- New & Transfer Students: August 30
- Returning Students: August 31
- Athletes: Football – Aug. 12 | Women’s Soccer – Aug. 18 | Men’s Soccer & Field Hockey – Aug. 19 | Women’s Volleyball – Aug. 21 | Cross Country – Aug. 24
Welcome OWLS Week
Fall 2026 Move-in Dates
Your First Weeks at Westfield
Kick off the semester with events, activities, and plenty of ways to connect with the Westfield State community! From campus traditions and games to live entertainment, athletics, and opportunities to get involved, the first two weeks of the semester are filled with ways to experience campus life and connect with others. Check out the schedule below and join us for the fun.
Welcome OWLS Week!
Sunday, August 30
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00–11 p.m. | West Fest Get settled in the Nest with food trucks, games, inflatables, and crafts on the Green! | Campus Green |
Monday, August 31
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00–11 p.m. | West of the Midway Step on up to the Midway Carnival right on the green! Take a swing at some classic carnival booths, grab a bite from the food trucks, or go for a ride on the Ferris wheel. | Campus Green |
Tuesday, September 1
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 4 p.m. | Women’s Soccer vs. WestConn | Alumni Field |
| 5–8 p.m. | Backyard Boogy Let loose with a live DJ and BBQ on the green! Have some fun with lawn games and inflatables, or stuff your own plush owl! | Campus Green |
| 7 p.m. | Men's Soccer vs. Nichols | Alumni Field |
Wednesday, September 2
First Day of Classes
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8–10 a.m. (or until product is sold out) | Nutrition First Fuel up for the first day of classes with a quick grab-and-go option! | In front of Wilson Hall |
| 9–11 a.m. | First Day Photos & WSU T-Shirt Giveaway Stop by the Marketing Office tent near the campus globe for a first-day photo and grab a WSU T-shirt to kick off the new school year! | Campus Globe on the Green |
| 5:30–7 p.m. | Cards Against Hypnosis Get ready for an interactive hypnosis show where the audience helps decide what happens next! Join hypnotist David Hall for a fun and unpredictable night of entertainment. | Dever Auditorium |
Thursday, September 3
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7–11 p.m. | Bring Your W-Game Join us for a night of gaming on the Campus Green! Play Xbox, Nintendo, Just Dance, and more on giant screens. | Campus Green |
| 8–11 p.m. | Late Night Breakfast | Dining Commons |
Friday, September 4
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. | Banacos Luncheon | Dining Commons |
| 2–7 p.m. | Weekend Kick-Off Kick off your first weekend at Westfield State with music, lawn games, giveaways, and friends! | Campus Green |
| 7–11 p.m. | Glow Party 6th annual Glow Party on the Green! | Campus Green |
Saturday, September 5
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1–5 p.m. | Friendly Competition Day Get ready for an afternoon packed with fun and friendly competition! Try human bowling, soccer, darts, the criss-cross race, lawn games, and more on the Campus Green. | Campus Green |
| 6–8 p.m. | Every Game Show Ever Get ready to be part of the action in this fast-paced, interactive game show! Test your skills, cheer on your friends, and enjoy a fun night of games and competition. | Dever Auditorium |
Sunday, September 6
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 a.m.–4 p.m. | RSO Leadership Training Day | SGA Room, Ely 017 |
| 1–5 p.m. | Sunday Reset Kick back with massage chairs, plants, scrub making, and our first barbershop of the semester with Jose Dones from The Parlorfaded Company! | Campus Green |
| 7:30 p.m. | Screen on the Green It’s Movie Night on the Green! Grab some Westy Besties and join us for an outdoor movie, gather around the fire pits, or play on the giant video game screens! | Campus Green |
Monday, September 7
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2–5 p.m. | Spuds and Suds Snack and sip your way across the green with different pairings of potatoes and “beerˮ alternatives (including root beer, ginger beer, and butterbeer!) | Campus Green |
Tuesday, September 8
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 5:30 p.m. | First SGA Meeting | SGA Room, Ely 017 |
Wednesday, September 9
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1:30–3:30 p.m. | Make a Zine 101 | Mezzanine Classroom, Ely Library |
| 5:30 p.m. | First CAB Meeting | SGA Room, Ely 017 |
| 7 p.m. | Women's Soccer vs. Keene State | Alumni Field |
Thursday, September 10
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2:30–4 p.m. | LEAD Scholars Meet and Greet | Loughman Living Room |
| 4–6 p.m. | Campus Involvement Fair Students will be able to learn more about our wide variety of clubs, ranging from those focused on academics and career exploration to sports and leisure. | Campus Green |
Friday, September 11
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. | Planning Party | Banacos Academic Center |
| 9 p.m. | Bingo Night | Scanlon Banquet Hall |
Saturday, September 12
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 12 p.m. | Football vs. Bridgewater State Join us at the first home football game and cheer on our Owls! | Alumni Field |
The fun doesn’t stop here! Check out our Family & Champions Weekend schedule.
Need help finding where to go?
Explore Additional Resources
Check out the helpful links below.
Take a Look Back at Welcome Owls Week 2025
Contact Us
Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership
Ely Campus Center, Lower Level
