CAB Laker Welcome Events

CAB Craft: Pennant Making, GVSU Keychains & GVSU Friendship Bracelets

Thursday, Aug. 27, 2-3 p.m. | Kirkhof Center, Clocktower Plaza

Get Crafty with CAB! Kick off the semester by creating something uniquely Laker! Join CAB to make your own GVSU-themed pennant to decorate your residence hall room or apartment, or design custom GVSU-inspired bracelets and keychains to show off your Laker pride. All supplies are provided while they last. Stop by, get creative, and make something to take home! 

Location: Carillon Clock Tower (Rain Location: Kirkhof Center Lobby)

two girls looking at a pennant and smiling

Laker Kickoff Party

a group of female presenting students posing in front of a large inflatable obstacle course

Friday, Aug. 28, 6-11 p.m. | Lubbers Stadium & Kirkhof Lawn

6 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Welcome Celebration at Lubbers Stadium 
A welcome celebration for new incoming students including remarks from President Philomena V. Mantella,
traditional first-year student class photo, appearances by the Laker Marching Band, GV Cheer Team, Laker Dance Team, and more!

7-11 p.m. | Kirkhof Lawn Party
Join fellow Lakers for a festival, food trucks, DJ, and fun!

9:30 p.m. | Fireworks and Drone Show
Don't miss the fireworks and drone show from the Kirkhof Lawn viewing area!

For the most up to date information, visit the Laker Kickoff Website! GVSU Students: Save time at the event, and complete your liability form for participation now! 

CAB Tie-Dye

Saturday, Aug. 29, 3-5 p.m. | Kirkhof East Lawn

Join us on Saturday, August 29 from 3-5 p.m. for Welcome Week tie-dye!

Get ready to add some color to your closet! Join CAB for a fun and creative tie-dye session on the East Lawn near Zumberge Pond. We’ll have XL t-shirts available while supplies last — or bring your own items to dye! Think socks, pillowcases, bucket hats… the possibilities are endless. All tie-dye supplies provided — just bring your imagination!

girls standing and posing for a photo while tie-dying

Movie on the Field

Students sit on the field at Lubbers Stadium, watching a movie on the big screen

Saturday, Aug. 29, 8-10 p.m. | Lubbers Stadium

Grab your friends and your coziest blankets and head to Lubbers Stadium for a magical outdoor movie experience with the Campus Activities Board! Experience Project Hail Mary on the big screen—a thrilling, funny, and heartfelt adventure that's out of this world.

Don’t miss this chance to chill out, vibe under the stars, and make some core memories. In case of rain, we’ll move the fun indoors to the Kelly Sports Center.

Quick heads up! No food or drinks (except water) are allowed on the field — but feel free to snack it up in the bleachers before settling in!

Speed Friending

Monday, Aug. 31, 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Kirkhof Rm 2204 (Pere Marquette)

Looking to make new friends and have a great time? Look no further! Join the Campus Activities Board in Kirkhof Center Room 2204 for a night of laughs, connections, and pizza as we kick things off with a fast-paced, fun-filled round of Speed-Friending!

New faces. New friends. Same amazing GV vibes.

But wait — the night doesn’t stop there! After the fun, head over with your new crew to the Grand River Room (Kirkhof 2250) for a mind-blowing performance by the one and only Christopher Carter, one of the nation's most acclaimed mentalists. Through incredible feats of mind reading, psychological illusion, audience participation, and comedy, Christopher will have you wondering if he can really read your thoughts. His interactive performances have amazed college audiences across the country for decades and are guaranteed to keep you guessing until the very end.

girls sitting at a table laughing and talking to each other

CAB Mentalist, featuring Christopher Carter

students sitting in chairs watching a performance and laughing

Monday, Aug. 31, 8-9 p.m. | Kirkhof Rm 2250 (Grand River Room)

Get ready for a night that will leave you questioning what's possible! Join CAB for an unforgettable performance by Christopher Carter, one of the nation's most acclaimed mentalists. Through incredible feats of mind reading, psychological illusion, audience participation, and comedy, Christopher will have you wondering if he can really read your thoughts. His interactive performances have amazed college audiences across the country for decades and are guaranteed to keep you guessing until the very end.

This event is FREE. Bring your friends, prepare to be amazed, and experience a show unlike anything you've seen before!

Stay Tuned for More Info About Other CAB Laker Welcome Events!

Tie-dye
Laker Kickoff
Movie on the field
two female presenting students standing in front of a foam pit

Laker Welcome is co-sponsored by the Campus Activities BoardOffice of Student Life, and Dean of Students, which are a part of the Division of Student Affairs of Grand Valley State University.



Page last modified August 14, 2026