ktru’s annual Outdoor Show moves indoors, still thrills

By Charlie Cruz     4/1/25 11:39pm

ktru’s 33rd annual “Outdoor Show” music festival shifted indoors March 29 due to concerns about inclement weather. Despite the last-minute location change, attendees, performers and organizers said the event retained its lively atmosphere and community spirit.

Basma Bedawi, an Outdoor Show director, said the decision to move the event indoors was made just two days before the festival.

“We decided Thursday morning because the forecast kept changing,” said Bedawi, a Hanszen College senior. “Our primary concern was protecting equipment and ensuring performers could safely set up. It was stressful, but the team adapted really well.”

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Bedawi said logistical hurdles included quickly rearranging performances, craft stations and vendors to fit within Rice Memorial Center’s Grand Hall and Ray’s Courtyard.

“Our biggest concern was making sure everything still felt cohesive and fun indoors,” Bedawi said. “Luckily, no bands or vendors dropped out because of the shift.”

Outdoor Show volunteer Anuska Santra said the transition to an indoor festival was relatively smooth despite the quick turnaround.

“The Grand Hall already had a stage, so it worked out quickly,” said Santra, a Sid Richardson College senior. “We moved tables around, made decorations like CD garlands and arranged vendor setups indoors. Most things transitioned pretty seamlessly.”

The musical lineup continued as planned, featuring indie-pop headliner Laundry Day alongside local artists ORION 224, Alan Warhol and pinkie promise. ktru DJ Stella Shrinsky-de Armas said the festival’s indoor location did little to dampen attendee enthusiasm.

“It maybe feels a little less exciting indoors, but it’s still obviously a great event,” said Shrinsky-de Armas, a McMurtry College freshman. “The goal is not only live music, but specifically local live music. It’s important to show people how vibrant our local scene really is.”

Brown College junior Emmanuela Akwar said the indoor setting had its advantages, including relief from Houston’s heat and humidity.

“I was thinking how nice it was to be inside with the air conditioning,” Akwar said. “It still felt cozy with everyone sitting around on blankets.”

Akwar added that interactive elements such as temporary tattoo booths, scrapbooking stations and official merchandise sales enhanced her overall experience.

“I bought two Laundry Day shirts because I’ve been a fan for years,” Akwar said. “I also got a temporary tattoo and participated in the scrapbooking activity. It was really fun.”

The festival also drew attendees from beyond Rice. University of Houston student Nathanel Manzano said this was his first time attending a ktru event.

“I’ve been wanting to explore Houston’s underground music scene, so this was really enjoyable,” Manzano said. “The only downside indoors is sometimes it’s harder to clearly hear the artists’ lyrics.”

The festival’s associated Archi Market took place in Ray’s Courtyard, continuing to showcase Rice student creativity. Santra said the market was popular among attendees.

“I stepped outside briefly and saw a lot of familiar vendors,” Santra said. “There was cool vintage clothing, delicious Greek food and even a vendor drawing portraits in five minutes. It was great as usual.”

Bedawi said the event emphasized the importance of flexibility and community.

“You can’t control the weather, but you can control your reaction to it,” Bedawi said. “I’m grateful to our team for adapting so quickly. It’s my last show as director, and I’m proud that we pulled off a successful event despite everything.”

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