Sometimes you need a little more than a house party to fulfill your weekend needs. Variety is the spice of life, folks. Diversify your campus nightlife options with Washington University’s vibrant entertainment scene! Here are some of my top picks to keep your eye on this year:

Movie screenings
Didn’t see the big movie of the year? You may be able to check out the box office hit you missed out on at an outdoor movie screening on campus. Look out for these events at the beginning and end of each semester.

Remember to dress for the weather and know how to get cozy outside. Bring a picnic blanket, popcorn, candy, your drink of choice and a friend or two for a great night out.

These screenings are free for students and a great way to relax after a busy week in a low-pressure social setting.

A cappella shows
If a cappella is your jam, you’re at the right university. We have a ridiculous amount of a cappella groups on campus, which means performances are happening all the time. Each group hosts its signature show yearly, supplemented by performing in showcases, opening for other groups and singing at University events.

If you want to see all the groups perform at one event, check out the upcoming a cappella showcase, head to the South 40 when groups perform surprise shows in the dorms or plan ahead for the showcase at parents’ weekend in October.

Most a cappella shows require tickets; so, be on the lookout for groups tabling in Bear’s Den and the Danforth University Center.

Comedy shows
Each year, Social Programming Board brings a couple funny folks to campus. Last year we got great shows from Hannibal Buress and Ilana Glazer.

Comedians usually perform in Graham Chapel, which makes a pretty awesome backdrop for comedy shows, especially ones that fall on the more irreverent side.

SPB recently announced a comedy show for September 5, performer TBA; so, keep your fingers crossed for a good comedian and get excited for a great upcoming event.

Improv performances
While college improv stands as the butt of many jokes, improv shows can genuinely make for a great night out. Wash. U. has three improv groups: Mama’s Pot Roast, Suspicious of Whistlers and K.A.R.L., each having its own niche and vibe.

This stuff is better quality than Tobias’ “yes, aaaand” on “Arrested Development”—promise. Get excited for lots of laughs.

Wash. U. also has a sketch comedy group called Kids On Campus that hosts great shows throughout the year.

On-campus date night, anyone?

Theater
Wash. U. students are extremely talented folks; so, go watch them shine on stage. There are three student-run theatre groups on campus: Thyrsus, Cast ‘n Crew and All Student Theatre (AST). These groups stage productions and other events throughout the year to highlight student talent.

Some of my favorite theatre events I’ve attended have been AST’s Halloween murder mystery party, Thyrsus’ Day of Shame, a 24-hour playwriting festival, and Cast ‘n Crew’s fall musical.

Beyond student-run groups, the Performing Arts Department puts on great productions throughout the year. Even better, all Performing Arts Department shows are free to all full time Wash. U. students starting this year.