When you come to Queens, you join over 160 years of campus activities and traditions. The traditions of Queens aren't anything stale like you might find at other historic schools, but are instead fun activities for students to enjoy. Get a sense of both the past and present of Queens with these fun activities and events that have become Queens traditions over the years.
Boar's Head Banquet and Yule Log Ceremony
Eat well and enjoy medieval fun
Cymbals clash and the Lord and Lady of the manor welcome all. A medieval tradition consisting of Renaissance songs, festivities and food in celebration of the Christmas season. The Queens community gathers to feast and enjoy performances by the Queens University Dance Club and Chamber Singers. Seniors participate in the procession and display the Boar’s Heads. Everyone exits singing carols together as the Yule Log is carried to the bonfire in a moment of sheer festivity.
Students and staff alike enjoy the Boar's Head Banquet together.
Students try their luck at the poker table and at the slot machines on Casino Night.
Casino Night
Dress up and show off your skills in cards
This is the largest event on campus and is organized by Campus Union Board (CUB) and is arguably the most popular event of the year, with around 700 students in attendance. It has been a student favorite since 1985. Students dress up in formal attire and enjoy music, food and dancing, all while they try their luck with casino games. Each year there is a different theme. You may see animals, sword fighters or stilt walkers.
Spring Carnival
Rather than go to the carnival, let the carnival come to you
Celebrate the end of winter with classic carnival foods, inflatables, music, games and prizes.
Some students choose to cool off at the Spring Carnival with a trip down the waterslide.
Homecoming Week
Cap off the most fun week of the year with a basketball game
Campus Union Board plans various events for the entire week to celebrate school spirit. Prior to the games students, faculty, staff and alumni celebrate with a tailgate bash. Homecoming Week ends with the homecoming games for men's and women's basketball.
Students, alumni and the community pack into the Levine Center for the annual homecoming game.
Exam Break Breakfast
De-stress a bit before your exams
Enjoy late night bacon, eggs, grits, pastries and pancakes cooked and served by their favorite professors and staff members as they take a break from studying. Come out for games and prizes and keep on the lookout for a possible guest appearance or two.
Family Weekend
Give your parents the Queens experience
Parents and families are invited to enjoy the Queens campus, meet faculty, staff and friends, enjoy sporting events and take in special on-campus programs.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Take part in an annual day of service
Sponsored by Multicultural Affairs and Student Activities, the MLK celebration is much more than a day of recognition. It is a day of education, celebration and especially service. Faculty, staff and students combine efforts and reach out to the community in service and education to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is traditionally referred to as, “a day on, not a day off” to affirm the Queens commitment to serve.
Midnight on Ice
Cool off before exams
It's a late night party at the rink. After the clock tower strikes midnight, Queens Students head out for an evening of late night ice skating to celebrate the end of classes.
Moravian Love Feast and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Celebrate the holiday season with the community in Belk
Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with a Moravian Fellowship service. Join the Queens community in Belk Chapel to share in traditional Moravian fare, a candle lighting ceremony and carols.
Students gather together for the tree lighting ceremony.
Trip Around the World
Travel the globe without leaving campus
Flavors, sights and sounds of various countries are explored every year. Students enjoy sampling delectable delights, and participate in arts, crafts and entertainment.
Ghost Stories
Learn about campus frights just before Halloween
Queens has been in existence since 1857, giving plenty of time for a few haunted stories to develop. Queens is one of the most haunted places in North Carolina and for many years students have claimed to have experienced paranormal activity in various buildings. Common occurrences include doors opening and closing by themselves and knocking sounds that cannot be explained.