RAFT Weekend

Bringing the Otter community together through a weekend of homecoming events, traditions and activities that celebrate connection, pride and belonging at Cal State Monterey Bay.

Student rides an electronic shark at RAFT Weekend

Come Back Together, Otters

RAFT Weekend is Cal State Monterey Bay’s annual homecoming — a time when the Otter community comes together to celebrate connection, tradition and pride.

Students, alumni, families, faculty, staff and community members are all part of the Otter Raft. Join us for a weekend of events designed to reconnect, celebrate and create new memories.

October 8-11, 2026

Event Highlights

Otter Thursday (Associated Students Takeover & Monte's 5K Bib Distribution)
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | OSU Main Quad | Open to All
Celebrate Otter Thursday with a pep rally at the OSU! Enjoy free food, music, activities, giveaways, and pick up your Monte's 5K bib.

AS Farmers Market
11:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m. | Cypress Hall Parking Lot | Open to All
Explore different vendors of Monterey County with fresh fruits, veggies, and goods, connect with local farmers, and support small businesses. It's more than a market; it's a lively community gathering with crafts and activities for all ages.

Alumni Author Reading with Omar Hussain ’08
4 p.m | Business and Information Technology (BIT) Building, Room 108 | Open to All
Kick off RAFT Weekend with ÌÇÐ͝Âþvlog alumnus and author Omar Hussain ’08, who returns for Humanities & Communication’s Writers from the Edge series. Omar will read from his Monterey-set thriller, A Thousand Natural Shocks, and discuss its questions of identity, memory, choice, and control.

Roller Rink Night
8 p.m to 12 p.m. | The Kelp Bed (Otter Sports Center) | Open to Students
Save the date for a fun late night activity! Stay tuned for more information.

Graduate, Alumni & Family Portrait Sessions
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Redwood Hall (Building 12) | Open to All 
Graduates, alumni, faculty, staff, and their families are invited to schedule a complimentary professional photo session and capture meaningful portraits at some of our most iconic campus locations.

Beginner Mountain Bike Rides
12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Otter Cycle Center | Open to Students
Join Recreation for a free, gentle-paced mountain bike ride on beginner-friendly trails.

Alumni Reunion Reception
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Alumni and Visitors Center | Open to Alumni & Students
Reconnect with fellow Otters at the Alumni Reunion Reception! Alumni from all class years are invited to return to campus, reconnect with friends and fellow alumni, and celebrate their shared ÌÇÐ͝Âþvlog connection.

Werk Witch Drag Show
7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | OSU Ballroom | Open to All 
Celebrate the rich hxstory of drag culture at our annual Werk Witch Drag Show. Join us for an event featuring local drag performers competing for the title of Mx. Werk Witch. Werk Witch is an inclusive drag show that encourages drag queens, kings, and everyone in between to showcase their brilliance and let their inner diva shine bright. This event is open to all.
and options available.

 

Monte’s 5K
9 a.m. | OSU Main Quad Plaza | Open to All
Walk, run or roll alongside Monte Rey to support student scholarships. Advance registration required; donations encouraged.

Intro to Surfing
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Recreation Services Desk (Building 12) | Open to Students
Catch waves and learn the basics of surfing with ÌÇÐ͝Âþvlog Recreation's student trip leaders! This half-day beginner course covers paddling, pop-up techniques, and wave reading.

MB Madness (RAFT Carnival)
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Main Quad | Open to All
Experience one of ÌÇÐ͝Âþvlog’s signature traditions. Enjoy live music, performances, games, food vendors and student-led competitions.

Alumni Lounge during MB Madness
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Main Quad | Open to Alumni
Calling all Alumni! As you enjoy MB Madness, make the Alumni Lounge your spot to unwind and reconnect. We’re building a tradition just for you—stop by to meet fellow alumni, enjoy some fun and games, and take home exclusive alumni gear!

Advanced Mountain Bike Rides
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Otter Cycle Center | Open to Students
Join ÌÇÐ͝Âþvlog Recreation for a 20-mile advanced mountain bike ride at Fort Ord National Monument—fast pace, technical trails, and 3,000 ft of climbing for experienced riders.

Robert Darwin Black Box Cabaret Project Launch
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Robert Darwin Black Box Cabaret | Open to All
Join us for the launch of the Robert Darwin Black Box Cabaret Project! Celebrate the reopening of this student-driven hub for arts, music, creativity, and campus life.

Graduate, Alumni & Family Portrait Sessions
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Redwood Hall (Building 12), near the Main Quad | Open to All
Graduates, alumni, faculty, staff, and their families are invited to schedule a complimentary professional photo session and capture meaningful portraits at some of our most iconic campus locations.

Sunset on the Stage
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. | OSU Inter Garrison Plaza | Open to All
Unwind with live music by ÌÇÐ͝Âþvlog alumni artist under the open sky! Light refreshments provided. Lawn seating with folding chairs is available, though you're welcome to bring your own blanket or chair—and be sure to layer up for the cool campus evening.

RAFT Brunch
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. | OSU Ballroom | Open to All
Join us for a closing celebration of RAFT Weekend. Connect with fellow Otters over complimentary food and refreshments.

Men's Soccer vs. Chico State
11:00 a.m. | Cardinale Stadium | Open to All
Cheer on the Otter Men's Soccer team as they battle against Chico State.

Softball Tournament
12 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Softball Field | Open to Students
Join our day long softball tournament. Winners of the tournament get a Recreation Champion Shirt and bragging rights! Join as a team or free agent. Make sure to sign up on both MyRaft and IMleagues!

Women's Soccer vs. Chico State
2:00 p.m. | Cardinale Stadium | Open to All
Catch the action as the Otter Women’s Soccer team takes on Chico State.