Miami students brave the cold to celebrate Green Beer Day 2026

This is a developing story that will be updated with new information throughout the day.

After weeks filled with tornado scares, blizzards, blistering heat and every other type of Ohio weather possible, Miami University students are gearing up for the next 24 hours for the most iconic annual tradition in Oxford: Green Beer Day (GBD).

Check back with The Miami Student throughout the day for updates on how the day is progressing.

12 a.m. 

Green Beer Day started off with celebrations starting as early as 8 p.m., as the Miami University basketball team faced off for a spot in the March Madness Bracket.

Plenty of people were crowded in bars Uptown to watch the game before the parties got started around Oxford. Alex Canupp, a marketing and entrepreneurship double major, was among those celebrating as Miami won against Southern Methodist University 89-79.

“Go Red Hawks. Fly, baby fly,” Canupp said. “We're dancing with the biggest people in the country, and I think that's incredible, because that's where we belong.”

The junior also encouraged those partying to stay safe as the night continues.

“I think it's really good for the entire town of Oxford,” Canupp said. “I think it's great … but I think it definitely opens opportunities for safety hazard and risk.”

Senior data analytics and nutrition major Emerson Keller advised underage party-goers to be cautious in their GBD endeavors and avoid Uptown as a means of staying safe.

“I would say, just think a little bit more, think about all the consequences that could happen,” Keller said. “Don't go Uptown, and just be careful for sure.”

Alternative to partying, sophomore finance major Owen Rice is at the Phi Delta Theta gates for the night, selling GBD hoodies and crewnecks as a part of a side hustle inspired by the holiday.

“I think that tradition is something that's really important for every community anywhere,” Rice said. “It doesn't really matter what size, but I think it's one of our strongest and best traditions we have.”

The festivities have certainly begun, with loud music blaring at every corner and people decked in green all over campus and Uptown.

Reporting by Managing Editor Elisa Rosenthal

2 a.m. 

As the time drew nearer to 2 a.m., herds of students gathered alongside Slant Walk to prepare for the impending Ginger Run, an annual tradition that brings together ginger students to run down Slant Walk together to celebrate Green Beer Day.

Students participating in the run began to line up at the Phi Delta Theta gates. Runners began warming up around 1:45 a.m. as crowds continued to grow.

Colby Levine, a sophomore zoology major, was one of the first runners on the scene, preparing early for his second time at the run. 

“I like running and a lot of people told me about [the Ginger run]; it was all over Instagram,” Levine said. 

In contrast to those participating, this year's run brought students who had decided not to go last year but attended this year. 

Ainsley O’Ryan, a sophomore political science and data analytics double major, attended for the first time this year. 

“I’m expecting some gingers to run. I’ve seen videos, so I know people fall,” O’Ryan said. 

Crowds continued to fill the sides of Slant Walk as runners neared start time. 

Jillian Haines, a sophomore political science and strategic communication transfer student, had never seen or heard of the Ginger run previously and was excited and nervous to experience it. 

“I’ve seen it looks crazy, like everybody’s running and pushing each other,” Haines said. “I’m just excited to see what all the hype is about.”

The run began promptly with a countdown from the crowd at 2 a.m. as students hit the end of the countdown, the gingers sprinted down Slant Walk. 

Many student runners lost their footing or tripped early on in the run and returned to the sides to observe for the remainder of the run. After the last ginger ran by the crowds, everyone dispersed to continue on their planned path for the rest of the early morning. 

Reporting by Asst. Photo Editor Ivy Kleinman

3 a.m. 

As the clocks struck 3 a.m., crowds thinned out all across Oxford. Little remained of the last hour’s ginger run except for crushed remnants of lucky charms and a few stragglers hanging outside the library. Across from Slant Walk, Uptown was nearly empty. Local establishments like Skippers and Brick Street were closed, with staff working hard to prepare the bars for when they reopen at 6 a.m.

Besides bars, there were a few restaurants serving small groups of wary students. Bagel and Deli was the obvious exception, with nearly a dozen people crammed into the iconic Oxford eatery waiting for the chance to try classic sandwiches on green bagels that had been dyed with food coloring for the occasion. A three-strong staff was working hard to fulfill orders as the restaurant became packed with not just students, but also employees from recently closed establishments, eager to get a meal in before Thursday’s festivities began.

