Western Kentucky safety Kent Robinson (11) runs drills during Western Kentucky football’s Red-White Spring Showcase at Houchens Industries L. T. Smith Stadium on Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Daily News Photo by Caleb Lownndes/caleb.lowndes@bgdailynews.com)

WKU’s annual Topper Fest will be held Friday, August 16, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on South Lawn. The event is open to WKU students, faculty, staff and the Bowling Green community.

This family-friendly event will feature food trucks, local vendors, autographs with the Hilltoppers, an appearance by Big Red and a firework show to cap the night.

Downtown Band will perform live throughout the night and WKU Football, Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball will sign autographs. Team posters will be available to take home and kids will be able to enjoy inflatables, yard games and more.

The first WKU Athletics official home event of the 2024-25 athletic season will be on Thursday, Aug. 22 when WKU Soccer takes on Union (Tenn.) at the WKU Soccer Complex. The Hilltoppers unofficially open the season with a preseason exhibition against Chattanooga on Monday, Aug. 5 at the WKU Soccer Complex.

WKU Soccer opens the 2024 season on the road at Austin Peay on Thursday, Aug. 15.

WKU Football opens the 2024 season at Alabama on Saturday, Aug. 31. The first WKU Football home game of the season will be on Saturday, Sept. 7 against Eastern Kentucky.

WKU Volleyball opens the season in the Kentucky Tournament, facing Morehead State (Aug. 30), Northern Kentucky (Aug. 31) and host team Kentucky (Aug. 31). After competing in the Kathy Doboer Invitational at Michigan State (Sept. 6 and 7), the Hilltoppers will host Tennessee on Tuesday, Sept. 10 for the 2024 home opener.

Tickets for all WKU athletic events can be purchased at WKUTickets.com.

Members of the Kids Club for the 2024-25 season will be able to pick up welcome packages at the event. New members will be able to register for the Kids Club during the event as well.

Event Timeline:

5:30 p.m. – Topper Fest Begins

6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Football autographs

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Photo op with Big Red

7:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball Autographs

Dusk – Fireworks