Big Red Barn Programming
By Graduate Students, For Graduate Students
The Barn is a space shaped by and for graduate and professional students. Approximately 30 to 35 graduate and professional students support daily operations, maintain a welcoming environment, and ensure responsible event management, including alcohol service where appropriate. In addition, graduate student programming assistants develop and host programs that reflect the interests and needs of the community. Programming areas include:
- Wellness
- Arts and creativity
- Sustainability
- Family and parenting
- Culture and identity
- Career and professional development
- Social connection and community building
- Trivia and entertainment
Together, this student-led team:
- Builds opportunities for connection, learning, and fun.
- Hosts more than 500 programs and events each year.
- Supports over 10,000 attendees annually.
- Creates inclusive and welcoming experiences.
- Supports a diverse range of interests and identities.
Other Student Programs
We invite student organizations to use the Barn as a platform to connect communities, celebrate cultures, share knowledge, and create memorable experiences. If you are looking for a welcoming space to engage and inspire fellow graduate and professional students, the Barn is the place. Learn more by visiting the Reserving the Barn page, and start planning your event today.
Examples of Programs: 2025-26
Every year, graduate and professional students transform the Barn into a vibrant hub of connection, creativity, and community. Visit the Barn’s Instagram for examples of the many student-led programs that foster belonging, celebrate diversity, support well-being, and create memorable experiences for graduate and professional students across Cornell.
Daily Snack Service
The Barn offers a welcoming space to study, socialize, or simply relax between responsibilities. Monday through Thursday from 2 to 10 p.m., whether stopping by alone or with friends, students can enjoy complimentary popcorn, purchase $1 beer/wine, and take advantage of a comfortable community space designed with graduate and professional students in mind.
TGIF – Tell Grads It’s Friday!
One of the Barn’s most beloved traditions, TGIF is a weekly gathering that brings together graduate and professional students in a relaxed social setting. Whether reconnecting with friends or meeting someone new, attendees enjoy opportunities to build relationships, expand their networks, and engage with members of the Cornell community from a wide range of disciplines.
Weekly Trivia Night
Trivia night offers graduate and professional students a fun opportunity to unwind, connect, and enjoy some friendly competition. Participants can join with friends or come on their own and be matched with a team. Laughter, teamwork, and community are always part of the experience, and all are welcome.
Art Events
Creativity plays an important role in well-being and self-expression. Throughout the year, the Barn hosts art exhibitions featuring graduate student artists, along with hands-on creative events that encourage participants to explore new skills, reduce stress, and connect with others through art.
Pumpkin Carving
This annual fall tradition brings together graduate students, partners, families, and children for an afternoon of creativity and seasonal fun. Beyond celebrating Halloween, the event provides an opportunity for international students and families to experience and share in a popular American tradition while building community connections.
Kids’ Science Day
Kids’ Science Day transforms the Barn into a hands-on learning environment where graduate students share their research and passion for discovery with children and families. Through engaging experiments and demonstrations, the event celebrates curiosity, learning, and the many graduate student families that are part of the Cornell community.
Cultural Celebrations
The Barn hosts cultural programs that celebrate the diversity of Cornell’s graduate and professional student population. Through food, music, dance, art, storytelling, and traditions, students can explore and share cultures from around the world. Previous celebrations have included Diwali, Nowruz, Lunar New Year, St. Patrick’s Day, and many others.
Daily Write-In Program
The daily Write-In program invites students to join other graduate and professional students each weekday from 8 to 11 a.m. for dedicated writing and study time at the Barn. Whether you’re working on a dissertation, article, grant proposal, or class assignment, you’ll find a welcoming space, a community of scholars to help with your motivation and accountability, and coffee to keep you going.