Shocktoberfest October 2023 Spirit Competition

Shocktoberfest 2023 is fast approaching and registration for the individual events and the Spirit Competition are live. Join the Shocker community in showing your Shocker pride by participating in events like the Banner Competition, Door Decorating, parade and more. Events and activities are available for individuals, departments, and student groups.

Student groups competing in the Spirit Competition have a chance at winning a cash prize of up to $1000. Groups must have at least eight current Wichita State students on their team, participate in the parade and share their love of WSU through participation in a variety of events. The $25 registration fee for the parade will be covered by Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership. Additional participation in competitions and events increases a group’s chances of obtaining points toward the Spirit Competition.

To participate in the Spirit Competition, a group must

  • Designate a captain – a student representative communicating on behalf of the group
  • Have a team roster of at least eight current Wichita State students
  • Complete the registration form
  • Determine what events they are participating in using the Shocktoberfest roster template
  • Represent themselves in a positive manner
  • Have fun

Trophies, awards and monetary prizes are awarded at many of the Shocktoberfest events. All participating groups are eligible for any of the awards that are provided by participating sponsors at individual events.

  • Banner Competition winners will receive a $100 prize towards their group
  • Individual students living on-campus and faculty/staff can compete in the Door Decorating Competition, winners receives a $50 Shocker Store gift card
  • The winning departments of the Door Decorating Competition receives a catering award valued at up to $100
  • Winning entries at the parade receive $500
  • An attendance competition for student organizations at the Shocker volleyball game against Temple can result in a party at Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes valued at $200

Competing in more than one event increases your chances of winning the Spirit Competition. The top three Spirit Competition Teams are awarded

  • First place: $1000
  • Second place: $500
  • Third place: $250
Shocktoberfest parade marches with participants handing out items to spectators

Shockers! Get ready for a week full of events to showcase what makes Wichita State so special at the annual Shocktoberfest.

Shocktoberfest runs Oct. 2-8 and features events, activities and competitions open to the entire Wichita community, coordinated by the Office of Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership with support from the Student Activities Council and several campus partners:

  • Banners on Display – Oct. 2-8
    • Students competing in the Shocktoberfest spirit competition have decorated banners celebrating Wu’s 75th Birthday. Banners are on display around the interior of campus through Sunday, Oct. 8. Winning banners will be announced at Shocker Madness.
  • Door Decorations on Display – Oct. 2-8
    • Shocker themed doors decorated by individual faculty/staff, departments and on-campus residents are on display around campus through Oct. 8. Winners will be announced at Shocker Madness
  • Parade for the Decades – 6 p.m. Oct. 6
    • The highlight of the weeklong celebration of Shocker spirit and pride. Participants will enjoy entertainment from the Shocker Sound Machine marching band, dance teams and decorated cars and floats from student groups and community members. This year’s parade marshal is President Rick Muma and First Gentleman Rick Case.
  • Patio Party – 6:30 p.m. Oct. 6
    • After the parade, meet up at Braeburn Square for the Shocktoberfest Patio Party. This casual and fun-filled gathering promises an unforgettable evening to connect with Shocker Nation. Enjoy food, drinks, giveaways and live music from Wichita’s premier party band, The Source.
  • Wu’s Big Event – 8:30-1:30 p.m. Oct. 7
    • Wu’s Big Event takes hundreds of Shockers into the Wichita community for a day of service. Students, faculty and staff serve area communities and non-profit organizations. Transportation and lunch is provided.
  • Shocker Madness – 6 p.m. Oct. 7
    • Fans are invited to a free evening of fun at Charles Koch Arena and a sneak preview of the WSU men’s and women’s basketball teams at WSU’s annual Shocker Madness season kickoff event. Also join a concert by artist Tech N9ne in Koch Arena.
  • Shocker Athletics events
    • Volleyball vs Temple – 7 p.m. Oct. 6, Charles Koch Arena
    • Softball vs Emporia State – Noon Oct. 7, Wilkins Stadium
    • Baseball Intersquad Scrimmage – 1 p.m. Oct. 7, Eck Stadium
    • Softball vs South Dakota State – Noon Oct. 8. Wilkins Stadium
    • Volleyball vs South Florida – 1 p.m. Oct. 8, Charles Koch Arena

Shockers! Get ready for a week full of events to showcase what makes Wichita State so special at the annual Shocktoberfest.

Shocktoberfest runs Oct. 2-8 and features events, activities and competitions open to the entire Wichita community, coordinated by the Office of Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership with support from the Student Activities Council and several campus partners:

  • Banners on Display – Oct. 2-8
    • Students competing in the Shocktoberfest spirit competition have decorated banners celebrating Wu’s 75th Birthday. Banners are on display around the interior of campus through Sunday, Oct. 8. Winning banners will be announced at Shocker Madness.
  • Door Decorations on Display – Oct. 2-8
    • Shocker themed doors decorated by individual faculty/staff, departments, and on-campus residents are on display around campus through Oct. 8. Winners will be announced at Shocker Madness
  • Shocker Madness – 6 p.m. Oct. 7
    • Fans are invited to a free evening of fun at Charles Koch Arena and a sneak preview of the WSU men’s and women’s basketball teams at WSU’s annual Shocker Madness season kickoff event. Also join a concert by artist Tech N9ne in Koch Arena.
  • Shocker Athletics events
    • Volleyball vs Temple – 7 p.m. Oct. 6, Charles Koch Arena
    • Softball vs Emporia State – Noon Oct. 7, Wilkins Stadium
    • Baseball Intersquad Scrimmage – 1 p.m. Oct. 7, Eck Stadium
    • Softball vs South Dakota State – Noon Oct. 8. Wilkins Stadium
    • Volleyball vs South Florida – 1 p.m. Oct. 8, Charles Koch Arena
Shocktoberfest parade marches with participants handing out items to spectators

Shockers! Get ready for a week full of events to showcase what makes Wichita State so special at the annual Shocktoberfest.

