DeLAND, Fla. – Stetson University and the DeLand community will come together once again this fall for HatterFest 2026, the university's second annual celebration in the heart of downtown DeLand.
Following the success of last year's inaugural event, which attracted nearly 3,000 attendees, HatterFest returns on Friday, October 2, from 6–8:30 p.m. to celebrate the longstanding connection between Stetson University and the community it has called home for more than 140 years. HatterFest 2026 will bring together Stetson students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, friends and community members for an evening filled with music, entertainment, activities, food and plenty of Hatter pride.
More than just a celebration of Stetson Athletics, HatterFest is designed to showcase the many talents, traditions, programs and people that make Stetson University unique. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the university beyond the classroom and athletic fields while connecting with the students, organizations, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners who help make Stetson a special part of DeLand.
"HatterFest is a wonderful reflection of the relationship between Stetson University and the DeLand community," said Stetson Director of Athletics Ricky Ray. "Last year's inaugural event demonstrated just how strong that connection is, and we are excited to build on that momentum in 2026. It's an opportunity for our university family and our neighbors throughout Volusia County to come together, have fun and celebrate what makes Stetson and DeLand such special places."
This year's celebration will feature opportunities to explore the breadth of the Stetson experience, including student organizations, university programs, athletics, music, food, entertainment, campus traditions and other activities. Community organizations and businesses will also have opportunities to participate and connect with attendees throughout the event.
"HatterFest gives us an opportunity to bring the best of Stetson into the heart of the community," said John Downey, Stetson's Vice President for Campus Life and Student Success. "There is so much talent, creativity and energy across our university, and this event allows us to share that with our neighbors while creating an experience that is welcoming to everyone. Whether you are a longtime Hatter, a current student, an alumnus or simply a member of the DeLand community, we want HatterFest to feel like your celebration, too."
HatterFest is made possible through the collaboration and support of numerous university and community partners, including the Mainstreet DeLand Association, the City of DeLand, Stetson University Campus Vibrancy, Stetson's Student Government Association, the Stetson Alumni Association and several others.
Their collective efforts help bring the Stetson experience into the community and create an event that celebrates the connection between the university and the city of DeLand.
HatterFest 2026 is free and open to the public.
Additional information, including the event schedule, activities and participating organizations, will be announced at GoHatters.com/HatterFest and through Stetson Athletics and university social media channels.
Come celebrate Stetson. Celebrate DeLand. Celebrate the Hatter community.
HatterFest 2026 is a celebration for everyone, and all are invited to join the fun in downtown DeLand.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
About MainStreet DeLand Association
MainStreet DeLand Association is a 501(c)(3) charitable cause dedicated to supporting and enhancing the continuing economic development of Downtown DeLand while protecting and promoting its historic heritage. Since its designation in 1985, the organization has been instrumental in reimagining the design of downtown, attracting investors and business owners, and advocating for economic opportunity for small businesses in Downtown DeLand.
