There's no better way to end another successful school year than with a carnival. Jagapalooza, one of IUPUI's greatest traditions, is coming back to campus on April 29. Run by the Student Activities Programming Board (SAPB), Jagapalooza has all the fun you need right before final exams.
Jagapalooza began in 2013 as an outdoor mini carnival, with the goal to celebrate the end of the school year and bring the campus community together. The event was a huge hit with IUPUI students and staff and grew in popularity each year, eventually evolving into full-size amusement rides in 2016. In 2018, nearly 3,000 IUPUI community members were drawn to this grand event.
As of 2019, the carnival has continued to be a signature event at IUPUI, advancing the vibrancy of campus life. After a three-year break due to COVID-19, SAPB is working to bring back a tradition that has been a favorite memory of many students.
Current seniors at IUPUI are the only class left who experienced Jagapalooza in 2019, and the SAPB board is thrilled to provide this new experience for underclassmen. One senior reflected on the enjoyment that Jagapalooza brought her.
"I'm excited for Jagapalooza to return because it's a perfect way to end the school year," Christina Poetz said. "I was only able to experience it once because of the pandemic, so I am ready to come together with my peers again and celebrate."
Students that have not yet experienced Jagapalooza are equally as excited to take part in this unique campus tradition and experience IUPUI's one-of-a-kind carnival.
"I'm looking forward to having to celebrate all of my accomplishments and relax with my friends," Hanne Brandgard, freshman, said. "I am excited to go for the first time because I heard from upperclassmen that it is super fun. I can't wait to ride rides and enjoy the food trucks."
This year-end bash is run solely by SAPB, and it all wouldn't be possible without the organization's campus traditions committee.
"We are planning to do a full-swing Jagapalooza," Izzy Shleton, SAPB director of campus traditions committee, said. "I think it will be a really great chance to bring our campus community back together and show how we've worked hard to overcome the obstacles from the past couple of years. We really want to celebrate everyone's success by putting on a great Jagapalooza."
What to know before you go
- Event details: Friday, April 29, 5 p.m.–12 a.m., Campus Center lot 80.
- Entrance and rides are free. Food and extra games will be available for purchase.
- A CrimsonCard is required upon entry.
- Don’t forget to pre-register! This determines what time slot you can enter the carnival and is required for students, staff and faculty who want to attend.
For more updates on Jagapalooza and information on SAPB, check out their Spot page.