aerial view of Western's campus at night facing northwest, with golden lights surrounded by dark trees

Low Rider Show returns to Red Square May 17

Visitors check out the lowriders at the 2025 Low Rider Show. Photo courtesy of Chayton Engelson.

The “Ridin’ Low in the 360” 2026 Low Rider Show returns to Red Square on Sunday May 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The cherished campus tradition was originally created by Movimento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztalan (MEChA), who hosted the lowrider show for nearly two decades. The annual event celebrates culture, pride, and visibility and creates opportunities for students and families to see themselves reflected at WWU. It also introduces prospective students to the university, demonstrating that WWU values and celebrates the communities they come from.

This year, Ethnic Student Center (ESC) clubs Latine Men in Higher Education (LMHE) and MEChA de WWU are organizing the event, promising a lively afternoon with classic lowriders, student performances, local vendors, and a Hops contest.

LMHE, an ESC Club established in 2022, organized the 2024 and 2025 Low Rider Shows. Since the MEChA de WWU chapter relaunched this year after going on hiatus in 2020, it is only fitting that this event be a collaboration. The incredible student leaders from LMHE and MEChA de WWU have spent countless hours planning this community celebration. This year, La Plaza — WWU’s new Student Center — expanded its support to LMHE and MEChA de WWU in their organizing efforts, strengthening the events’ impact and visibility.

This work is especially important as WWU’s Latine student population continues to grow. In Fall 2025, WWU enrolled 1,793 Latine students, the largest number in the university’s history, representing 12.3% of the total student population, up from 11.2% in Fall 2024. Even as overall university enrollment declined, the number of Latine students increased, making them an increasingly significant part of the WWU community.

At the same time, Washington’s K–12 population continues to shift. According to the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, 26.6% of K-12 students across the state identify as Hispanic/Latino for the 2025–2026 school year, a number that continues to rise. Events like the lowrider show help bridge community and higher education by creating a welcoming, culturally affirming experience for current and future students alike.

These collaborations reflect the strong network of support among ESC organizations, who work closely to uplift voices, the voices of students of color, celebrate cultural heritage, and create welcoming spaces for students and families on campus.

See a gallery of photos from the 2025 Low Rider Show here.

Follow LMHE and MEChA de WWU on Instagram.