Signature Events

Here are some of Penn’s most unique events that every new undergraduate Quaker should attend. They include many opportunities to learn about Penn, discover resources, and meet fellow classmates. Graduate and professional students are also invited to attend the New Student Resources Fair.

*Check back in spring 2024 for updated events date and time.

Events List by Day

  • Students at the Student Resources Fair listening to another student at the booth.

    New Student Resources Fair & Campus Express Center

    Tuesday, August 22, 2023
    10:00AM -to 3:00PM
    Repeats every day,starting Tuesday, August 22, 2023 -through Wednesday, August 23, 2023
    Houston Hall
    3417 Spruce St #307
    Philadelphia, PA 19104

    Description for New Student Resources Fair & Campus Express Center

    Come to your “one-stop shop” for essential resources and services for all Penn students. 

  • Penn Family at the President and Provost's Family Welcome

    President and Provost’s First-Year Family Welcome

    Wednesday, August 23, 2023
    4:00PM -to 4:45PM
    College Hall
    1 College Hall
    Philadelphia, PA 19104

    Description for President and Provost’s First-Year Family Welcome

    First-year families join President Magill and Provost John Jackson at the steps of College Hall for their official Welcome to Penn; light refreshments served.

  • Highball to Heyday

    Penn Traditions, Highball to Hey Day

    Thursday, August 24, 2023
    7:00PM -to 9:00PM
    College Green
    Benjamin Franklin Statue, University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, PA 19104

    Description for Penn Traditions, Highball to Hey Day

    Penn Traditions wants to introduce every first-year student to all the fantastic events that will occur throughout their time at Penn through the Highball to Hey Day Carnival. Win prizes, learn about each tradition like Hey Day for Juniors and toast throwing at football games, eat food, and play games.

  • Friday Night Lights & Class Of 2027 Class Photo

    Friday, August 25, 2023
    8:00PM -to 10:00PM
    Franklin Field
    235 S 33rd St
    Philadelphia, PA 19104

    Description for Friday Night Lights & Class Of 2027 Class Photo

    The Class Photo is a perfect way to grab dinner with friends and meet some more of your fellow classmates! New students will take their class photo, by spelling your class year on Franklin Field

  • An Evening at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

    Saturday, August 26, 2023
    6:30PM -to 9:00PM
    Philadelphia Museum of Art
    2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
    Philadelphia, PA 19130

    Description for An Evening at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

    Join your classmates for a fun and inspiring evening at one of the world’s greatest art museums. Adventure through collections of Asian, European, American, and Contemporary art.

  • Convocation

    Convocation , Mandatory Event

    Monday, August 28, 2023
    7:00PM -to 8:15PM
    Mandatory
    Franklin Field
    235 S 33rd St
    Philadelphia, PA 19104

    Description for Convocation

    Come together to your official welcome as the Class of 2027! It is the evening before the first day of classes and is a Penn Tradition that dates in its modern form to around 1894