7 Events to WOW You During CofC's Weeks of Welcome
The College of Charleston's Weeks of Welcome, Aug. 15–Sept. 27, 2026, are jam-packed with great events to help students get to know their campus and their community. Here are seven must-do events to make you say WoW!
Are you hoping to feel connected to the College of Charleston community? Are you looking for that WOW moment where you realize that you belong to something bigger, that there’s a whole community rooting for you, that CofC might just feel like home?
Well, if you haven’t said “wow” yet, you soon will! Join CofC for its annual Weeks of Welcome from Aug. 15 through Sept. 27, 2026 – a series of events, programs and activities centered around fostering a spirit of community, belonging and involvement at the College of Charleston!
Kicking off with Fall Welcome Weekend, WoW isn’t just about new students – it’s about all students! From dog therapy and mobile meditation to group workouts and pickup sports to Mario Kart and chess tournaments to cooking and crafting and so much more, you’re bound to find at least one that grabs your attention. CofC can’t wait to welcome you!
A full list of WOW events is available on the WoW events page (check back often, as events are still being added!) and on through the Campus Calendar, but here are seven events that you won’t want to miss!
Food Truck & Live Music
Aug. 24, 6–8 p.m.
Center for Intentionality
Building a foundation for success doesn’t happen by yourself. It requires investing in the relationships that actually matter, with people who will push you to get better. That’s why the Center for Intentionality is opening up for a night of live music and great community. We’ll have a food truck parked outside, the Just Friends band playing live tunes and a chance for everyone to find their people. Register on Heylo: https://heylo.com/invite/XJl3jfcI. Sponsored by the Center for Intentionality.
BEst Fest
Sept. 2, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. & 6–9 p.m.
Cistern Yard
Get connected to the College and your community and find your place of belonging at this year’s BEst Fest! We’ll have our student organizations, volunteer opportunities and wellness resources to help you feel right at home. Join us for games, food and an involvement fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then again from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for more food, activities and our night market! Sponsored by the Center for Sustainable Development.
Mocktails and Dancing
Sept. 4, 5–8 p.m.
Randolph Hall
Learn the SC state dance, The Shag,
Put on your dancing shoes! Now’s your chance to learn the South Carolina state dance, the Shag! This upbeat dance originated in African American communities along the South Carolina coast in the 1930s and rose to popularity with the beach music of the 1950s and ’60s. Come learn the steps while enjoying free snacks, mocktails and live music. Sponsored by the Office of Student Wellness and Well-being, the Center for Intentionality and the Ballroom Dance Club.
Habitat for Humanity Build Day
Sept. 12, 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Center for Civic Engagement
Connect and engage with Cougars and the community at our first Habitat for Humanity build day of the year! We provide lunch and transportation; you provide an extra set of hands to help build a home and hope for a local family. No experience necessary, but slots are limited and registration required. Visit https://charlestonhabitat.charityproud.org/VolunteerRegistration/Calendar, go to Sept. 12 on the calendar, select CofC Civic Engagment and then enter cofc2026 when prompted for a passcode. Register by Thursday, Sept. 10. Sponsored by the Center for Civic Engagement.
HLC Multicultural Festival
Sept. 17, 4–7 p.m.
Cistern Yard
Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with the Hispanic Latino Club’s annual Multicultural Festival! Along with music, food, games and prizes, you’ll get to meet and connect with various multicultural and intersectional organizations here on campus and in our community! This event celebrates and uplifts the entire community here at CofC, as well as all the organizations that play a part in fostering that community. Everyone is welcome! Sponsored by the Hispanic Latino Club.
Careers Cookout Tailgate
Sept. 21, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Rivers Green
Kick off Career Fair Week with free food, fun and future connections at the third annual Careers Cookout, a tailgate-style party where you’ll meet friendly employers eager to connect with you! Whether you’re exploring careers or just here for the snacks, you’re welcome. No pressure, just good vibes. Come hungry. Leave inspired. Sponsored by the Career Center.
Career Exploration and Grad School Fair
Sept. 23, 12–40 p.m.
Charleston Gaillard Center
Whether you’re just beginning your college journey or considering continuing your education, join the Career Center to gain clarity on your next steps. Connect with top companies across a range of industries, explore different careers and meet recruiters. And, for students eyeing graduate school, you’ll have the chance to meet reps from programs across the country. The opportunities are waiting, so don’t miss out! Sponsored by the Career Center.
