Have Fun, Stay Safe
West Fest Safety Resources
Official Statement By The IFC
The Texas IFC Needs Your Help To Keep West Fest Safe
To Whom It May Concern,
The Interfraternity Council (IFC) at The University of Texas at Austin governs the university's 22 member fraternities. Each year, the IFC oversees the coordination of West Fest (formerly known as Round Up). West Fest is an annual weekend of philanthropic social events in which proceeds will benefit the local Austin community. This year's West Fest will occur on Friday, March 27, 2026 and Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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The IFC executive board wanted to reach out to stakeholders to inform everyone about this event and clear up all expectations. West Fest is both a philanthropic and celebratory event that is exclusively intended for college students. In previous years, fraternities have used West Fest as a recruitment event by inviting high school students to attend and participate in the weekend activities. However, as West Fest has continued to evolve over the years, the IFC has been clear with organizations that West Fest should NOT and will NOT be utilized as a recruitment opportunity. Attendance by students under the age of 18 at West Fest events is an extreme safety concern and puts the chapter and the entire Interfraternity Council at risk.
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Individuals are not allowed to attend West Fest events without an IFC-issued wristband. Attendees must show a state-issues ID that will be verified by professional event security to obtain a wristband. We want to make it very clear that any student under the age of 18 will NOT be issues an IFC wristband under any circumstances. Fraudulent identification will be immediately rejected by security and/or government issues scanners.
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Additionally, the IFC has been made aware of possible unsanctioned events hosted by non-IFC member groups. These events are NOT sponsored by the IFC, nor do they adhere to the same risk management training and policies as a member organization. A list of chapters affiliated with the Texas Interfraternity Council and recognized by the university itself can be found on the IFC and UT Austin websites. If you are unsure about a chapter or event's affiliation, please feel free to contact IFC leadership for confirmation.
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The Texas IFC has implemented numerous risk management policies and procedures and has worked with each member chapter hosting events to ensure that West Fest weekend is safe and fun for all attendees. We request your assistance in discouraging high school students from attending West Fest. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the IFC President, Colin Kirchhoff, the IFC executive Vice President, Frankie Spagnoli, or the VP of Large Programming, Davis Kozman.
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Hook 'Em,
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Texas Interfraternity Council Executive Board
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Who to Call For Help
911/EMS - Contact for: All immediate emergencies (Note: EMS personnel will be present at each event)
UTPD (512) 471 - 4441 - Contact for: Non-emergency situations
The Sobering Center (512) 957 - 1900 - Contact for: A safe place for intoxicated individuals to sober up as an alternative to the emergency room or jail. If the person you are with is unconscious, unresponsive, physically injured, or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 instead.
CMHC Crisis Line (512) 471 - 2255 - Contact for: 24/7 crisis counceling
Additional Resources
Student Outreach and Support - (512) 471 - 5017
24/7 Nurse Advice Line - (512) 475 - 6877
SAFE Alliance - (512) 267 - 7233
APD Victims Services - (512) 974 - 5037
Victims Advocate Network - (512) 232 - 9699
Texas Harm Reduction Alliance - (512) 893 - 3237
IFC Preparedness & Safety Measures
Emergency Medical Services
Bluebonnet Medical Services is our provider for on-site medical services. Bluebonnet is a private medical provider that employs state-certified EMTs and paramedics. They will be staffing our medical tent that is open to all attendees, the on-site teams at each event, and our mobile medic teams that will respond to situations in the West Campus area.
Food & Hydration Areas
Bottled water pallets and snacks will be delivered to all event locations prior to the commencement of West Fest. All IFC member organizations have been instructed to designate a prominent and easily accessible area in their event space for distribution to event attendees.
UT Police
West Fest is not directly affiliated with The University of Texas at Austin. Nonetheless, we are continuing to work with the University police department to ensure all local Austin City and university policies are followed.
Fire Marshals
The Texas Interfraternity Council West Fest team has been working diligently with the Fire Marshals of the City of Austin. All IFC member organizations participating in West Fest must fully permit any affiliated events that are taking place.
West Fest Ticketing and Event Access
To ensure upmost security measures are taken to correctly and efficiently verify age, identity, and track occupancy, West Fest 2026 will be utilizing the Bounce App for all wristband sales and event information.
All ticketed guests will either receive an 18+ general admission band or a 21+ band if their government-issued ID verifies they will be over the age of 21 by the date of the first event. These two bands are distinct in color and design and are intended to make verifying age easy and accurate. Guests will not be permitted to attend any individual West Fest events without an IFC wristband.