A few blocks away, the strip of fraternity houses that had been brimming with people an hour before were now almost empty, with most parties being thwarted by either police interference or other circumstances.

Treyton Lewis, a fourth-year kinesiology major, said that his main motivator for going out was the chance to redo things from last year.

“It was snowing last year [during Green Beer Day], and it’s a little nicer this year,” Lewis said. “I also think the turnout was a lot better this year.”

Lewis went on to say that although this year was a great time, the turnout was the largest when he was a sophomore. He also said that despite exams, he plans on going home to take a quick nap, then coming back out at 6 a.m. to complete the Miami tradition of early morning drinking on Green Beer Day. If tradition holds up, he will not be the only one.

Reporting by Campus and Community Editor Owen Martin

7 a.m.

The cold morning air did nothing to deter the masses of students still out celebrating. Cops were ever present, parking with their lights on and lining side streets.

People left Brick in large groups to watch the sunrise, dodging Oxford city workers as they cleaned the streets of pizza, beer cans and vomit.

Many businesses were also changing shifts, with some employees leaving to rest and recuperate before going out to join in celebrations themselves.

Chailee Mitchell, a third year political science major, had just gotten off of her shift at Skippers, where said she “made 10 million mimosa towers.”

Mitchell looks forward to celebrating her first Green Beer Day as an of-age drinker, and though she understands that the school cannot advertise underage drinking, she sees it as ironic that the school is attempting to place exams on this day.

“They’ve made it into a holiday,” said Mitchell, “They can’t deny it’s important to us.”

The Student was also not the only news coverage happening today. News anchor Caroline Gerhart with Fox 19 Now was in front of the packed Brick Street.

“I’ve only been in Cinci for a year,” said Gerhart, “but it’s an interesting time, lots of excited students… It’s cool to see camaraderie, especially after Miami won last night.” 

People kept disbanding from the large group at Brick, and students even moved to sit on the roof next door, yelling down at cars and people.

Restaurants in the area prepared themselves for the day ahead, including OxVegas Chicken, where Katlyn Smith, an assistant general manager, braced herself for the celebrations.

Despite many people having spent their night and morning either at a fraternity house, or at a bar, Smith said she had seen a small crowd in OxVegas.

“I’ve seen it from the other side, I’m prepared,” said Smith, “And go Redhawks.”

Reporting by Digital Media Editor Elise Hanna

10 a.m.

As classes started on Miami’s campus, students could be found trekking back to their houses and dorm rooms, stumbling their way along slant walk. Those who were brave enough to go to class held coffee cups and covered their eyes with sunglasses like armor against the emerging sun.

Uptown Oxford was practically dead. While some groups of people could be found at Skippers, Bagel and Deli and Brick Street, there were only a few people out and about. 

Bonnie Russell, the owner of The Artisan Conjurer, stood on the sidewalk in front of The Apple Tree selling cookies to students. While she hadn’t had too many sales yet, she said she was confident they would pick up as the afternoon wore on. 

‘I just thought it would be a good chance to interact with the students,” Russell said.

Even though there weren’t too many students out partying, Joey Holodinsky, a senior data analytics major, and Xavier Feck, a senior finance major, were riding a 14-hour high. To them, Green Beer Day is one of the best parts of the Miami experience. 

“There’s a lot of culture,” Holodinsky said. “It's been a big thing on campus. You see all these old people [who are] a couple years above you, and their experiences of this green beer day culture, and they pass them down to you.” 

Feck predicted the duo would be out for several more hours, until the bars close. 

“It’s the best holiday of the year,” Feck said. “You're able to test your body, push yourself to the limit to see how far the sleep deprivation can go.”

Reporting by Senior Staff Writer Molly Fahy

11 a.m. 

The streets of uptown had calmed by 11 a.m., but the spirit of Green Beer Day was still going strong. Groups of students made their way through the Oxford streets as vendors and different organizations used the time to advertise.

Mariah Pugalee, a sophomore accounting major, joined other students involved in campus ministries to hand out free water to those celebrating the holiday. Usually, they hand out water on Fridays, but due to Green Beer Day, they decided to set up earlier than usual.

