Cleary Summerfest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
March 27, 2026
 
Cleary hosts “A Totally 80s” party at the stadium featuring Mega 80s
 
(HOWELL, MI) Cleary University will turn back time on Friday, June 12, to celebrate “Totally 80s” Summerfest, a blast from the past that features nostalgic music, food, drinks and plenty of high-energy fun, all to raise money for Cleary students needing financial assistance.
 
The fourth annual Summerfest fundraiser will take place Friday, June 12, from 6 pm to 10 pm at Lake Trust Stadium, located on the Cleary University campus.
 
Summerfest, considered one of the region’s most anticipated summer events, spotlights a night filled with unforgettable pop culture moments from the 80s. Guests are encouraged to dress in bold fashion styles such as giant shoulder pads, neon leg warmers, acid-wash jeans, tight pants big hair, and the Blues Brothers’ coveted Ray-Bans, which epitomize this decade’s casual-cool vibe. Or, come as you are to celebrate summer at the stadium.
 
The “Totally 80s” evening kicks off with music from Barelyon – what happens when the Big Apple meets the Motor City. The collaborative duo of Leona CW and Brion RGB embrace the history of music with influences from Amy Winehouse, Frank Sinatra, John Mayer and many other artists who made music history. Their dynamic duets and harmonies blend fluidly into their own original soulful pop rock.
 
The Mega 80s is Summerfest’s music headliner. They bring iconic hits and electrifying performances that will have guests dancing all night long. They’ve been called the Ultimate 80s Retro Party entertainers for award-winning reasons: Real Detroit’s “Best Live Production/Cover Band” for 12 years, Hour Detroit’s best local band, The Knot Best of Weddings Pick, WDIV’s “4 The Best” top five bands, and more!
 
Summerfest will feature musical entertainment throughout the entire evening, food truck favorites and tastings from local vendors, craft brews and cocktails, and field games and arcade-style fun around the stadium.
 
Here is the evening’s schedule:

• Lake Trust Stadium gates open: 6 pm
• Food trucks and cocktails: 6 pm to 10 pm
• Music by Barelyon: 6:15 pm to 7:30 pm
• Headliners The Mega 80s: 8 pm to 9:30 pm

 
Tickets are $60 a person, or $30 for designated drivers. Admission includes the concerts, games, food and drink tastings (soft drinks for designated drivers). The entire community (age 21 and older) is invited.
 
Proceeds from Summerfest will support the Gift of Graduation, a Cleary scholarship to help students who are facing financial barriers close to graduation.
 
“Summerfest is more than just a great night out — it’s an opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate, and directly support student success,” says Alan Drimmer, PhD, Cleary president. “Last year, we had a crowd of hundreds enjoying the celebration; this year, with an 80s theme, incredible live music and great food and drinks, we expect an even larger crowd and the most fun yet!”
 
Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme through neon, denim, or big hair to help make Summerfest a true blast from the past.
 
To purchase tickets, visit https://www.cleary.edu/SUMMERFEST
 
For sponsorship information and VIP tickets, contact Katee Cole at kcole@cleary.edu.
 
For more information on Gift of Graduation, visit www.cleary.edu/gift-of-graduation-scholarship/
 
Cleary University is located at 3750 Cleary Drive, off Grand River Avenue and west of Latson Road in Howell.