Wichita State University's 35th Shocktoberfest begins Monday, Sept. 28, with a week of competitions, live music and a bonfire. Two senior administrators will take the stage in a faculty rock band called Shock Rock.
Activities start at 11 a.m. on the north patio of the Rhatigan Student Center, with music, food and games for students, The Sunflower reported. The celebration runs through Saturday, Oct. 3.
Senior Executive Vice President and Provost Monica Lounsbery and Vice President for Government Relations Andrew Schlapp will perform Wednesday, Sept. 30, at a 7 p.m. bonfire at Braeburn Square. Lounsbery sings lead vocals. Schlapp plays guitar.
The week-long event is open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and the wider Wichita community, according to WSU's Shocktoberfest page. The university promoted the celebration on X on Sept. 18, calling it a chance to reconnect with the people who make the Wichita State community special.
Families are invited to join for Alumni & Family Weekend on Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3. Registered guests receive official "Shocker Family" shirts and access to special events.
Shocktoberfest has been WSU's annual fall celebration since 1991, according to the university.
Competitions and prizes
Student organizations can earn points throughout the week for the Registered Student Organization (RSO) spirit trophy. The winning group receives $1,000, deposited into its SafeKeeping Account. Groups must march in the Shocker parade Saturday to be eligible.
Other contests include department door decorating and a volleyball attendance drawing. Groups that check in five members at Friday's game against Tulsa earn an entry into a $300 drawing.
Voting for Shocker Royalty opened Thursday, Sept. 24, and closes Thursday, Oct. 1. Twelve students make up the court. Two will be crowned at Shocker Madness.
Shocker Madness closes the week
The final event, Shocker Madness, begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Charles Koch Arena. The night includes performances from the Spirit Squad and Shocker Sound Machine, scrimmages from the men's and women's basketball teams, and the announcement of the spirit trophy and Shocker Royalty winners.
Upcoming Shocktoberfest schedule
- Monday, Sept. 28: Kickoff, 11 a.m., Rhatigan Student Center north patio
- Wednesday, Sept. 30: Bonfire with Shock Rock, 7 p.m., Braeburn Square
- Friday, Oct. 2: Volleyball vs. Tulsa (RSO attendance drawing); Alumni & Family Weekend begins
- Saturday, Oct. 3: Shocker parade; Shocker Madness, 6 p.m., Charles Koch Arena
