Robotic touch sensors are not just skin deep
May 2, 2025
The Dillo Day music festival returns on Saturday, May 17, for the 53rd edition.
This year’s theme, Carnival Dillo, will bring a midway-style atmosphere to the lakefront, featuring food, drinks and, of course, live music.
The Division of Student Affairs has launched its annual Smart Dillo campaign to remind festival goers to stay safe during the annual celebration.
- Message to students ahead of Dillo Day from Mona Dugo, dean of students and assistant vice president for wellness >
“Our Mayfest students have worked hard to put together this event for the school community, and we know this festival is a well-deserved opportunity for students to experience live music and fun together,” said Mona Dugo, dean of students and assistant vice president for wellness. “That said, it’s important to prioritize safety and make responsible choices to ensure that everyone has the best Dillo Day possible.”
Know before you go
All attendees must register for a Dillo Day wristband through the Norris Box Office and pick it up in Seabury Hall at 2122 Sheridan Road by May 16. Students may only pick up wristbands for themselves and their guest, and they must come prepared with their confirmation email, their Wildcard and a form of identification for their guest if applicable. Wristbands cannot be picked up on Dillo Day.
- The lineup includes Natasha Bedingfield, BigXthaPlug and Ravyn Lenae >
On the big day, carnival goers can enter through the Arts Circle beginning at 11:30 a.m. The primary festival exit will be located just south of the Kellogg Global Hub. Once the festival concludes, an additional exit heading north along the lakefront will also be opened.
Before you arrive, familiarize yourself with what you can and cannot bring to Carnival Dillo. Prohibited items include blankets and sheets, recording equipment, glass containers, outside beverages, hammocks, umbrellas, weapons and tents and other shade-making devices. Please note that for the safety of our community, metal detecting wands will be in use at the entrance and all bags will be searched.
Step right up for a safe and fun Carnival Dillo
For everything you need to enjoy the carnival safely, visit the Smart Dillo website.
Pop over to concessions early and often.
Eat before, during and after Dillo Day by visiting the dining halls, food trucks and free snacks.
Have a merry-go-round of water regularly.
Bring an empty plastic water bottle (or grab a free one in Dillo Village), visit the water stations and alternate alcoholic beverages with water.
Don’t test your luck with your drinks.
Keep your blood alcohol content (BAC) under .06 by setting a limit, pacing your drinks and adding less alcohol to mixed drinks or BORGs. Estimate your BAC.
Save the surprises for the magic show.
Mixing alcohol and drugs or trying something new can be risky. Substances including cocaine, ecstasy and counterfeit pills can be laced with fentanyl.
Get consent before you go on a ride.
Always seek and obtain consent, and remember, partners can't give consent if they're incapacitated by alcohol or drugs.
Safety is the main attraction.
When you Call for help, Stay with the person until help arrives and Cooperate with emergency or University personnel, Northwestern honors that care by using educational and supportive resources outside of the University’s disciplinary processes.
