Welcome to UC Berkeley! You’ve done a lot to get here (we know those suitcases were heavy). Now it’s time to celebrate, unwind, connect, and have a good time!
Move-In Fest is a series of events before your required Golden Bear Orientation starts that are designed to help you connect with your new peers without any pressure. Everything is free, optional (though strongly encouraged), and events are varied so you can pick and choose what vibe is right for you.
Events
All events take place between 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. on new student move-in days August 17, August 18, and August 19, 2026. Locations vary for each program. Please note that you may not request a change in your move-in to attend earlier programming. However, once you are moved-in you are welcome to attend any events that occur on your move-in day or after!
Read below for a detailed schedule, or jump ahead to your move-in date:
Monday, August 17
Berkeley Move-In Fest: Under the Stars
9 p.m. – midnight
Clark Kerr Campus, Grand Courtyard, 2601 Warring Street
Enjoy art projects, star gaze on the lawn, and make great memories on your first night on campus.
Tuesday, August 18
Game Night at the Union
9 p.m. – midnight
ASUC Student Union, 2495 Bancroft Way
Play board games, giant Jenga, arcade games, and more.
Late Night Dining
10 p.m. – midnight
Crossroads Dining, 2415 Bowditch Street
Join in a free late night breakfast food and “pot-a-plant” activity.
Sponsored by RSSP
Wednesday, August 19
Aye D1 Performance
8:30 p.m. (doors open), 9 p.m. (performance)
Wheeler 150 (Auditorium)
Be ready to ride Pinocchio’s nose, prep your Bitmojis, and be serenaded by your favorite guitar singer soloist, viral TikTok stand-up comedian Aye D1
Brought to you by ASUC SUPERB Comedy.
Casino Night
9 p.m. – midnight
MLK Student Union, 1st Floor
Play friendly entertaining and engaging (but not actual gambling) versions of Blackjack, roulette, Texas Hold Em, craps or poker with your new friends and community.
Glow on the Glade
9 p.m. – midnight
Memorial Glade (sloped lawn next to Doe Library)
Experience glow-in-the-dark activities and lights that will brighten any socials and let you shine in your new community.
Additional information
Required building orientation
Prior to attending Move-In Fest, be sure to join your building Resident Assistant (RA) on your move-in day for required building orientation and social gatherings. Building orientation locations and times vary by unit, but will occur between 6 and 9 p.m. Check your UC Berkeley email (bMail) for more details.
Who can attend Move-In Fest?
All new incoming freshmen and transfer UC Berkeley students who have moved into UC Berkeley housing are invited to Move-In Fest. All students will need to show their Cal 1 Card (student ID card) to access the events. We ask that families and supporters allow their students to attend this programming on their own.
How do I get to Move-In Fest events?
Residential staff will be organizing meet-up locations inside each building for anyone who would like to go to Move-In Fest events with their fellow residents. Details on meet up locations will be shared at your required building orientation or via email by your RA.
Accessibility and Accommodations
We ensure that our Move-In Fest events are in accessible spaces. Service dogs are always welcome. Beyond that if you need disability accommodation, please fill out the BMF Accommodations Form, preferably giving as much notice as possible. Our goal is to meet your needs.
Noise considerations
As a student and resident at UC Berkeley, you are also now a part of the larger City of Berkeley community. When walking to and from Move-In Fest events, you will be walking through neighborhoods where many non-students live. As you do so, please be respectful of your neighbors by being mindful of noise. We ask that all students participating in Move-In Fest respect the City of Berkeley’s quiet hours (10 p.m. – 7 a.m. daily). Learn more about how to be a good neighbor.