“I think that’s about our seventh or eighth case of water so far,” Pugalee said. “I’ve been here since 9 a.m., so I don’t know that math, but it’s been about 50ish an hour.”

Amanda Myers, a junior strategic communication and marketing major, had just finished class for the day so she decided to make her way uptown to check out the festivities. She had gone out to her favorite frat and the ginger run last night, and plans on finishing homework and going to a more casual bar later today.

Myers doesn’t drink, but said she enjoys celebrating and hanging out with friends, having fun on Green Beer Day “with a personality.”

“You don’t have to drink to have a good time,” Myers said. “All my friends drink, except for one other friend who’s sober, too. So honestly, I don’t know, there’s not really big drinking pressure here. Like, if you wanna drink, you drink, but the students aren’t gonna shove it down your throat.”

Myers enjoys the carelessness of the day and how it’s the one day a year students set aside their responsibilities to get together and have fun.

Ella Benore, a senior emerging media and technology major at Kent State University, transferred from Miami after her sophomore year. However, due to Green Beer Day, she decided to come back and celebrate.

She got in around midnight and went drinking with her friends, but she was just starting her day around 11 a.m. this morning. For the rest of the day, she plans on going to Brick Street Bar, stop by the frats her friends are in and she’s looking forward to “getting really, really drunk.”

“We’re probably gonna go to either Brick or … D Sig, and then walk around a bunch, probably lose about four people in the group and then find them later and then eat and come back,” Benore said.

College Real Estate Property Management chose to take advantage of Green Beer Day and use it as a way to promote what they do here in town. If students scanned a QR code and left a review, they’d get a free t-shirt, shot glass necklace or a different, fun gift.

Susan Wilson was out representing the group and said that the incentive of coming out for Green Beer Day was to boost their new, revamped website and get people interested in signing leases with them.

“We went live last Thursday with our new website, and I’ve already rented at least 30 leases that have come out,” Wilson said. “So we created this [shirt] that we can sign leases. If you can read it, we can get it done for you.”

They had been out since 9:30 a.m., and by 11, all they had left to give away were t-shirts and cups.

Reporting by Culture Editor Stella Powers

1 p.m.

By mid afternoon, fraternity and house parties were in full swing. Students made their way through the streets of northern campus as different band’s live music and traditional Irish songs like “The Rattlin’ Bog” filled the air.  

Mary Dettmer, a senior economics and english double major, started her day drinking with friends while sitting on their front porch to soak in the sunshine before visiting the fraternities. Green Beer Day is a special holiday for her, as she’s excited to celebrate her Irish heritage. 

“I love Green Beer Day because it’s the best time to celebrate with friends,” Dettmer said. “I feel like it’s an annual moment that we will always remember.” 

Becca Davis, a junior political science major, was walking through Uptown with friends on their way to Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. 

The group carried BORGS (Blackout Rage Gallons), a staple Green Beer Day alcoholic beverage, that are typically green and in a plastic milk gallon.

Davis said she appreciates the timing of Green Beer Day, which is always the Thursday before spring break begins. 

“Everyone is in such a positive attitude,” she said. “It’s a great way to end midterms before we go into spring break.”

At Delta Sigma Phi, a newly formed student band, Caved In, can be heard completing their final sound checks as they prepare for their gig at 2 p.m. This will be the band’s second performance together. 

Collin Kane, a sophomore accounting major, helped book Caved In. He said playing Green Beer Day is a good way for the band to gain performing experience and get their name out there. 

“I just reached out and asked them if they wanted to play for GBD because it’s a great and exciting time to play,” he said.  

Reporting by Staff Writer Zoee Robinson

2 p.m.

The afternoon became warmer and people started to creep back Uptown. Fraternity members in Phi Gamma Delta perched on their front steps to people-watch and play music, friends shared green beer towers on the Skipper’s patio and students filled the Brick balcony. 

Emily Heimkreiter, a senior nursing student, celebrated GBD for the first time today. She said because of her major’s demands and schedule, she couldn’t participate in past years; she attended clinicals or exams instead.  

She started out the day with a workout at home, travelled to Skipper’s and then shopped at boutiques Uptown. She plans to go to a pregame and then head out tonight. Now that the sun is out, she feels more confident to participate in activities.

