Cougs will have the chance to step into a world of knights, fairies and live performances at the annual Re-Coug-aissance Fair on April 16.

Hosted by the Student Entertainment Board, the event will run from 2 – 7 p.m. across Terrell Mall, the Terrell Library lawn and the Compton Union Building, marking the first year the fair will be held primarily outdoors.

Organizers say the event is designed to bring students together in an inclusive and interactive way.

“I would say it fits into SEB’s goals because it’s a great way for all kinds of students to express themselves,” said Jenissa Hepton, a Student Entertainment Board programmer and junior elementary education major. “We really aim to create inclusive events, something every student at WSU can feel like they belong in and be a part of.”

The fair will feature a wide variety of activities, including student-run vendor booths, live performances, food and hands-on experiences. Registered student organizations will have the opportunity to sell crafts and goods, while attendees can explore activities like henna, face painting, airbrush art and caricatures. One of the most anticipated attractions is the return of the petting zoo, which has not been featured in recent years.

“I’m really excited about the petting zoo,” Hepton said. “We’ve had it in the past a few years ago, but we haven’t been able to bring it back until now.”

Animals are expected to include small farm animals, such as goats, giving students a chance to interact with them up close.

The event will also include live entertainment, highlighted by performer Brad Byers, known for his appearances on “America’s Got Talent.” Byers is known for his sword-swallowing act and will be performing for students during the event.

In addition to live performances, organizers are introducing new elements this year, including an indoor screening of “The Lord of the Rings” in the CUB.

“I think we have a lot more food this year and just some really exciting options,” Hepton said. “Having it outside is definitely the biggest change.”

Planning an event spread across multiple campus locations requires careful coordination, organizers said. Each section of the fair is planned individually to ensure all logistics, from vendor space to activity setup, are accounted for.

“What I like to do is take it section by section,” Hepton said. “I figure out everything that needs to go into each space, from how many tents we need to where different activities will be placed.”

Organizers also encourage students to fully embrace the Renaissance theme by dressing up.

“We really encourage people to dress up,” Hepton said. “Medieval themes, fairies, knights, royalty — anything like that.”

Beyond entertainment, the event is meant to strengthen campus engagement, especially as the academic year begins to wind down.

“I hope it’s a great way, especially with the weather getting nicer and the school year coming to an end, for students to feel connected,” Hepton said. “It’s kind of that last hurrah where people can still feel involved with WSU.”

While turnout is difficult to predict, organizers are optimistic the outdoor setup and central location will draw a strong crowd.

“My hope is that people will be passing through, see something exciting and want to stop and be part of it,” Hepton said.

The Re-Coug-aissance Fair is free and open to students and community members.