Campus Traditions

College isn’t just about attending classes and cramming for exams. At Queens, we have a rich history and many time-honored traditions that bring our campus community together.

Eat well & enjoy medieval fun

Boar’s Head Banquet & Yule Log Ceremony

Through the efforts of Miss Alma Edwards, a greatly beloved Latin professor at Queens University of Charlotte, Queens hosted the first Boar’s Head dinner in 1932, which has remained an annual event since that time.

At the end of the feast, students tap their holly branches on the yule log for good luck for the new year and then throw their holly branches into the fire and express their thankfulness for the past semester and year.

Dress up & show off your card skills

Casino Night

This exciting event on campus, organized by Campus Union Board (CUB), is arguably the most popular event of the year. It has been a student favorite since 1985. Students dress up in formal or themed attire and enjoy music, food, and dancing, all while they try their luck at casino games. There is a different theme each year.

De-stress a bit before your exams

Exam Break Breakfast

Students enjoy late night bacon, eggs, grits, pastries, and pancakes cooked and served by their favorite professors and staff members as they take a break from studying. Come out for games and prizes and keep on the lookout for a possible guest appearance or two.

Give your parents the Queens experience

Family Weekend

Parents and families are invited to enjoy the Queens campus, meet faculty, staff and friends, enjoy sporting events, and take in special on-campus programs.

Cap off the best week of the year with a basketball game

Homecoming

Get your Queens spirit going the entire week of homecoming. Prior to the games, students, faculty, staff, and alumni celebrate with a tailgate bash. Homecoming Week ends with the homecoming games for men’s and women’s basketball.

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Take part in an annual day of service

Royal Day of Service

Campus and alumni communities join together to live out our motto “not to be served, but to serve.” This tradition started in 2024 after years of faculty, staff, and students combining efforts with education and community service to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Celebrate the holiday season with the community

Moravian Love Feast & Tree Lighting Ceremony

Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with a Moravian Fellowship service. Join the Queens community in Belk Chapel to share in traditional Moravian fare, a candle lighting ceremony, and carols.

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Rather than go to the carnival, let the carnival come to you

Spring Carnival

Celebrate the warmth of spring with classic carnival foods, inflatables, music, games, and prizes.