Where would Wake Forest be without its traditions? The reason the Demon Deacon spirit has stayed alive is because its students continue to uphold the university’s values, character and good times throughout its history. Now, it is your turn to help keep it up.

Project Pumpkin

With over 800 kids from the Winston-Salem area in attendance, Project Pumpkin is the chance to really bring out your inner child. Each year Wake Forest hosts a large-scale trick-or-treating event in which kids from all over the area can enjoy a safe Halloween carnival with games, clowns, and booths hosted by different organizations on campus. You can even sign up to escort the little witches and warlocks to each candy stop along the way.

Hit the Bricks

Demon Deacons are always up for some friendly competition, especially when it is for a good cause. At this event, both students and faculty spend the day running laps around the Upper Quad to raise money and awareness for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund. Throughout the day, competitors can score more points by adding bricks to their running backpacks, as well as running during themed laps such as the infamous Donut lap.

Arnold Palmer Day

One of the best things to look forward to each spring, especially when the North Carolina weather becomes insufferably hot, is Arnold Palmer Day. Hosted by the Wake Forest Traditions Council, Arnold Palmer Day is meant to celebrate the legacy of golf legend and Wake Forest alumnus Arnold Palmer by giving out his famous drink while playing the Masters on TV. If you enjoy a twist of lemonade and iced tea, this is the event for you.

Wake N’ Shake

Every spring, students gather together to help raise money for cancer research and to dance for 12 straight hours. Wake N’ Shake is an annual dance marathon  during which participants get to show off their moves, listen to incredible speeches from people affected by cancer and foster community with the rest of the campus.

Lighting of the Quad

For one of the most magical starts to the holiday season, you can join the Wake Forest community at this annual event, where lights lining the trees of the Upper Quad get turned on for the first time. With a backdrop of Wait Chapel and several performances from a capella groups on campus, the Lighting of the Quad is the best place to sip a hot chocolate and get in the holiday spirit.

Homecoming

This November, alumni from several classes will reunite at Wake Forest for a celebration of everyone’s return to school. There will be celebrations, massive amounts of food, and, of course, a football game where everyone will gather to cheer on our Deacs. Join in on the fun and give everyone a reason to return to Mother So Dear.

Wake the Library

If there is a palpable feeling of tension in the air, stressed students running from class to class, and a congregation of study groups in the Pit, that most likely means it is finals week. However, this also means that it is time for Wake the Library. Leading up to finals week, the entire library becomes open 24/7, with special treats like burritos, pizza, and chicken biscuits handed out at midnight to keep up morale. Finals may be hard, but Wake the Library makes things just a little more bearable.

Pro Humanitate Day

Each April, the Pro Humanitate Institute hosts a special day where students can dedicate their time to community service all over the Winston-Salem area. Students can sign up in groups or individually for philanthropic events like helping out at a food bank or cooking meals at Campus Kitchen. Every little bit helps.

Rolling of the Quad

After winning a big game, students storm the upper quad, toilet paper rolls in hand, and teepee the trees in celebration. This has been tradition ever since the campus moved to Winston-Salem.