HPU Fest, Howard Payne University’s annual outdoor music festival, will kick off Saturday, April 9, at 3 p.m. with a full day’s worth of music, food and activities. This year’s headliners are Josh Wilson and Jason Gray with special guest JJ Heller. The lineup also includes Love and War, Atlas Mason and Sun City. HPU students James King, freshman from McGregor, and Joshua Varnes, freshman from Universal City, will also perform.

In addition to HPU students and personnel, the community is welcome to attend. HPU Fest will take place at the university’s Old Main Park, the grassy area along Austin Avenue. There is no charge for admission.

HPU’s Student Activities Council and various organizations on campus will put together a number of booths and activities including inflatables, cotton candy and the annual HPU Fest Chili Cook-Off. Prizes will be awarded for hottest chili and tastiest chili.

Sodexo, HPU’s food service provider, will also serve a meal that can be purchased with a student ID card, cash or check.

“HPU Fest is one of the most popular student events on campus,” said Francie Clark, director of student activities. “The community is welcome to join us for this free and fun event.”