Welcome Weekend
Welcome to the Central College family! We have an exciting schedule of events and programs designed to immerse you in our rich academic, social and cultural life. Over the next few days, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know your neighbors, classmates and the dedicated staff and faculty who will support you throughout your time here. You’ll also be preparing for your first day of classes, exploring Central’s diverse opportunities and resources and settling into your new home as a valued member of our community. #HOORAHImHome
Welcome Weekend 2026
We always love to welcome new Central Students in a fun way. Check out some of our favorite moments from Welcome Weekend 2026!
2026 Schedule
Jump to a Specific Date:
- Friday, Aug. 21
- Saturday, Aug. 22
- Sunday, Aug. 23
- Monday, Aug. 24
- Tuesday, Aug. 25
- Friday, Aug. 28
- Saturday, Aug. 29
- Wednesday, Sept. 2
*Denotes optional events
Friday, Aug. 21, 2026
| 8 a.m. to Noon | Move-In Residence Halls |
| 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Family Blessing* Upper Chapel |
| 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Sweet Treats and Family Farewells* Maytag Student Center, Fred’s Patio |
| 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. | Dutch Welcome Central Hall, Douwstra Auditorium |
| 4:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. | SOS Group Gathering #1 and Dinner Various Locations |
| 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. | Playfair Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium |
| 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Quick Community Check-In Residence Halls, Various Locations |
| 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Campus Bonfire Peace Mall, Fire Pit |
Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026
| 10 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. | Class Photo Central Hall, Douwstra Auditorium |
| 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. | Safety at Central: Emergency Preparedness Central Hall, Douwstra Auditorium |
| 10:50 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. | SOS Skits Central Hall, Douwstra Auditorium |
| 11:20 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. | Campus Comunity Questionnaire Central Hall, Douwstra Auditorium |
| 11:40 a.m. to Noon | SOS Group Gathering #2 Central Hall, Douwstra Auditorium |
| Noon to 1 p.m. | Lunch* Central Market |
| 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Dorm Room Make and Take* Maytag Student Center, BMW Rooms |
| 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Outdoor Games* Outside of Maytag |
| 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | Dinner* Central Market |
| 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Can I Kiss You? Central Hall, Douwstra Auditorium |
| 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. | Casino and Game Night Graham Conference Center |
Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026
| 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Welcome Weekend Worship* Upper Chapel |
| 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. | SOS Group Gathering #3, Lunch and Activity Various Locations |
| 1 p.m. | Shuttle to Wal-Mart* Maytag Student Center, Fred’s Patio |
| 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Floor/ Community Time* Residence Halls |
| 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. | SOS Tours of Academic Buildings* Around Campus |
| 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Dinner* Central Market |
| 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Back to School Bash* Around Maytag |
| 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | The Calm* Chapel, Stepenske Amphitheater |
Monday, Aug. 24, 2026
| All Day | Have a great first day of classes! Congratulations and good luck! Check campus dining hours and menu via the myCentral (Dutch) app (IOS or Android). |
| 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Residence Hall Area Meetings 6:45 p.m. Graham Hall, Graham Banquet Hall 7 p.m. McKee Hall, Kuyper Gym 7:30 p.m. Gaass Hall, Cox Snow Music Center, Linda K. Glendening Recital Hall 7:30 p.m. Scholte Hall, Douwstra Auditorium 7:45 p.m. Townhouses, Kuyper Gym |
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026
| 11 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. | Academic Advisor Meetings Various Locations |
| Noon to 12:45 p.m. | Transfer Luncheon* Central Market Side Rooms, 106-108 |
Friday, Aug. 28, 2026
| 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Late Night Central Game Show Night* Maytag Student Center |
Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026
| 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. | CAB Movie on the Wall Kuyper Athletics Complex, east-side lawn |
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026
| 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Student Involvement and Organization Fair Around the Pond |
Explore Pella & Campus!
- Hike, bike, swim, explore at Lake Red Rock
- Check out one of Pella’s local coffee shops
- Catch an afternoon matinee at Pella Cinemas
- Get in a workout at the Maytag Wellness Center
- Enjoy some quiet time to yourself with a book, a nap or a walk
- Eat out at one of our many local restaraunts
- Put together a puzzle in Maytag (available to check out at the Information Center on the first floor)
- Check out some of the many great locally-owned businesses around the square downtown.
- Challenge yourself to a windmill hunt with friends – how many can you find in Pella?
- Grab a friend and have a relaxing time on one of the swinging benches by the pond.
