Cal Day is UC Berkeley’s largest on-campus annual event and a vibrant festival of academics, culture, and community for newly admitted first-year students and their families. The 2026 event takes place on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. across the entire UC Berkeley campus. Cal Day gives admitted students and their families an opportunity to experience the campus, meet faculty and students, and explore the academic departments and opportunities that make Berkeley distinctive.

Event Overview

Cal Day transforms the UC Berkeley campus into an open house where admitted students and their families can explore, learn, and imagine their future at Berkeley. The day features approximately 100+ departmental and student organization tables, tours, presentations, campus activities, and an overall celebration of Berkeley’s academic and cultural life.

What to Expect

Chancellor’s Welcome: The day begins with the Chancellor’s Welcome at California Memorial Stadium, drawing admitted students and families together for an opening celebration. This sets an energetic tone for the day.

Academic Explorations: Students and families can visit academic departments across campus to meet faculty, ask questions, and learn about specific majors and programs:

  • Engineering School
  • College of Natural Sciences
  • College of Letters and Science
  • Haas School of Business
  • School of Education
  • Law School
  • Other graduate and professional programs

College-Specific Sessions: Sessions focused on specific colleges and academic areas provide information about degree programs, requirements, student life, and career preparation.

Campus Tours: Walking tours of the campus are available throughout the day, offering a chance to see residence halls, libraries, recreational facilities, and the historic campus architecture.

Student Organizations: Hundreds of student organizations table throughout campus, showcasing clubs and activities that make Berkeley’s community distinctive.

Cultural Performances: Music, dance, theater, and cultural performances happen throughout the day celebrating Berkeley’s artistic community.

Food & Festivities: Food vendors throughout campus provide dining options, and various entertainment and interactive activities engage visitors throughout the day.

Who Can Attend

Cal Day is designed for newly admitted UC Berkeley students and their families. Prospective students who haven’t yet been admitted are not the target audience, though the campus remains open to general visitors.

Getting There

The UC Berkeley campus is accessible by BART (multiple stations serve different campus areas):

  • Downtown Berkeley BART for downtown campus access
  • Ashby BART for southern campus access
  • North Berkeley BART (12th Street station) for northern campus areas

Street parking is extremely limited on Cal Day due to high attendance. Public transportation is strongly recommended. Bike parking is available throughout campus. Many visitors park in neighborhoods surrounding Berkeley and walk to campus.

Planning Your Visit

Cal Day is a full day of activities. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. The UC Berkeley campus is large, and covering multiple departments and activities requires significant walking. Dress for variable spring weather—layers are recommended.

Arrive early for popular sessions and departmental visits, as some locations have capacity limits. The morning typically sees the largest crowds.

Campus Map & Navigation

UC Berkeley provides campus maps to help navigate to departments and activities. Maps are available at the event. Knowing your child’s major of interest in advance helps focus your visit on relevant departments.

Parking & Transportation Details

BART is the recommended option for getting to campus. Consider the specific BART station based on which campus areas and departments you plan to visit.

Cal Day represents an important step in the admitted student experience, helping students and families envision their future at UC Berkeley.