Fall

Welcome Week

(formerly known as Seminole Sensation Week)

It’s What’s Happening on Campus

FSU welcomes new and returning students to campus each Fall semester with dozens of great events. It all starts the week before classes and continues for 4 more days with activities including bowling at Crenshaw Lanes, Paint-a-Pot at the Art Center, movies at Student Life Cinema, the “Last Call Before Fall” Concert and much more.

Please review the Welcome Week summaries here for more information.


Family Weekend

(formerly known as Parents' Weekend)

Family Weekend is an FSU tradition that provides an opportunity for parents to visit their student(s) while also gaining exposure to the FSU community. Traditionally, events include a Picnic on the Union Green, educational sessions, Flying High Circus performances, 5K Fun Run/Walk, and a Tailgate Brunch.

Please review the Family Weekend summaries here for more information.


Haunted Harvest

Haunted Harvest began in 2008 as “Friday the 31st” themed event. The goal was to create a Union-wide event centered on the “Big Friday” closest to Halloween that provided alcohol-free entertainment. In 2009, the event was renamed “Haunted Harvest.” Each year marquee events such as paint-a-pot, bowling, and showing “Rocky Horror Picture Show” have been kept while adding new and varied events such as Costume Karaoke Dance Party, Zombie Bowling, and Haunted Carnival.

Please review the Haunted Harvest summaries here for more information.


Homecoming

The history of Homecoming at The Florida State University is rich in tradition and pride. The first Homecoming was held on December 3-4, 1948, which consisted of events scheduled on a Friday and Saturday. It started off very simple, with no theme or Grand Marshall. Clara Mofitt Howell McKay was Florida State’s first Homecoming Queen. Events included an eloquent banquet and breakfast in the East Campus Dining Hall and a barbeque in the West Campus Student Union. Pow Wow was held on Centennial Field and was free of charge to all students. The Parade was held on Saturday morning, followed by the biggest game of the year that afternoon. The week concluded with the Homecoming dance.

In 1950, the first theme for Homecoming was introduced: “FSU All the Time.” In 1952, the Homecoming Parade was moved to Friday afternoon, where it has remained ever since. From 1948-1959, the weekend of events remained the same. However, in 1960, a show was added to the Saturday evening list of events with a performance by Jill Corey, Brothers Four & Tom O’Horgan in Westcott Auditorium. In 1974, Ruby Diamond was named the first Grand Marshall of the Homecoming Parade and the first Homecoming Chief and Princess, C. Steven Lancaster and Julianne Sewell, were crowned.

Throughout the late 90’s and early 21st century the week of Homecoming was expanded. In 2003, Skit Night, Philanthropy Day, and Renegade Rally were introduced to the schedule, as well as the first Warchant. Since then, Homecoming has continued to expand and become more popular with students, turning into what it is today. The week of events now kicks off with Warchant, a concert held in the legendary Doak Campbell Stadium, in which popular headlining artists perform for members of the FSU community. Spear-It Night, Renegade Recess, Skit Night, and Parade are some of the events that follow throughout the week. The week culminates with Pow Wow, which is the largest pep rally for Florida State, with entertainment from student organizations such as the FSU Flying High Circus, appearances by Jimbo Fisher and members of the football team, and performances from comedians, such as Jimmy Fallon and Steven Colbert. The most popular event of the week, the FSU football game, rounds out this amazing week of events!

Please review the Homecoming summaries here for more information.