Slope Day

Experience • Wristbands & Food Tickets
Volunteer • Plan • Music
Slope Day will be held on May 6, 2026!
The Slope Day Programming Board is part of the Student Programming Council and a unit of Campus Activities within Student & Campus Life, funded in part by the Student Activity Fee.
Experience
Slope Day is more than just the concert on the slope. Check out what else is happening as we celebrate the end of the school year!
Slope Day
Slope Day
The main event! Gates open at 11:30 am, and the concert will wrap up around 4:30 pm.
Slope Fest
Slope Fest
Be sure to stop by Slope Fest on Ho Plaza! Slope Fest will include FREE food, drinks, carnival games, prizes, music, and more. Pepsi is giving out Bubbly, Gatorlyte, tea, and chips. Note: you must have your Slope Day wristband to participate in Slope Fest.
Alternative Slope Day
Alternative Slope Day
Alternative Slope Day is an opportunity for folks to get off campus on Slope Day and try something new. The Campus Activities office works with Cornell Outdoor Education to offer free spots to the Hoffman Challenge Course. The ropes course and other activities are all "challenge by choice".
Registration will open on April 30th at 9:30am. Details can be found on the CampusGroups event page. You can register for yourself and one friend (current Cornell student). Only current undergraduate students can participate. If there are still openings, we will open to graduate/professional students a day or two before the event.
Slope Day BreakFEST
Slope Day BreakFEST
Start the day with breakfast! Stop by the Slope Day BreakFest in front of the Schwartz Center in Collegetown or the many dining halls that are open.
Wristbands & Food Tickets
Wristbands
Wristbands are required by ALL attendees to enter the Slope Day gates - they are your entry ticket. Here is the information you need to acquire yours. You must reserve your wristband prior to picking it up in-person. Bring your Cornell ID when picking up wristbands. If you are not a current Cornellian, you must have a government-issued ID. Additionally, if you are a "guest" of a graduating senior, you must pick up your wristband with your Cornell friend.
What are wristbands?
What are wristbands?
Wristbands are required by ALL attendees to enter the Slope Day gates - they are your entry ticket. The wristbands are a cloth material that can withstand showers, getting wet, etc.
You will be able to RSVP for your wristband in early April. More details to come!
Each attendee only gets one wristband, and will be placed on your wrist by a staff member when you receive it. Losing your wristband or giving your wristband to another person will result in you not able to attend Slope Day. There are no replacements.
Undergraduate students (free- covered by Student Activity Fees)
Undergraduate students (free- covered by Student Activity Fees)
- You must reserve your wristband prior to picking it up in-person. You must bring your Cornell ID to pick up your wristband. Wristbands and access to the event are free. You can only reserve one (1) wristband for yourself.
- Wristbands are free for undergraduate students as Slope Day is covered in the undergraduate Student Activity Fees.
- December graduates are considered undergraduate students for this academic year. If you are a current graduate/professional student as a December graduate and have issues with your undergraduate wristband, contact slopeday@cornell.edu or talk with a Campus Activities staff member.
NEW: Outside guests (Non-Cornell affiliated guests of undergraduate seniors) ($150)
NEW: Outside guests (Non-Cornell affiliated guests of undergraduate seniors) ($150)
New to Slope Day 2026, graduating undergraduate seniors (referred to as a "Cornell Connection") are allowed to purchase one ticket for a friend for a limited amount of outside guest tickets. There are certain parameters. Please read carefully below.
Policies & Parameters
- Only graduating undergraduate seniors and recent December graduates can be a "Cornell Connection" and reserve a ticket on CampusGroups for their guest, and then they will be given a customized link for them to purchase the ticket on ViVenu.
- We are limited to up to 500 outside guests (subject to change).
- The current student "Cornell Connection" and their guest must be 21 or over.
- The guest name must match on CampusGroups, ViVenu, and their government-issued ID.
- The guest must have their Cornellian Connection present when they pick up their wristband.
- The guest must be accompanied by their Cornellian Connection at all times during the event.
- The guest must have their government-issued ID on their person at all times during the event.
Steps
- You (the "Cornellian Connection") must reserve your guest wristband on the separate CampusGroups RSVP page.
