Carolina will celebrate its 233rd birthday under the lights at the Bell Tower with a new evening event featuring a spectacular light show, student performances, giveaways, food trucks and more.

University Day festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 12. The campus community is invited to join the celebration and encouraged to arrive early. The first 233 guests to arrive will receive free commemorative swag. The light show begins at dusk.

University Day, an annual tradition to remember Carolina’s past and look toward its future, marks the laying of the cornerstone of Old East, the institution’s first building and the oldest state university building in the nation. The Carolina community first celebrated University Day in 1877, and this year will honor UNC-Chapel Hill’s 233rd birthday.

The Bell Tower celebration takes the place of the ceremony held in Memorial Hall in previous years. Classes will remain on regular schedule.

The event will also recognize the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards, Edward Kidder Graham Faculty Service Award and Rebecca Clark Award recipients.

Learn more about University Day.

Stadium Drive between the Bell Tower and Gate 2 of Kenan Stadium will be closed Oct. 12 for the celebration. Visitors should plan to take alternate routes and allow additional time when traveling.

The celebration will be held rain or shine. If there is severe weather, there will be a delay until it is safe to hold the event. If severe weather makes it unable to hold the event, the celebration will be canceled and not rescheduled.