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Explore the Convergence 2026 Weekend Schedule

• Friday, May 15
  • 10am - 2pm

    Convergence Swag Station

    Location: Conaway Center | 1104 S Wabash Ave (first floor)

    Kick off Convergence weekend with a warm welcome at our central check-in hub. Stop by to receive your exclusive swag and pick up your blue Manifest wristband, silver Convergence wristband, maps, and itineraries. While you’re here, reconnect with fellow alumni, meet members of our Development and Alumni Relations team, and explore meaningful ways to stay connected, support current students, and give back to Columbia’s creative community.

    Please note: Manifest wristbands are required to access all Convergence activities and events.

  • 11am - 5pm

    MoCP at Fifty: Collecting Through the Decades

    Location: Museum of Contemporary Photography | 600 S. Michigan Ave (first floor)

    MoCP celebrates its 50th anniversary! Examine the evolving practice of building a dynamic collection through a range of rarely exhibited and newly acquired works in MoCP at Fifty: Collecting Through the Decades. On view through May 16, each of the five galleries represents a decade of collecting, beginning with the most recent acquisitions and moving backwards through time. Don’t miss this exhibition during its closing weekend.

  • 1pm - 4pm

    New Campus Space Tours

    Location: Student Center and the Center for Student Success

    Join us for guided tours of the Student Center and the yet-to-be-opened Center for Student Success, spaces that reflect Columbia’s ongoing commitment to creativity, community, and student support. These tours offer alumni a unique opportunity to see how our campus is evolving and how these spaces enhance the student experience.

    Tour Location	Timing
    Tours of the Student Center 754 S Wabash Ave.	1-2pm 2-3pm 3-4pm
    Hard Hat Tours of the Center for Student Success 33 E Ida B. Wells Dr.	1-2pm 2-3pm 3-4pm

    Please Note: The tour of the Center for Student Success will be a hard hat tour, as the building is currently under construction. Closed-toe shoes are required for the hard hat portion of the tour. Safety equipment will be provided.

  • 1pm - 7pm

    Manifest Early Access: ShopColumbia + Illustration Pop-Up Poster Sale

    Location: Manifest Main Street | Directly across from ShopColumbia at 619 S. Wabash Ave.

    ShopColumbia is thrilled to partner with the Illustration Department for the first-ever ShopColumbia + Illustration Pop-Up Poster Sale! After exploring the pop-up, head across the street to ShopColumbia to discover one-of-a-kind creations by Columbia students, alumni, faculty, and staff during extended Manifest 2026 hours.

    Don’t miss exclusive merchandise designed by Manifest 2026 Creative Director, SaraBeth Ramsey, available while supplies last!

  • 3pm - 8:30pm

    Manifest Early Access: The School of Film and Television Presents: A Kaleidoscope of Short Films

    Location: Film Row | 1104 S. Wabash Ave (eighth floor)

    This diverse range of short films from our BA and MFA students highlights bold storytelling, creative collaboration, and the real-world challenges of filmmaking through the next generation of cinematic voices.

    Program	Timing
    BA Capstone Fictional Cinema Production	3-5pm
    MFA Thesis Films and Q&A	6-8:30pm

  • 6pm - 9pm

    Alumni Awards Ceremony and Creative Connections Reception

    Location: Conaway Center | 1104 S Wabash Ave (first floor)

    Don’t miss an evening buzzing with creativity, commemoration, conversation, and connection! We will begin the night by honoring the inaugural recipients of the Creative Catalyst Award and the Columbia Champion Award, which celebrate alumni whose creativity, leadership, and commitment have made a lasting impact on their industries and on the Columbia community.

    Following, the Creative Connections Reception will bring together Columbia alumni, donors, newly admitted students and their families, college and school leadership, and special guests for a vibrant celebration of community, including:

    • 🎧 Music from DJ Calid B '11
    • 🥂 Drinks and light refreshments
    • 🤝 Making meaningful connections across generations of creatives

    Whether you’re rekindling old friendships or forging new ones, this evening sets the tone for a weekend full of creativity, connection, and pride. Come early, stay awhile, and cap off your first day of Convergence energized and inspired.

• Saturday, May 16
  • 9am

    Manifest Check In

    Location: Various interior and exterior locations

    Make sure to check-in at a Manifest registration table at one of the following locations to get your blue access wristband. This wristband is required to access all Convergence activities and events.

    Interior Locations	Check-In Times
    754 S Wabash (Student Center)	8am - 7:30pm
    1306 S Michigan (Dance)	9:30am - 4pm
    72 E 11th (Theatre)	9am - 6pm
    1104 S Wabash	9am - 9pm
    916 S Wabash	10:30am - 5pm
    618 S Michigan	10:30am - 5pm
    619 S Wabash (Shop Columbia)	9am - 6pm
    33 E Ida B Wells	10am - 7pm
    623 S. Wabash	10am - 8pm
    1014 S Michigan (Music)	1pm - 4:30pm
    Exterior Locations	Check-In Times
    Manifest Main Street North (601 S Wabash)	12pm - 8pm
    Manifest Main Street South (643 S Wabash)	12pm - 8pm
    Manifresh (722 S Wabash)	12pm - 8pm
    Garden (11th and Wabash)	1pm - 7pm

  • 9am - 8pm

    Manifest Arts Festival 2026: KALEIDOSCOPE

    Location: ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ Campus | Various Locations

    Experience the full scope of Manifest, Columbia’s signature arts festival and one of the largest student-run creative events in the country. Your blue Manifest wristband grants access to an ever-evolving lineup of creative work across campus.

