What does one do as a student at WashU? While the conventional answer might be locking oneself in the library and going to Pyramid events on the weekends, WashU has so much more to offer in terms of on-campus programming and events. This article is by no means an attempt to cover all of the events for the year, but here are some of the biggest campus events you should be on the lookout for.

Cultural shows

Tickets for WashU’s cultural shows consistently sell out multiple nights in a row in the Edison Theatre on campus, and for good reason. These shows celebrate the heritage and culture of WashU students while also giving back to their respective communities by donating all proceeds to philanthropy every year. 

The first of these cultural shows is Diwali, which is the festival of lights in Hindu culture. Hosted by Ashoka, WashU’s South Asian affinity group, this event brings various styles of dance, fashion, and music from all over India to its show in November. While there are three dates for the show, I highly recommend going on Saturday night, when you will find very enthusiastic alums of the show in the audience. It is a loud and fun night that I wouldn’t want to miss. 

Then there is the Lunar New Year Festival in February, which, in my experience, is nothing short of breathtaking. Through dance, acting, and martial arts, this festival brings traditional and modern interpretations of Asian culture to campus in honor of the Lunar New Year. There is so much to love about this show, but I don’t want to give it all away right now. You just have to go to the show to see what I mean.

During Black History Month, we have Black Anthology, a show that merges theater and dance to depict part of the Black experience. Diverging from the multiple-act structure of its peer shows on campus, this show acts as a play with interspersed dance segments, physicalizing its  emotional weight. It is moving, beautifully written, and a show that I will certainly attend again this year.

Finally, we have a massive celebration of Latine culture in the form of Carnaval, which takes place every April. From vibrant dances to rhythmic music, this show knows how to bring energy to the Edison Theatre. 

In addition to providing a captivating, lively show, each of these four groups also partners with a philanthropic organization that receives the proceeds from ticket sales.

ThurtenE

Thurtene, which takes place in April, is the nation’s oldest student-run carnival. The event features rides, booths from various clubs across campus, and programming for WashU and St. Louis community members. 

I know some of us are likely not big fans of rides, but that is no excuse. Walk around, get your face painted, and play carnival games with your friends. It’s a good time that, well, is hard to avoid given it will block the walkway from the South 40 to main campus. However — and I doubt this is a hot take, I think it’s worth it.

WILD

The spring semester concert is a classic at several universities across the nation, and WashU is no exception. Walk In, Lay Down, also known as WILD, is our spring concert that formerly allowed students to bring furniture to the show and listen, hence “walk in, lay down.” Unfortunately, that component of the tradition has since left campus, but the music has not. On the last day of classes each academic year, the Social Programming Board, a branch of our student government, brings a professional opener and a headlining artist to play on Mudd Field. In the past, we have had Flo Rida, The Kid LAROI, and others headline the show. As for my favorite openers, lyaz playing “Replay” on replay was a meta moment I appreciated. 

You may be wondering, Tanvi, shouldn’t I be studying for finals? Well, to that I say you have two to three reading days to prep for your exams or assignments, and you should go have some fun.

Closing

While all of these events are amazing on their own merits, they are special because of the people you know in them. You get to watch your friends and classmates do what they love, whether that be dancing or running a booth at ThurtenE. You can get involved in something that brings you joy. To find something that gives you purpose is rare, and to be in a community where that is nurtured is even rarer. So hold on to it. Engage with it. I did during my time on campus, and it was one of the best decisions I have made.