“I’m glad it’s warm this year,” Heimkreiter said.

At The U Shop, owner Rex Hunter has been serving students since 7 a.m. The store regularly opens at noon, but he said with GBD being only one day a year, they need to be open earlier to celebrate the makeshift holiday. 

“It’s been absolutely great,” Hunter said. “Everyone has been an active participant for GBD, and I love the weather. It’s a great time.”

Hunter said he’s seen a decline in how many people participated in GBD in the last few years, but that it’s starting to recuperate. He thinks the win by Miami Men’s Basketball last night – which he attended – along with alumni returning to Miami, helped bring the celebration back to life. 

“Normally, people will drink, like Saturday at noon at the best,” Hunter said. “But it’s Green Beer Day. It’s phenomenal how [at] 7 a.m., before the sun rises, [they’re] already drinking.”

He said his sales today are doubled compared to any regular day. He hopes to participate in festivities whenever he’s done at work. 

Gail Korbitz, a senior biomedical engineering student, returned back to the streets after a pit stop at her home. Last night she and her friends attended multiple frat parties, a house party and then Brick at 5:30 a.m. 

They left at sunrise to take a nap, and after, the group headed to Stone, where a quadruple darty (day party) will take place. She shared advice for students new to the holiday.

“Skip class, if you can, especially because the weather’s nice and that’s not common,” Korbitz said. “It’s always cold.”

She said it hasn’t hit her yet that this is her last Green Beer Day. Brady Neltner, a senior kinesiology student, felt the opposite.

“It kind of sucks,” Neltner said. “It’s sad because I only really got to experience two years.”

So far he’s made the most of the day, though. At midnight he started at Corner, then Side Bar and then O Pub. He went home, took a nap and made it to his 8:30 a.m. statistics exam. After another nap at home, he met up with friends at Skipper’s. He plans to keep going the whole day.

Emma Fudala, a sophomore history student, appreciated the warm weather as well. She explored Uptown activities before her class at 4:25 p.m. 

Fudala is a Resident Assistant (RA), so she stayed in last night and won’t be back in Uptown until she starts her shift tonight at 10 p.m. at Brick. She said that if an RA is on duty, they’re not allowed to wear green.

“It’s encouraging drinking and telling the residents that it’s okay to go out and drink or drink in the building,” Fudala said.

Reporting by Staff Writer Caitlin O’Brien

6 p.m.

The afternoon calm carried into the evening as more and more students took a break for dinner and enjoyed the sunny, 65-degree weather. Uptown, students were seen enjoying green beer towers at Skippers and hanging out on the steps outside of The Den. 

Sophomore nutrition student Jordan Forbes stopped to grab dinner from Bagel and Deli before going back out later in the evening. This year was her first time celebrating Green Beer Day, and Forbes and some friends spent last night stopping by the frats who threw parties around town. frats who threw parties around town.

“We went out last night starting at midnight,” Forbes said, “and I think we were out until like five.”

Inside Bagel and Deli, foot traffic had slowed down, with a few customers stopping in occasionally as the night went on. Gary Franks, owner of the bagel shop, said that as the years go on, he sees fewer people coming uptown throughout the day and, thus, fewer customers.

Junior social studies education student Gracie Adams worked alongside Franks and agreed with his comment. Adams started working the overnight shift when most of the customers were rolling in. However, the evening turnout was too slow for her liking.

“I like it when it’s busy,” Adams said. “It gets boring just standing back here, and [more customers] make the time go by.”

Next door, Skippers was anything but quiet. Inside, groups of people sat around tables chatting, drinking and watching whatever game was being played on the TV. However, outside, groups ranging from two to five people sat around tables, enjoying the sunshine.

Jessie Boy, a graduate student studying school psychology, began enjoying the day’s festivities around 5 p.m. after she finished teaching a class. Her first stop was to share a green beer tower with a friend.

“I think after this we’re going to pop into some of the bars,” Boy said.

On the north end of town, Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi kept the Green Beer Day spirit alive by blasting music and playing yard games.

As the sun set lower on the horizon, more students made their way back to the bars and house parties for one final round of celebrations.

Reporting by Assistant Culture Editor Ayla Peden