campus Activities Board...and about this internship,” she added.

Student interns involved gain practical experience organizing large-scale events while applying classroom learning directly within university operations.

“It’s been a great learning experience,” said Alexandria Bruwer (food marketing major/logistics intern). “Logistics is something I want go into... Being able ...to do logistics for large event ...has been really helpful.”

Updates about Bronco Bash are available via Instagram or through official online channels listing sponsors/participants.