ThurtenE, the annual student-produced carnival on Washington University’s Danforth Campus, happens this weekend. Rides, food, game booths, and cultural performances make up the event, billed as the nation’s largest and oldest student-run carnival. Here’s what to know before you go.
The Theme
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“This year, our carnival is themed around St. Louis music history,” says Sarah Zubli, who’s part of the public relations and marketing arm of this year’s ThurtenE Honorary committee, alongside Abby Malone. (A group of 13 dedicated Washington University students spearhead the festival.) “We’re trying to put a focus on St. Louis artists through our student performances and our façade that we’re building.”
The theme is “Melodies and Memories,” and student music groups from the Latin dance team WUFuego to acapella groups will perform songs that represent the city’s rich musical heritage. Expect odes to such contemporary St. Louisans as SZA and Smino, as well as more historical ones, such as Tina Turner and Fontella Bass.
“A big portion of our carnival is bringing together the St. Louis community and the WashU community,” says Malone, noting that everyone is welcome to come, regardless of connection to the school.
The free event takes place at Francis Field on the west end of campus, and Friday night has a special: $20 for an unlimited-rides wristband.
As a further aspect of outreach in the community, the carnival partners with a city organization. “Every year, we choose an organization to donate our net proceeds to,” says Zubli. “This year, we chose ArchCity Defenders. We are super excited to work with them.”
The Legacy
The event has its origins in a 1907 student-run “Surkuss” event, which evolved into its present carnival format in 1935. While the event has a long and storied history, each year’s group of 13 WashU juniors is not beholden to the past—in fact, the past two years’ groups have been particularly forward-facing.
“I think we’re in a really cool and unique spot right now, with it just coming back after COVID,” says Malone. “We do look to the history of what students have done in the past, but we’re sort of at a place where we have a new slate. The year that was above us, the first carnival after the pandemic, was super helpful.”
ThurtenE Carnival runs 4–8 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.
