Carthage Kickoff Days
Carthage will kick off the 2025-26 school year with several days of special events for all students. Be sure to join the fun! All events are free for students, unless otherwise noted.
8 p.m.
Nerdology Pop Culture Game Show (for new students only)
A. F. Siebert Chapel
Join your small group and participate in Nerdology, an exciting game show that tests your pop culture expertise. This program features engaging games, interactive audience participation, and challenging trivia questions. Play to win prizes and put your knowledge to the test!
8:30 p.m.
VIP Night (for new students only)
Campbell Student Union
Join us for food and entertainment in the Campbell Student Union. The Carthage will be open and have special deals for new students, and Parkhurst Dining will feature new snacks for all to try!
8 p.M.
It’s Cooler by the Lake (for new students only)
The Tower Patio
Join us for ice cream, lawn games, music, and more as we enjoy a cool summer night on Lake Michigan. Play a game of beach volleyball or tie-dye a pillow case (all materials provided).
Noon-1 p.M.
Academic Convocation
A.F. Siebert Chapel
Attendees will hear remarks from important Carthage community members and celebrate the official start of the academic year.
8-9:30 P.m.
Chapel Night Live, Food Trucks, and Nelly’s Echo
A. F. Siebert Chapel / Campus Drive
Enjoy free food from local food trucks and some fun games! It’s a night you don’t want to miss!
11:35 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Interfaith Lunch
Ehrler Hospitality Center, A. F. Siebert Chapel
The Center for Faith and Spirituality welcomes students to this weekly program, including a free lunch. Learn about different faith and interfaith traditions and spiritual practices through student speakers and guests from the community. Engage in conversations about the topics and get to know other students across campus.
3-7 p.m.
Sue’s Temporary Tattoos!
Campbell Student Union
Body Art by Susan is bringing the latest in body art to Carthage. These high-end temporary tattoos will make your friends (and parents) think you just got inked!
4-6 p.m.
Engagement and Inclusion Center Vibe and Thrive
Todd Wehr Center 130
Come hang out with fellow students in the warm, welcoming space of the Engagement and Inclusion Center. Everyone is welcome!
7:30 p.m.
Bristol Renaissance Faire Bus Trip Signup
Campbell Student Union
Join the and take a rollicking romp through Elizabethan England, complete with 16th century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music, and one-of-a-kind encounters with a spectacular cast of characters. Signup costs only $10 and includes your ticket and transportation. The bus for the trip leaves at 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 31.
8-11 P.M.
Kickoff Carnival
Oaks Circle
Come out for a night in the Oaks Circle for some fun karaoke, free food, entertaining activities, balloon animals, caricatures, and wire writing!
5-9 p.m.
Ziplining
Campus Drive
Get ready to experience the exhilarating thrill of soaring through the air on a zipline as you glide down Campus Drive!
9 p.m.
Kickoff Drone Show
Kissing Rock
Witness an awe-inspiring, perfectly synchronized aerial performance as 300 drones light up the sky in a stunning display of color, movement, and technology.
11 a.m.
Bristol Renaissance Faire Bus Trip
TARC South Lower Lot Entrance
Join the and take a rollicking romp through Elizabethan England, complete with 16th century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music, and one-of-a-kind encounters with a spectacular cast of characters. Signup costs only $10 and includes your ticket and transportation. Sign up for tickets at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, in the Campbell Student Union.
11:45 a.m.
Wednesday Worship
A. F. Siebert Chapel
Join the Center for Faith and Spirituality for a worship service.
4-5:30 P.M.
Involvement Fair
Campus Drive
Mix and mingle with some of Carthage’s many organizations and learn how to get involved during Carthage Kickoff Days.
11:35 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Interfaith Lunch
Ehrler Hospitality Center, A. F. Siebert Chapel
The Center for Faith and Spirituality welcomes students to this weekly program, including a free lunch. Learn about different faith and interfaith traditions and spiritual practices through student speakers and guests from the community. Engage in conversations about the topics and get to know other students across campus.
9:30 p.m.
Spirit Bingo
Todd Wehr Center
Join us for the first bingo of the year. Meet new students, and play to win prizes!
5-7 p.m.
Engagement and Inclusion Center Kickoff
The Tower Patio
Enjoy games, food, music, and more! Anyone and everyone is welcome to this community event.
8-11 p.m.
Glow Roller Rink
Todd Wehr Center Jockey Rooms
Roll into the night at the Glow Roller Rink complete with dance music and a glowing floor!
7 p.m.
Catholic Mass
A. F. Siebert Chapel
Our Roman Catholic student staff work with local priests who come to campus for weekly mass during the weeks that classes are in session. Students are involved in reading scripture and serving communion.