Welcome Week is a long-standing tradition at AU for freshmen to explore D.C., get acquainted with their new environment and make friends among their new classmates. During the day, it’s all about the transition to college and D.C. life; but at night, Student Activities is hosting events to help freshmen end summer with a bang. From the classics, like Late-Night Breakfast and BINGO with drag queens, to new events, like Bed Bath and Beyond at Night and Culturefest, there is something for everyone to enjoy this upcoming week.
Late Night Breakfast
When: Saturday, August 18 from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m
Where: Terrace Dining Room (TDR)
TDR becomes a place that you will come to know very well during freshman year, so you might as well kick off your semester with all your breakfast favorites. Pancakes, french toast, sausage, eggs and more! Plus, who doesn't love breakfast for dinner? Start Welcome Week with a much-loved and delicious AU tradition.
Outdoor Movie ft. Black Panther
When: Sunday, August 19 from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Where: Quad
This year, Student Activities is showing one of the most popular films of the year, so you will definitely not want to miss this event under the stars. Bring a blanket and your new friends and enjoy an outdoor showing of Black Panther on a warm summer night.
Late Night at the Rec
When: Monday, August 20 from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Where: Bender Arena
You may want to get in some exercise after eating snacks and getting to know classmates all weekend, so head on over to Bender to get to know all about fitness on campus. Play some games, dance to Zumba and meet the AU RecFit team.
Bed Bath and Beyond at Night
When: Tuesday, August 21 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Bed, Bath and Beyond – Gallery Place
Ever had a Bed Bath and Beyond to yourself? Well now you do! Get off campus for the night and shop until you drop with exclusive discounted prices, free food and a DJ. This is the perfect chance for you and your roommate to go out together and make sure your dorm doesn’t clash, or to grab a few things you forgot to bring, since it happens to us all.
BINGO in Bender
When: Wednesday, August 22 from 10 pm. to 12 p.m.
Where: Bender Arena
Have a fun, fierce night and win up to $1,000 in prizes! Drag queen BINGO is just the thing you need to win some cash and make some friends. Get your first experience with the drag scene in D.C. firsthand at this well-loved event. The Queens are coming and you better bow down.
Quad After Dark
When: Thursday, August 23 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Quad
See the quad transformed into a carnival wonderland! For one night only, Student Activities is bringing all the magic and fun of a carnival straight to you. Get your adrenaline pumping on some carnival-style rides or grab some classic snacks, like cotton candy and more.
Culturefest
When: Saturday, August 25 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Quad
This Community of Color Celebration will bring some midday fun to the Quad just before the Student Union Board concert. Come out to see performances from AU’s very own students. There will be plenty of food, music, vendors and opportunities for you to find your home away from home as you meet current students and learn about AU’s cultural organizations.
Welcome Week Concert with Metro Boomin
When: Saturday, August 25 at 8 p.m.
Where: Bender Arena
The Student Union Board will kick off the school year with an end of summer bash titled “The Nightshow.” Come with your friends to hear music from Atlanta-based D.J. and producer Metro Boomin alongside performances from local rapper Kelow LaTesha and DJ Shiva. The concert is one of SUB’s biggest events of the year, so don’t miss your chance to hear some amazing music inside Bender before classes start.
Capitol Steps
When: Sunday, August 26 at 7 p.m.
Where: Amphitheater
Get ready to rid yourself of any pre-semester jitters with one last bit of fun before the semester begins at the annual Capitol Steps performance in the amphitheater. The comedy group is known for its satire of political news and impersonations of politicians on both sides of the aisle. If you want to have some laughs at the expense of your favorite (or least favorite) political figures, the Capitol Steps event is for you.
