April 7, 2026 — On Wednesday, April 15, one of Marist’s most festive spring events is getting a major upgrade. Fox Fest, a long Residence Life staple, expands into a full-day, campus-wide celebration designed to bring students together through shared experiences, energy, and connection. Paired with the Spring Concert the night before, featuring headliner Natasha Bedingfield, this year’s event will create a larger spring tradition that invites the entire community to take part.

“Fox Fest is a reminder that being a part of a community also means celebrating the warmth and the wins, and that relaxation and self-care are also a part of personal success,” said Robin Diller Torres, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for Student Engagement and Leadership and Director of First Year Experience. “This is about creating a shared experience where the whole community can connect and celebrate together; it’s a time when memories are made.”

A Full Day of Activities

First-year students playing tug of war for Welcome Week Red Fox Rumble. Photo by Bobby Oliver/Marist University.

From morning to night, Fox Fest will offer a mix of high-energy programming and opportunities to relax outdoors.

Students can expect:

• Outdoor dinner and gathering spaces
• Inflatables and lawn games
• A live DJ on “Marist Beach”
• Tethered hot air balloon rides
• A recreation of the “Red Fox Rumble” featuring field day-style games
• Student club and organization-led activities, alongside programming from Residence Hall Councils (RHCs)
• Residence hall tours for future housing selection
• An outdoor movie to close the day

This year’s theme, Foxes Around the World, selected by the Residence Hall Association (RHA), celebrates global cultures and will be reflected throughout the day’s activities.

Activities will run from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., with a full schedule to be shared soon.

A Moment to Recharge and Reconnect

 
Students playing a group game on the Green. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Set during a busy point in the semester, the event is designed to give students space to reset while strengthening connections across campus.

In addition to the activities, the day reflects a broader effort across Student Affairs to create meaningful, shared moments that support both student well-being and belonging.

With expanded programming and collaboration across campus partners, this year’s Fox Fest is set to become a defining spring tradition at Marist.