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Your trail guide for a safe and fun Dillo Day

Northwestern offers safety reminders and well-being tips ahead of the annual student-run music festival
dillo day 2024
This year’s theme, Camp Dillo, is a throwback to the days of summer camp. Students can embrace the nostalgia of sunscreen-scented and sun-soaked days and s'mores-filled nights around the campfire while enjoying music from a variety of artists.

The Dillo Day music festival returns on Saturday, May 18, for its 52nd edition.

This year’s theme, Camp Dillo, is a throwback to the days of summer camp. Students can embrace the nostalgia of sunscreen-scented and sun-soaked days and s'mores-filled nights around the campfire while enjoying music from a variety of artists.

To ensure everyone remains a happy camper, the Division of Student Affairs has launched its annual Smart Dillo campaign to remind festival goers to stay safe during the annual celebration.

> Related: Message to students ahead of Dillo Day from Mona Dugo, dean of students and assistant vice president for wellness

“Our amazing Mayfest students work tirelessly to put on a successful Dillo Day every year, and this festival is a well-deserved opportunity for our students to experience some collective joy before the year ends,” said Mona Dugo, assistant vice president for wellness and dean of students. “While we celebrate, it’s important to remember to make responsible choices to ensure the safety of ourselves and others.” 

Know before you go

All attendees must register for a Dillo Day wristband and pick it up in Seabury Hall (2122 Sheridan Road) by May 17. Wristbands cannot be picked up on the day of Dillo.

On the big day, campers will enter through the main entrance of the Dillo Village, located on the Norris University Center East Lawn. Before you arrive, familiarize yourself with what you can and cannot bring into festival grounds. Please note, for the safety of our community, metal detecting wands will be used upon entry into the festival. 

Smart Dillo 2024

Be a happy camper on Dillo Day

Here are a few other tips for the event based on the Smart Dillo campaign. For everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors safely, review the Smart Dillo Trail Guide.

Head to the mess hall early and often. 

Eat before, during and after Dillo Day by visiting the dining halls and food trucks and enjoying free snacks. 

Stay hydrated with water from our natural springs.  

Pack an empty canteen (or grab a free one in Dillo Village), visit the water stations and alternate alcoholic beverages with water.  

Track your drinks and let BAC serve as your compass. 

Reduce negative outcomes by setting a limit and keeping your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) under .06.  Estimate your BAC at bit.ly/bac-estimator

Know what you’re taking and avoid blazing new trails. 

Mixing alcohol and drugs or trying something new can be risky. Substances including cocaine, ecstasy and counterfeit pills can be laced with fentanyl. 

Consent is key around the campfire.  

When things heat up, seek and obtain consent, and remember, partners can’t give consent if they’re incapacitated by alcohol or drugs. 

Send an SOS to camp counselors for help. 

For alcohol and drug use concerns, the University’s amnesty protocol supports getting help for yourself or others. When you Call for help, Stay with the person until help arrives and Cooperate with emergency and University personnel. You and anyone in need will not face disciplinary action.