Whether it’s your first semester at Grand Valley State University or your last, there is always someone new to meet or something unique to discover. The beginning of the fall semester brings plenty of opportunities to explore the GVSU Allendale Campus, meet other Lakers, and discover things to do around the Grand Valley community in Allendale, Michigan.
From GVSU Welcome Week events to activities right here at Meadows Crossing, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the start of the fall semester.
Welcome Week is more than just a series of scheduled events. It’s an opportunity for new and returning students to make friends, get involved on campus, and become part of the GVSU Laker community. The week before classes start, the energy is high and the excitement is overflowing, and there’s no better way to start the year than by attending campus and community events while enjoying the last days of summer.
So, What Can You Find?
There is a wide variety of things to do and events to attend at GVSU during Welcome Week, both on and off campus. Each event has its own unique feature that makes it a year-round favorite. The following Welcome Week events are true gems found at Grand Valley. These events foster new relationships and build the community each year.
From longtime Grand Valley traditions to opportunities to meet student organizations, these events help Lakers make connections and start the semester on a high note.
Here are some of the GVSU Welcome Week events in Allendale you won’t want to miss.
Happenings the Allendale-Valley Campus
Laker Kickoff – August 28th
This is one of the largest events of the semester! The night starts with convocation at Lubbers Stadium for new students, followed by the Laker Kickoff Lawn Party at Kirkhof. Where you can find carnival games, a DJ, food, and more. At 9:15 p.m., look to the sky for a drone and fireworks show! An explosive way to celebrate the beginning of the school year!
Learn more about GVSU Laker Kickoff.
When & Where: Kirkhof Center Lawn | 6 p.m.–11 p.m.
Beach Clean Up – August 29
Keep our local beaches clean and participate in the yearly tradition of cleaning up Grand Haven’s beach. Not only do you get to volunteer and do some good, but you can also check out Grand Valley’s closest beach and see beautiful Lake Michigan.
Give back to the West Michigan community by participating in the annual GVSU Beach Clean Up and experience one of West Michigan’s best summer destinations.
When & Where: Meet at Kirkhof Center, Pere Marquette Room 2204 | 8 a.m.
Movie on the Field – August 29th
Chill out and watch a movie on the big screen at Grand Valley’s own football field at Lubbers Stadium! The movie is still to be announced, so grab a blanket and some friends for a night under the stars.
Check the GVSU Movie on the Field event page for updates.
When & Where: Lubbers Stadium | 8 p.m.
Campus Life Night – August 30th
One of the most Laker-centered events, Campus Life Night, fosters all sorts of connections and fun! It’s the best way to get free stuff! Hundreds of student organizations and local businesses come together to inform students, share information, and recruit new members. It’s a great way to learn about what’s happening on campus and around Allendale. Campus Life Night is a must!
When & Where: GVSU Allendale Campus, Lot H1 | 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Cookout & Carnival – August 31st
Head to the Mary Idema Pew Library lawn area for free food, inflatables, yard games after the first day of classes. Meet new people, bring some friends, and celebrate the first day of the GVSU fall semester! For more information, fellow Lakers can visit the GVSU Cookout & Carnival.
When & Where: Pew Library Lawn | 5 p.m.–8 p.m.
Meadows Crossing Sponsored Football Game – September 3rd
Football is back in Allendale!
Meadows Crossing is the game sponsor for GVSU Football’s 2026 home opener against West Texas A&M. The first 1,000 students can snag a glow-in-the-dark shirt, while the first 5,000 fans receive a rally towel.
The theme is White Out. Come for the game, stay for the atmosphere! Enjoy the game with the energetic student section or cheer on the Lakers in the home seating. The home opener is one of the most spirited games of the season, so grab some Meadows Crossing merch, and watch the big game at Lubbers Stadium! Find game information and tickets for GVSU Football vs. West Texas A&M.
When & Where: Lubbers Stadium | 7 p.m.–11 p.m.
Silent Disco – September 11th
A student favorite event, the Silent Disco will have you dancing all night long! Head to Kirkhof lawn and check out a pair of headphones to listen to three different DJ’s all live at the same time. Your headphones will light up with the color of the DJ station you are listening to! You can change which DJ you are listening to at any time. Must show a valid GVSU ID to check out a pair of headphones. Headphones are available on a first-come, first served basis.
When & Where: Kirkhof Center Lawn | 8 p.m.–12 a.m.
(Alternate) Rain Location: Kelly Family Sports Center
Hosted by Meadows Crossing
The excitement doesn’t stop when you step off campus. For residents living near GVSU at Meadows Crossing, we offer a full week of community activities crafted to help you connect with roommates, meet your neighbors, and settle comfortably into your new home.
Check out the upcoming Meadows Crossing Welcome Week events happening near GVSU in Allendale, Michigan:
Welcome Bouquets – August 24
Come make a beautiful flower bouquet to add some color to your new townhome! We’ll bring the flowers – you bring the creativity!
Meet other Meadows Crossing residents and enjoy a chill afternoon with some florals. Be sure to enter our giveaway for a chance to win a LEGO Orchid set for your townhome!
When & Where: Meadows Crossing Rec Room | 12 p.m.–2 p.m.
Kona Ice & Volleyball – August 25
Get active and cool down with some community volleyball and Kona Ice!
Meet your neighbors while playing sand volleyball, or stop by for a refreshing snow cone. Bring your friends and roommates and enjoy an afternoon outside.
When & Where: Meadows Crossing Sand Volleyball Court | 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Music Bingo – August 26
Think you know your artists and songs? Put your music knowledge to the test at Music Bingo held at the Meadows Crossing Rec Room!
Listen to some of your favorite songs while competing for prizes and gift baskets. Grab some friends and get ready to sing the night away! Splash around with some friends and hang out. Nothing beats free food!
When & Where: Meadows Crossing Rec Room | 7 p.m.
Poolside Popsicles & Pronto Pups – August 27
Chill out by the Meadows Crossing pool with popsicles and grab some free food from local food truck Pronto Pups of Grand Rapids.
Splash around, hang out with friends, and enjoy one of the final summer afternoons before the semester gets into full swing.
When & Where: Meadows Crossing Pool | 12 p.m.–3 p.m.
Grill & Chill – August 28
Hang out and enjoy some free food, yard games, and time with your Meadows Crossing neighbors.
We’ll be grilling hot dogs and serving chips and drinks while residents play ladder ball, cornhole, and more! Make some friends or bring some!
When & Where: Between Buildings E & J at Meadows Crossing | 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Campus Life Night – August 30
Meadows Crossing will have tables set up for this special event at GVSU Campus Life Night 2026!
Stop by our tables, say hi, grab some Meadows Crossing merch, and spin the wheel for opportunities to win prizes. We’d love to see you there!
When & Where: GVSU Allendale Campus, Lot H1 | 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
What Else?
These are only some of the GVSU events happening during Welcome Week. Grand Valley and the surrounding Allendale community have plenty more happening throughout the first weeks of the fall semester.
Check the Grand Valley State University Events Calendar and GVSU Campus Activities Board calendar for more upcoming events and details.
And if you live at Meadows Crossing, keep an eye out for resident events throughout the semester. Welcome Week is only the beginning!
Follow @meadowscrossinggvsu on Instagram for Meadows Crossing events, community updates, giveaways, and more.
Whether you’re a new Laker or returning to Grand Valley for another year, GVSU Welcome Week is the perfect opportunity to meet new people, explore Allendale, and start your fall semester with some unforgettable experiences!