- You will receive a 24-hour special code to purchase a second ticket on ViVenu. You must purchase your ticket on ViVenu and show staff your confirmation QR code when you pick up your wristband.
- If you miss your buying window, we will move onto the next person on the waitlist. You are welcome to join the waitlist again.
Graduate/Professional students ($55)
Graduate/Professional students ($55)
- Graduate/Professional students can purchase their wristbands online. You must bring your Cornell ID and ViVenu QR code to pick up your wristband. You can only purchase one (1) wristband for yourself (this cost also includes four $3 food tickets).
- To receive your wristband, you must:
- You must reserve your wristband on CampusGroups prior to picking it up in-person.
- You must purchase your ticket on ViVenu and show staff your confirmation QR code when you pick up your wristband.
- Note: Graduate/Professional students must pay an entrance fee because their GPSA student activity fees do not pay into the overall Slope Day planning, whereas undergraduate student activity fees do.
Staff & Faculty ($55)
Staff & Faculty ($55)
- Staff & faculty can purchase their wristbands online on ViVenu. You must bring your Cornell ID and ViVenu QR code to pick up your wristband. You can only purchase one (1) wristband for yourself (this cost also includes four $3 food tickets).
- To receive your wristband, you must:
- You must reserve your wristband on CampusGroups prior to picking it up in-person.
- You must purchase your ticket on ViVenu and show staff your confirmation QR code when you pick up your wristband.
Cornell Alumni ($80)
Cornell Alumni ($80)
- We work closely with Alumni Affairs & Development to offer tickets to Cornell alumni! Alumni can purchase their wristbands online. Limited to one (1) wristband per person. Alumni cannot bring non-Cornell friends or family to the concert.
- You must purchase your ticket on Vivenu and pick up your wristband day-of on the Arts Quad. You will be asked to show proof of being an alum when you pick up your wristband. (This cost also includes four $3 food tickets).
Wristband Distribution Schedule & Locations
Wristband Distribution Schedule & Locations
Wristband locations are for ALL attendee types unless otherwise stated.
Sunday May 3
- Wristband Kick-off Event! Willard Straight Hall Browsing Library & Ho Plaza. Celebrate at our kick-off event with music, ice cream, and other giveaways! Bring your Cornell ID. Graduate students, professional students, and alumni must bring their QR code confirmation from ViVenu.
Monday May 4
- Willard Straight Hall Memorial Room | Doors open 11am-9pm
- Current students and staff/faculty must bring your Cornell ID
- Graduate students, professional students, staff/faculty, and alumni must bring their QR code confirmation from Vivenu
- Alumni must bring their government-issued ID
- Outside guests must be present with their Cornellian Connection and have their government-issued ID
Tuesday May 5
- Willard Straight Hall Memorial Room | Doors open 11am-9pm
- Current students and staff/faculty must bring your Cornell ID
- Graduate students, professional students, staff/faculty, and alumni must bring their QR code confirmation from Vivenu
- Alumni must bring their government-issued ID
- Outside guests must be present with their Cornellian Connection and have their government-issued ID
Wednesday May 6 (Day of)
- Arts Quad tent | 10:30am-3pm.
- Current students and staff/faculty must bring your Cornell ID
- Graduate students, professional students, staff/faculty, and alumni must bring their QR code confirmation from Vivenu
- Alumni must bring their government-issued ID
- Outside guests must be present with their Cornellian Connection and have their government-issued ID
Once I get my wristband, can I take it off?
Once I get my wristband, can I take it off?
Nope! Not until after Slope Day. The wristbands are a cloth material that can withstand showers, getting wet, etc. Taking off your wristband will shred it, deeming it unusable and irreplaceable. You will not receive a replacement and therefore will not be able to attend Slope Day :(
I lost my wristband! What can I do?
I lost my wristband! What can I do?
Students only get one wristband. If you lose your wristband or give yours to another person, you will not receive a replacement and therefore will not be able to attend Slope Day :(
Food & Drink Tickets
Skip the lines at Slope Day! There are many great food options throughout the event. There are many locations around campus and within the Slope Day fence where you can grab food and drinks. Order your tickets ahead of time to get your food sooner and get back to the music.
Food Available on Slope Day
Food Available on Slope Day
Before gates open: Start the day with breakfast! Stop by the "Slope Day BreakFest" (7:30 – 10:30am) in front of the Schwartz Center in Collegetown or the many campus eateries that are open.
