The Late Night Programming unit initiative Up Late at State will host a free student barn dance on Friday, Feb. 17 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. in the Bone Student Center.

Students are encouraged to dress in traditional cowboy and cowgirl attire while participating in the barn dance as a way to have fun on campus without the use of drugs or alcohol.

“There will be free food, root beer kegs, and [ISU] Facilities built a saloon and jail, and that will kind of set the atmosphere for the night,” Michelle Stover, specialist for Late Night Programming, said.

Participants will also have a chance to learn the Western two-step dance from a professional dance instructor in the area, and authentic cowboy hats will be passed out while supplies last.

Up Late at State will also provide a DJ, free bandanas, green screen photos, and a mechanical bull for participants to practice his or her roping skills.

“There’s going to be a mechanical bull and something called ‘Rodeo Roper’ where [participants] are on a mechanical bull trying to rope a cow in front of them,” Stover said.

Free food and refreshments will also be available to students who participate in the barn dance.

“This event gave me an excuse to buy cowboy boots, and I plan to debut them at the dance,” Stover said in a press release.

“It’s not required to dress up, so if you don’t have flannel and cowboy boots it’s not a big deal,” she added.

Students are encouraged to attend upcoming Up Late at State events, as well. Every event is alcohol-free and students do not have to pay for admission into the events.

Up Late at State previously hosted Glow Fest in September on the Quad, and the organization also plans on hosting a Casino Royale-themed semi-formal on March 23. Students will be able to play casino games and take carriage rides throughout Uptown during the event.

“Up Late at State is a new initiative out of the Dean of Students Office, and the goal is to provide alternative events for students that are fun and entertaining,” Stover explained.

“It also gives them another thing to do during the late-night hours,” she added.

For more information, contact the Dean of Students Office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (309) 438-2008.