UCF’s annual welcome week –– Pegasus Palooza –– begins Aug. 21 ahead of the start of the Fall 2021 semester. To make the most out of these special events, check out the list below and plan ahead. Students will need to bring their UCF ID to participate in each event. Knights are expected to wear masks during indoor events. You can also find more details about some of these events on the UCF Mobile app, KnightConnect and by following @UCF_OSI on Instagram.
Welcome Event – Aug. 21 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. | John T. Washington Center: Barnes & Noble, UCF Bookstore
The carnival-themed event is complete with games, prizes, Foxtail samples and extra help for students finding their course materials.
The Knighting – Aug. 22 | 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., with check-in starting at 3:30 p.m. | Addition Financial Arena
This is the official welcome event and a requirement for new students at UCF. You will hear from campus leadership about why it’s great to be a Knight and what is expected as members of our community. Faculty and staff are also welcomed to attend. Those who can’t attend in person can view a livestream of the event on UCF’s YouTube channel.
Welcome Week Photo – Aug. 22 | 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Bounce HouseMeet your peers at this event where the Class of 2025 has the chance to take a giant photo together.
Opening Knight – Aug. 22 | 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Bounce HouseWith more than 600 student organizations, this is a chance to discover some of the special interest groups UCF has to offer.
Back to School Blood Drive – Aug. 23 | 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Memory Mall
Help UCF Student Health Services maintain a safe and ready blood supply for cancer patients, trauma patients or for when unexpected tragedies occur. The OneBlood bus will park on Memory Mall near the Veterans Memorial. Walk-ups accepted, appointments preferred. Visit the OneBlood site to make an appointment.
Welcome Back to Campus Popsicle Social – Aug. 23 | noon to 1 p.m. | Reflecting Pond
UCF students, faculty and staff can stop by to enjoy complimentary popsicles from Pop Parlour and meet President Cartwright and First Lady Melinda Cartwright. Entertainment will be provided by “Knights of the Round Table,” with special appearances by Knightro and Knugget. In the event of inclement weather, this outdoor meet and greet will be moved inside Millican Hall.
TK Takes a Tour – Aug. 23 | 6 to 7 p.m. | Starbucks on Memory Mall
Coming to campus for the first time? Don’t know where your classes are? Join transfer Knights for an afternoon tour around campus. Attendees will be split into groups based on majors or the desired area of campus you want to learn more about. If you are interested in attending, be sure to fill out this poll to let TK know where your classes are.
Pegasus Palooza Movie Knight – Aug. 23 | 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., with check-in starting at 7 p.m. | Addition Financial Arena
Enjoy some time with your friends while watching a Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon on the big screen. This event is only open to students who can show a valid UCF ID at the door. This is not a ticketed event.
Back to School Blood Drive – Aug. 24 | 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Memory Mall
Help UCF Student Health Services maintain a safe and ready blood supply for cancer patients, trauma patients or for when unexpected tragedies occur. The OneBlood bus will park on Memory Mall near the Veterans Memorial. Walk-ups accepted, appointments preferred. Visit the OneBlood site to make an appointment.
Taste of UCF – Aug. 24 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Memory Mall
Join the Multicultural Student Center for a taste of food and entertainment from around the world through this annual celebration of diverse communities.
Virtual I am UCF: First-Generation Welcome Event – Aug. 24 | 4 to 5 p.m. | Zoom
This session is designed to increase the connectedness and experiences of first-generation scholars by creating access to peer networks, access to campus resources, and access to support services. This session will introduce scholars to the First-generation Program and a new first-generation national honor society, Tri-Alpha, which promote your sense of belonging as a UCF Knight. Please note there is a second session of this event on Aug. 28 from 11 a.m. to noon.
Back to School Blood Drive – Aug. 25 | 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Memory Mall
Help UCF Student Health Services maintain a safe and ready blood supply for cancer patients, trauma patients or for when unexpected tragedies occur. The OneBlood bus will park on Memory Mall near the Veterans Memorial. Walk-ups accepted, appointments preferred. Visit the OneBlood site to make an appointment.
Back to the Library Scavenger Hunt – Aug. 25 | 10 a.m. to noon | John C. Hitt Library
Step back into the main campus library as you follow the clues to learn more about your 21st century, newly renovated library. The first 150 Knights to complete the adventure will receive a limited edition astroduck and will be included in a drawing for a grand prize pack.