At the Slope: There are many food places open at Slope Day! Below is the menu for paid food opportunities. Food tickets are available for purchase in WSH parking lot and on Ho Plaza with BRBs, MealChoice, CornellCard and credit cards. But – you can skip ticket lines by purchasing meal tickets prior to Slope Day. Details below:
Slope Day Food
More info coming in Spring semester!
Halal meals
Halal meals are available upon request on Slope Day! These meals will be at the Street Food Tent in the Willard Straight Hall lot. Slope Day food tickets can be used to purchase Halal Meals. Vegan and vegetarian items at all of our Slope Day food stations will be available with Slope Day food tickets.
If you have a food allergy, please notify us at the food tent.
Cornell Dining makes every attempt to identify ingredients that may cause allergic reactions for those with food allergies. Every effort is made to instruct our food production staff on the severity of food allergies, and to label items with possible allergen-containing ingredients. However, there is always a risk of cross contact. There is also a possibility that manufacturers of the commercial foods we use could change the formulation at any time, without notice. If allergen information changes, this information will be posted at the point of service.
Food Ticket Pre-sales
Food Ticket Pre-sale
More info coming in Spring semester!
Beer Tent (21+ years old)
Beer Tent (21+ years old)
- Beer and hard cider are available for purchase on Libe Slope to those who are 21 years of age or older
- Attendees can purchase a beer bracelet for $15 (limited to one per person) which they can use for up to five beers ($3/beer) on the Slope
- If you decide you do not want to use all of the punches on the bracelet for beer, you may exchange the rest of your bracelet punches for food tickets at ANY of our food stations in the WSH parking lot. Bracelet will be removed and you will not be able to purchase additional beer bracelets). You cannot exchange a bracelet if all 5 tabs have been used.
- Beer bracelets are for sale at Slope Day under the ID tent by the Willard Straight parking lot (limited to one per person). Beer can only be purchased with credit card - NO Cornell tenders such as BRBs or MealChoice.
- We encourage you to also purchase food tickets while purchasing your beer bracelet, which can be purchased with any payment method (credit card, BRBs, CornellCard or MealChoice) so you can eat throughout the event.
- Food can be purchased with any payment method (credit or Cornell tenders like BRBs, CornellCard or MealChoice). Beer bracelets may be exchanged for food tickets if the patron is finished consuming alcohol. The entire beer bracelet will be removed.
- Note: Attendees who want to get a beer bracelet need to present a valid government-issued ID and students will also need to present their Cornell ID at the ID tent on the Slope.
- ACCEPTED Valid Government-Issued ID includes:
- Valid New York State driver’s license or a valid driver’s license from any other state or Canada;
- Valid identification issued by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (non-driver ID card);
- Valid United States military identification; and
- Valid passport or visa from the United States government or any other country
- NOT ACCEPTED ID includes (but not limited to):
- Pictures or Copies of identification
- Expired ID cards/passports
- Driver’s license/ID cards from foreign countries/provinces etc. (except Canada)
- ACCEPTED Valid Government-Issued ID includes:
No outside beverages are permitted within the gates of the event.
Water - stay hydrated!
Water - stay hydrated!
Bottled water and a water-filling station will be available around Slope Day. It is important to stay hydrated during the day!
There will be water buggies with filtered, cold water on Ho Plaza and on the Slope. You can bring a clear/transparent non-glass water bottle to the slope. You will be asked to empty it prior to entering the gates.
There will also be free bottled water available on the Slope.
Volunteer
On Slope Day, approximately 500 volunteers are needed to assist in the operations on and around Libe Slope. Without this help, Slope Day simply would not happen. Volunteers are made up of faculty, staff and students, and they all help out in a variety of ways.
Staff/faculty: Sign up to volunteer here on CampusGroups
Students: Sign up to volunteer here on CampusGroups
Volunteers will receive...
Volunteers will receive...
