YorkFest, the annual concert and consumer exhibition for students, has grown into a weeklong affair in this, its16th year.
In cooperation with the York Federation of Students, the Underground and the York Student Centre, YorkFest will be mounting a week of special events all planned with students in mind.
 |
Today, students can start their morning off right at 9am with a free welcome back breakfast in Vari Hall. Then, tonight at 7pm there is a free showing of the comedy film Bridesmaids on a giant 25-foot screen in Vanier Field. Bring your friends and a blanket and prepare to laugh.
On Tuesday at 7pm, Dirty Bingo returns to the Underground restaurant in the Student Centre on the Keele campus. It’s a fun twist to a classic game featuring guest host Big Mama Two-Four. There will be lots of prizes, and admission is free. The event is licensed, all ages are welcome but York ID is required.
On Wednesday, the Festival Village returns. Open all afternoon, the Festival Village will once again be placed along Campus Walk from the Student Centre to the Arboretum Parking Garage. The 
Festival Village gives York students an opportunity to interact with a variety of on- and off-campus student clubs, services and groups. The village has grown over the years to include hundreds of different booths. There’s lots of free food, swag and more.
Left: The popular Festival Village returns with hundreds of booths
The major concert event on Wednesday evening features headline act Nas. The free concert, which takes place in the Rexall Centre on the Keele campus starts at 7pm sharp. In addition to NAS there will be a number of surprise acts and Toronto’s favourite band Keys and Krates will be making a special guest appearance. All ages are welcome, the event is licensed and York student ID is mandatory.
There’s a pub night on Sept. 22 at the Underground; admission is free for York students, $5 for guests. All ages are welcome, the event is licensed and age ID is required.
On Friday, for just $20 students can enjoy a performance at the Medieval Times restaurant at the Exhibition in downtown Toronto. Tickets for the event sell out fast and can be purchased by visiting Room 106 in the Student Centre. There is a limit of four tickets per person. Information about transportation to the venue is available at the time of ticket purchase.
On Saturday, students are welcomed to this year’s Homecoming football game, which will pit the Lions against the visiting Queen’s University Golden Gaels. Join the Lions for a licensed barbecue on the field and lots of game time activities, including giveaways and door prizes. The activities are sponsored by Bethune College Student Council in honour of their 40th anniversary and alumni from all colleges are welcome. Bethune, Stong and Calumet Colleges are hosting VIP sections for their alumni with free food. The alumni must pre-register to get into their respective VIP sections.
After the game, McLaughlin and Founders Colleges are hosting a barbecue for all alumni. Join fellow grads in the McLaughlin College courtyard immediately following the game.
On Sunday for just $48, which includes bus fare and game admission, students can trek across the border to Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, New York to watch the Buffalo Bills take on the New England Patriots. There is a maximum of two tickets per person and the event is limited to current York University students. Valid passports are required to travel to the United States. Meet at 9am at Vari Hall for a full day of fun. The bus will return to the Keele campus by 8pm.
For more information on YorkFest Welcome Week events, visit the York Federation of Students website.