RecWellcome Back
Events on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026
* Meet us at our blue and gold Well Hut tent by Centennial Green to hop on the free trolley or get a free SPIN bike or scooter to go downtown!
Flashes Flourish Health & Wellness Fair
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Centennial Court B
The Flashes Flourish Health and Wellness Fair is a signature welcome event designed to connect students with health, well-being, and community resources both on and off campus. The event creates an interactive environment where students can explore services, build connections, and engage in activities that support a strong start to the academic year. In addition to the resource fair, the event includes several activities designed to connect you to the broader Kent community:
- Start your day grounded, energized, and refreshed. Balance & Brew - 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. is a morning yoga and coffee experience offered on the Centennial Green in partnership with Bent Tree Coffee to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and community building.
- Well-being and Sensory Space Grand Opening. The newly renovated Well-being & Sensory Space brings expanded wellness programming and services directly into the residence halls, making it easier than ever to prioritize your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
- Whether you’re looking to unwind, focus, de-stress, or simply take a moment for yourself, this inviting, student-centered environment offers a welcoming space to pause and recharge—just steps from your door.
- Keep the momentum going with complementary rides to downtown, where you will find can't miss experiences like the , river adventure, and community fire department open house and blood drive.
- Catch the trolley for a laid-back trip or power your own adventure with a SPIN Bike or Scooter for a fun, active, and safe ride. See below for convenient times and locations.
Haymaker Farmers’ Market Trip with the ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì of Well-being*
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Franklin Ave in downtown Kent
Did you know Portage County’s oldest producer’s only farmers’ market is right in your backyard?! Let the ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì of Well-being guide you on your first trip to stock up on yummy, prepared foods, locally grown fruits and veggies, fresh cut flowers, roasted coffee, handmade soaps, art and more! Walk around to learn about the local farming community and meet friendly local makers. To get to the farmer's market, meet us at our blue and gold Well Hut tent by Centennial Court B (behind the Kent Student Center and Centennial residence halls) at the Flashes Flourish Health and Wellness Fair between 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. You can hop on a free trolley ride (there and back), or get a free SPIN Bike/Scooter ride to downtown at this location.
Kayaking and Tubing with Adventure Center*
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Tannery Park in downtown Kent
The Adventure Center is offering free kayak lessons and river tubing at Tannery Park in the downtown Kent area (300 Stow Road; near the Farmer’s Market in Downtown Kent).
- Learn kayaking skills or take a leisurely float down the historic and beautiful Cuyahoga River on an inflatable tube.
- Friendly Adventure Center staff will be there to assist you.
- Enclosed shoes or sandals with a back strap are required.
- To get to these sessions, meet at the blue and gold Well Hut tent by Centennial Court B (behind the Kent Student Center and Centennial residence halls) at the Flashes Flourish Health and Wellness Fair between 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. You can hop on a free trolley ride (there and back), or get a free SPIN Bike/Scooter ride to downtown at this location.
Kent Fire Department 150th Anniversary Community Open House*
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Fire Station 1 in downtown Kent - 320 S Depeyster St.
Join in celebrating the Kent Fire Department's 150 years of service to our community! They will be offering a blood drive, hands-only CPR, blood pressure screenings, community outreach activities, and fire safety education.
Our free trolley or SPIN Bike/Scooter will take you from our Centennial Green events to downtown, allowing for just a quick walk to the fire station.
Open Skating at the Ice Arena
12 - 3 p.m. at the ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì Ice Arena
Kick off the new school year on the ice! Join RecWell for a FREE RecWellcome Back Open Skate at the ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì Ice Arena. Skate rental is included—just bring your KSU student ID, grab your friends, and celebrate the start of an exciting new year at ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì!
RecWellcome Back Party
5 – 7:30 p.m. at the Beverly J. Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center
Come experience lots of games, activities, prizes and fun at our carnival-themed block party!
Activities include bottle toss, pop-a-shot, a tightrope walk challenge, rock climbing, a hang competition on a hang board, archery, sand volleyball, basketball, pickleball, yard games, board games, a DJ patio party and more! Participants will receive raffle tickets to use for chances to win prizes including a free kayak trip for two, a free Group X pass, a free IM Play Pass, t-shirts, hammocks, stickers, and more!
Be one of the first 200 to arrive and get a RecWellcome Back souvenir t-shirt!
- Exercise attire and closed-toe athletic shoes must be worn at all times for non-water related activities.
Dive-In Movie "Dumbo" (2019)
8 – 10 p.m. at the Natatorium in the SRWC
Join us for an evening of fun at the RecWellcome Back Dive-in Movie at the SRWC Natatorium. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience. You will not want to miss the excitement as we project the movie, creating a magical atmosphere in the water. Swim, float, and enjoy snacks with friends while watching this classic, reimagined! This event is limited to the first 400 people.
- Proper swimming attire is required.
- Athletic, exercise clothing permitted.
