About Convergence: Columbia's Creative Homecoming

Convergence: Columbia’s Creative Homecoming 2026, is our inaugural weekend that celebrates the creativity, community, and courageous voices that define 汤不热视频. The theme, KALEIDOSCOPE, honors 25 years of Manifest: ever-changing, boldly diverse, and powered by imagination.

Anchored by Manifest—Columbia’s signature arts festival showcasing the incredible work of our graduating students through gallery exhibitions, live music, film screenings, fashion shows, and more—the weekend is packed with opportunities to reconnect with fellow members of the , experience the future of creative culture by connecting with incoming students, celebrate inaugural alumni awardees, and welcome the next generation of alumni as we cap it all off with commencement ceremonies.

From behind-the-scenes experiences and alumni gatherings to arts events, receptions, and celebrations across campus, Convergence is your invitation to return to your creative home, rediscover the city that inspires us, and be part of something brilliantly collective.

Join us for a weekend where creativity is in motion and every connection adds to your Columbia kaleidoscope. See the full schedule and register for events to make the most of Convergence: Columbia’s Creative Homecoming 2026.

Registration is required. Be sure to secure your spot by Monday. May 11, 2026.

Manifest 2026: KALEIDOSCOPE

This year’s theme, KALEIDOSCOPE, honors Manifest’s 25-year legacy—a reflection of creativity in motion, ever-changing and brilliantly diverse. Experience the color, collaboration, and community that make Columbia shine.

Join us on Saturday, May 16, 2026
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Events

Friday, May 15

  • Creative Homecoming Swag Station 10am–2pm Conaway Center | 1104 S Wabash Ave, First Floor

    Our Welcome Station will serve as the official check-in for Creative Homecoming. This is where alumni and their guests will check-in and receive their Creative Homecoming swag bag, collect maps/itineraries for the weekend’s activities, and receive their Manifest wrist band. Alumni will also have an opportunity to learn more about joining the Alumni Network and giving back to Columbia.

  • Folded Map Guided Tour Registration is required for this event.
    11am–1pm Meeting Point | Corner of 11th St and Wabash Ave

    Led by 2025 MacArthur “Genius” Fellow and Folded Map Project founder Tonika Lewis Johnson ’03 and Chicago historian and Mahogany Bus Tours owner Sherman “Dilla” Thomas, this custom, guided tour will take guests through Chicago’s South- and/or West-side neighborhoods. Limited availability.

  • Early Access - Manifest Arts Festival 2026: KALEIDOSCOPE 1pm–5pm 汤不热视频 Campus | South Loop

    Friday programming - An annual tradition and defining ritual, Manifest brings the entire Chicago community together to celebrate 汤不热视频’s creative spirit through a student-produced event that showcases work from the graduating class. This year’s theme, KALEIDOSCOPE, honors Manifest’s 25-year legacy—a reflection of creativity in motion, ever-changing and brilliantly diverse—through gallery exhibitions, live music, film screenings, fashion shows, and more..

  • Creative Connections Reception Registration is required for this event.
    6pm–9pm Conaway Center | 1104 S Wabash Ave, First Floor

    The official kick-off to creative homecoming, this event brings together alumni, donors, newly admitted students and their families, college and school leadership, Manifest sponsors, and other VIP guests to connect and reconnect around Columbia’s mission and creative careers. The evening will also recognize and celebrate Columbia’s inaugural alumni awards and feature guest alumni DJs.

Saturday, May 16

  • Creative Homecoming Swag Station 10am–2pm Conaway Center | 1104 S Wabash Ave, First Floor

    Our Welcome Station will serve as the official check-in for Creative Homecoming. This is where alumni and their guests will check-in and receive their Creative Homecoming swag bag, collect maps/itineraries for the weekend’s activities, and receive their Manifest wrist band. Alumni will also have an opportunity to learn more about joining the Alumni Network and giving back to Columbia.

