UCF Pegasus Palooza 2026 Kicks Off Aug. 23

There's nothing quite like the start of a new semester at UCF. With Fall 2026 classes beginning Aug. 24, Pegasus Palooza, UCF's annual welcome week, kicks things off with events and activities that bring new and returning Knights together across campuses.

From signature UCF traditions to opportunities to meet new people, get involved and have some fun before classes get into full swing, there's plenty to experience. Here's your guide to the week's events on the main campus and at UCF Downtown. Just remember to bring your UCF ID to participate in each event.

For the latest event details and updates, check the UCF Mobile app, KnightConnect and @UCF_OSI on Instagram.

Sunday, Aug. 23:

The Knighting
Addition Financial Arena
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

UCF's official welcome ceremony brings together all new Knights to celebrate the start of their UCF journey. No ticket is required, and the event is open to all. Doors open at 10 a.m.

Opening Knight
Student Union
12 - 4 p.m.

What's the best way to get involved at UCF? Meet the Knights already doing it. Stop by the Student Union to explore student organizations, connect with current members and find your place on campus. Plus, enjoy DJs, free food, giveaways and more.

Monday, Aug. 24:

Welcome Back Social
Reflecting Pond
12 - 1 p.m.

Grab complimentary sweet treats and mingle with UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright, faculty, staff and students.

Movie Knight
Memory Mall
7 - 10 p.m.

Grab your friends and head to Memory Mall for the Campus Activities Board's annual Movie Knight. Catch Project Hail Mary under the stars, take on a human hamster ball course and enjoy free popcorn and drinks. The event is open to all UCF students.

Tuesday, Aug. 25:

Taste of UCF
Addition Financial Arena
4 - 6 p.m.

Experience international destinations through food, music, dance and traditions from around the world. This annual celebration brings students together to explore the many backgrounds represented at UCF and throughout the greater Orlando area while building connections and a sense of belonging.

Wednesday, Aug. 26:

Welcome Expo
Student Union Key West Ballroom
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

For nearly 30 years, the UCF Welcome Expo has helped Knights discover what campus - and the surrounding community - has to offer. Stop by to learn about UCF programs, explore campus resources, meet local businesses and discover new opportunities, all in one place. Plus, enjoy music, food and tons of giveaways while taking part in a longtime campus tradition.

Homecoming Theme Reveal
Student Union Atrium
12 - 2 p.m.

Be among the first to find out the Homecoming Week 2026 theme and score some UCF Homecoming merch.

Comedy Knight Featuring Leslie Jones
Addition Financial Arena
7 - 9 p.m.

Join the Campus Activities Board for a night of fun and laughs featuring Primetime Emmy-nominated comedian and actress Leslie Jones. Best known for her five seasons on Saturday Night Live, Jones has appeared in nearly 60 film and television projects, including 2016's Ghostbusters. Get ready to experience her comedic talents, incredible writing and magnetic stage presence live at UCF.

Current UCF students get in free with a valid UCF ID. Tickets for the general public are available at additionfiarena.com.

Thursday, Aug. 27:

Taste of Downtown
Dr. Phillips Academic Commons at UCF Downtown
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Take your taste buds on a trip around the world at this signature event featuring international flavors, live entertainment and interactive experiences inspired by destinations worldwide. Come try something new, meet fellow Knights and celebrate the people and traditions that make UCF Downtown and the greater Orlando area so vibrant.

Speed Friending
Dr. Phillips Academic Commons, Room 107 at UCF Downtown
12 - 2 p.m.

Break the ice at Speed Friending, a fast-paced, low-pressure way to connect with fellow UCF Downtown students. Rotate through quick conversations, tackle fun icebreaker questions and see who you click with along the way. Whether you're new to campus or looking to expand your circle, it's a fun way to meet new people, make meaningful connections and create lasting memories.

Concert Knight Featuring Quavo
Addition Financial Arena
7 - 9 p.m.

Get hyped for a night of live music featuring Grammy-nominated rapper, singer and producer Quavo. Known for solo hits like Hotel Lobby and Workin Me and as a member of Migos, the chart-topping rap group behind Bad and Boujee and Stir Fry, Quavo has amassed more than a billion streams and captivated audiences worldwide with his signature sound.

Current UCF students get in free with a valid UCF ID. Tickets for the general public are available at additionfiarena.com.

Friday, Aug. 28:

Paint Rave
Memory Mall
7:30 - 11 p.m.

Join Late Knights for Paint Rave, a high-energy night packed with glowing paint, music, mocktails and plenty of ways to get creative. Bring a friend, hit the painting stations and light up the night while making memories you won't want to forget.

Saturday, Aug. 29:

Day of Service
Student Union Patio
7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Make an impact beyond campus with Volunteer UCF's Day of Service. Team up with fellow Knights and four local community partners for a morning of hands-on service supporting youth and mentoring, the environment, education and literacy. Choose the cause that speaks to you, meet new people and have fun while giving back to the greater Orlando community. Students will earn three service hours for participating.

Service sites are selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive at 7:30 a.m. for check-in, and RSVP on KnightConnect to participate.

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