Kaitlyn Richards ’29
News Editor
The College’s annual Spring Concert is set to return in full force, with group Hot Chelle Rae selected as the opening act and the chart-topping pop artist Daya announced as this year’s headliner. The event, one of the most highly anticipated traditions of the spring semester at the College, is expected to draw a large crowd of students eager to celebrate the end of the academic year with an exciting night of live music.
A longstanding tradition, the Spring Concert consistently draws large crowds of students. Hosted by the Campus Activity Board (CAB), the event transforms Freshman Field into a concert venue, complete with professional staging, lighting, and sound. In their announcement, CAB invited all students to “join us for an unforgettable night of live music, great vibes, and one of the biggest events of the spring semester.” With this year’s lineup, topped with record-breaking artists, anticipation across campus for the weeks preceding the event.
Opening the night is student band Lizard Crimson, who recently secured their spot in the concert by winning the College’s annual Battle of the Bands Competition. Their victory earned them the opportunity to perform on the biggest stage for a student group. Joining them is DJ Joe T, whose sets have become a staple at college events. Together, these acts will set the stage for the next artists.
Following the opening acts, Hot Chelle Rae, an alternative rock band formed in Nashville in 2005, will take the stage. The group first gained widespread national attention in the early 2010s, after the release of their hit single “Tonight Tonight” in 2011. Since its release, the chart-topping song has become an anthem, accumulating over twenty-seven million streams on Spotify as of April 2026. Known for their lively performances, the group is expected to energize the crowd in preparation for the headliner. Their return to the stage in a college setting is likely to bring nostalgia for students familiar with their music.
Headlining the concert is Daya, a twenty-seven-year-old multiplatinum artist. She rose to fame with her breakout single, “Hide Away,” which peaked at number twenty-three on the Billboard top 100, and has since surpassed over six hundred million streams on Spotify. She followed her success with “Hide Away” with other classic 2010 hits, such as “Sit Still, Look Pretty.” In addition to her solo work, Daya has been awarded a Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Recording for the collaboration on “Don’t Let Me Down” with the Chainsmokers. Her latest album, “Til Every Petal Drops,” showcases her versatility as a musical artist, and students can expect a dynamic set that reflects both her nostalgic hits, and her current musical genre.
The concert will take place on Freshman Field on Friday, May 1, 2026, with doors opening at 6 p.m. that day. Tickets are priced at twenty-five dollars and can be purchased through the event site on myHC. Students are required to purchase tickets in advance, as tickets have the possibility of selling out and all attendees must receive a wristband for entry. Wristband pick up will take place on Thursday April 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday May, 1 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Hogan Campus Center 320. Students must bring their Holy Cross ID to pick up the wristband. Additionally, there will be no reentry once attendees enter the venue, and merchandise for the headliners will be sold at the venue.
As the semester comes to a close, the Spring Concert offers students the opportunity to come together and celebrate their success. With the diverse lineup, the event is shaping up to be a memorable highlight of the 2026 academic year.
Featured image courtesy of Holy Cross Campus Activities Board (CAB)
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