Northwestern graduation events set for 2026
October 28, 2025
Kick off winter quarter with annual classics like WinterFest and the Winter Chamber Music Festival or enjoy the weekly offerings from the new Luna’s Pub & Grill.
Find your people
Looking for new ways to get involved this quarter? Stop by the Winter Org Fair to learn about your next favorite undergraduate student organization.
The fair runs from 3-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 6, in the Louis Room, Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston.
Grab a booth
Hit the high note at karaoke or test your knowledge at trivia night as Luna’s Pub & Grill launches its weekly programming.
Karaoke runs from 7-9 p.m. every Tuesday, and trivia begins at 7 p.m. every Thursday at Luna’s Pub & Grill, Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston.
State of the University
The Northwestern University Staff Advisory Council (NUSAC) hosts a State of the University address with Interim President Henry Bienen on each campus, with a reception following each event.
The Evanston address is at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, in the forum in McCormick Foundation Center, 1870 Campus Drive, Evanston. The Chicago address is at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, in Thorne Auditorium, Rubloff Building, 375 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. Register here to attend either event in person or via livestream.
The story of a turning point
Weinberg’s Wendy Pearlman examines a pivotal moment in Syria’s history: the collapse of the Assad regime after decades of dictatorship and war. Drawing from more than 500 interviews with displaced Syrians, as well as observations from her recent trip to Syria, Pearlman puts the regime’s collapse in a broader political context and considers what the future holds.
The lunch is at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, in the Buffett Reading Room, 720 University Place, Evanston. Register here.
Light up the night
Students are invited to WinterFest 2026, which features a neon-inspired theme. Take part in glow-in-the-dark mini golf, axe throwing, crafts, bingo, giveaways and more. And enjoy a gourmet hot cocoa bar and pizza.
WinterFest runs from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, on the second floor of Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston.
An annual feast for the ears
Dudok Quartet Amsterdam kicks off the 2026 Winter Chamber Music Festival with a concert featuring works by Dmitri Shostakovich and Franz Schubert.
The concert is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Buy tickets here. See the full festival calendar here.