As a thank you for your support, each volunteer will receive:
- Free meal tickets
- Students: Entry into prize raffles
- Graduate/Professional students and Staff/faculty: will be able to receive their event wristband at no cost
✨For Staff Volunteers: HR and Payroll Information
✨For Staff Volunteers: HR and Payroll Information
HR and Payroll Information
For Staff Members who Volunteer: A supervisor must approve a staff member’s request to be released from regular duties in order to be reassigned as a volunteer at Slope Day. Given the reassignment, hours spent at Slope Day that coincide with the staff member’s regularly scheduled work hours will be considered time worked and should be recorded in Workday as Regular time. Hours spent volunteering at Slope Day that fall outside of scheduled work hours (and thus are not a reassignment of duties) are unpaid and should not be recorded in Workday.
For Staff Members Required to Work: Nonexempt staff members who are required to work the Slope Day event must be paid for all hours worked during the event, even if such hours do not coincide with their regularly scheduled work hours. Such time should be recorded in Workday as Regular time. If you are unsure whether your assignment at Slope Day is a voluntary one (see above paragraph), or a required assignment, please contact either your supervisor, or your college/unit Human Resources representative for clarification. If additional information is needed, you may contact the Division of Human Resources at 255-6894.
For Exempt Staff Members: Exempt staff members who provide assistance during Slope Day in either capacity above will receive their usual compensation.
Plan
Slope Day Rules
Slope Day Rules
Attendees
- Attendance at Slope Day and related events is limited to current Cornell students, as well as full-time faculty and staff. Cornell alumni from December 2024 and earlier are also invited to participate in Slope Day. There are no exceptions for outside guests.
- All attendees must receive a wristband prior to entering Slope Day. Information below.
Outside Food and Beverage is prohibited
- Do not bring food or drinks: Outside food or drink are not permitted within Slope Day, including alcohol. A special Slope Day menu including food and drinks are available for purchase provided by Cornell Dining. Free food and beverages are also available in Slope Fest.
- Water bottles: You can bring an EMPTY, TRANSLUCENT, and NON-GLASS water bottle to the Slope. You will be asked to dump any liquids at the gates (like at an airport!). You CANNOT bring a glass container. There are water hydration stations within Slope Day where you can refill your reusable water bottle. Additionally, everyone will be offered a free water bottle as they enter Slope Day from one of the gates.
- No open containers: Open containers of alcohol are prohibited outside the gates. For those who are 21+, beer service is available at Slope Day within the gate.
- No cash on the Slope: Plan ahead. You can purchase alcohol and food online and in-person prior to and on Slope Day. For those who are 21+, you can purchase a beer bracelet online prior to and on Slope Day. To purchase a beer bracelet, you need a government-issued ID which will be checked at the Slope.
Entrance:
- All attendees are subject to search: Travel light to reduce wait times at gates. Leave backpacks, bags, purses, and other larger bags and items at home.
- Clear/transparent bags are allowed. The maximum size allowed is 8 inches x 8 inches. Think: drawstring, shoulder bag, fanny pack. They will be searched.
- Security Detection System: For your safety and convenience, Slope Day will employ a Security Detection System at all entry points. This advanced technology ensures a swift and seamless screening process, allowing you to enter with ease while we maintain a secure environment. No need to remove phones, keys, or bags as you pass through the detection system.
- What to bring with you to the Slope:
- Phone
- Cornell ID*
- Wristband*
- Pre-purchased food tickets
- Empty, translucent, and non-glass water bottle
- For those 21+ and purchasing a beer bracelet, bring a government-issued photo ID (license or passport) to the ID Tent
- Not allowed within the gates:
- Outside alcohol, flasks, BORGs, full size containers of sunscreen, illegal drugs or substances, weapons, glass containers, coolers, outside food or drink, large bags, professional audio, photo, or video recording devices (i.e. cameras with detachable lenses and/or flashes), selfie sticks, amplified sound, floaties, lawn chairs, etc. Security has the authority to refuse entry if they deem any items a concern for the health and safety of attendees.
- You can be asked to leave: Slope Day staff reserves the right to eject attendees or refuse to serve attendees alcohol.
- Attendees may leave the Slope and return throughout the day as long as they keep on the valid wristband.
Accessibility/ADA
Accessibility/ADA
Accessibility Requests: Please reach out to slopeday@cornell.edu with any questions or requests. Our goal is to provide a welcoming and inclusive Slope Day experience for all attendees.
