‘Vigil’ by acclaimed author George Saunders kicks off the new Campus Reading Program
May 13, 2026
Get inspired at TEDxNorthwestern, spend a night at the Art Institute and enjoy the Northwestern community’s creativity at the Spring Arts and Crafts Fair. Here’s what to add to your calendar this week. As always, all are welcome!
Lakeside lax
Women’s lacrosse looks to add to its winning record in a lakeside faceoff against Rutgers.
The game is at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, 2235 Campus Drive, Evanston. Buy tickets.
Beyond Earth
The Center for Synthetic Biology and The Block Museum of Art host artist Dario Robleto for a screening of “Ancient Beacons Long for Notice.” Using the legacy of the “Golden Record” sent out with NASA’s Voyager space probes, Robleto’s film asks, “Is our moral obligation to fully account for our actions — the good and the bad — in perpetuity, off-planet and to beings we have yet to confirm exist?” Afterward, a conversation will explore this question in the context of synthetic biology’s history.
The screening is at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, at The Block Museum of Art, 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Register here.
Handmade art
See and buy all kinds of art made by members of the Northwestern community at the 2026 Spring Arts and Crafts Fair. Materials will also be available for attendees to make their own themed crafts.
The fair runs from 3–7 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, in the Louis Room, Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston.
An evening with Matisse
Head downtown for University Night at the Art Institute. All Northwestern faculty, staff and student Wildcard holders — and their guests — can enjoy free admission to the museum, as well as exclusive guided tours, giveaways and a special event hosted by UNITY Fashion Show.
The event runs from 4–8 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, with entry at the Modern Wing entrance, Art Institute of Chicago, 159 E. Monroe St., Chicago.
Energetic discourse
The Energy Innovation Lab hosts its inaugural conference, “Energy Innovation and Emerging Technologies.” With more than 70 speakers and sessions on topics such as data center strategies and space-based energy, the daylong event will spotlight emerging research and industry developments, build new partnerships and develop actionable solutions.
The conference begins at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, April 17, in the Rubloff Building, 375 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. Register here to attend in person or virtually.
Big ideas
Join TEDxNorthwestern for an inspiring afternoon of talks. This year’s theme is “The Ripple Effect,” exploring how small actions can create big changes. Speakers will uncover the hidden connections between personal choices and global impact, academic discoveries and societal transformation, and individual stories and collective futures.
The event begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, in Lutkin Memorial Hall, 700 University Place, Evanston. Register here.
Get involved
Students are invited to find their next favorite club or activity at the 2026 Spring Org Fair. With nearly 100 undergraduate student organizations in attendance, attendees will have plenty of opportunities to find a campus community that caters to their interests.
The fair runs from 3–5 p.m. on Monday, April 20, in the Louis Room, Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston.