  • 10am - 4pm

    Alumni Lounge and Convergence Swag Station

    Location: Student Center, Levin Family Lounge (third floor)

    Take a break, reconnect, and recharge at the Manifest Alumni Lounge, your go-to gathering spot for celebrating all things Columbia. Whether you’re catching up with fellow alumni or simply taking a breather between Manifest events, the Lounge offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere designed for you to enjoy at your own pace.

    Expect great vibes and even better company! Plus, refreshments, music, fun photo ops, games, and opportunities to connect. Pick up your exclusive swag, grab maps and itineraries for the weekend’s festivities, and get inspired by the many ways to stay engaged with Columbia.

    Come for the celebration. Stay for the connections!

  • 10am - 12:30pm

    LatiFest

    Location: Conaway Center | 1104 S Wabash Ave (first floor)

    Organized by the Latino Faculty Alliance, the Latino Student Alliance, and Hispanic Journalists, this annual celebration of the artistic creativity of Latino students, faculty, alumni, and staff will showcase the work of more than 60 creatives, including music, film, visual arts, poetry, business, and fashion. This year’s event will also feature work by admitted students and their families.

  • 11am - 5pm

    MoCP at Fifty: Collecting Through the Decades

    Location: Museum of Contemporary Photography | 600 S. Michigan Ave (first floor)

    MoCP celebrates its 50th anniversary! Examine the evolving practice of building a dynamic collection through a range of rarely exhibited and newly acquired works in MoCP at Fifty: Collecting Through the Decades. On view through May 16, each of the five galleries represents a decade of collecting, beginning with the most recent acquisitions and moving backwards through time.

    Don’t miss this exhibition during its closing weekend.

  • 1pm

    Main Stage Kick-Off

    Location: Manifest Main Stage | Main Street North (Wabash Ave)

    Join us as Manifest officially comes to life on the main stage. This high-energy kickoff celebrates the creativity, collaboration, and innovation that define ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ, setting the tone for a day filled with art, performance, and discovery.

  • 1pm - 7pm

    Manifresh

    Location: Manifresh Lot | 722 S. Wabash Ave.

    Join us for an immersive activation packed with creativity and culture. Explore the craft tent with hands-on shirt customization and a collaborative community mural, catch live hip-hop performances on stage, and stay refreshed at the hydration station with Red Bull.

    Don’t miss the live illustration contest and the exhibition tent, where you can learn more about the artistry and history behind lowrider cars and Manifresh.

  • 1:30pm - 3pm

    MADE@Columbia: Fashion Show #1

    Location: Student Center | 1104 S Wabash Ave. (fifth floor)

    This year's annual MADE@COLUMBIA Fashion Show features original collections by 11 graduating BFA Fashion Design students. Admission is free and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Please note: This event may be standing room only.

  • 5pm

    Dinner in the South Loop

    Location: 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 featuring live music by Columbia students.

    Participating restaurants TBC.

  • 5:30pm - 7pm

    MADE@Columbia: Fashion Show #2

    Location: Student Center | 1104 S Wabash Ave. (fifth floor)

    This year's annual MADE@COLUMBIA Fashion Show features original collections by 11 graduating BFA Fashion Design students. Admission is free and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Please note: This event may be standing room only.

  • 7pm

    Headliner - Manifest Arts Festival 2026: KALEIDOSCOPE

    Location: Manifest Main Stage | Main Street North (Wabash Ave)

    Close out the festival with a standout performance on the Manifest main stage. This marquee event brings the community together for an unforgettable evening celebrating student creativity at its boldest and most dynamic.

• Sunday, May 17
  • 11am

    Commencement Morning Ceremony

    Location: UIC Credit Union 1 Arena | 525 S Racine Ave

    Join us in celebrating the achievements of graduates from the Schools of Business and Entrepreneurship, Communication and Culture, Film and Television, and Fashion!

    You’re invited to join our Alumni Section, where you’ll be part of the excitement, bringing energy, pride, and support as the next generation of creatives crosses the stage.

    Please note: You must be a member of the to confirm your ticket.

  • 4pm

    Commencement Afternoon Ceremony

    Location: UIC Credit Union 1 Arena

    Join us in celebrating the achievements of graduates from the Schools of Theatre and Dance, Audio and Music, Design, and Visual Arts!

    You’re invited to join our Alumni Section, where you’ll be part of the excitement, bringing energy, pride, and support as the next generation of creatives crosses the stage.

    Please note: You must be a member of the to confirm your ticket.