Hearing: If you are in need of an ASL interpreter at Slope Day, please contact slopeday@cornell.edu as soon as possible so we can coordinate. We must know by April 25th, 2025 to coordinate accommodations.
Sensory Supportive Space: The sensory space is a relaxing environment located in the Willard Straight Hall International Lounge. This space is designed to accommodate those who can benefit from a brief reprieve of Slope Day activities. This space is accessible only through the WSH South entrance (near the Cornell Health gate).
Mobility Disabilities: We encourage patrons with mobility disabilities to utilize personal forms of transportation, including wheelchairs and scooters. Crutches, walkers and canes are also permitted. Please note that we will not be renting assisted mobility devices onsite. Folks should use Tower Gate to enter Slope Day.
Accessible Routes: Slope Day is navigable for people with mobility disabilities. Please be advised that the venue’s terrain is grass, paved walkways, and a slope. Guests will need to traverse throughout the festival grounds independently or with the assistance of a companion. Slope Day does not provide transportation services. Folks should use Tower Gate to enter Slope Day.
Parking: ADA Parking will be available for attendees with a valid Accessible Parking placard, permit or license plate. Accessible parking is available on Central Ave at the top of the Slope. Folks should use Tower Gate to enter Slope Day.
Communication Access: If you are looking for American Sign Language interpreters at Slope Day, please email slopeday@cornell.edu by April 25, 2026 so we can coordinate.
Service Animals: Service animals are permitted throughout the festival. Service animals must remain under the control of its owner at all times. NO emotional support animals, therapy animals, or companion animals are allowed.
Concessions: All concessions are accessible and located throughout the venue. If assistance is required, please confer with a staff member or event volunteer.
Medical: There is a fully-equipped medical site staffed by trained personnel located at the Slope to manage any issue. Check the Festival Map for exact locations.
Dietary Needs: Slope Day will have food stations that provide gluten-free dietary options. A full menu is located on this website. For those with special dietary needs beyond the offered festival food service, please contact us at slopeday@cornell.edu for further information.
Alcohol & Other Drugs
Alcohol & Other Drugs
The majority of Cornellians drink alcohol in moderation or not at all and many students enjoy Slope Day and have fun without alcohol. That said, some students choose to engage in alcohol consumption as part of their Slope Day experience and beer is available for purchase for those who are 21 + years old with a government ID. If you drink alcohol, know the legal risks of underage drinking and consider ways to reduce the risk of AOD-related illness or injury by thinking ahead.
- AOD Rules & Policies:
- Enforcement is stepped up on Slope Day.
- The legal drinking age is 21 and it is illegal to provide alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. It is also illegal to create or possess altered government or university documents to bypass the legal drinking age.
- Cannabis use is prohibited on Cornell’s campus.
- It is also illegal and prohibited by the university for an individual to manufacture, possess, use, dispense, sell, or distribute controlled substances or other illegal drugs (as defined by state and federal law).
- Cornell’s Student Code of Conduct applies every day of the year.
- Do The Right Thing:
- The Good Samaritan protocol & law helps protect the people involved in calling for help and the person(s) needing medical assistance from judicial and/or legal consequences when you call for help. If you see someone who requires medical attention due to an alcohol or other drug related emergency, do the right thing and call 9-1-1 or get assistance from a Slope Day volunteer.
- If you drink alcohol, plan ahead for safety and follow these harm-reduction tips:
- Stick to the buzz… pace and limit the number of alcoholic drinks for the day.
- Stick to beer and avoid hard alcohol, which is the cause of nearly all alcohol emergencies
- Stay hydrated and well-fed throughout the day (don't forget to eat breakfast!)
- You must be 21+ to drink legally. Keep in mind that enforcement will be stepped up on Slope Day.
- If you use cannabis, plan ahead for safety and follow these harm-reduction tips:
- Start low: Start with a small amount of THC (no more than 2.5 mg) and see how it affects you (especially if using at a different time than usual).
- Go slow: You may not feel the full effects for 2 – 4 hours; wait at least two hours before using more.
- Avoid mixing with other substances
- You must be 21+ to use cannabis legally and remember that cannabis use is prohibited on Cornell’s campus regardless of age, because it is still illegal at the federal level. Keep in mind that enforcement will be stepped up on Slope Day.
