COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Tech University will once again celebrate the start of the fall semester with its second annual “College Town Kickoff” block party and concert for Tech students and the community on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Cookeville.

The free event will kick off at Cedar Avenue and West Broad Street on Cookeville’s historic West Side at 11 a.m. with carnival games, a Ferris wheel, a zip line, food trucks, community booths, shopping and dining specials, a kids’ zone and other activities.

At 11:30 a.m., crowds will enjoy a performance by the Tennessee Tech Spirit Squad and free College Town Kickoff t-shirts while supplies last.

Later, at 6 p.m., audiences can head to the Dogwood Performance Pavilion for live music, games and food vendors.

Musical acts taking the stage include Nashville-based pop-country artist David Unlayao, also known as The Filipino Cowboy, and DJ DIF4ENT, culminating in a headlining concert from chart-topping pop-rock band American Authors, best known for hit songs such as “Best Day of My Life” and “Believer.” Free t-shirts will again be distributed at 6:30 p.m.

Street closures will be in effect throughout the day to allow attendees to safely gather and enjoy the festivities.

“Cookeville is Tennessee’s college town, and we are excited to offer this free block party and concert to show off our community for students, locals and visitors alike,” said Cynthia Polk-Johnson, vice president for student affairs at Tech. “Many campus, city and county stakeholders have partnered to prepare a spectacular event. We’re especially proud to bring an act like American Authors right here to Cookeville. Whether you’re a new student just getting settled or have lived here all your life, we hope you’ll join us downtown on Aug. 24 as we celebrate our hometown!”

Local businesses offering extended hours and specials for College Town Kickoff include 11 Oak Nutrition, Cream City, El Compa Tacos, The Babe Cave Lash Lounge, The Boutique by Brooklyn, The French Cookie, The Outdoor Experience, Vertical Coffee and World Foods, among others.

College Town Kickoff is presented in partnership with the City of Cookeville, Cookeville CityScape, the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce and the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors Bureau.

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.

Learn more at www.tntech.edu/weekofwelcome/collegetownkickoff.php.