What is Gobblerfest?

Gobblerfest was first conceived in the fall of 2008 as a welcome festival for students, staff, faculty and members of the Blacksburg community. In just two years, this free event has become a highlight of the start of the academic year. Gobblerfest is an excellent way for students to meet each other, explore common interests, and become a part of the Virginia Tech community, all in a healthy, alcohol-free setting.

Gobblerfest 2009 was a huge success, with an estimated 18,000 people at the street fair and 3,000 people at the late night activities held in Squires Student Center. More than 370 student organizations, businesses, non-profit organizations, and Virginia Tech departments registered for the Gobblerfest street fair which stretched from library plaza down College Avenue into the downtown Blacksburg business district. The booths included food, games, free giveaways, and volunteer information. The day’s schedule included improvisational performances by the Virginia Tech Department of Theatre and Cinema, acoustic music on the porch of the Graduate Life Center, and a silent auction to benefit the newly established Community Initiatives Fund. The late night events in Squires included a comedian, a movie, and a dance party. The entire event concluded with a midnight pancake breakfast.

In 2010, an estimated 19,000 people attended the street fair and 3,000 people participated in late-night activities in Squires Student Center.  More than 370 student organizations, businesses, non-profit organizations, and Virginia Tech departments registered for booths that lined the streets from library plaza down College Avenue into the downtown business district. Improvisational performances on the steps of the Theatre 101 building on College Avenue by the Virginia Tech Department of Theatre and Cinema added a new dimension to Gobblerfest entertainment.  A variety of acoustic musical entertainment was provided.  A full slate of late night activities in Squires Student Center included a comedian, movie, dance party, acoustic music, and  novelty freebies

• Gobblerfest 2011 FAQs