Signature Events & Traditions

Day on the JAY

One of Ohio Wesleyan's favorite traditions is so good that we have it twice a year! We celebrate the opening of fall semester with a campus-wide Day on the JAY event that brings everyone together to start the year off right with food, fun, and a little dancing, too! Everyone loves Day on the JAY so much that we have a second event in late April to celebrate the end of the academic year!

Culture Fest

Another OWU tradition is Culture Fest, hosted by the Horizons International student organization, to showcase the traditions of the many countries and cultures represented by students on OWU's campus.

Live@OWU

A more recent signiture event, beginning in fall 2023, is Live@OWU! This campus concert occurs every other year featuring a student performer and headliner performance. Past perfomers include COIN (fall 2023) and Plain White T's (spring 2026). This event is coordinated by the Division of Student Engagement and Success. 

President's Ball

OWU students also look forward to each year's President's Ball, which dates back to 1985. This event includes food, dancing, and a senior cocktail hour. This event is held every spring planned by the Campus Programming Board. 

A Cappellooza

A more recent campus tradition is A Cappellooza, launched by the Campus Programming Board in 2013-2014. It features a cappella groups from colleges and universities along with a professional headliner group.