When Is Cal Day? The Ultimate 2026 Guide To UC Berkeley's Annual Open House Extravaganza

The highly anticipated date for Cal Day 2026, the University of California, Berkeley's annual open house and admitted student celebration, is typically set for a Saturday in mid-to-late April. While the official date for 2026 is currently marked as "To Be Determined" on the university's academic calendar, historical precedent places this massive campus-wide event in the third or fourth Saturday of April. For context, the most recent confirmed event, Cal Day 2025, took place on Saturday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the Chancellor’s Welcome beginning as early as 8 a.m. at California Memorial Stadium.

Cal Day is not just a single day; it is the cornerstone event of Cal Week, a period dedicated to welcoming newly admitted undergraduate students and their families to the Berkeley community. This comprehensive guide will break down the typical schedule, key attractions, and essential planning tips based on the most recent event information, ensuring you are prepared for the 2026 Cal Day when the date is officially announced.

The Annual Cal Day Timeline: What to Expect for 2026

Cal Day is UC Berkeley's largest single-day event, transforming the campus into a vibrant festival of academics, culture, and community. Its primary function is to give newly admitted Golden Bears a final, immersive experience before the Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) deadline, but it also serves as a public open house.

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Historical and Expected Cal Day Dates

While the exact date for Cal Day 2026 is pending official confirmation, the event consistently falls on a Saturday in the spring semester, usually in April. Keeping an eye on the official UC Berkeley Admissions and Cal Week websites in early spring is the best way to get the confirmed date. Based on recent years, you can anticipate the event to occur on or around:

• Expected Cal Day 2026 Window: Saturday, April 18, 2026, or Saturday, April 25, 2026.
• Most Recent Confirmed Date (Cal Day 2025): Saturday, April 19, 2025.
• Typical Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Campus events)
• Early Start: Chancellor’s Welcome Session often begins at 8:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m.

The event is a spirited celebration of the university's brilliance, offering over 300 unique events and activities across the entire campus.

Essential Cal Day Activities and Must-See Attractions

Cal Day is a logistical marvel, with every college, department, and student organization hosting sessions. For newly admitted students, the day is structured to help them finalize their decision, while the general public can enjoy the university's museums and cultural centers. The following is a breakdown of the core experiences that define the Cal Day extravaganza.

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1. The Chancellor’s Welcome and Main Stage Events

The day officially kicks off with the Chancellor’s Welcome. This massive gathering is typically held at the California Memorial Stadium, providing a high-energy start to the day. Attendees hear from the Chancellor, key university leadership, and current students, getting a powerful introduction to the spirit of the Golden Bears community. This is a crucial early session for admitted students and their families.

2. Academic Department Tours and Information Sessions

This is the most critical part of the day for admitted students. Every major college and department—from the renowned College of Engineering and the Haas School of Business to the College of Letters and Science and the Rausser College of Natural Resources—hosts open houses. These sessions allow future students to:

• Meet with faculty and professors.
• Attend mock lectures and academic presentations.
• Tour specialized labs and facilities.
• Learn about specific major requirements and research opportunities.

3. Exploring Campus Life and Student Organizations

Cal Day is the best opportunity to see the breadth of student life at Berkeley. The campus hosts a sprawling Student Activities Involvement Fair where hundreds of student organizations, including cultural groups, political economy clubs, volunteer services, and performance ensembles, set up booths. Key areas of focus include:

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• Housing & Dining: Sessions on residential life, meal plans, and campus safety.
• Financial Aid & Scholarships: Workshops to answer complex questions about college financing.
• Athletics: Opportunities to meet coaches, visit training facilities, and support Cal Athletics, sometimes including live sporting events like Women's Water Polo.
• Campus Resources: Learning about the ASUC Student Union, the UC Berkeley Library System, the Career Center, and Student Health Services.

Cal Day vs. Cal Week: Understanding the Difference

The term "Cal Day" is often used interchangeably with "Cal Week," but they are distinct. Cal Day is the single, massive, in-person open house event on campus. Cal Week, however, is a longer, multi-day series of virtual and in-person events surrounding Cal Day. This extended programming is especially helpful for admitted students who cannot travel to the Berkeley campus for the main Saturday event. Cal Week often includes:

• Online Resource Fairs and webinars.
• Virtual tours of the campus and residence halls.
• Q&A sessions with current students and alumni.

It is important to check the official Cal Week website for the full schedule, as many virtual resources remain available long after the in-person Cal Day has concluded. This flexibility ensures that every admitted student, regardless of their location, has the chance to connect with the Berkeley community.

Tips for Planning Your Cal Day 2026 Visit

With an estimated 300+ events and thousands of visitors, Cal Day can be overwhelming. Strategic planning is essential, especially for admitted students who have limited time to make their final college decision.

1. Prioritize Your Schedule

Do not try to see everything. Before the event, use the official online schedule to create a list of your top 5-7 must-do events. Prioritize the welcome session, your specific academic department’s open house, and a session on a key student resource (like financial aid or housing). Travel time between locations can be significant, so group nearby activities together.

2. Parking and Transportation

While some campus lots historically offer free parking on Cal Day, they fill up extremely fast. Public transportation, particularly the Downtown Berkeley BART Station, is highly recommended. The campus is a short walk from the station. If you must drive, consider parking in a city garage in downtown Berkeley and walking to the main campus gates.

3. Admitted Students vs. General Public

It is crucial to know that starting in recent years, some of the most critical sessions—like the Chancellor’s Welcome and certain departmental open houses—have been restricted to newly admitted students and their registered guests only. However, the campus remains open to the general public, with many facilities, museums (such as the UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, BAMPFA), and cultural centers available for everyone to explore.

4. Explore the City of Berkeley

Cal Day is a full-day event, but visitors are encouraged to make a weekend out of it. Explore famous Berkeley landmarks like the Sather Gate, the Campanile (Sather Tower), and the bustling Telegraph Avenue. Downtown Berkeley offers a wide variety of food trucks and restaurants to enjoy during your visit.

In summary, while the official date for Cal Day 2026 is still pending, prospective students and the public can confidently plan for an immersive, all-day Saturday event in mid-to-late April. Keep checking the UC Berkeley Cal Week website for the official announcement to secure your spot at this iconic celebration of the university.