Costumes, skates and throwback music filled Roller City on Friday night as John Brown University students gathered for their annual Late Skate, hosted by Student Events and Activities. The event, held from 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., brought students together under this year’s theme, “Through the Ages.”
For just $1 admission, students enjoyed two hours of skating and themed music. SEA also provided rides for international students, ensuring accessibility for everyone who wanted to attend.
The theme encouraged students to get creative with their outfits, drawing inspiration from ancient history, hippie culture, ’90s icons and classic film characters. Skaters dressed as everyone from singer Selena to the comedic duo Octavius and Jedediah from “Night at the Museum.”
For some students, Late Skate is a staple of their college experience. Senior Elli Reber shared about her experience.
“Overall, it was really fun! I love rollerblading, especially doing it with friends. The music is also a vibe,” Reber said. “I’ve been every year to the Late Skate. I’m a senior so this was my fourth Late Skate. … This may have been my favorite theme. I went with my whole friend group as early 2000s guys, and last year I dressed up as Luke from ‘Gilmore Girls.’”
Reber said skating itself remains the highlight. “My favorite part of Late Skate is the actual skating. I don’t do it very often, so it’s always a fun time.”
For others, the event offered a welcome pause from the usual campus routine. “Late Skate was a fun break from studying — it was nice to just be with my friends,” said junior Sarah Landers. “This was my second time at Late Skate, and the theme made it even more enjoyable this time around. My friends and I used capes and plastic swords to dress up as musketeers. I liked how the theme gave us so much room to be creative.”
The music, a mix of throwbacks, pop and skating classics, added to the atmosphere. Students circled the rink to upbeat tracks that matched the costumes. Laughter and cheers filled the rink as friend groups skated in clusters, posing for pictures in between songs.
SEA organizes Late Skate every year, giving students an opportunity to step away from coursework and participate in one of JBU’s most popular traditions. The group rotates themes annually to keep the event fresh and engaging. Last year’s event featured TV Icons, but this year’s broad “Through the Ages” idea allowed students to tailor their costumes to their own favorite eras.
The evening wrapped up on a high note with a group picture and a Cha Cha Slide, as students followed the iconic dance moves together, laughing and celebrating the end of a memorable night.
Photo Courtesy of Devyn Davis