Beyond Blocks

9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Intramural Sports: Fall Registration | FusionPLAY app

Interested in playing Intramural Sports? Download the FusionPLAY app or visit recwell.rpi.edu and click on Intramural Sports. You can register as a team or as a free agent. Questions? Contact Jen Lucero-Wehner at wehnej@rpi.edu.

5–7 p.m. | Chabad Barbeque | Chabad House, 1908 Burdett Ave Troy, NY 12180

Join Chabad of RPI for an amazing barbecue at your Jewish home away from home! We hope to see you there.

5–7 p.m. | Coaching Session with Boxing Club | '87 Gym Dojo

This is your opportunity to learn boxing fundamentals or refine your skills, build confidence, stay active, and meet other students in a welcoming environment. We will have an experienced coach leading the lesson, so participants can expect helpful instruction, supportive guidance, and a fun introduction to boxing technique and training.

All skill levels are welcome, whether you are completely new to boxing or already have experience. Come ready to punch, learn, and connect with others. We are so excited to see everyone there!

5–11 p.m. | First Day of Fall Club Sports Tryouts | Athletic Fields

Fall Club Sports will be hosting the first of multi-day tryouts beginning August 27, 2026. This includes Men’s Club Soccer, Women’s Club Soccer, Men’s Rugby, Women’s Rugby, Quadball (formerly Quidditch), Field Hockey, and Ultimate Frisbee. Reach out to the respective club that interests you for more information, official times, and locations.

7–10 p.m. | UPAC Comedy Games & Songs Night | Union 1st Floor Ballroom, Arcade, and Theater

Enjoy a night of laughs and songs with UPAC Comedy. Play games of Jackbox on the Nintendo Switch, or funny card and board games with friends and future friends. You can also sing karaoke to your heart's content.

6–8 p.m. | National Society of Black Engineers Ice Cream Social | Rensselaer Union, Shelnutt Gallery

Meet fellow incoming students, connect with current NSBE members, and enjoy free ice cream! Learn about campus life, leadership opportunities, and how NSBE can help you thrive academically, professionally, and socially. Start building your community!

8–10 p.m. | A Night of A Cappella | Chapel and Cultural Center

Join RPI’s A Cappella Groups (The Rensselyrics, The Rusty Pipes, RPI Raaga, Duly Noted, and Partial Credit) for an unforgettable night of music and mingling! Refreshments will be provided.

9–11 a.m. | Fun 5k Run/Walk | ECAV

Join Rensselaer Running Club and the Health and Counseling Centers for a fun 5K run/walk! Whether you are a competitive racer or someone just wanting to enjoy the outdoor air, we have a place for you. Here, you’ll get to run and walk along a designated route, meet people with similar interests, have some post-race snacks, learn about support opportunities at RPI, and enjoy the good vibes!

10 a.m. –12 p.m. | 100% Natural Noise - America's Pep Band! | J-Building Large Rehearsal Room

Join America's Pep Band for our first rehearsal! Bring your instruments and make new friends as we practice the songs we play at games!

12–2 p.m. | Paint and Chat with RPI Sunrise! | Rensselaer Union

Join RPI Sunrise for a paint and chat to kick off the fall semester!

1–3 p.m. | CS Club Ice Cream Social | Rensselaer Union, Horseshoe Lobby

What’s better on a hot day than free ice cream? Stop by for some ice cream with HackRPI and other CS clubs. Meet other students and get some swag!

11 a.m. –1 p.m. | RPI Dance Team - Open Practice | Mueller Center Studios 1 & 2

Learn a combo and see what a practice is like on the RPI Dance Team! We perform collegiate Pom, Hip-Hop and Jazz routines at RPI home football and basketball games as well as compete at NDA Nationals in the spring. Whether you have previous experience in dance, cheer, gymnastics, or you’re looking to try something new, this is a great opportunity for students to get a taste of what the RPI Dance Team does! We will be learning game-day choreography, followed by an info session at the end! Be sure to wear athletic clothes and bring water. We can’t wait to see you there!

11 a.m. –1 p.m. | Percussion Ensemble | J Building (Large Rehearsal Room)

Play music with the Percussion Ensemble! Meet everyone in the group, see what a rehearsal looks like, and play some fun music.

11 a.m. –1 p.m. | Bard and Baker Silent Book Club | Bard and Baker, Downtown Troy, NY

Bring your own reads and sit in silence together!

12–2:30 p.m. | Explore Fencing with RPI Fencing Club! | Armory Basement

Join us in the basement of the Armory for a fun introduction to fencing with the RPI Fencing Club! Make sure to wear athletic clothing!!

12–3 p.m. | Welcome Back BBQ | '86 Field

Kick off the new semester with great food, music, and community! Join the campus minority organizations for our annual Welcome Back BBQ, where students can connect with peers, meet organization leaders, and learn about opportunities to get involved throughout the year. Whether you’re a returning student or new to campus, this event is a chance to build friendships and start the semester feeling connected and supported. We can’t wait to welcome you back!

12:30– 4 p.m. | Ground Zero Basement Presents: DIY Fit Making | Rensselaer Union

GZ Basement’s DIY Workshop teaches you how to paint, draw, and put studs on clothes, cut linoleum stamps, and create patches. The best part? You can take your creation home!

1–3:30 p.m. | RPI Chess Club Mixer! | RPI Student Union, Room 3202

Open to anyone who loves the game, our RPI Chess Club facilitates fun activities for players in the community. Join us for a chill, exciting session of chess!

5–6 p.m. | Catholic Mass | Chapel + Cultural Center 2125 Burdett Ave., Troy, NY 12180

Catholic Mass, offered especially for university students, is a time to step away from the busyness of campus life, reflect, and be renewed in faith. All are welcome to attend this uplifting celebration of the Eucharist, connect with our vibrant student community, and grow spiritually during your time at college.

7–9 p.m. | Art in the Park with Student Sustainability Task Force | Prospect Park (Meet in Rensselaer Union)

Enjoy a scenic hike at Prospect Park, then unwind with a fun, relaxed art session!

6–7:50 p.m. | RPI Symphony Orchestra | DCC, Room 308

Interested in joining the RPI Orchestra? Come meet the students and conductor of the RPI Symphony Orchestra for an exciting side-by-side rehearsal, and experience what it feels like to be part of this flagship musical ensemble!

7–8 p.m. | RPI Circle K Social Scavenger Hunt & Game Night | Rensselaer Union

Kick off the year with RPI Circle K's first meeting! Enjoy a social scavenger hunt and games, make new friends, and learn more about our organization!

7–9 p.m. | Irish / Bluegrass Jam | J Building (Small Rehearsal Room)

Join the small groups Ceili Band and Not Quite Bluegrass (NQB) as we play some traditional Irish and bluegrass tunes!