Armstrong State University will host the second annual Celebrate Armstrong weekend Oct. 9-11. The community is invited to join in this celebration of everything Armstrong.

The festivities kick off with one of the university’s oldest traditions, the Celebrate Armstrong Festival, and continue with the Alumni Gala. The extravaganza closes with the Beach Music Blowout, which will offer a salute to the American troops, live music and a traditional lowcountry boil.

The Celebrate Armstrong Festival is set for Thursday from noon-6 p.m. at the campus quad. Explore more than 50 departmental and student organization booths, ride a mechanical bull, climb a rock wall, participate in games and contests, and enjoy a lineup of live entertainment. This event is free and open to the public.

The Notable, Outstanding and Distinguished Alumni Awards will be held at a black-tie optional gala evening, featuring a cocktail reception, dinner and awards ceremony Friday at 6 p.m. at the Armstrong Center ballroom. Single tickets are $75, and table of eight is available at a group rate of $500. Proceeds will benefit scholarship funds to build the next generation of Armstrong alumni. Tickets may be purchased on the Celebrate Armstrong Web site.

The Celebrate Armstrong weekend will go out with a bang at the Beach Music Blowout on Saturday at the Burnett Boulevard lawn from 6-9:30 p.m. Enjoy a military salute and live music from Band of Oz, a prominent American beach music group with roots as far back as 1967. Guests may purchase a traditional lowcountry boil dinner on the registration page for $15 per person, $10 for military and children under 10.