Springfest at Colgate University is more than just a weekend event — it is one of the most beloved traditions at Colgate! The weather’s finally warm, everyone’s outside in their best outfits and campus is buzzing with energy. Whether you’re dancing up front by the stage, chilling on a blanket with friends or grabbing food from the carnival, the music is what ties it all together. This playlist is a mix of fresh hits, timeless throwbacks and songs that just feel like spring. These are the tracks that make you want to sing at the top of your lungs, move without thinking and soak up every second of sunshine and good company. Let the beats set the tone: Springfest is here.

1. “Guess featuring billie eilish” — Charli xcx, Billie Eilish (2024) 

After their Coachella performance, this song hits even harder. It has the perfect beat to dance along to and is great for the warmer weather ahead for Springfest and the rest of the semester!

2. “Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare)” — Kid Cudi ft. MGMT, Ratatat (2009)

“I’m on the pursuit of happiness and I know / Everything that shines ain’t always gonna be gold.” This lyric is the one I always sing along to the loudest. This is the kind of song that you can scream along to when singing with your friends. It has a great beat and is a staple in a summer playlist — everything Springfest should be. 

3. “Latch” — Disclosure ft. Sam Smith (2013) 

This song just hits differently when it’s blasting from big speakers outside. It’s got that clean, upbeat house rhythm that makes you want to move without even thinking. The beat builds up in the best way: super catchy, super danceable, and once the chorus drops, you’re all in.

4. “Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)” — Ne-Yo (2012)

This song is pure feel-good energy. Ne-Yo’s “Let Me Love You” is the kind of track that immediately lifts the mood: it’s bright, bouncy and built for dancing. The beat has that classic early 2010s pop-R&B sound that feels a little nostalgic but is still fun in a crowd.

5. “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” — ROLE MODEL (2025) 

“Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” blew up on TikTok for a reason: it’s catchy, quirky and straight-up impossible not to move to. The beat is playful but polished, and it’s got that bouncy groove that makes you want to grab your friends and start dancing!

6. “Sports car” — Tate McRae (2025) 

This song by Tate McRae makes me feel like I’m in a music video. It has that cool, confident energy that fits perfectly with Springfest; when you’re dressed in your best outfit, the sun’s out and the whole campus feels like it’s buzzing. It’s got that main character energy, and at Springfest, isn’t that the energy we all should have?

7. “Meet Me Halfway” — Black Eyed Peas (2009)

This one’s a time machine — the second it plays, it’s like being dropped back into the early 2010s, but somehow it still slaps just as hard in 2025. At Springfest, “Meet Me Halfway” hits that perfect nostalgic sweet spot. It’s upbeat and has a synthetic vibe, making you want to spin around in the middle of Whitnall Field with your arms out.

8. “Photo ID (with Dominic Fike)” — Remi Wolf, Dominic Fike (2021) 

Remi Wolf described “Photo ID” as her “going OFF,” and that’s exactly the vibe it brings to Springfest at Colgate. The song’s playful lyrics and infectious beat capture the essence of Springfest: a celebration of community, joy and the freedom to be your authentic self. Whether you’re dancing near the stage or lounging on a blanket, “Photo ID” ensures the day feels vibrant and unforgettable.​

9. “Rock Your Body” — Justin Timberlake (2002) 

This song, a timeless dance anthem that brings everyone to their feet, is a must-play for Springfest. The song’s infectious disco and R&B groove, combined with Timberlake’s smooth falsetto, creates an irresistible urge to dance. Its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it perfect for outdoor festivities, capturing the essence of Springfest’s lively atmosphere.​ Whether you’re dancing near the stage or enjoying the sunshine with friends, “Rock Your Body” sets the tone for a day of fun and celebration.​

10. “tv off (feat. lefty gunplay)” — Kendrick Lamar (2025)

This track is pure adrenaline, released as a standout single from Kendrick’s GNX album. “tv off” features a dynamic beat switch halfway through, punctuated by Kendrick’s now-iconic shout: Mustard! At Springfest, this is the song that turns the lawn into a full-blown mosh pit. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to jump, shout and lose yourself in the moment. Whether you’re front and center or vibing from a distance, “tv off” ensures the energy stays sky-high.​

11. “Bleed (feat. Omar Apollo)” — Malcolm Todd, Omar Apollo (2025)

This spring, this song has been on repeat for me and my friends. It has a really good beat that is perfect to groove along to. There’s something about the way the beat flows — smooth and lowkey but still with enough bounce to make you want to move — that just fits perfectly with warmer days and good company.

12. “misses” — Dominic Fike (2024) 

“misses” has that perfect spring energy: easy, breezy and a little nostalgic in the best way. Fike’s voice floats over the mellow beat like a warm breeze, and even though the lyrics are a little reflective, the whole vibe is calm and cool: when everything feels new again, and you’ve got nowhere to be but here.

13: “Down” — Jay Sean ft. Lil Wayne (2009) 

This song is a must to listen to because it is by the headliner! This song has a great beat and is a perfect throwback song to dance and sing along to. There’s something unbeatable about hearing a 2000s classic with your friends on a warm spring day, especially when it’s tied to the main event. It’s got that bright, dancey beat that makes you want to jump around and sing at the top of your lungs, especially when the sun’s shining!