Harvard College Traditions

Students at the Quad getting cotton candy at the cotton candy machine during the Yardfest block party.

Show your Harvard pride! Whether these spirited events are a few years old or a few hundred, they're still going because of you!

 

Crimson Jam

Right after the Student Organization Fair, take some time to eat, catch up with friends, and enjoy a concert at the first major social event of the year.

Students standing in front of the Crimson Jam stage in front of University Hall lit up in multi-color lights.

Harvard-Yale

The Harvard-Yale football rivalry, also known as "The Game," began on November 13, 1875, at Hamilton Field in New Haven (a 4-0 Harvard win) and was the first rivalry in all of college athletics.

The Harvard stadium from the top view packed with viewers during the 140th Harvard-Yale game.

Housing Day Spirit Week

Share the excitement of Housing Day as first-year students receive their housing assignments and upper-level students welcome them home!

Two students on the shoulders of other students during Housing Day in the Yard with Leverett House green bunny ears on.

Student Organization Fair

Every September, registered student organizations gather in Tercentenary Theatre to help you find your community at Harvard.

Harvard Undergraduate Gamers pose for a photo at their table during the student organization fair in Tercentenary Theatre.

Yardfest

Each April, the entire Harvard College community gathers in Tercentenary Theatre for a giant cookout and festival-style concert.

Student crowd surfing during Yardfest next to a giant cardboard cutout head of a peer performer.

Convocation

During Convocation, we'll formally welcome you to Harvard College and share the values, history, and traditions of our community.

The Convocation procession into Tercentenary Theatre.