Shocktoberfest runs Oct. 2-8 and features events, activities and competitions open to the entire Wichita community, coordinated by the Office of Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership with support from the Student Activities Council and several campus partners:

  • Banners on Display – Oct. 2-8
    • Students competing in the Shocktoberfest spirit competition have decorated banners celebrating Wu’s 75th Birthday. Banners are on display around the interior of campus through Sunday, Oct. 8. Winning banners will be announced at Shocker Madness.
  • Door Decorations on Display – Oct. 2-8
    • Shocker themed doors decorated by individual faculty/staff, departments, and on-campus residents are on display around campus through Oct. 8. Winners will be announced at Shocker Madness
  • Dine with the Deans – 9-11 a.m. Oct. 4
    • Stop by for a light breakfast and conversation with the dean of your academic college. Learn about what new initiatives are occurring, ask questions and share knowledge.
  • Parade for the Decades – 6 p.m. Oct. 6
    • The highlight of the weeklong celebration of Shocker spirit and pride. Participants will enjoy entertainment from the Shocker Sound Machine marching band, dance teams and decorated cars and floats from student groups and community members. This year’s parade marshal is President Rick Muma and First Gentleman Rick Case.
  • Patio Party – 6:30 p.m. Oct. 6
    • After the parade, meet up at Braeburn Square for the Shocktoberfest Patio Party. This casual and fun-filled gathering promises an unforgettable evening to connect with Shocker Nation. Enjoy food, drinks, giveaways and live music from Wichita’s premier party band, The Source.
  • Wu’s Big Event – 8:30-1:30 p.m. Oct. 7
    • Wu’s Big Event takes hundreds of Shockers into the Wichita community for a day of service. Students, faculty and staff serve area communities and non-profit organizations. Transportation and lunch is provided.
  • Shocker Madness – 6 p.m. Oct. 7
    • Fans are invited to a free evening of fun at Charles Koch Arena and a sneak preview of the WSU men’s and women’s basketball teams at WSU’s annual Shocker Madness season kickoff event. Also join a concert by artist Tech N9ne in Koch Arena.
  • Shocker Athletics events
    • Volleyball vs Temple – 7 p.m. Oct. 6, Charles Koch Arena
    • Softball vs Emporia State – Noon Oct. 7, Wilkins Stadium
    • Baseball Intersquad Scrimmage – 1 p.m. Oct. 7, Eck Stadium
    • Softball vs South Dakota State – Noon Oct. 8. Wilkins Stadium
    • Volleyball vs South Florida – 1 p.m. Oct. 8, Charles Koch Arena
Charles Koch Arena packed watching the Wichita State Spirit Squad

Shocker Athletics is hosting multiple events during Shocktoberfest. Showcase the spirit of Shocker Nation and support the Shockers as they face off against other universities from around the nation:

  • Volleyball vs. Temple – 7 p.m. Oct. 6, Charles Koch Arena
  • Softball vs. Emporia State – Noon Oct. 7, Wilkins Stadium
  • Baseball Intersquad Scrimmage – 1 p.m. Oct. 7, Eck Stadium
  • Softball vs. South Dakota State – Noon Oct. 8. Wilkins Stadium
  • Volleyball vs. South Florida – 1 p.m. Oct. 8, Charles Koch Arena

And don’t forget to attend Shocker Madness at 6 p.m. Oct. 7 at Charles Koch Arena for fun and a sneak preview of the men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Shocktoberfest runs Oct. 2-8 and is WSU’s annual fall celebration of Shocker spirit and pride. The multi-day series features events, activities and competitions coordinated by the Office of Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership with support from the Student Activities Council and several campus partners. See the full list of events online.

Students riding a cart at Shocktoberfest

Wichita State is holding a parade next month and is inviting anyone in the community to join in.

Starting at 6 p.m. Oct. 6 on the WSU campus, the parade is part of the university’s annual Shocktoberfest celebration.

The parade will launch just east of the John Bardo Center on WSU’s Innovation Campus and will end at Braeburn Square. Immediately after the parade, the Shocktoberfest Patio Party will be held in Braeburn Square, and all are invited to attend.

Parade winners will be announced at the Patio Party, which will include live music from The Source, giveaways and special offers from Braeburn Square restaurants. Bring your own chair or grab a spot on the patio for this casual and fun-filled gathering.

The parade and party are hosted by WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement and the Division of Student Affairs.  

Anyone with questions can contact Amber Duncan at 316-978-5483 or amber.duncan@wichita.edu; or Stacie Williamson at 316-978-3834 or stacie.williamson@wichita.edu.