Welcome Week 2026!
Welcome all new and returning V-Hawks!
Welcome Week 2026 | August 31 - September 7
Get ready to kick off an incredible year with Welcome Week! Join us for a week packed with exciting events as we celebrate the start of a new academic year! Every event is free for Viterbo students and designed to help you make new friends, explore campus, and discover the vibrant La Crosse community that surrounds us. Whether you are trying something new, enjoying great food, or making unforgettable memories, there is something for everyone. Check out everything we have planned and get ready for an amazing start to the semester. We cannot wait to welcome you back and celebrate with you!
Kickoff To Welcome Week: Stuff-A-Plush
Monday, Aug. 31 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Student Union
Who says stuffed animals are just for kids?! Build your own plushy at this Welcome Week favorite! While you're here, decorate a memory box, customize a wooden block, grab some fruit pizza, and hang out with friends for a laid back night that's equal parts creative and cozy! Supplies are limited, so come early to ensure you get yourself a furry friend!
BINGO Bonanza!
Tuesday, Sept. 1 | 7:00–8:30 p.m. | Student Union
Big prizes. Fast rounds. Serious bragging rights. Join WAVU on Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. for BINGO Bonanza, where every game is a new chance to score awesome prizes! Bring your lucky charm, rally your friends, and get ready for an energetic night of laughs, surprises, and nonstop excitement!
Glow Night Foam Party + Yard Games
Wednesday, Sept. 2 | 8:30–10:30 p.m. | Assisi Courtyard
Get ready for the biggest party of Welcome Week! Join WAVU on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. for an unforgettable Glow Night Foam Party featuring mountains of foam, glowing lights, high energy music, and all the late night vibes. Between dance sessions and challenge your friends to giant yard games, you'll be talking about this event long after Welcome Week ends!
Welcome Back Bash
Thursday, Sept. 3 | 1:00–3:30 p.m. | Assisi Courtyard
Start the semester off by exploring everything Viterbo and the La Crosse community has to offer! Meet student organizations, campus departments, local businesses, and community partners. Grab free food, score giveaways, and discover new ways to get involved throughout the year! Welcome Back Bash has been a staple of Welcome Week for years, and we are so exited to be hosting it once again under the big yellow tent!
La Crosse Queen Riverboat Cruise
Thursday, Sept. 3 | 7:30–9:30 p.m. | Downtown La Crosse
Experience one of Viterbo's favorite Welcome Week traditions! Join WAVU on Thursday, Sept. 3, for an evening aboard the La Crosse Queen Riverboat featuring scenic views of the Mississippi River, pizza, unlimited soda, and plenty of opportunities to connect with new friends. Dress up if you'd like, bring your camera, and enjoy a memorable night on the river!
The boat departs promptly at 7:30 p.m. from the north end of Riverside Park. All participants are required to ride the Viterbo bus, which will leave campus at 6:45 p.m. Please meet at the Clock Tower by 6:30 p.m. as your reservation includes both transportation and your riverboat ticket. Registration is required. Register by NOON on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, to reserve your spot. Space is limited!
The Succulent Social
Friday, Sept. 4 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Franciscan Way
Add a little personality to your new space! Join WAVU on Friday, Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. to Noon and create a one of a kind succulent planter using a thrifted coffee mug. The first 100 students will get to choose their favorite mug, pick a succulent, and build the perfect dorm room decoration. Prefer bricks over plants? We've got you covered with a variety of LEGO® Succulent sets you can build and take home instead. Whether you're feeling crafty or just looking to relax and meet new people, this is the perfect way to kick off your first weekend here at Viterbo!
Blind Date With a Movie
Saturday, Sept. 5 | 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Marian Vestibule
Take a chance on your next movie night! Stop by the Marian Vestibule on Saturday, Sept. 5, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to pick up a mystery movie, grab a bag of fresh popcorn, and let fate choose what you're watching. Whether you're planning a cozy night with your new roommate, hosting a movie marathon with friends, or enjoying a relaxing evening on your own, you just might discover a new favorite you never knew you needed. Your perfect movie night starts here!
Beach Day At Pettibone
Sunday, Sept. 6 | Anytime | Pettibone Beach
Soak up the last weekend of Welcome Week with an afternoon at the beach! Gather your roommates and new friends and head over to Pettibone Beach to relax by the water, play beach games, swim, or simply enjoy one of La Crosse's favorite outdoor spots.
Please note that WAVU is not sponsoring this event, so transportation will not be provided due to the holiday weekend. If you're staying on campus and looking to explore the community, we encourage you to coordinate a ride with friends and spend the afternoon enjoying everything the riverfront has to offer!
Table of Plenty & Campus Ministry Cookout
Monday, Sept. 7 | 5:00–8:00 p.m. | Campus Ministry
Celebrate Labor Day with good food, great company, and the start of new traditions! Join the Viterbo community for the first Table of Plenty of the semester, followed by a Campus Ministry cookout featuring s'mores around the fire, yard games, music, and plenty of opportunities to connect with friends old and new. It's the perfect way to kick off the semester and begin building your community that will make Viterbo feel like home!