University of Michigan students and community members wrapped around the block for Insomnia Cookies’ eighth annual Pajama Party Tuesday evening. In 2024, Insomnia coined the holiday in honor of National PJ Party Night. Customers to the brand’s South University Avenue location were encouraged to arrive in pajamas to receive a free cookie. Students could also participate in a special Dream Dorm giveaway by posting a selfie in their pajamas at Insomnia with their cookie and tag the store.
In an interview with The Michigan Daily, Scott Bogorad, an employee at the Insomnia Cookies location in Rochester Hills, explained he was working at the Ann Arbor location to assist with pajama night. Pogorad said only a limited number of Insomnia storefronts participate in the event.
“Twenty-five (stores) in the country have the giveaways and everything like that, so we’re one of 25.” Bogorad said. “One of two in the state. The other one’s in Detroit, at Wayne State (University).”
Every September, participating Insomnia Cookies locations encourage students to put on their pajamas and pick up a cookie at a participating location. In an interview with The Daily, LSA sophomore Charlie Clayton said she appreciated the pajama party’s ability to bring community members together.
“I’m so happy to be here and with all of my friends after a really long day of working hard in class,” Clayton said. “It’s just so nice to come together as a community and to have a store on campus be so generous.”
LSA sophomore Victoria Day told The Daily the event’s timing — near the start of the semester — offers a break from academics.
“I’m feeling so incredibly grateful that, as a University of Michigan student, we have opportunities and things like this,” Day said. “I feel like it’s really helping boost students as we’re going into the new year.”
Alongside free cookies, customers at the Ann Arbor location could spin a wheel for additional giveaway items, including tote bags and sleep masks. LSA freshman Elizabeth Foster was among the many who participated. Foster told The Daily she was excited to be there.
“I’m so happy to be here to experience this, and to build college memories with my friends,” Foster said. “And this was one of those memories.”
Daily Staff Reporter Olivia Aversano can be reached at oavers@umich.edu.
