On-Campus Dining

McNary Dining Center

Food service for Zimfest participants and other conference groups is in McNary Dining Center, just south of McNary Hall. OSU runs their own catering service, and provides many vegetarian and gluten-free options. Meals will be buffet style, on an all-you care-to-eat basis (re-entering for seconds is not allowed).

Online registration for housing and meals is closed.

Zimfest Meal Plans

It is strongly recommended that Zimfest participants staying two or more nights in the dorm purchase one of the following meal plans. Participants staying only one night in the dorm, or not staying in the dorm at all (including RVers and commuters), may also purchase meal plans, or may purchase individual meals of their choice.

We strongly encourage all festival participants to purchase meal plans or individual meals in advance before the July 18th deadline (even if, for example, you are in an RV or commuting) so that Zimfest and OSU get an accurate count of meals needed.

Please Note: You do not have to be staying in the dorms to purchase the above meal plans or individual meals through Zimfest registration. “Commuter Cards” are meal cards that are loaded with the same number of meals as those who are staying in the dorms. Commuters (including RVers staying on campus) who have purchased meal plans or individual meals should go to the Zimfest Registration desk for their meal cards, not the UHDS check-in desk.

All Zimfest participants may purchase additional meals, beyond those pre-purchased, on a cash basis at McNary Dining Center. Those arriving before the meal plan starts on Thursday evening can also purchase meals on a cash basis.

Dietary Restrictions

Participants registering for Zimfest meal plans may indicate whether they have any severe dietary restrictions that they want Dining Services to know about, and a link to a survey will be sent to them. Submitting the survey will send the information directly to Dining Services. Please introduce yourselves to the workers in the cafeteria so that they can get to know those with dietary restrictions. They aim to serve!

Meal Cards and Commuter Cards

Zimfest participants who have purchased rooms and any of the meal plans will be issued meal cards covering their contracted food service. Meal cards are accepted only in the cafeteria. Pick up your meal cards at the Zimfest Registration desk (in the Registration area on the ground floor of McNary Hall) during the hours it is open. Participants who are commuting and those who are registering only for individual meals rather than meal plans should also pick up their Commuter (meal) Cards at the Zimfest Registration Desk.

Lost and Unreturned Meal Cards

If you lose your card at the festival, call the UHDS duty phone (this number will be published in July) to receive a new one.

Dining Questions

If you have any questions about the meal plans and rules, please email – please do not call or e-mail OSU personnel.

Other On-Campus Food Options

July 24th Update/Correction: Zimfest was just informed that the small convenience store in McNary Dining Center will be open for limited hours, and no other businesses will be open.

The convenience store in McNary Dining Center that is called “Main Squeeze” will be open during the following hours: