Posted on Jan 16, 2026 / Travel

Northwestern has several cool traditions that many students look forward to each year. One of the biggest is Dillo Day, an all-day music festival organized by students that draws big crowds and live performances. There’s also the Waa-Mu Show, a long-running student musical where the cast writes and performs the whole thing themselves. Other events and traditions help connect Wildcats across years — from themed campus rallies to annual celebrations that build community. Northwestern’s location by Lake Michigan also means outdoor traditions like hanging at the Lakefill or group picnics. Lots of clubs and student groups throw their own special events too, so there’s always something happening. Even if you’re not part of Greek life, you’ll find plenty of ways to dive into the social scene.
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