Welcome to Penn State Altoona!
Welcome to Penn State Altoona! We look forward to meeting you on Friday, August 21! Welcome Week events will run throughout the first several weeks of the semester, but the campus tradition known as "Welcome Week" will run from Sunday, August 23, through Sunday, August 30, 2026. Welcome Week events are designed for all students, regardless of where they live.
Like so many other college experiences, you'll get out of Welcome Week what you put into it. Bring positive energy, a willingness to be a little uncomfortable and try something new, connect with your new classmates, and learn how best to be a college student!
Welcome Week offerings are designed as a "choose your own adventure" experience. Participate in the activities that interest you or that you are curious about.
Don't be afraid to reach out to a peer with whom you seem to have things in common or follow up with one of the faculty and staff members you may meet during Welcome Week. We look forward to getting to know you and to supporting you on your journey. Your college experience starts Friday; be sure to actually participate!
Welcome Week 2026
Spud-tacular Movie Night
Friday, August 21, at 8:00 p.m.
Slep Student Center
Come unwind at Spud-tacular Movie Night. It's the perfect way to relax, get creative, enjoy some good food, and meet some new friends. Grab a plate at our build-your-own potato bar, settle in for a movie with new friends, and take a break with some fun crafting activities throughout the night. Whether you’re here for the film, the food, or just to hang out, there’s something for everyone.
Island Vibes: Beach Bash, Steel Drums, and Bingo
Saturday, August 22, from 2:00–9:00 p.m.
Misciagna Parking Lot
Join us for our annual Beach Bash where island vibes take over campus. Enjoy live steel drum music, a live DJ, exciting rounds of bingo, and plenty of beach-themed fun. Take a break and hang out with friends while enjoying yard games, a water slide, a mechanical wave rider, and more! Grab your sunglasses, bring your crew, and get ready for a night of sunshine-inspired fun—no beach required!
Butterfly Garden
Monday, August 24, from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Slep Quad (Outside the Slep Student Center)
Step into the Butterfly Garden for the first day of classes celebration! Take a break and enjoy a peaceful, nature-inspired space designed to help you ease into the new semester. Surrounded by calming décor and spring vibes, it’s the perfect spot to relax, recharge, and kick off the semester on a positive note while connecting with friends.
Think Fast Trivia
Wednesday, August 26, at 7:00 p.m.
Slep Student Center, Pond View Lounge
Enjoy a fun night of trivia with up to $200 in cash prizes! Free pizza from one of our local restaurants will be provided.
Involvement and Majors Fair
Thursday, August 27, from 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Slep Quad (Outside the Slep Student Center)
Visit the Slep Quad to find out how to get involved on campus! Come see what student organizations are active, how to start an organization, and what majors Penn State Altoona has to offer! The rain date for this event is Tuesday, August 25.
Altoona Benefiting THON Yard & Rec Games
Friday, August 28, from 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Stewart Athletic Fields
Join Altoona Benefiting THON (ABT) in yard games as we celebrate the end of the first week of classes for the fall 2026 semester! Here you can hang out, meet new friends, and learn more about ABT.
Spikeball Tournament
Tuesday, September 1, from 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Location to be determined
First intramural tournament of the year: spikeball!
Are You Ready? Football BBQ and Kickoff Bash
Friday, September 4, from 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Slep Quad (Outside the Slep Student Center)
Kick off the season at the Football BBQ! Enjoy a fun afternoon with friends featuring great food, music, and game-day energy as we get ready for football season. Stop by, grab a bite, and bring your team spirit—it's the perfect way to celebrate the start of football vibes on campus!