Get your gear ready, Lawrentians, because Blue & White Weekend is fast approaching. 

What was formerly known as Fall Festival has been transformed into a weekend that celebrates all things Lawrence, with tons of fun things to do on campus — from a Friday night comedy show to a campus-wide tailgate party before Saturday’s football game to a Silent Disco Party.

The three-day celebration starts on Friday (Oct. 4). 

When there is a lot going on it can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, so I have compiled a list highlighting five key things to look forward to this Blue & White Weekend. 

1) Intercollegiate Athletics Viking Hall of Fame Dinner, reception at 6 p.m., ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday at Warch Campus Center: 

A tradition that was once part of the Fall Festival is continuing into Blue & White Weekend. The dinner is a way to celebrate those being inducted into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame.  

“Induction into the Lawrence University Hall of Fame is the highest athletics honor that Lawrence can bestow upon an individual,” Athletic Director Christyn Abaray said. “It is a marker signifying that the inductee was and will always be the cream of the crop in how they represented Lawrence on the field of play with distinct recognition at the conference and national levels. 

“We forever look at those in the Hall of Fame as the beacons for Lawrence University athletics and inspirations for our current and future Lawrentian Vikings.” 

Meet this year’s inductees here.

For information on ticket availability, call the Office of Alumni and Constituency Engagement at 920-832-7019. 

2) Comedian Mandal, 8 p.m. Friday in Warch Campus Center: 

S.O.U.P. is known for bringing great acts to campus throughout the year. They are continuing that mission this Blue & White Weekend by bringing in Atlanta-based stand-up comedian Mandal, known for energetic performances and wacky humor.   

3) All-Campus Tailgate Party, 11 a.m. Saturday at Banta Bowl: 

Let’s go, Vikes! This is the second annual Blue & White Weekend tailgate party! It leads into the 1 p.m. football game. Food and camaraderie will be available. Grab something to eat, jump around in the bouncy house and enjoy the music provided by DJ King SZN.    

DJ King SZN is De Andre King ’20.

4) Football game, 1 p.m. Saturday at Banta Bowl: 

Touchdown! The Lawrence University Vikings will be competing against Illinois College. This will be their second home game of the season. Lawrence has not played against Illinois College since 2016, so be sure to go out and support our Vikings.  

5) Silent Disco Party, 8 p.m. Saturday in Warch Campus Center: 

This party is new to Blue & White Weekend, hosted by S.O.U.P., and promises to be loads of fun. Silent Discos are headphone parties, giving party-goers the opportunity to choose from three music options to rock out to. The music is controlled by DJs who will be in the room, and one of the DJs will be our very own DJ King SZN!