#  Harvard College Traditions 

 



       ![Students at the Quad getting cotton candy at the cotton candy machine during the Yardfest block party.](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_28_10__1920x685/public/2025-04/YRDFST24_040724_0016%28forweb%29.jpg?itok=CQYuyDoc) 

 

 



 

 



 

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## 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

 ](https://prod-dso.drupalsites.harvard.edu/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.](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-04/IMG_3008.jpeg?itok=8fYqj-bu) 

 

 

 

  [### Harvard-Yale

 ](https://prod-dso.drupalsites.harvard.edu/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.](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-04/Harvard-Yale_112324_2270%28forweb%29.jpg?itok=l49P6_c1) 

 

 

 

  [### Housing Day Spirit Week

 ](/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.](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-04/2024HousingDay_030724_0139%28forweb%29.jpg?h=00a7f1c6&itok=WQASZIj-) 

 

 

 

  [### Student Organization Fair

 ](https://prod-dso.drupalsites.harvard.edu/student-involvement-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.](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-04/IMG_2842.jpeg?itok=AxTmFLOg) 

 

 

 

  [### Yardfest

 ](https://prod-dso.drupalsites.harvard.edu/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.](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-04/YRDFST24_040724_0349%28forweb%29.jpg?h=98a780fe&itok=I4Rkxks4) 

 

 

 

  [### Convocation

 ](https://prod-dso.drupalsites.harvard.edu/convocation-ceremony)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.](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-04/IMG_2337.jpeg?h=bdb6bf5c&itok=DjVElNmS)