There’s a lot to look forward to this fall. Start the semester by attending Welcome Back Week events:

• August 26: Welcome Back Waffles from 3 to 5 p.m. with Zinneken’s Waffle Truck at the Kresge Quad behind the University Center.
• August 27: At Red Square, a “Meet the Deans” event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon; a mini food festival with offerings from Harvest Table and local vendors from noon to 2:30 p.m.; and Red Fair, a rally that encourages students to participate in a Clarkie tradition of wearing red on Tuesdays, at 5 p.m.
• August 28: Offices and clubs that provide wellness support and activities will be tabling from noon to 4 p.m.
• August 29: Creative clubs and offices will table from noon to 4 p.m. and the evening will include showcases from performance clubs.
• August 30: At “Free Play Friday” in the Center for Media Arts, Computing, and Design, E-sports, gaming, and tech clubs will host a meet-and-greet at 5 p.m., displaying some of their gaming projects. E-sports will introduce tournament teams, share information about the games in which they compete, and invite students to play. At 6 p.m., traditional and tabletop gaming clubs will host a community game night in the University Center.
• August 31: A Y2K-themed Welcome Back Carnival will be held on the campus green from 1 to 4 p.m., with laser tag, bracelet making, airbrush tattoos, and more. From 8 to 10 p.m., the Pub Entertainment Committee is hosting a rave in the Grind.

Clark After Dark, a late-night programming series, kicked off during undergraduate orientation, with games, an ice cream social, karaoke, a dance party, and more. Clark After Dark runs on Fridays and Saturdays through fall break. Other activities include trivia, black light mini golf and painting, succulent planting, and the popular “Gold Fish” adoption event.

The Clark Thrift Store’s fall grand opening took place August 24, featuring student-friendly pricing for move-in weekend. The Career Connections Center is working with the Thrift Store to launch a new section that will offer free professional attire for students.

Sophomore Summit, a conference-style interactive day of learning, self-reflection, and discovery, will be held October 5. All sophomores are invited to apply to attend the summit, where they can explore their interests and connect with peers, alumni, and staff.

Latine/Latinx Heritage Month runs from mid-September to mid-October and includes LatinXcellence on October 6, an event that showcases Latine and/or Hispanic-identifying members of Clark and the Worcester community through academic research and presentations, art showcases, poetry, vocal performances, dance, and more.

Get a touch of home on campus during Family and Friends Weekend, Friday, October 25, to Sunday, October 27, and bring your loved ones to special events and athletic games.

The fall edition of ClarkFEST, the University’s semesterly academic event, will be held from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 30. Students will display posters, give presentations, and exhibit interactive media showcasing their latest research.

Halloweekend begins on Halloween and runs through November 2, featuring a haunted carnival with games and prizes, along with a food truck, costume photo opportunities, and more!

Finally, Clarkies can explore Central Massachusetts through Day Trippin’ Weekends, a series of outings in Worcester and beyond. This fall, trips include a stop at Worcester Pride, a Woo Sox Game to kick off Latine Heritage Month, a visit to Tougas Family Farm for apple picking, and a bowling trip to Bowlero Shrewsbury.