Weather (Severe Weather Guidelines)
Weather (Severe Weather Guidelines)
Plan ahead by checking the weather for Slope Day. In case of inclement weather, please see the Cornell University Severe Weather Guidelines.
Consider the weather as you are planning what to wear. You can bring in a travel-size sunscreen (3.4 oz or smaller,) but be sure to apply sunscreen ahead of time. Sunscreen will also be available at the entrance gates and the first aid tent if you ask for it.
COVID-19
COVID-19
For information about current COVID-19 public health guidelines, please visit health.cornell.edu/covid.
Music
Lineup
Information coming soon.
Slope Day Programming Board
Slope Day Programming Board
The Slope Day Programming Board is a student organization made up of students helping plan Slope Day behind the scenes with Campus Activities staff year-round. They help coordinate the artist selection from the fall student survey, talent sourcing, the attractions at Slope Fest, and any other student component of the day!
Slope Day, a Cornell Tradition
Slope Day, a Cornell Tradition
There is a long history of a springtime gathering here at Cornell University. While this event has taken many shapes over the past century, one common thread persists: celebration. Today, the event we affectionately call "Slope Day" inherits a proud century-long tradition as a year-end gathering and celebration of the Cornell Community.
From The Beginning...
1901 The first recorded "Spring Day" takes place. Spring Day was a celebration of the end of winter and imminent warm weather. This tradition continued for the next half-century. Over the years, Spring Day was comprised of events ranging from variety shows to circuses. One year, there was a mock bullfight; another year, students, staff, faculty, and guests enjoyed the Fraternity Float parade. While many of these events took place at and centered on the University's open spaces (including Libe Slope), many activities also took place indoors and off campus.
1960 Protests and unrest plagued the University. There was little time and place for any celebration during these years. In addition to nationwide protests and civic discord, many minimum legal drinking age restrictions were lifted. During this time, many states began lowering their minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) from their post-prohibition high of twenty-one.
1979 Cornell Dining sponsored a barbeque on Libe Slope on the last day of classes and Spring Fest was born. This so-known "Great Feast" started in the afternoon, and was centered on a big chicken barbeque and live music. New York State's MLDA of eighteen made it possible for alcohol to be served at Spring Fest, as most Cornell students were over eighteen by the end of the school year.
1984 The federal government passed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act in 1984, mandating that all states had two years to increase their MLDA to 21 or lose Federal-aid highway funding. New York changed their MLDA because of this act, and so the university's alcohol policy was changed to reflect the change in state law.
1987 Robert Cray band performed at Spring Fest, sponsored by the Cornell Concert Commission.
1988 Spring Fest was cancelled! After too many students admitted to Gannett the year before, the university decided to not hire a musical act.
1989 In the face of these legal changes and the public sentiment that precipitated it, it was no longer feasible for the university to allow the event. Students formed the Springfest Coordinating Committee to promote safe drinking habits and to provide alcohol-free activities as an alternative to drinking.
Slope Day, as it came to be called, became an informal gathering of students on university property.
1993 An organization, known as SOS, was created in order for students, staff, and faculty to provide a "positive presence" on Slope Day. Now known as the Slope Day Volunteer Committee, these volunteers operate as a subcommittee of the Slope Day Programming Board, and fulfill vital roles in the event from working to ensure the safety of those attending, to manning the gates, fence, and checkpoints, distributing water, and keeping the Slope clean. Without student and staff volunteers in their brightly colored t-shirts, Slope Day couldn't happen!
1999 Student opinion surrounding the future of the event began to shift, as evidenced by the creation of SlopeFest, a non-alcoholic activity-based event featuring carnival-type games and rides, live music, free giveaways, and other attractions. SlopeFest, taking place on West Campus, was meant to accompany Slope Day and accommodate students during times when they weren't drinking as well as provide an alcohol-free environment for students desiring one.
2001 Hunter R. Rawlings III, then president of Cornell University, issued a charge to the President's Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs to assemble a group of staff, faculty and students to critically assess and address the role that alcohol and other drugs (AOD) played on Slope Day. This group became known as the Slope Day Steering Committee.
2002 The Steering Committee began to undertake corrective measures to address the alcohol related issues surrounding Slope Day, including moving the concert back onto the slope.
