Put these 10 can't-miss Big Red Welcome events on your calendar

Wednesday, August 4, 2021 Put these 10 can't-miss Big Red Welcome events on your calendar

UNL students enjoying an activity in the stands of Memorial Stadium. [Craig Chandler | University Communication]

Updated on August 20, 2021  |  3:15 p.m.


Want to see all of the more than 85 events and activities associated with Big Red Welcome? Download the NEBRASKA app from the App Store or Google Play. In the menu, click "More," then "Big Red Welcome". Use the "Add" button on each event item to create your own personalized Big Red Welcome schedule.

**Anyone attending Big Red Welcome activities should be prepared to show their Safer Community app and Event Pass code on their smartphone to enter the event areas.**

PLAYFAIR: The Ultimate Icebreaker

Wednesday, August 18  |  8 to 9:30 p.m.  |  Vine Street Fields

A powerful program for campus unity and school spirit that is unlike anything else you have experienced. It’s entertainment, it's fun, and the perfect way to make campus friendships. PLAYFAIR is the kickoff event for Big Red Welcome 2021 and the perfect opportunity for first-year Huskers to get involved in their new campus community.

College Welcome Programs

Thursday, August 19  |  varied locations & times from 2:30 to 5 p.m.

Each college and advising center will be hosting an official welcome celebration during this timeframe. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with faculty, staff, and other new students within your academic college. Click your college or advising center for more information about your community’s welcome event.

Residence Hall Block Parties

Thursday, August 19  |  varied locations & times from 8 to 11 p.m.

Get to know other members of your residential community through activities, entertainment, and camaraderie at Block Parties, hosted within each residence hall complex. Locations vary, as each building complex is hosting a different activity or event—try one or try them all. Click each hall to location details.

Urban Plunge: First-Year Service Project

Friday, August 20  |  9 a.m. to 12 p.m.  |  City Campus and East Campus

An opportunity for first-year students to engage in a morning of hands-on service throughout Lincoln and start the semester with a positive impact on the local community. Students can register for a project to happen on City Campus or East Campus. Projects include assembling hygiene kits, distributing children’s books, cleaning up local trails/neighborhoods, and gardening work on or near campus. Space is limited and pre-registration is encouraged.

Tunnel Walk & New Student Welcome

Friday, August 20  |  5 to 6 p.m.  |  Memorial Stadium

Wear your red Grit & Glory t-shirt (distributed during resident hall move-in and the Commuter Student Welcome) and meet at Memorial Stadium at 5 p.m. to partake in the Tunnel Walk and make the Class of 2025 “N” on the stadium field, which will be memorialized in an official photograph. Returning sophomore students are invited to join in making this memory. Immediately following the Tunnel Walk, the Class of 2025 will receive their formal welcome from Chancellor Ronnie Green and ASUN Student Government President Batool Ibrahim.

Chancellor's BBQ

Friday, August 20  |  6 to 7:30 p.m.  |  Nebraska Union Green Space & Meier Common  NEW LOCATION: Campus Dining Centers

Join Chancellor Ronnie Green for a BBQ picnic following the Tunnel Walk and New Student Welcome. Deans and senior administrators will be on hand to welcome the students in the class of 2025. Vegan and allergen-friendly meal options will be available.

Husker Mania UN-masked Singer Karaoke Party

Friday, August 20  |  6:30 to 9:30 p.m.  |  Outdoor Adventures Center  NEW LOCATION: Campus Rec Center, Cook Pavilion

Celebrate your campus arrival competing for amazing prizes by singing your favorite hit songs to the huge crowd filled with your newest Husker friends. Participate either as a team or as an individual entry. Prizes include free food, Husker swag, and concert tickets. Throughout the night, roam the entire event area to connect with student organizations, sport clubs, intramural sports, group fitness activities, and outdoor adventures. Local and national community partners are providing additional games, activities, and entertainment.

Party at the Union

Saturday, August 21  |  8 to 11:30 p.m.  |  Nebraska Union

The can’t-miss Saturday event of Big Red Welcome. Join thousands of your Husker friends for a memorable night of music, dancing, comedy, and other performances for one big blowout before fall semester. All night long, wander both inside and outside of the Nebraska Union and Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center to enjoy: live music with DJ DeWayne; karaoke; BeeJay Hawn, the Speed Sketchers caricature artist; trivia and lawn games; arts, games & activities w/ Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs); and a late-night breakfast meal.

Street Festival

Sunday, August 22  |  6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  |  Memorial Stadium Loop Parking Lot

Engage with hundreds of booths hosted by local businesses, nonprofit organizations, UNL departments and more. Music, free food, giveaways and prizes—an event you don’t want to miss.


More News About:
Instagram Stay Engaged Students ASUN Campus Recreation Community Engagement Diversity and Inclusion Housing Student Involvement Nebraska Unions