GatorFest 2026 welcomes students with months of events, activities and fun

The annual celebration includes a glow-in-the-dark skating party, student organization fairs, a Giants game and more

Classes may be underway, but the welcome to a new academic year is just getting started at San Francisco State University. 

GatorFest 2026 brings our students together for more than two months of activities that help new and returning Gators meet people, discover campus resources, get involved and make SFSU — and San Francisco — feel like home. 

The annual celebration got underway the week before classes with SFSU traditions including the Fall Pinning Ceremony, where our new students marked the beginning of their University journey, and the yearly outdoor dance party Noise Complaint. An ice cream reception, Drag Queen Bingo and a block party kept the festivities going. 

And GatorFest won’t end now that classes have begun. Events continue through Friday, Nov. 20, with something for just about every interest. 

You can meet clubs and organizations during two weeks of Meet the Org events on Malcolm X Plaza. Sports Club Week includes a pep rally and field day, while those interested in fraternity and sorority life can attend Meet the Black Greeks, Meet LGC and Greek 101. 

Other events are all about having fun and meeting fellow Gators. You can lace up for a glow-in-the-dark skating party, catch a movie while swimming at the Mashouf Wellness Center’s Dive-In Movie Night or test your detective skills during a murder-mystery game night. 

By attending Gatorfest as a first-year student in 2025, Denia Rosales-Flores learned about student resources available to her. Now, she is director of finance for the SFSU Residential Housing Association (RHA), helping to organize Gatorfest events and tabling on the Quad. 

“We just had a ‘Monsters University’ movie night outside of West Grove Commons with over 200 people there,” she said. “Gatorfest helped me get involved with RHA. It’s a great way to find good connections and the organizations on campus you might be interested in joining.” 

GatorFest also extends beyond campus, with a September outing to cheer on the San Francisco Giants and experience another part of the city students call home. 

Together, the events do more than entertain. GatorFest helps you become familiar with academic and wellness resources, discover ways to get involved and build relationships with your peers, faculty and staff — all while making the transition to SFSU and San Francisco a little easier. 

See the full GatorFest 2026 schedule and find an event for you.