GradFest 2018 – Wednesday, February 7, 5 – 7 pm
Pauley Ballroom, MLK Jr. Student Union

Have you ever said, “I wish I had known about that earlier”? Are you looking for new opportunities to connect, relax, or up your game? Join us at GradFest 2018!

Free Food • Grad Student Organizations • Campus Resources • Fun Activities

Followed by Post-GradFest Meet-Ups* from 7 – 9 pm:
Bear’s Lair | 2495 Bancroft Way (Lower Sproul Plaza)
Free House | 2700 Bancroft Way
Kip’s Bar | 2439 Durant Ave.


*For drink and food specials, show your GradFest wristband, available ONLY from the Graduate Division and Graduate Assembly tables at GradFest!


GradFest — a collaboration between the LEAD Center, Graduate Division, and the Graduate Assembly — connects graduate and professional students with the student organizations and campus resources that serve them.

“GradFest came about because we noticed an opportunity to better integrate – and build community among – graduate and professional students. The primary goal of GradFest has always been to build a better, stronger, more vibrant community for graduate and professional students to thrive in – and I think we’re well on our way, given that over 74% of respondents say that GradFest increased their sense of belonging at Cal. That’s big.” said Shirley Giraldo, LEAD Center Coordinator.

Although this is the first time that GradFest will be open to all 11,000+ graduate and professional students on campus, similar events greeted incoming students in conjunction with the New Graduate Student Orientation in Fall 2016 and Fall 2017. 

Located in the newly renovated Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union, GradFest 2018 will feature artisanal hors d’oeuvres by Student Union Catering, quick exercise demonstrations by University Health Services staff, painting led by the Art Studio staff, and yoga led by a Recreational Sports Facility instructor.

Organizers have also arranged a set of off-campus meet-ups after GradFest. Students who show their GradFest wristbands will receive exclusive food and drink specials at Bear’s Lair, Free House, and Kip’s Bar from 7 – 9 pm.