Signature Events

The Big Red Barn hosts over 500 events each year.  Below are a few examples of the types of programming available. Be sure to check out the Graduate School events calendar to see upcoming Big Red Barn events!  Also, be sure you are subscribed to our email newsletter for the most up to date information. Email bigredbarn@cornell.edu to be added to the list.

Students at the annual year-end barbecue at the Big Red BarnWeekly Trivia Night: This allows students to get out and socialize with other students outside of their fields and enjoy a bit of competition.

TGIF – Tell Grads It’s Friday!: A weekly get-together of all graduate and professional students, staff, and faculty in a social setting. This allows for interaction across fields.

Art Events: The Barn hosts monthly art shows to display graduate student works and painting events to give students outlets for stress reduction and creativity. 

Pumpkin Carving: An annual event that brings families and kids old and young together to carve a pumpkin for Halloween. It is also a great way for international students to participate in American holidays.

Students with carved pumpkins

Kids’ Science Day: A day full of exciting experiments and demonstrations by graduate students to display their research to kids. This hands-on program is known for bringing graduate student families together.

Chocolate Fest: Hosted near Valentine’s Day every year.  A collaboration with the Cornell Botanic Gardens, we hear about the history of chocolate, cultural significance, and we get to taste different kinds of chocolate.

Three students at the 2019 New Student Mix and Mingle

Cultural celebrations: The Barn hosts a variety of cultural programs to learn about holidays, rituals, food, dance, music, and art from around the world.  Previous celebrations include St. Patricks Day, Diwali, Nowruz, Lunar New Year and more!