Jaythan Comegys

Eaglepalooza, an annual event celebrating Founders’ Day at the University of Southern Mississippi, returned to downtown Hattiesburg last weekend after a six-year hiatus. The event, sponsored by the Student Government Association and the City of Hattiesburg, was free to the public and brought together students and community members with live music, food and drinks.
Eaglepalooza served as the kickoff for HUBFEST, which was canceled this year, and featured headliner Briston Maroney, opening act Grits & Greens and DJ Kujho. The festival was last held in 2019 and was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For many students, this year marked their first time experiencing the event. Vendors provided a variety of food and beverages, including barbecue and chicken on a stick.
DJ Kujho, an entertainer with two decades of experience, opened the festival with a high-energy set. Grits & Greens, a rock and roll band, followed with an energetic performance. Maroney, who has amassed more than 700 million global streams, headlined the event with a setlist that engaged the crowd.
“It was great watching everyone perform,” said Alexis Duran, a USM junior. “It felt like I was at a real concert, but it was better because it was free! Eaglepalooza was a nice break from the stress that college can bring, and I can't wait to go again next year.”
Freshman McKenzie Tullos said the location made the event easily accessible.
“It was easy to get to the event since it was so close to campus,” Tullos said. “I really enjoyed experiencing the event with the people around me. There was a girl next to me who I hadn’t known before, but after discovering that we both liked the same Briston Maroney song, we were able to have fun at the concert together.”
With strong attendance and participation from local businesses, the event’s return was widely regarded as a success. Many students said they are looking forward to next year’s Eaglepalooza as the university continues to revive the tradition.