Good Times & Great Events
August 16 – 28, 2026
The Great Gator Welcome is UF’s official kickoff to your time at UF. This series of events is designed to help you find your place in the Gator Nation. From outdoor markets to live music, trivia nights to campus-wide races, there’s something for every student to discover, connect and make memories that last.
Stay up-to-date with all the events at @ufstudentengage on Instagram!
Great Gator Coffee Hour
August 16 | Reitz Union Grand Ballroom | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Stop by to fuel up and connect with campus partners and fellow Gators! Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries while taking part in crafts, games and relaxed conversation as we kick off the year.
First-Gen Gator Welcome
August 17 | Career Connections Center, Inspiration Room 1350 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join us for a scavenger hunt and light refreshments while connecting with your fellow First-Gen Gators and learning how First-Generation Student Success can support you throughout your Gator journey.
Speed Friending
August 17 | O’Connell Center | 5 – 8 p.m.
Come check out Speed Friending—a fun and easy way to meet new people! You’ll go through a few rounds of five-minute conversations to break the ice. After that, stick around to play games, hang out with your new friends, and enjoy some light refreshments!
Midnight Munchies
August 18 | Broward Dining | 8 – 10:30 p.m.
Grab a late-night breakfast treat at the the Broward Dining facility and relax with us before classes as we foster community and create long lasting memories.
Convocation
August 19 | O’Connell Center | 4:30 p.m.
Freshman Convocation is a special tradition that marks the official start of your college journey. It’s a time to come together with your class, hear from campus leaders, and celebrate the beginning of this exciting new chapter!
Class of 2030 Photo
August 19 | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Once Convocation wraps up, make your way to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to take part in the Class of 2030 photo! It’s a memorable tradition you won’t want to miss as you officially kick off your time at UF.
First Day Photos
August 20 | Various Locations | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Kick off the start of a new semester by taking a free Polaroid photo at iconic campus locations. After snapping a pic, take some time to hang out with friends and make a craft.
ACCENT Show
August 20 | O’Connell Center | Doors open at 6 p.m., Event starts at 7 p.m.
The Accent Speakers Bureau is the largest student-run speakers bureau in the nation, bringing influential figures like Ke Huy Quan, John Green, Barbara Corcoran, Tim Tebow, and Bryan Cranston to campus for engaging talks and student-led Q&As. Stay tuned for who our upcoming guest is!
First Friday BBQ
August 21 | Plaza of Americas | 4 – 8 p.m.
Prepare to be immersed in Gator Spirit at the First Friday BBQ! This premier event will feature a DJ, photo opportunities, giveaways, performances and of course, barbecue. Join us to chant the night away as we come together, united as Gators.
Meet the Greeks
August 22 | Reitz Union North Lawn | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Meet current members from all four Greek Councils, ask questions, and get a real feel for what it’s like to join one of our Greek organizations at UF! This is the perfect opportunity to explore your options, make connections and learn more before recruitment and intake begin.
Movie Night at the Reitz
August 22 | Reitz Union North Lawn | 8 p.m.
Grab your friends and relax under the stars for at one of Great Gator Welcome’s signature events. This semester, the movie will be Project Hail Mary!
Amazing Race
August 23 | Starts at the Reitz Union North Lawn | 1 – 4 p.m.
Team up with up to four friends and dash across campus to uncover hidden locations and take on mystery challenges. Find 8/10 of our stations to earn a free Gator tee!
Kickstart Escape Room
August 24 | Career Connections Center | 1 – 4 p.m.
Put your skills to the test in with this interactive experience where you can either work solo or with a team to complete activities, solve challenges and develop your skills in order to escape. Activities will focus on leadership development, service-learning and career-readiness. Register for this event on Gators For Good Network to secure your spot, capacity is limited!
Trivia Night
August 24 | Reitz Union Grand Ballroom | 1 – 4 p.m.
Test your knowledge with musical trivia! Whether you win a prize, or just join us to sing the night away, you’ll leave with lasting memories of a night full of fun and friendly competition.
Step Up and Step In
August 25 | Reitz Union, Room 2365 | 12 – 3 p.m.
Build confidence and practical skills in active bystander intervention. This event addresses challenging situations in a way that is empowering and educational, giving students tools they can use to look out for one another and create a safer campus community.
RecStravaganza
August 25 | Flavet Park | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Explore wellness opportunities, sports clubs and recreation programs all in one place! Enjoy games, activities and giveaways, including free t‑shirts and gelati while supplies lasts. Learn how to get involved with Sport Clubs, Fitness and Wellness, upcoming adventure trips through Outdoor Adventures and other RecSports offerings.
Gator Market
August 26 | Reitz Union North Lawn | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Gator Market is a monthly outdoor market held on the Reitz Union North Lawn at UF during the spring and fall semesters. The event brings together a variety of vendors—from local and student-owned businesses to university departments and student organizations.
MRE Madness
August 27 | Reitz Union, Room 2215 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sample a variety of MRE (Meals, Ready-to-Eat) entrées, snacks and desserts while connecting with fellow Gators and learning about resources available for Veterans and military-connected students.
Student Organization Fair
August 27 | O’Connell Center | 4 – 7 p.m.
Connect with leaders from over 300 student organizations and campus departments, all in one place. This is one of the best ways to get plugged in at UF.
GatorNights
August 28 | Reitz Union | 7 – 10 p.m.
GatorNights is the University of Florida’s premier late-night event series held on Fridays at the Reitz Union, offering free entertainment like movies, live performances, crafts, games, and food to create a vibrant and safe social space for students.