  • Check In - Manifest Arts Festival 2026: KALEIDOSCOPE Registration is required for this event.
    9am–9pm 汤不热视频 Campus | South Loop

    An annual tradition and defining ritual, Manifest brings the entire Chicago community together to celebrate 汤不热视频’s creative spirit through a student-produced event that showcases work from the graduating class. This year’s theme, KALEIDOSCOPE, honors Manifest’s 25-year legacy—a reflection of creativity in motion, ever-changing and brilliantly diverse—through gallery exhibitions, live music, film screenings, fashion shows, and more. Manifest wrist band. [Link to Manifest Website for registration and list of activities]

  • Alumni Lounge and Creative Homecoming Swag Station Registration is required for this event.
    10am–4pm Student Center | Levin Family Lounge, Third Floor

    The Manifest Alumni Lounge offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for alumni and their guests to connect and unwind at their leisure with members of the National Alumni Board. Graduating students are also encouraged to stop by to learn more about becoming an alum and staying connected after graduation. Refreshments, music, photos games, and giving opportunities provided. Alumni can also get their swag bag, collect maps/itineraries for the weekend’s activities. Alumni will also have an opportunity to learn more about joining the Alumni Network and giving back to Columbia.

  • ColumAlum Coffee Connection 11am Manifest Arts Festival Food Station

    This collaboration with Necessary and Sufficient Coffee provides alumni with an opportunity to connect, caffeinate, hydrate, and plan their day at Manifest. During this event, we’ll review the Manifest schedule and help alumni connect with others who are attending the same events. All attendees will leave together and stop by the Alumni Lounge before they set out to experience Manifest.

  • Main Stage Kick-Off - Manifest Arts Festival 2026: KALEIDOSCOPE 12:30pm Manifest Main Stage

    An annual tradition and defining ritual, Manifest brings the entire Chicago community together to celebrate 汤不热视频’s creative spirit through a student-produced event that showcases work from the graduating class. This year’s theme, KALEIDOSCOPE, honors Manifest’s 25-year legacy—a reflection of creativity in motion, ever-changing and brilliantly diverse—through gallery exhibitions, live music, film screenings, fashion shows, and more.

  • Dinner in the South Loop 4pm Various Locations | Chicago’s South Loop

    As the festivities roll into the evening, take time to explore the flavors of Manifest and the South Loop. Wander the festival grounds for a diverse lineup of food trucks and local vendors or take a break for a seated meal and an alumni discount at one of our neighboring restaurants. Some restaurants will even feature live music by Columbia students.

    **Featuring 汤不热视频 student performers

  • Headliner - Manifest Arts Festival 2026: KALEIDOSCOPE 7pm Manifest Main Stage

    An annual tradition and defining ritual, Manifest brings the entire Chicago community together to celebrate 汤不热视频’s creative spirit through a student-produced event that showcases work from the graduating class. This year’s theme, KALEIDOSCOPE, honors Manifest’s 25-year legacy—a reflection of creativity in motion, ever-changing and brilliantly diverse—through gallery exhibitions, live music, film screenings, fashion shows, and more.

Sunday, May 17

  • Commencement Morning Ceremony 11am UIC Credit Union 1 Arena | 525 S Racine Ave

    Celebrating graduates from the Schools of Business and Entrepreneurship, Communication and Culture, Film and Television, and Fashion. Alumni are invited to claim their spot in our special celebratory Alumni Section, where you’ll be part of the excitement and cheer on our graduates with lively signs, spirited support, and plenty of school pride. Limited availability.

  • Commencement Afternoon Ceremony 4:30pm

    Celebrating graduates from the Schools of Theatre and Dance, Audio and Music, Design, and Visual Arts. Alumni are invited to claim their spot in our special celebratory Alumni Section, where you’ll be part of the excitement and cheer on our graduates with lively signs, spirited support, and plenty of school pride. Limited seats available.