Odd Mob to Headline Cal Poly St. Patrick’s Day Festival

Cal Poly’s St. Patrick’s Day Music Festival: What to Expect

Headliners: Odd Mob and Walker & Royce

The excitement is building as Australian DJ Odd Mob and the electronic dance music duo Walker & Royce prepare to headline Cal Poly’s second annual St. Patrick’s Day music festival on Saturday, March 14. The following morning, early risers can enjoy the beats from 5 to 9 a.m., with gates swinging open at 4:45 a.m.

Odd Mob, the moniker of Harry Hope from Brisbane, Australia, will bring his unique blend of electronic dance music to the stage. With over five million monthly listeners on Spotify, his remixes, including a club version of Sean Paul’s “Get Busy,” have garnered massive streams, showcasing his popularity. Notably, he has graced stages at iconic festivals such as Coachella and Tomorrowland, cementing his status in the EDM scene.

Walker & Royce, composed of Sam Walker and Gavin Royce, are no strangers to the dance floor. The duo, known for their innate dance floor intuition, has collaborated with industry giants like Chris Lake. Their music resonates with club-goers and festival enthusiasts alike, making them a perfect fit for the festival atmosphere.

Enhanced Layout and Access

This year’s festival has introduced a new layout on the Lower Sports Complex, allowing for an increased capacity of 10,000 students—double that of last year. To streamline the entry process, tickets will now be linked to students’ online portals, and quick-access RFID bracelets will replace the traditional ticketing approach. While it’s uncertain whether non-student plus ones will be permitted this year, these changes are expected to improve access for more Cal Poly students.

It’s worth noting that last year’s event faced challenges with overwhelming demand, as tickets sold out in under three minutes, leaving many students without access. The measures taken this year aim to alleviate some of that pressure and enhance the overall experience.

Alcohol-Free Environment

In a strategic shift, Cal Poly has announced that no alcohol will be sold at this year’s festival. This decision is part of a broader effort by university officials to create a safe and enjoyable environment for students, contrasting with the past where alcohol was viewed as one of the necessary ingredients for a successful event.

In previous festivals, sobering stations and alternative holding areas for intoxicated students were established. These measures will continue to support the safety and well-being of attendees, as President Jeffrey Armstrong stated, “We’re trying to set up the environment where people want to go there instead of the neighborhood.”

City-Wide Safety Measures

Cal Poly is partnering again with the City of San Luis Obispo to ensure the safety of all attendees, implementing a city-wide Safety Enhancement Zone during the festival weekend. This initiative will double fines for party-related violations, such as noise disturbances and public intoxication. The enhancement zones will be active from:

• 12 a.m. March 6 to 7 a.m. March 9
• 12 a.m. March 13 to 7 a.m. March 16
• 12 a.m. March 17 to 7 a.m. March 18

Such measures are aimed at promoting responsible behavior, with fines starting at $700 for general violations and escalating for more significant issues. Last year’s festival saw a noted decrease in police citations and other adverse incidents, suggesting that the festival may be an effective alternative to more chaotic social gatherings.

The Origin of Morning on the Green

The inception of Morning on the Green—A Mustang Music Festival—was designed to provide an alternative to the historically tumultuous street parties that often followed the conclusion of winter quarter finals. By collaborating with student leaders and the city, Cal Poly aims to divert student attention from off-campus gatherings and foster a safer event on campus.

Last year, despite the initial hurdles, the festival successfully attracted a large audience eager to engage in a more controlled and enjoyable atmosphere.

Conclusion

With a new layout, a commitment to creating a safe space without alcohol, and the backing of local law enforcement, the St. Patrick’s Day music festival at Cal Poly promises to be a memorable occasion for students. The electrifying performances by Odd Mob and Walker & Royce will undoubtedly set the tone for an unforgettable morning filled with music, dancing, and camaraderie.