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Wichita State University invites all of Shocker Nation to celebrate Shocktoberfest from Sept. 28 through Oct. 3. Events include a parade, a bonfire with a performance by Shock Rock, a brew garden and several athletic exhibitions and games.

Celebrate community and tradition at the 2026 Shocktoberfest

Sept. 23, 2026
By Wichita State Strategic Communications

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Wichita State University invites the community to show its black-and-yellow spirit during 2026 Shocktoberfest, a weeklong tradition of Shocker pride from Monday, Sept. 28 through Saturday, Oct. 3. 

Shocktoberfest has been a Wichita State tradition since 1991 and offers something for everyone, with events for students, alumni and the greater Wichita community. The celebration showcases Wichita State's vibrant culture.  

Below is a sampling of the week’s events. A full list of the week's events is available at wichita.edu/shocktoberfest. All events are free to attend and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

  • The bonfire — 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30 at Braeburn Square — Revel in the spirit of Shocktoberfest with WSU Cheer, Marching Band and a few of your favorite athletes. Special performance by Shock Rock, featuring Dr. Monica Lounsbery, senior executive vice president and provost, on lead vocals; and on guitar, Andrew Schlapp, vice president for government relations.  
  • Shocker Pride. Nationwide. Celebrate the Arts — 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1 the Ulrich Museum's outdoor patio — The university is putting a spotlight on the creativity, talent and innovation that define the university’s vibrant arts community. This free, come-and-go event invites the public and campus communities to connect, explore and enjoy live performances and artistic discovery. 
  • Wu's Birthday Bash — 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 at Braeburn Square — The big guy is turning 78 years old! Join the party with food trucks, face painting, games and music. 
  • Magician Jack Kelly — 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 at the CAC Theater (next door to the Rhatigan Student Center) — Experience the magic of Shocktoberfest with Jack Kelly, who was the winner of season 11 of "Penn and Teller: Fool Us."  Free to Wichita State students, $5 for staff and faculty, and $8 for the general public.  
  • Brew Market — 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Corbin Education Center — Enjoy an afternoon on campus filled with food, drink, and crafts from your favorite local vendors. This family-friendly campus experience will feature music, breweries and food trucks. 
  • The parade — 4 p.m. Oct. 3 — Floats, cars and the Shocker Sound Machine marching band will showcase the very best of Shocker Nation. Get info on parking, the parade route and the best places to sit.  

Shocker Athletics 

  • Shocker Madness men's basketball exhibitions: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 at Koch Arena. Admission is free.  
  • Baseball vs. Kansas City Community College (exhibition): 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 at Eck Stadium. Admission is free for Wichita State students and $5 for everyone else.  
  • Softball vs. McLennan (exhibition): 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 at Wilkins Stadium. Admission is free for Wichita State students and $5 for everyone else. 
  • Volleyball vs. Tulsa: 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 at Charles Koch Arena. Admission is free for Wichita State students and $11 for everyone else.

About Wichita State University

Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 25,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered and innovation-driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry- and defense-funded engineering R&D and No. 9 overall for engineering R&D.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

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