Category: Shocktoberfest

Wichita State University invites the entire community to join in its Shocktoberfest celebrations in a week full of tradition and Shocker spirit. Shocktoberfest, which runs Sept. 30 through Oct. 5, is the university’s biggest annual event and will include a brew garden, bonfire, an entrepreneur’s market, parade and athletic events.

Shocktoberfest has been a Wichita State tradition since 1991 and offers something for everyone, with a variety of events that cater to students, alumni and the greater Wichita community. The weeklong celebration is designed to showcase the vibrant, inclusive culture of Wichita State. Some of the week’s highlights include the following:

• Bonfire – 7:30-9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30 at Braeburn Square – Stay warm by the fire, and revel in the spirit of Shocktoberfest with WSU cheer, marching band and a few of your favorite athletes. This event will be on the lawn east of Braeburn Square near Oliver. Access the event from the bridge between Fuzzy’s and Social Tap.
• Shocker Softball v. Butler Community College – 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 at Wilkins Stadium
• Patio Party – 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5 at Braeburn Square – This casual gathering promises an unforgettable evening to connect with Shocker Nation. Enjoy deals from our vendors, food trucks, games and music.
• Shocker Baseball Fall Scrimmage – 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 at Eck Stadium.
• Outdoor Movie: Disney’s “Cars” – 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 at Cessna Stadium — Join us at the historical Cessna Stadium for a free viewing of Disney Pixar’s family classic “Cars.” Bring your blankets, camp chairs and make yourself comfortable on the field. Popcorn is provided and outside snacks are welcome.

The big day:

Shocktoberfest culminates with a full day of festivities on Saturday, Oct. 5, offering a mix of events that bring together Shocker spirit, local entrepreneurs and family-friendly fun.

• The inaugural Entrepreneur Market – from 9 a.m.-noon on Oct. 5 at Woolsey Hall – will highlight the many diverse small businesses created by alumni, the community, friends of the university and students.
• Wichita State’s inaugural Shocktoberfest Brew Garden + Fan Fest is in partnership with Shocker Athletics and runs from 2-6 p.m. on Oct. 5. WSU will transform the alley and parking lot east of Charles Koch Arena for a fun-filled afternoon with music, food, drinks and fun for the whole family.
• The Shocktoberfest Parade, which begins at 4 p.m. Oct. 5, is the highlight of the weeklong celebration. Participants will enjoy entertainment from the Shocker Sound Machine marching band, dance teams and decorated cars and floats from student groups and community members. For the best parade experience, grab a spot along Innovation Boulevard, Mike Oatman Drive or Perimeter Road. These locations offer great views and are easily accessible.
• Shocker fans are invited to a free a sneak preview of the Wichita State men’s and women’s basketball teams at the annual Shocker Madness season kickoff event at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 in Koch Arena.

Get ready for the kick-off event of Shocktoberfest from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30 on the RSC north patio. There will be live performances from the WSU Cheer Team and Shocker Sound Machine, with special guest WuShock making an appearance. Food and drinks will be provided.

Join the annual celebration of Shocker spirit at the annual Shocktoberfest Parade marching through campus starting at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. Either come by to watch or register to have your own float in the parade now.

Hear from Shocker Sound Machine, wave to WuShock and this year’s student athletes, and see the creativity of student organizations on display as they showcase their custom floats.

Your vote will determine who will serve on the Shocktoberfest Court and ultimately be crowned Shocker Royalty. The twenty candidates were nominated by students, faculty and staff based on their campus leadership, academic excellence and their dedication to Shocker Pride.

The ballot for Shocktoberfest Court will remain open through 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26. Court members will make appearances at various Shocktoberfest events, including in the parade on Saturday, Oct. 5, and the official crowning of Shocker Royalty will be held at Shocker Madness later that day.

The Shocktoberfest Bonfire will kick off the ultimate week of Shocker spirit as the community celebrates what makes Shocker Nation great. Join an evening of fun from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30 at Braeburn Square, alongside a showcase of the athletic coaches and teams and the 2024 college court.

Ted Woodward will be the MC for the evening, with music hosted by DJ Mario Caleb Barnes.

Shockers, friends and the Wichita Community are invited to join in on the annual Shocktoberfest Parade Oct. 5, whether it be with a custom float or by gathering your group of friends or colleagues to walk, dance or stroll in the parade.

Register now to join the parade. Student organizations can register for free; offices, businesses and individuals can register for $20. Contact Joshua Woods at joshua.woods@wichita.edu for more information.

Time to let your creativity flow in the Shocktoberfest Banner Competition. Individual groups and/or Spirit Competition Teams are eligible to participate.

Students will decorate a 4′ by 8′ banner to be displayed around campus from Sept. 30 to Oct. 5. Banners will be judged by the Student Activities Council, with first, second and third place winning points toward the Spirit Competition.

The winning group will be announced at Shocker Madness Oct. 5 and will receive a $100 award. Banners will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. Banners can be found in the Student Engagement & Belonging Office in 216 Rhatigan Student Center. Teams must complete and submit their banners by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24 to 216 RSC. The theme of the Banner Competition is Shocker Pride.

Time to bust out the paddles and headbands for the Shocktoberfest Pickleball Tournament from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 at Chicken N Pickle, 1240 N. Greenwich Road.

Individual students, faculty/staff and Spirit Competition teams are eligible to compete. Teams will compete in pairs of two in a 16-draw style tournament. Spots are limited to 16 teams, so be sure to sign up soon.

First, second and third place teams will be awarded a trophy. Transportation will be provided from Shocker Hall to Chicken N Pickle starting at 6 p.m. and running every 30 minutes until 8 p.m. Teams must register by Tuesday, Sept. 24.

Show off your Shocker pride with the Shocktoberfest Door Decorating Competition. Individual students, faculty/staff and departments are eligible to participate. The theme is all about Shocker Pride, and the optional theme of “blast for the past.”

Members of the Student Activities Council will judge and vote on the door that best represents Shocker pride. Individual winners will receive a $50 Shocker Store Gift Card and the winning department will receive $100 towards an office party.

Doors will be on display during Shocktoberfest from Sept. 30 through Oct. 5. Doors must be decorated by Sunday, Sept. 29. Only use materials that will not damage your doors.

Shocktoberfest, Wichita State’s annual celebration of spirit and pride, is Sept. 30 through Oct. 5. The Shocktoberfest Committee has an outstanding lineup of experiences for individuals and student groups and hope you will be part of this longstanding tradition. New this year is the Shocktoberfest Court and Royalty. The Shocktoberfest Court will consist of 12 students, two from each academic college, who demonstrate leadership and exude Shocker Pride. Court members will be interviewed by a panel of Wichita State faculty and staff and two students will selected to hold the title of Shocker Royalty.

The Shocktoberfest Committee encourages you to nominate students who:

• Positively represent Wichita State University
• Play an active role on-campus in an organization, group and/or position of leadership
• Promote belonging and Shocker Pride
• And demonstrate academic excellence

Nominations will close at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15.