Kick off your Cyclone experience

Join us August 20-22 for Destination Iowa State!

Whether this is your first time on campus or just looking to start the semester strong, this is your chance to dive into the Iowa State experience. 

Meet fellow new students, explore what the university has to offer, and snag your first piece of official Iowa State merch to rep your pride!

Students attending the Center of ExCytement on Central Campus
A group of students take a picture in front of Parks Library
A group of students participates in Silent Disco in the M-Shop, Memorial Union
Video Poster
Destination Iowa State is an action-packed event takes place prior to the start of classes.

Schedule of events 

Thursday, August 20, 2026 – Traditions in the Making

TimeSessionLocation
5:00-6:30 p.m.

Destination Iowa State Check-In

Pick up your exclusive Iowa State gear and make it official–you're a Cyclone! Bring your ISUCard so you're set for everything waiting for you. 

Beardshear Hall
5:00-7:30 p.m.

Center of ExCytement

Meet your DIS Team Leader and your new crew over a picnic on the lawn. You'll explore ways to get involved, find campus favorites, and start building the connections that make your first days feel a little less nerve-wracking and a lot more exciting. 

Central Campus and the Memorial Union
7:30 p.m.

Iowa State Welcome

Jump into an energizing kickoff filled with traditions, campus pride, and a few surprise guests. It's your first big moment as part of Cyclone Nation–and you won't want to miss it. 

Central Campus

Friday, August 21, 2026 – Success in the Making

TimeSessionLocation
8:30-11:00 a.m.

Breakfast on Central Campus

Start your morning with pancakes, sunshine, and good company. It's a relaxed way for you to connect with your team and get ready for a day full of great moments.

Central Campus by Curtiss Hall
10:00 a.m.-Noon

TRANSFERmation

If you're a transfer student, this session helps you meet others who understand what you're experiencing. You'll hear real advice, learn campus tips, and feel more prepared for your first semester at Iowa State.

Memorial Union
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Cyclone Skills

You'll team up to trade advice, explore Iowa State's tech tools, and discover strategies to help you succeed in and out of the classroom. Plus, it's a great chance to meet people who are starting their ISU journeys right alongside you. 

Various campus locations
Times vary

Lunch with Your Team

Grab food at one of the many ISU Dining spots and take time to relax with your group. It's an easy way for you to bond and recharge before the afternoon. 

Various campus locations
2:00-4:00 p.m.

Clone Quest

Get moving during this interactive scavenger hunt! You'll snap photos, answer trivia, and hunt for Secret Cy's–all while exploring campus and competing for prizes.

Iowa State campus
6:00-8:00 p.m.

Cyclone Welcome Weekend Cookout

Enjoy food, games, and lots of Cyclone energy as you hang out with new and returning students. You never know who you'll meet–or what fun surprises might pop up.

Lied Recreation Athletic Center
8:00-11:00 p.m.

Late Night at the Memorial Union

You'll take over the MU for a night full of Bingo, music, live entertainment, food, CyBowl and Billiards, unique art at the Workspace, and nonstop fun. It's three hours for you to explore the Memorial Union and find the spots you'll return to all year long. 

Memorial Union

Saturday, August 22, 2026 – Community in the Making

TimeSessionLocation
8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Cyclone Welcome Weekend

Spend the day exploring campus life with activities that help you become part of Cyclone Nation. From games to local adventures, it's all about finding your people and making Iowa State and Ames feel like home.

Various locations
9:00 a.m.-NoonG.O.A.T. Breakfast
Kick off your Saturday with the Greatest of All Time Breakfasts–the kind of morning you definitely don't want to sleep through. With great food, big energy, and a crowd full of new and returning Cyclones, this is where you jump into the weekend feeling connected, hyped, and totally part of the moment. Show up hungry–you won't want to hear about this one from someone else. 		Central Campus
Times vary

Making Your Community

With so many activities waiting for you—from games to campus adventures—you won’t want to miss the chance to meet people, discover new favorites, and start feeling at home. Bring your team or wander on your own; it’s all here for you.

Gallery of Games | Great Hall
Level up your game night with classics and new favorites – perfect for laughs and friendly competition.

Nerdology: Trivia | Sun Room
Show off your trivia skills and geek out with fellow Cyclones in this fast-paced challenge.

Target Run | Target
Stock up on the essentials and bond with others during this off-campus adventure.

Colossal Volleyball | State Gym
Think volleyball, but bigger–literally. Grab your friends, or make some there, and take on this giant-sized challenge!

ISU Volleyball | Hilton Coliseum
Get to feel the energy of Cyclone Magic as you cheer on the Cyclones.

Farmers Market | Main Street, Ames
Explore local flavors and fresh finds at Ames' vibrant farmers market.

Ice Skating | Ames/ISU Ice Arena
Glide into fun with an afternoon on the ice. Whether you're a pro or a first-timer, it's all about the laughs. 

Various locations
8:30-10:30 p.m.

Hypnotist & Comedian Chris Jones

SEE the show or BE the show with Chris Jones, star of America’s Got Talent. You’ll laugh, be amazed, and experience something you’ll definitely talk about later.

Stephens Auditorium

Note: Destination Iowa State is a student-only event. We suggest friends, family or other guests visit campus on another date to spend time with their student.

Questions?

New Student Programs is here to help.