Featured Events
Join us for Cal Poly Open House, April 16th-18th, 2020
Events by Day:
Thursday Friday Saturday
Thursday - Campus Preview Night at Farmers' Market
Farmers' Market: Thursday, April 16th, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Downtown San Luis Obispo
Farmer’s Market serves as a preview night for Cal Poly's Open House weekend as well as for the clubs and organizations that are involved on campus. It is an excellent way for prospective students to learn about the many ways to get involved on campus while also getting a taste of San Luis Obispo culture at Farmer's Market. Cal Poly clubs and organizations will line Morro Street, while prospective students and their supporters enjoy an informative night in downtown.
Friday - Admitted Students' Discovery Day
Check-In: Friday, April 17th, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Mustang Way & Mott Lawn
Check-In for Open House begins Friday morning, followed by the University Welcomes. Bring a digital or printed copy of your ticket. You can RSVP here.
University Welcome: Friday, April 17th
Recreation Center - Main Gym
The University Welcome is the initial interaction admitted students have with Cal Poly to learn about this school. There are two University Welcomes with three colleges in each. Important members of Cal Poly will be speaking about their experiences at and what we have to offer.
University Welcome I, 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
We welcome admitted students and their supporters from the following colleges:
- College of Agriculture Food & Environmental Sciences
- College of Architecture & Environmental Design
- Orfalea College of Business
University Welcome II, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
We welcome admitted students and their supporters from the following colleges:
- College of Engineering
- College of Liberal Arts
- College of Science & Mathematics
Resource Fair: Friday, April 17th, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Mustang Way & UU Plaza
The Resource Fair is an informational event for prospective students and supporters attending Open House. This event showcases a large variety of resources on campus that will be relevant to incoming students and their supporters. Each resource will display what they do, how they do it, and why they are an important source for Cal Poly students. Furthermore, resources will set up booths, provide information, and answer questions for parents and supporters.
Friday Nite Invite: Friday, April 17th, 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
University Union Plaza
Friday Nite Invite is an event where prospective students can connect with each other and clubs and organizations while grabbing pizza and ice cream cake, as well as enjoy games and a live DJ.
Transfer Mixer: Friday, April 17th, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
University Union, Room 220
The Transfer Mixer will be a chance for potential transfer students to meet and interact. There will also be an informational panel with time for students to ask questions. Food and drinks will be provided.
Coffee House: Friday, April 17th, 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
University Union, Chumash Auditorium
While students are enjoying Friday Nite Invite, parents and supporters are invited to Coffee House, where they can talk to current students from all six of Cal Poly's colleges while enjoying coffee from local vendor BlackHorse. There will also be speakers from Administration as well as Parent & Family Programs.
Saturday - Poly Royal Celebration
Poly Royal Parade: Saturday, April 18th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
North Perimeter Road
The Poly Royal Parade involves various groups, clubs, and organizations on and off of campus, showcasing the many opportunities that students at Cal Poly have to offer. Participants will be encouraged to make a float, sign, or other representation of what they do on or off campus. The Parade will occur on a designated route through Cal Poly’s campus.
Opening Ceremonies: Saturday, April 18th, 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Dexter Lawn
Open House Opening Ceremonies is an event where important members of Cal Poly speak to the admitted students as well as their families. Along with the speakers, Open House Committee will be honored. This event is an exciting kick-off to the Poly Royal Celebration on Saturday.
Campus Showcase: Saturday, April 18th, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Lower Campus
At Campus Showcase Cal Poly Clubs and Organizations get a chance to show off what they do with booths, activities, food, and much more. Over 200 clubs are represented at this fun and interactive event.
Dexter Stage: Saturday, April 18th, 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Dexter Lawn
Dexter Stage is an event that showcases all of the talent that Cal Poly has to offer. These performances can include bands and other signing acts, or clubs and dance teams depending on the theme that is picked. Any other forms of entertainment can also participate in Dexter Stage.
Special Events - To be confirmed
Special Events are put on by other Cal Poly organizations and clubs to showcase their unique opportunities. Keep checking back up to Open House, because more special events are being added all the time!
Poly Royal Rodeo & Concert: Friday, April 17th, & Saturday, April 18th
Spanos Stadium
The 79th annual Poly Royal Rodeo at Cal Poly’s Alex G. Spanos Stadium will be held Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The two back-to-back performances will be followed by a headline concert featuring country superstars Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band on Friday and Casey Donahew on Saturday. Poly Royal Rodeo is the marquee event on campus during Cal Poly’s annual Open House. With a performance each night, many of the 45,000 people on campus that weekend will have an opportunity to enjoy the event.
Learn more about the rodeo and purchase your tickets online here.
Computer and Electrical Showcase: Saturday, April 18th, 10 AM – 1 PM
Building 20A
Join the computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science and software engineering programs for an exciting hands-on showcase. Enjoy interactive displays and games.
Poly Royal Truck and Tractor Pull: Saturday, April 18th, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Pasture on the corner of Highland Dr. and Mt. Bishop Rd.
The Poly Royal Truck and Tractor Pull has been held at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo almost every April since 1972. It is one of the largest events at Open House, drawing nearly 4,000 spectators and over 50 competitors from the Western United States. The event is run by Cal Poly Tractor Pull Club and the proceeds from the event bolster a scholarship endowment that goes to hard-working students of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences. In 2016, the scholarship fund gave out over $30,000 to students.
Music Department Student Recital: Saturday, April 13th, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Davidson Music Building RM 218
A free recital featuring student instrumentalists and vocalists, majors and non-majors.
Alumni Beer & Wine Garden: Saturday, April 18th, 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Engineering/Bonderson Lawn and Plaza
Come back to Cal Poly for the 4th Annual Poly Royal Alumni Beer and Wine Garden! Reconnect with classmates and faculty after a day of exploring student projects and displays celebrating Learn by Doing at Open House! Your ticket includes unlimited local beer and wine tastings and appetizers. It's a great way to meet up with alumni before the Poly Royal Rodeo or an evening downtown. Any way you plan it, you're in for a great weekend! 21 and older with valid ID, rain or shine.
Learn more about the event and reserve your tickets here.
Cal Poly encourages inclusivity in all its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, including (but not limited to) physical access or Deaf/Hard of Hearing services, please contact New Student & Transition Programs (orientation@calpoly.edu) in advance of your participation or visit.
