Walnut Park

Mayfest 2015 goes on despite cold weather and Castle Court closure
By Samuel James Fortier
April 24, 2015 - 6:51pm
Though some students were discouraged by the cold and the performers, crowds still filled Walnut Park for the annual event.

Four boys stood in the packed parking lot next to Castle Court, squinting through the falling snowflakes as they looked up at their fists, each clutching a Keystone Light.

A small crowd formed around them as they held their fists high.

“Three!” one of the boys yelled, starting the countdown. “Two, one … NOW!”

Mayfest 2014: #Cusechella comes to Walnut Park
By Sadé A. Spence
April 26, 2014 - 5:23pm
Joywave, Pierce Fulton and A$AP Ferg bring music and excitement to this year's installment of SU's year-end extravaganza.

Amid the frolicking hippies and laid-back hipsters, the highly anticipated party of the year hosted thousands of students and was a feel-good time for most - even if they can’t remember it. 

Students eat, drink and celebrate the end of the semester at Mayfest
By Georgie Silvarole
April 25, 2014 - 6:42pm
Whether it was their first or last time at the annual event, SU students enjoyed the warm weather and festivities on Walnut Park.

Syracuse University’s Mayfest is seen as a “last hurrah” for students before finals and the end of the school year. Known as a weekend full of food, music and even drunkenness, the annual event something students look forward to every year.

Bounce houses, beer and glitter make for Mayfest 2013 memories
By Jillian D'Onfro
April 28, 2013 - 2:25pm
Commentary: Syracuse University senior Jillian D'Onfro describes her last Mayfest and thinks back on past years' celebrations.

I noticed the first sign when I peered out my bedroom window and spotted a rainbow bounce house already shaking and swaying two backyards over. The second sign arrived as my roommate thrust a freshly opened beer into my hand. Next came the beats thumping from nearby speakers, the squeals and yips floating through my open windows as someone started their inaugural game of flip cup and a text from a friend asking what time we would start putting glitter on our faces.

“Happy senior year Mayfest,” my roommate grinned wickedly.

Students break out bright clothes and glitter for this year's Mayfest
By Alyssa Marie Meisner
April 27, 2013 - 2:48pm
Mayfest 2013 offered something for everyone with concerts and free food in Walnut Park, parties on Euclid and an evening Block Party featuring Trey Songz and Ke$ha.

Sunshine was rare at past Mayfest celebrations, but this year Mother Nature pulled through. The mild weather and sun on Friday brought out Syracuse University students and their bright clothing to celebrate. Taking a break from looming finals, students ate, drank and danced the day away.

Kaskade, Cold War Kids to play Block Party 2012
By Chris Ballard
March 26, 2012 - 10:33pm
Concert to pair unique mix of dance, soulful rock tunes.

House music DJ Kaskade and indie rockers Cold War Kids, along with one more act to be announced, will perform at this year's Block Party, University Union said Monday.

Walnut hosts Mayfest festivities for second year
By Brittany Fuino
April 28, 2011 - 11:25pm
It was Euclid Avenue vs. Walnut Park, Round 2.

It is no myth that if you advertise anything as free, college students will come running. Mayfest 2011 was no exception.

Free chicken kabobs, corn dogs, cotton candy and tornadoes — not to mention free beer for  those 21 and older — had Syracuse University students hiking on down to Walnut Park Friday to get in on the good grub.

Winter Carnival Fun in Walnut Park
By Shana Honig
February 25, 2011 - 5:17pm
Syracuse University's Winter Carnival events keep students entertained despite the harsh weather. Friday's event: a Human Dog Sled Race.

More than 15 Syracuse University students ventured into the cold and snow Friday afternoon to participate in the Human Dog Sled Race, one of this year’s Winter Carnival events.

Three teams—Delta Sigma Pi, the co-ed business fraternity, “Snowy Girls,” a team of five girls, and the Syracuse University Student Association—competed in the event.

Two race courses marked by orange flags lined Walnut Park. All of the participants arrived laughing and smiling despite the harsh winds and snow.

Mayfest according to Joe Blum
By Joe Blum
May 5, 2010 - 3:42pm
While still stunned that SU lets students take the day off to party, Joe finds more than just free beer to like about the controversial celebration.

During my first year of graduate school in 2008, I kept hearing about this infamous  Mayfest. I wasn't quite sure what to make of it.

Walnut Park wins Mayfest, but Euclid Ave. survives
By Christine Mehta
April 30, 2010 - 9:08pm
With more than 3,000 in attendance, the new Mayfest in Walnut Park prevailed, but the Euclid Avenue party lingers on.

Free food and free beer was too much for students to resist during this year’s Mayfest celebration.  

More than 3,000 students showed up in Walnut Park to take advantage of the Syracuse University sponsored Mayfest party on Friday afternoon.  Euclid Avenue, in contrast, remained eerily quiet as a few students lounged outside their houses, quietly playing music, watching Syracuse City Police drive by.