2003 A new and improved Slope Day was created by a Steering Committee of students, faculty, and staff. Live entertainment (Rusted Root and Fat Joe) brought to the Slope, catered food and alcohol service from Cornell Dining, and giveaways became a part of the celebration as well. A student-administration partnership was created, one where students would take the lead in planning and organizing programming and direction for the day. The Slope Day Programming Board was created and funded by the Student Assembly to organize the event and bring bigger and better entertainment to the day.
2004 The celebration continued, with performances by Kanye West and OAR, the return of SlopeFest, and record crowds in attendance.
2005 The Slope Day Programming Board brought The Starting Line, The Game and Snoop Dogg. The bands played for record crowds and Slope Day was a huge success!
2006 Once again, Slope Day was a lot of fun for all, featuring Ben Folds and Talib Kweli with special guest Acceptance. SlopeFest was moved from West Campus to Ho Plaza.
2007 T.I. with special guests TV on the Radio and Catch 22 took the stage and slope by storm. New additions to SlopeFest made it a larger hit than ever before. Prizes were raffled off to winners of certain carnival games before the music began.
2008 Gym Class Heroes brought local flair to the Slope with energetic openers Ted Leo and the Pharmacists and Hot Hot Heat. Even the rain could not keep students from celebrating the end of the semester. Libe Slope became greener with Cornell Dining's switch to biodegradable products (including corn plastic cups).
2009 The Pussycat Dolls took command of the stage as the first all-female act for Slope Day. Openers the Apples in Stereo and Asher Roth pumped the crowds for the main act as neither the threat of rain nor recession could prevent this Slope Day from being enjoyed by the huge audience that attended.
2010 In the Campus Consciousness Tour, Drake headlined with a message of sustainability to a welcoming crowd. The audience was warmed up by the beautiful weather and by openers Francis and the Lights and k-os.
2011 Grammy Award winning hip-hop artist Nelly made sure Slope Day wasn't just a dream for Cornellians. Excellent weather and openers Ra Ra Riot and The Cool Kids brought everyone out to the Slope early to spend time with friends and celebrate the end of another great year.
2012 International star Taio Cruz lit up the Slope like it was dynamite. Supporting artists Neon Trees and The Wailers brought record early crowds out to enjoy the perfect weather and celebrate with the Cornell community.
2013 Hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar headlined Slope Day. Supporting artists included DJ 5 & A Dime and Hoodie Allen.
2014 Ludacris headlined Slope Day with performances by Matt and Kim and 3Lau.
2015 Slope Day was headlined by Chance the Rapper with supporting performances by artists Salva and Magic!
2016 Cash Cash and Walk The Moon took the stage, supported by R-City.
2017 Misterwives and Big Gigantic performed at Slope Day in 2017, supported by Brasstracks + S'Natra.
2018 Galantis, Young Bombs, and Dreezy rocked Slope Day 2018.
2019 Steve Aoki headlined Slope Day with supporting performances from Cousin Stizz and Ezi.
2020 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Slope Day, in collaboration with Cornell Concert Commission and Multicultural Concert Funding Advisory Board, held its first Virtual Slope Day festival spanning over two days. Performances include Swae Lee, Rico Nasty, KYLE, and Matoma.
2021 Virtual Slope Day returned as a two-day event. On night 1, Last Dinosaurs headlined with supporting artists from PREP and MICHELLE. One night 2, there were performances from Ari Lennox, who was the first solo female artist to headline Slope Day, and rap artists Smino and EARTHGANG.
2022 A return to an in-person Slope Day! Aminé headlined Slope Day with supporting performances from Loud Luxury, Luna Li, and Cornell student group After Six. Slope Fest hosted a second stage on Ho Plaza between main stage performances with a DJ, and student groups The Spencer Nachman Band and The Fuse.
2023 Coin headlined Slope Day with supporting performances from Snakehips and Coco & Clair Clair. This year we introduced a new student artist set: student DJ Leong Su Yean '26.
2024 A Boogie Wit a Hoodie headlined Slope Day with supporting artist Flo Rida.
2025 Gunna headlined Slope Day with supporting artist Louis the Child.
MATURE CONTENT: This event is intended for mature audiences. Please be aware of your surroundings, as the content may not be suitable for all ages.