Mark Your Calendar
Welcome Week 2026, August 27–September 1
Kick off your MCPHS journey with Welcome Week—a five-day celebration just for first-year and transfer students. It’s your chance to explore Boston, reconnect with friends from orientation, and start building your college community. Whether you’re hanging out on campus or heading into the city, this is your week to have fun, meet fellow Cardinals, and make memories.
What to Expect
Welcome Week is packed with exciting events both on and off campus. Most are completely free, with a few optional experiences available for a small fee. From Red Sox games and amusement park trips to paint nights, bingo, and Fenway tours—there’s something for everyone.
Tickets
- Tickets go live on Wednesday, July 8 at 10 p.m. and will be available until Wednesday, August 12 at 11:59 p.m. or until sold out.
- Transportation details (if applicable) will be included in event listings.
This week is all about you—our newest Cardinals. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
FAQs: Welcome Week 2026
Thursday, August 27
Welcome Weekend 2026 Kickoff
4:30-6:30 p.m. | Evan's Way Park
Start the semester right with good food, great games, and awesome company! Join us at the park for a fun-filled day with food trucks, lawn games, and a chance to connect with fellow Cardinals. Don't miss out on the fun!
Friday, August 28
Find Your Class Tours
Times TBD | Atrium
Ensure you know where each of your classes are before the first day of classes with the help of your Orientation Leaders.
Walk in the Public Garden and Swan Boat Ride
12 p.m. | Boston Public Garden
Enjoy a stroll in the heart of the nation’s first botanical garden, followed by a ride on the iconic Boston Swan boats.
Paint n Sip
5-7 p.m. | $$ | Atrium
Enjoy a mocktail as an artist guides you in a live tutorial painting of a Boston scene, perfect to decorate your new dorm room.
Saturday, August 29
Find Your Class Tours
Times TBD | Atrium
Ensure you know where each of your classes are before the first day of classes with the help of your Orientation Leaders.
Codzilla
12-2:30 p.m. | $$ | 1 Long Wharf, Boston, MA
See Ticket for price
Get ready for a high-speed adventure on the Boston Harbor! Hop aboard Codzilla for an exciting, thrilling ride with amazing city views and splash-filled fun.
The Museum of Fine Arts
11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Museum of Fine Arts
Join your peers and immerse yourself in the world of art at the Museum of Fine Arts. With a diverse collection from Monet to Hokusai, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Free admission with your student ID.
Sunday, August 30
Find Your Class Tours
Times TBD | Atrium
Ensure you know where each of your classes are before the first day of classes with the help of your Orientation Leaders.
SOWA Market
11 a.m. | 500 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118
Explore Boston's vibrant arts and food scene at the SOWA Market! Discover local artisans, delicious eats, and unique finds in the heart of the city. A perfect spot to shop, snack, and soak up creative vibes.
Charles River Kayaking
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | $$ | 15 Broad Canal Way, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
Take a skyline tour of Boston from the water! A kayak professional guide will lead us down the iconic Charles River, pointing out the best sights along the way. No experience required.
Top Golf
12-3 p.m. | $$ | 777 Dedham St, Canton, MA 02021 | Transportation Provided from Campus
Take aim at the giant outfield golf targets and the high-tech balls will score themselves. Enjoy a yummy buffet and socialize with your fellow Cardinals in a fun, golf environment.
Build a Study Kit
5-7 p.m. | Atrium
Get ready for the new school year and build a kit full of your favorite study essentials: school supplies, snacks, energy, relaxation items, and more.
Monday, August 31
Find Your Class Tours
Times TBD | Atrium
Ensure you know where each of your classes are before the first day of classes with the help of your Orientation Leaders.
Bedazzle Bash
12-2 p.m. | Atrium
Add some sparkle to your everyday items! Bring your own shirts or keychains to decorate, or choose from a provided item.
Red Sox Game
6:45 p.m. Start Time | $$* | Fenway Park
Cheer on the Red Sox as they take on the Pirates at Fenway Park! Join fellow fans for an exciting day of baseball, snacks, and unforgettable moments. Let's show Fenway our Cardinal spirit! *Please note: this event has a separate individual ticket link compared to the other Welcome Week events due to the need of selecting seats.
Tuesday, September 1
Find Your Class Tours
Times TBD | Atrium
Ensure you know where each of your classes are before the first day of classes with the help of your Orientation Leaders.
Donut Tour
12-2 p.m. | $$ | 90 Oliver Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Take a sweet tour of Boston’s historic North End, stopping at 4 iconic bakeries aloing teh way, as we learn all about Boston’s history.
Back to School Bingo
3-5 p.m. | On Campus
Join the Cardinal crew for an evening of fun, prizes, and good vibes! It's the perfect way to relax, meet new friends, and maybe even win big. Don't miss out!
$$=requires ticket and small fee
*All other events require a ticket for a reservation but are at no cost to you
Please know that due to time constraints and scheduling, students will not be able to attend every event. Please prioritize and plan your purchases accordingly. Students may purchase 1 ticket per event. The ticketed events (that you must pay for) have limited number of tickets, but we have ensured there are plenty of free options on campus at similar times on that day that have much more flexibility for attendance capacity!
Once you purchase your event tickets, you’ll get an email with general event info and your e-ticket. Closer to each event—within 48 hours—you’ll also receive a separate email for each ticket with details like the meeting time, location, and any transportation info.
Note: Ticket confirmation emails come from no-reply@audienceview.com. If you don’t see it, check your spam or junk folder.
Tickets for the Welcome Week Events with a paid fee will only be available until Sunday, August 23. To do so, please email mcphs.orientation@mcphs.edu from your mcphs email account, and we will happily process a refund. There will be no refunds after this date.
No outside guests are allowed. Welcome Week events are for MCPHS–Boston students only. As official University events, all students are expected to follow the MCPHS Code of Conduct.
Yes, for any University-sponsored off-campus events, a waiver is required.
- If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must give permission.
- Waivers must be completed before the event date. You’ll get the waiver link via email.
We’re here to help! Email us at mcphs.orientation@mcphs.edu or call 617.732.2876.