Topper Fest returns Aug. 21 Published 9:48 am Friday, August 7, 2026Big Red dances to music as the Hilltoppers get ready to run out onto the field at the start of their 12-7 loss to the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Houchens-Smith Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (GRACE McDOWELL / Daily News)Western Kentucky’s annual Meijer Topper Fest, presented by PNC Bank, will be held Aug. 21 beginning at 5:30 p.m. on South Lawn. This family-friendly event will feature food trucks, local vendors, autographs with the Hilltoppers, an appearance by Big Red and a firework show to cap the night. FUTURELUXE will perform live music throughout the night and select WKU student-athletes will be available to sign autographs. Event Timeline5:30 p.m. – Topper Fest Begins6:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Student-Athlete AutographsEmail newsletter signup6:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Photo Op With Big RedDusk – Fireworks