Case Western Reserve University’s East Bell Commons transformed into a vibrant carnival this past Friday evening as hundreds of students gathered for the annual Back to School Bash, featuring rising indie-pop artist Malcolm Todd and an array of activities that successfully launched the fall semester with community spirit and excitement.
The University Program Board’s 5th annual flagship back-to-campus event delivered its signature blend of free food, attractions and live music, creating the welcoming atmosphere that has made the Bash a beloved tradition for students across all class years. As the late August sun began its descent, students flooded into East Bell Commons with an energy that was immediately infectious. First year students in orientation gear mixed seamlessly with returning upperclassmen, all eager to dive into the festivities that mark the unofficial start of the academic year.
The diverse food offerings fostered a festival atmosphere that catered to every dietary preference. Irie Jamaican Kitchen drew long lines with their jerk and curry chicken options, while others gravitated towards Buddha veggies with rice and beans combinations. TY FUN Thai Bistro’s pad see ew and basil fried rice provided aromatic alternatives, and The Proper Pig Smokehouse’s BBQ offerings filled the air with savory scents. Later in the evening, Piada Italian Street Food’s pasta stations and Ohio City Burrito’s customizable wraps kept energy levels high, while Pho and Rice’s Asian fusion options provided lighter alternatives. The snowcone station remained a constant favorite throughout the night, with flavors ranging from classic cherry and blue raspberry to more adventurous options like tiger’s blood and root bear. The dessert stations provided the perfect sweet ending to the culinary experience. Lizzie’s Bakery Nut Free offered an assortment of mini cupcakes and cookies, with vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, ensuring no one missed out on the treats. The combination of savory meals and dessert options created a complete dining experience that rivaled any off-campus festival.
The physical attractions drew steady crowds throughout the evening as well, with the trampoline area becoming an unexpected highlight. Students bounced enthusiastically while attempting increasingly ambitious tricks. The rock climbing wall attracted a mix of experienced climbers showing off their skills and nervous first-timers being cheered on by supportive crowds below. Perhaps the most unique attraction was the petting zoo, featuring an unusual but fascinating collection of reptiles. Students gathered around terrariums housing various snakes, lizards and turtles, with many overcoming their initial hesitation to interact with the scaly residents. The reptile experience proved surprisingly popular, drawing curious crowds throughout the event.
As evening approached and stage lights illuminated the performance area, anticipation grew for the main musical event. Malcolm Todd, making his debut at a CWRU event, brought exactly the kind of contemporary sound that resonated with the student crowd. Todd opened with mellow, guitar-driven tracks that drew students closer to the stage, his warm vocals creating an intimate atmosphere despite the outdoor setting. The crowd swayed collectively, many already familiar with his songs from streaming platforms. His indie-pop melodies blended seamlessly with the evening air, creating a soundtrack that perfectly complemented the transition from daylight festivities to nighttime entertainment. As the set progressed, his energy intensified, transforming the gathering from casual listening into a full concert experience. As Todd’s voice soared over delicate guitar work, East Bell Commons fell into an almost reverent hush before erupting in enthusiastic applause. Todd’s stage presence proved equally impressive, with casual conversation between songs that made the large venue feel surprisingly intimate. He shared anecdotes about his songwriting process and expressed genuine appreciation for the warm Cleveland welcome, further endearing himself to the captivated audience. Todd’s obvious enthusiasm was infectious, creating call-and-response moments that bound performer and audience together in shared energy.
For first-year students, the evening provided an ideal introduction to the campus community, while returning students appreciated the familiar traditions combined with fresh entertainment. The Back to School Bash once again proved its value as the perfect semester kickoff—combining nostalgic fun with contemporary culture to create lasting memories and new friendships that will carry through the academic year ahead.