We’re so excited to welcome you to campus for a weekend of art, community, and discovery! Whether you’re joining us for concerts, open studios, or just soaking in the creative spirit of CalArts, this is a chance to experience a little of what makes our community so special.

Register here

Students gather on the lawn at CalArts.
TimeEventAbout
12 - 1 pmLunch at Steve’s CafeGrab a bite at the campus’s culinary hub and get a true taste of student life! Lunch is hosted by CalArts and will be offered in Steve’s Café. It’s the perfect, casual setting to connect with your student, meet other families, and refuel before an afternoon of artistic exploration. Enjoy the buzz and see where the CalArts community comes together.
12 pmSchool of Music Concert (Main Gallery)Join our School of Music students for the daily lunchtime concert in the Main Gallery. No ticket required, just sit and enjoy the music from students in programs and ensembles across the school. 
1 - 1:30 pmCommunity Welcome (Main Gallery)Join CalArts President Ravi Rajan and Vice President for Student Affairs Anthony Garrison-Engbrecht for a warm community welcome. This gathering is an opportunity to connect, meet fellow families, and kick off the afternoon’s events.
2 - 3 pm Campus tour (Reception Desk - Main Lobby)

Go behind the scenes! Explore the legendary, unique setting that is CalArts—from performance halls to woodworking shops—where creativity thrives. Our student guides will share personal anecdotes and give you an intimate look at the inspiring environment where your artist works and lives.

Campus tours will depart from the Main Lobby near the reception desk.

2 - 4 pmOpen classes and studiosWitness creativity in action in select open classes and studios. This is your unique chance to peek into diverse classes, observe student critiques, and see the artistic process unfold live in the studios. Experience the intensity and dedication that makes a CalArts education so transformative and exciting.
4 - 6 pmMural unveiling and reception (Outside Tatum)

Join us for the unveiling of the new mural outside Tatum and stay for a reception and to meet the artists. 

RSVP separately for the mural event here

8 pmOpen House Dance Concert

Join us for an evening of dance with our new BFA 1 students with choreography by Rosanna Gamson, Lilian Ortega and Nathan Makolandra. 

RSVP separately for Dance Concert tickets here

*Please arrive no later than 10 minutes before the performance to claim your reservation. Late arrivals will not be admitted into the performance.

Open classes and studios

School of Art

  • Animating Cinema 4D 
    Location: MacLab
    Time: 9–11:50 am
    Faculty: Tom Bland, Graphic Design Faculty and Assistant Dean
  • Photo Idea R&D
    Location: E11a 
    Time: 1–4 pm
    Faculty: Andy Freeman, Photography Faculty and Associate Dean
  • Art and Technology Mid-Residency Exhibition 
    Location: D300

School of Film and Video

  • 2D Character Animation
    Location: A108
    Time: 9–11:50 am
    Faculty: Robert Domingo, Character Animation Faculty
  • Sound for Experimental Animation
    Location: E105
    Time: 1–4 pm
    Faculty: Alicia Maye, Film/Video Faculty

School of Music

  • Jazz Faculty Ensembles
    Location: B320 
    Time: 1–5 pm
    Faculty: David Roitstein and Vardan Ovsepian, Jazz Faculty
  • North Indian Ensemble
    Location: B243
    Time: 3–4 pm 
    Faculty: Rajib Kamarkar, World Music Faculty
  • Intonation Workshop
    Location: B324
    Time: 3–4 pm
    Faculty: Mattie Barbier, Instrumental Arts Brass Faculty
  • Live Sound Production
    Location: ROD
    Time: 2–4 pm
    Faculty: John Baffa, School of Music Faculty

School of Theater

  • Architectural Styles (Experience Design and Production)
    Location: D309 
    Time: 2:30–4:20 pm
    Faculty: Ashley Cole-Bruce, School of Theater Faculty  
    Notes: The room is quite small, so we recommend a maximum of 10 guests at a time.
  • Movement (Performance)
    Location: C105B
    Time: 2–3:20 pm
    Faculty: Anthony Nikolchev, School of Theater Faculty

Of Special Note: CalArts at The Reef

Saturday, Oct. 17, 1 – 8 pm
Looking for an official CalArts experience off campus? Head to our downtown LA hub on Saturday for Fall Biannual 01. Experience six art exhibitions, live performances, and panel discussions featuring CalArts MFA postgraduates, Gaines Fellows, alumni, and faculty. More info.

TimeEventAbout
10 am - 12 pmCoffee and send-offEnjoy a final, relaxed moment before heading home. Sip on some coffee and share last-minute stories and hugs before heading out. It’s a sweet, casual closing to a busy weekend, leaving you refreshed and proud of your student’s artistic home.