Lawson State Welcomes College Students, Community Residents to Cougar Fest 2026

Special to the Times

Lawson State Community College will host Cougar Fest, its annual community give-back event, Saturday, August 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the college’s Birmingham campus. The gathering, complete with games, food trucks and giveaways, promises something for everyone, from college students preparing for the fall semester to K-12 students and their families getting ready for the new school year.

Attendees can expect live music and entertainment, local food trucks, giveaways and door prizes, family-friendly games, an opportunity to explore campus and community resources and a chance to connect with faculty, staff and student organizations.

“Cougar Fest is a day of fun and excitement and so much more,” said Dorian Waluyn, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs for the college.

“We’ve partnered with local businesses, area nonprofits, and other supporters to assemble school supplies that will be distributed to students on a first-come, first-served basis. That’s in addition to fun, family-friendly games and offering free grooming services to ensure the kids feel confident and prepared as they head back to school.”

Admission is free, and the event is open to the public. Activities will take place on the main campus lawn near Lawson State’s Academic Success Center at 3060 Wilson Rd., SW, Birmingham, Alabama.

Expanding Cougar Fest to support all students

The college added another element to Cougar Fest this year, designed to help new and incoming college students take advantage of campus resources and advisors. Lawson Student Services will be at the event conducting new student orientation, assisting with course registration, and talking with anyone—including parents—interested in attending college.

“Often, adults come out for their kids, but Cougar Fest is also an opportunity for them to explore educational and career pathways available through Lawson State,” Waluyn added.

Community organizations interested in participating or supporting Cougar Fest may contact Lawson State’s Office of Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs at 205-929-6305. Vendor registration information is available on the college’s website at Lawsonstate.edu.