Homecoming Reveal – Aug. 25 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Student Union Atrium
Find out what will be happening during Homecoming week and what artist will be performing for the Homecoming concert.
FreshU Kitchen Demonstration – Aug. 25 | 11 a.m. to noon | Recreation and Wellness Center
Students will learn how to incorporate fruits and vegetables into their diets and reduce food waste, while being able to sample a tasty dish.
What can MASS do for you? – Aug. 25 | 5 to 6 p.m. | Student Union: Cape Florida Ballroom (Room 316A)
Learn how the Multicultural Academic and Support Services office can help you be successful at UCF.
Disney Movie Trivia – Aug. 25 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Foxtail Coffee
Compete as a team or own your own while testing your Disney knowledge. The top three teams/players will receive a prize.
Pegasus Palooza Comedy Knight – Aug. 25 | 8 to 9 p.m., with check-in starting at 7 p.m. | Addition Financial Arena
Come out for a night of entertainment featuring SNL cast members Melissa Villasenor, Heidi Gardner and Punkie Johnson. This event is only open to students who can show a valid UCF ID at the door. This is not a ticketed event, but students can RSVP on KnightConnect.
Lavender Brunch – Aug. 26 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Pegasus Ballroom in the Student Union
Join Social Justice and Advocacy for a drag show and to learn more about LGBTQ+ supportive resources on campus and in Orlando.
Grow Together – Aug. 26 | 11 a.m. to noon | WHPS Classroom (room 111) in the Recreation and Wellness Center
Join Wellness and Health Promotions and Services for this gardening event where you and your peers can plant sunflower seeds.
Couponing 101 – Aug. 26 | 3 to 4 p.m. | Room 206 in the Recreation and Wellness Center
Do you want to learn how to save money the right way and get items for little to no cost? If so, check this class.
Pegasus Palooza Concert Knight – Aug. 26 | 8 to 10 p.m., with check-in starting at 7 p.m. | Addition Financial Arena
Rapper, singer and songwriter Fetty Wap performs for the most anticipated night of Pegasus Palooza. Rapper, singer and songwriter Yung Gravy will perform an opening act. This event is only open to students who can show a valid UCF ID at the door. This is not a ticketed event.
Campus Worship Service – Aug. 26 | 7:30 to 9 p.m. | Cape Florida Ballroom room 316A) in the Student Union
Hosted by UCF’s Baptist Collegiate Ministries, students will be able to enjoy free Chick-fil-A, performances form a band, a speaker, and an opportunity to meet new people at a campus worship service.
Welcome to the Majors – Aug. 27 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Addition Financial Arena
Join the College of Business for its official welcome event for first time in college and transfer students, which feature keynote speaker Justin Wetherell, founder of uBreakiFix.
Free HIV Rapid Testing – Aug. 27 | 10 a.m. to noon | WHPS Classroom (room 111) in the Recreation and Wellness Center
Take charge of your sexual wellness by taking an HIV test and get your results in 60 seconds. No appointments necessary, walk-ins welcome.
On Campus Adventure: Flora and Fauna Hike – Aug. 27 | 11 a.m. to noon | Arboretum
Students will have the opportunity to hike at the Arboretum and meet others to learn about our natural environment. Registration is required and can be completed at rec.ucf.edu.
Blood Drives and Tasty Fries – Aug. 27 | 1 to 6 p.m. | Burger UBurger U has partnered with OneBlood for a blood drive. Every donor will receive a voucher for a free order of fries inside the restaurant. Walk-in welcome, appointments preferred. Visit the OneBlood site to register for an appointment.
Magic Knight – Aug. 27 | 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Addition Financial Arena
Prepare yourself for a night of illusions and mind tricks as a magician hits the UCF stage.
Pegasus Palooza Day of Service – Aug. 28 | 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Student Union patio
Students will complete three hours of volunteering with various organizations across campus and learn how to get involved with service activities for the upcoming semesters. Free breakfast, lunch and swag will be provided.
Students must RSVP on KnightConnect to select their preferences for organizations to volunteer with.
Virtual I am UCF: First-Generation Welcome Event – Aug. 28 | 11 a.m. to noon | Zoom
This session is designed to increase the connectedness and experiences of first-generation scholars by creating access to peer networks, access to campus resources, and access to support services. This session will introduce scholars to the First-generation Program and a new first-generation national honor society, Tri-Alpha, which promote your sense of belonging as a UCF Knight.
For more Pegasus Palooza events, check this page on the UCF Events calendar.
