Full Schedule of Events

Events are free and open to all students. No registration is required unless stated otherwise.

Thursday, Aug. 13

Room Decor Bingo

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Plaster Student Union Theater

Residence Hall Association (RHA) will host Room Decor Bingo! Join us to play bingo, make connections, and win prizes to add to your room! Some prizes include exclusive RHA merchandise, basket bundles of snacks or laundry items, small approved appliances, wall decorations, and more!  

Friday, Aug. 14

Bear Flow

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
North Mall

This is a great opportunity to connect with “Bear Nature”, friends and yourself to start the year off at Missouri State. Creating a supportive and joyful environment can deepen the experience for all participants.  Yoga class is brought to you by Wellness Collective.                                                                   

What to bring – Yoga mat, blanket or towel and water bottle.  We will yoga mats available (while supplies last)  

Snow Glad to See You (rain or shine)

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Plaster Student Union East Patio

Moving into college can be hot and hectic so why not chill out with a refreshing snow cone? Joining SAC far a sweet way to cool down, meet new people and take a well- deserved break from unpacking.

417 Street Fest

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Elm Street 

Featuring food trucks, games, music, and much more, 417 Street Fest is a high-energy, block party–style event open to all Missouri State University students. 417 Street Fest serves as an opportunity to foster school spirit, encourage involvement, and introduce students to the wide range of opportunities available within the MSU community. 

Saturday, Aug. 15

BearZEN (Feel the Frequencies) 

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Magers Room 100 

Join Magers Health and Wellness Center in taking you into the present moment, the only place where life exists Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self Embrace the journey with MSU friends Yoga class is brought to you by Wellness Collective.  

See You Later Lunch

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Blair-Shannon Dining Center

Before saying See Ya Later to your student, join them for a lovely Brunch in one of our two dining halls. The first two family members eat free. Each additional family member is $9.90. Student must have a dining plan.

Even if you didn’t bring your family, this is a great opportunity to meet other students and enjoy a nice brunch.

Grab a Scoop with FSL

12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Plaster Student Union patio

Come cool off and grab a Scoop of Ice Cream with Fraternity and Sorority Life! Learn more about our community and ask us your questions!

Transfer Student Popcorn Social

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Office of Student Engagement, Plaster Student Union 127

“Pop-In” for a popcorn bar, trivia, and games with your fellow Transfer Bears! Win prizes, learn about opportunities for transfer students at Missouri State, and get your questions answered in an informal setting!

BearPress Pop-Up (Button-Making) 

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Magers Health and Wellness Center (Room 100)

“Friends and Buttons” the perfect pairing. Make your own unique buttons for personal use, create gifts for friends, and make your Missouri Statement button.  

Bear Bash

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
North Mall and Plaster Student Union

Welcome to the biggest welcome back celebration of the year. Join us for our annual Bear Bash Celebration as we welcome new and returning bears to campus. We will have live music, free food, giveaway, Bear Bash T-shirts, performances, crafts and much much more. You do not want to miss this event.

Sunday, Aug. 16

Convocation

2:00 p.m.
Great Southern Bank Arena

This is the official fun academic welcome of the 2026-2027 academic year.

Campus Fest CMA

6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
North Mall

Campus Fest is a one-of-a-kind festival featuring live music by Headliner band Strings & Heart and over 15 Campus Ministries for you to explore and connect with.  There will be crafts, duck races, prizes, cotton candy, custom hat & t-shirt press, tie dye diy, Pineapple Whip, Xurros, Loom Bands, photo booth and spikeball. Looking for your spot on campus? You’re not alone! Come have fun and find your community. 

 

Monday, Aug. 17

Student Organization Festival

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Bear Head Plaza

We have more than 325 student organizations—there's at least one that's right for you. From club sports, to professional organizations, to campus ministries, to fraternity & sorority life chapters, Student Org Festival is your one-stop shop for all things student engagement. Come meet representatives from over 100 organizations and find out how you can get involved right away on campus.  

Welcome Back Class Photo

7:15 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Plaster Stadium

Join fellow student org leaders and the incoming class of Bears for your FIRST official class photo! Commemorate the beginning of your MoState journey with 1,000 of your newest friend

Movie Night at the Stadium

7:45 p.m.
Plaster Stadium

Join SAC for a Showing of Monsters University to get the school year started off right! 

 

Tuesday, Aug. 18

Stuff A Boomer

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
North Mall

Join SAC and TC to stuff a Bear companion and show off your school pride! 

Home Sweet Home

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Plaster Student Union Patio

Stop by the PSU Patio to meet the Residence Hall Association (RHA), get some cotton candy, and chat about living on campus! We can help get you connected to answer questions or share ways you can get involved right where you live!  

NPHC Meet the Greeks

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Plaster Student Union, Ballroom East

Looking to learn more about our NPHC Organizations? Join us for NPHC Meet the Greeks! Business Causal attire is required! 

Wednesday, Aug. 19

Sample Springfield

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
North Mall

Sample Springfield is a long-standing tradition where thousands of students from Missouri State University flood the PSU North Mall to sample what local Springfield businesses have to offer! Students have the opportunity to learn more about nonprofit organizations, where to find the best local coffee, grab free food from local restaurants, and much more! There is no doubt 2026 will offer even more opportunities for students to become connected to the local community!  

BearWear Bingo

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Plaster Student Union, Theater

Join SAC and the Bookstore to start the year off with the chance to win new Bear Wear!  

Thursday, Aug. 20

Boomers Block Party 

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
BearFest Village

Boomer's Block Party is Missouri State University’s premier kickoff celebration to launch the 2026 athletic season, bringing together the entire Bears community for an evening of energy, connection, and school pride. This signature event will unite Missouri State Athletics supporters, students, alumni, and the community in a vibrant, fan-focused atmosphere. Activities include inflatables, food trucks, meet and greets, and more! 

Friday, Aug. 21

Fresh Check Day

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
North Mall

Campus wellness event focused on mental health awareness, support resources, and student well-being. This event is packed full with interactive activities. Free pizza for all who participate!

Rec After Dark

9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Foster Rec Center 

Rec After Dark at the Foster Recreation Center! Experience the FRC like never before with an unforgettable lineup of glow-in-the-dark activities and high-energy fun. Enjoy a night packed with glow-in-the-dark mini golf, laser tag, late-night cycling, DanceFit, glow climbing, and more. Whether you're looking to get active or just hang out with friends, there's something for everyone. Come explore the FRC after hours, meet new people, and celebrate the start of the semester in style. 

Midnight Madness

12:00 a.m.
Bookstore

Don’t sleep on the biggest deal of the year, your one-night-only chance to score big at the bookstore! Enjoy 25% off the entire store, shop exclusive event-only merchandise, and be among the first 100 in line to receive a special canvas bag; everything you can fit inside is 40% off that night. Plus, the bag unlocks year-long perks you won’t want to miss!