Dillo Day, one of the nation’s largest student-run festivals, will return May 17 with a headlining performance from Natasha Bedingfield. This year’s festival will mark the 53rd annual event at Northwestern University’s lakefront campus in Evanston, Illinois.
Bedingfield – known for hits like “Unwritten,” “Pocketful of Sunshine” and “These Words” – will close out the daylong celebration after sets from genre-defying Chicago artist Ravyn Lenae and rising hip-hop artist and Texas native BigXthaPlug.
This year’s festival also marks a meaningful return to Dillo Day’s origins: Armadillo World Headquarters, the legendary Austin, Texas, music venue-turned-mission-driven cultural brand, will serve as an official partner of Dillo Day 2025. The festival’s moniker, “Dillo Day,” was originally coined by Northwestern students from Texas who were inspired by the vibrant Austin music scene and the Armadillo — a beloved symbol of their home state. The Armadillo partnership will featre various activations, including a classic Armadillo photo booth and merchandise giveaways.
Additional artists performing at Dillo Day include indie rock stars Slow Pulp and U.K.-based electronic success nimino. Past Dillo Day performers include Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper, Steve Aoki, Black Eyed Peas, Wiz Khalifa and The Ramones. The breadth of talent showcases the festival’s reputation for attracting both breakout and classic talent.
“Dillo Day is truly unlike any other college concert or festival in the world. We bring two stages of world-class talent to our students for free, as well as an entire festival ground outfitted with brand activations, food trucks and activities,” said Mayfest Productions co-chair Alex Kahn in a release. “The Mayfest Productions team works tirelessly all year to bring Dillo Day to life.”
Now in its 53rd year, the festival draws over 10,000 attendees, the majority of whom are Northwestern students. Organized entirely by undergraduate students through Mayfest Productions, Dillo Day is fully student-run — from artist booking and corporate sponsorship to marketing, operations and production.
Tickets for guests of undergraduates are $30, and $35 for graduate students, alumni and Evanston residents.
