Most students are only on campus from August to May, but quite a few also stay in their college town during the summer months, whether they call the area home, are taking summer courses, or they work in town. Attending college is about education, of course, but it’s also about the experience. The town you will be staying in therefore should have an effect on your final decision.
If you want a college that has an exciting town and summer events, you may want to think about attending school in one of these cities.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Flickr user VasenkaPhotography
There are several schools located in Ann Arbor, Michigan including the University of Michigan and also Washtenaw Community College. The town’s most famous summer event is the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. Over three weeks, the party spreads out across the University of Michigan campus and also downtown Ann Arbor.
With music, arts, and family entertainment, there is something for everyone at the festival, including college students.
Check out what the festival is offering this year right here.
Athens, Georgia
Flickr user Olaf Gradin
The University of Georgia is located right in Athens, Georgia. With a history in art, music, and movies, it’s no wonder the city has a summer arts festival. AthFest Music and Arts Festival takes over downtown Athens and hosts local and regional musicians and artists.
It’s an annual event designed to help promote and support music and arts education for young people. This year’s festival takes place from June 23rd to June 25th.
See who will be playing at this years AthFest!
Iowa City, Iowa
Flickr user Alan Light
Like Ann Arbor, Iowa City in Iowa also has a festival that lasts several weeks. Known as the Summer of the Arts, it’s actually made up of five festivals including the Iowa City Jazz Festival, Iowa Arts Festival, Iowa Soul Festival, Friday Night Concert Series, and the Free Movie Series. Running from June 1st to July 31st, there’s plenty of time to take part in everything the event has to offer. The University of Iowa and the Kirkwood Community College call Iowa City their home.
Want to check out the two-month event? View all the upcoming events on their website.
State College, Pennsylvania
Flickr user Penn State
An aptly named town, State College in Pennsylvania is also well known for its summer events, including the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts (though the town is most famous for football, of course, thanks to Penn State University). Every summer, the college town hosts the Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition with over three hundred artists taking part in addition to musicians, performers, artwork, and more. This year’s event starts on July 12th and continues until July 15th.
You can check out more about State College’s annual event here.
Many college towns around the United States hold summer events, both for residents, tourists, and college students who are staying throughout the off months, whether for work, classes, or just because. These are only four examples of events happening this year. If you’re considering a particular school, check out what the town has to offer, both during the school year and off to see if it’s what you’re looking for in a college town.
What college town festivals are your favorites? Comment below!
Interested in any of these schools? Check out College Raptor’s FREE match tool to discover if they’re a good fit for you!
