There’s so much for students new to NC State to experience and enjoy as they get to know campus that we need more than one week to fit it all in! For the second straight year, Wolfpack Welcome Weeks will run for over two weeks, with the 2026 edition set for Aug. 13-28. 

Wolfpack Welcome Weeks have something for everyone, and, as always, the week-plus festivities will be capped off by Packapalooza™, an all-day block party and street festival on Hillsborough Street. 

View the full schedule of events and create your own custom schedule using the NC State Guides app. In the meantime, here are some of the activities you won’t want to miss:

An IRC-redible Movie Night (Aug. 14): Unwind with the Inter-Residence Council at a campus movie night on Stafford Commons. Bring your friends, meet other residents and enjoy a film in a relaxed, social setting. Snacks and good company included.

Talley Takeover (Aug. 15): The University Activities Board is hosting a takeover of Talley Student Union. Come to enjoy some desserts, inflatables, arcade games and karaoke while leaving with make and takes and some new artwork.

New Student Convocation (Aug. 16): Convocation is the opportunity for first-year students to kick off the academic year with fellow classmates, faculty and staff while hearing from the chancellor and the student body president, and participating in the class of 2030 photo.

RecFest (Aug. 16): Enjoy an evening of fun with Wellness and Recreation on Miller Fields to kick off the year with RecFest, an interactive event offering programming, club sports demonstrations, food, giveaways and entertainment. 

Residence Hall Community Meetings (Aug. 17-18): Meet your resident advisor (RA), connect with others in your residential community and get the key information you need to live well in your space. Learn what to expect, where to go for support and how to make the most of your time on campus. Check with your RA during move-in for your meeting location.

Screen on the Green (Aug. 17): Screen on the Green is an event led by the University Activities Board that brings students together to watch a movie on the lawn of Stafford Commons.

Panhellenic Ice Cream Social (Aug. 19): Join the Panhellenic Association and the sororities on Stafford Commons to enjoy some Howling Cow ice cream, learn more about sorority recruitment taking place over Labor Day weekend and meet members of current sororities in this social outdoor program to begin the semester.

Moonlight Howl and Move (Aug. 20): Kick off the semester with a high-energy night featuring a live DJ, fun moves, free food and giveaways on Stafford Commons. Register now for a chance to get a signature t-shirt. 

Packapalooza™ (Aug. 22): Packapalooza is an all-day block party and street festival to kick off the start of the academic year. We will have everything it takes to celebrate in NC State style, including great music capped off by headliner Y2K: The Millenium Party and a fireworks finale at the Belltower. 

Back 2 School Jam (Aug. 21): The Back 2 School Jam in Talley Student Union is an annual showcase that welcomes new and returning students to campus with an exciting evening of performances from student organizations across NC State’s campus.

Student Involvement Fair (Aug. 24): Looking to get involved on campus? Don’t miss the Student Involvement Fair on Stafford Commons – your one-stop event to meet over 300 student organizations. Whether you’re interested in leadership, service, culture, academics or just making new friends, there’s a place for you here. 

Respect the Pack (Aug. 24): Student Government’s Respect the Pack in Talley Student Union highlights the significance of finding community in a rich campus environment. At NC State, students should feel empowered to find their Wolfpack and students can find power in the connection of a shared Wolfpack identity.

College Connections (Aug. 25): This is your opportunity to continue building relationships with the students, faculty and staff within your college. As your new academic home, you’ll want to begin making connections early, so come out to your College Connections and help NC State start to feel like home.

Campus Health Kickoff (Aug. 25): Stop by Harris Field for free t-shirts, therapy dogs, lawn games, snacks and wellness activities. Also learn how to get involved on campus and meet staff members from Campus Health, Prevention Services and the Counseling Center. Staff includes mental health counselors, dietitians, doctors, nurses, physical therapists, gynecologists, pharmacy staff and more.

Chillin and Grillin (Aug. 27): Come hang out with the Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) community outside Tucker and Owen Residence Halls at Chillin’ and Grillin’. This isn’t a recruitment pitch, just a chance to enjoy free food, music and games with the crew.