Columbia’s annual Wicked Week kicks off on Monday, Oct. 26 with over 20 events from various clubs and organizations on campus. The week-long Halloween celebration lets students explore clubs and take part in spooky-themed events.
The Student Programming Board organizes Wicked Week each year and decides the theme. This year, they chose the theme “I Put A Spell On You,” inspired by witches and spell casting. In previous years, themes were more spooky and haunted, like the 2025 theme, “Mystery Manor.”
“They wanted to go more of the enchanted, dark magic realm this year,” said Antoine Bufford III, a senior marketing major, who is helping coordinate the week.
The Student Center will be decorated with spider webs and skeletons holding trick-or-treat buckets on the staircases to set the tone of the week.
Here are five events, one on each day of the week, that students can attend to get involved on campus and celebrate the Halloween season.
Monday: Homeroom Trick or Treat!, hosted by Engage Homeroom and New Student Programs
Homeroom Trick or Treat! has been a Wicked Week tradition for the past three years.
Rajah Varnado, assistant director of New Student Programs, said the event was created for students to enjoy throughout Wicked Week without working around a specific event time.
“I’m excited to see students take a break from their busy schedules, come together, and enjoy the space,” Varnado said. “We’re grateful to be a part of Wicked Week and hope students take the opportunity to visit, enjoy some treats and experience what Homeroom is all about.”
Homeroom Trick or Treat! will take place in the Engage Homeroom on the third floor of the Student Center from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. throughout the week.
Tuesday: Costume Karaoke, hosted by Karaoke Club and Student Government Association
Students are encouraged to attend Costume Karaoke, an event where singing and costumes come together for a night of spooky music and celebration.
“Students can look forward to having a fun time singing along with friends in a judgement-free zone,” said Nick Curry, the president of the Karaoke Club.
The Student Government Association collaborated with the Karaoke Club to help coordinate the event with fall-themed snacks and Halloween decorations.
Curry, a sophomore traditional animation major, is looking forward to seeing students show up in their costumes.
Costume Karaoke will take place from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Hive on the third floor of the 618 S. Michigan Ave. building.
Also on Tuesday, the Chronicle will be hosting a scavenger hunt to find the newsroom skeleton, Mr. Bones, from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The winners will be rewarded with candy and Chronicle gear.
Wednesday: Wicked Hour: A Mocktail Mixer, hosted by Campus Traditions | Student Activities
Student Activities is hosting a Mocktail Mixer, where students can enjoy mocktails and tap into their “childhood” by making and playing with slime.
Halloween-themed mocktails will be offered, such as the Hocus Pocus Punch and Vampire’s Kiss.
The event is “an opportunity to have fun, dance and enjoy refreshments on campus,” Bufford said.
The Mocktail Mixer will be held from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Student Center.
Thursday: Haus of Hex, hosted by Created to Achieve Success
Created to Achieve Success is hosting Haus of Hex, a Halloween DJ rave featuring Columbia DJ’s. Students Lucca Marchioro, Trilian Krug, Sophia Bryant and alumni Elizabeth Rosfeld will be showing off their DJ sets throughout the event.
The event will also have a Halloween costume contest, snacks and Redbull mocktails, said Olivia Markham, president of Created to Achieve Success.
Haus of Hex is an afterparty for the annual Wicked Week drag show. The drag show, “Werk It, Witch!” will take place on the fifth floor of the Student Center from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and encourage students to show up in costumes.
Haus of Hex will take place from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the Haus on the first floor of the 623 S. Wabash Ave. building.
Markham, a senior arts management major, said she is looking forward to seeing all the different costumes students come up with.
Friday: Enchanted: Witches & Warlocks Ball, hosted by Campus Traditions | Student Activities
Students can dress up as witches, warlocks or whatever they desire when attending the Enchanted: Witches and Warlocks Ball.
Besides having a dance floor, the event will also feature Minute to Win It games like mummy wrapping and eyeball catching.
Bufford said students should “come with no expectations and have a good time.”
The event will be held from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Haus.
Copy edited by Camila Verzino
