Special Events | Penn Today

12/3

14th Annual CT3N Symposium

Microscopic view of nanoparticle materials in a repeating hexagonal pattern.

The 2025 CT3N Symposium will feature outstanding speakers in the fields of targeted therapeutics, drug delivery, biomaterials, and nanomedicine, with a focus on targeting the central nervous system. The symposium can be attended in person or via live webcast.

All Day

Hybrid; Smilow Center for Translational Research, 3400 Civic Center Blvd.

12/5

Film Festival: New Italian Cinema

New Italian Cinema is an annual film festival centered around showing and celebrating the newest Italian feature films. Entering its 25th year, this festival will present a program of films by outstanding first-time directors. Free and open to the public.

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Penn Museum, 3260 South St.

9/25

PAC Con 2025

PAC Con is an annual, multi-day gathering—hosted by the Platt Student Performing Arts House—for performing arts groups to learn, share, and build community. Programming features informational and topical sessions led by arts-related centers and departments across campus.

All Day

Platt Student Performing Arts House, 3702 Spruce St.

9/20

Smarter Care Datathon

Medical professional holding an iPad with medical visuals like DNA strings and snapshots of medical imagery floating in background.

During this friendly competition, nursing and engineering students and clinicians will tackle real-world data challenges that impact clinical care. Participants can work individually or with an interdisciplinary team, receive guidance from mentors, and compete for a prize.

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Fagin Hall, 418 Curie Blvd.

10/3

Reinventing Aristotle: Between Manuscripts and Printed Books

An open ancient book of Aristotle in Latin.

Visitors are invited to celebrate the opening of Reinventing Aristotle, a new exhibit exploring how perceptions of Aristotle have evolved over the centuries. The evening will conclude with a reception. Register to attend.

4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, 3420 Walnut St.

9/19

AI Research Mixer 2025

Crowd of pedestrians with data points overlapping over the graphic.

Participants will experience a full day of faculty talks, poster presentations, and networking opportunities with members of ASSET, IDEAS, Warren, DDDI and Penn AI to learn about the wide range of AI research happening across the University. All Penn community members who have interest in AI are welcome. Catering will be provided, including a light reception following the final talks. Register by Sept. 1 to attend.

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Amy Gutmann Hall, 3317 Chestnut St.

9/18

McHarg Center Perspectives Launch

This program will celebrate the first installment of ‘Perspectives’ interviews, featuring presentations from LARP faculty and their McHarg Center research assistants, followed by a student-led panel discussion. Attendees can hear about recent work from fellow students and faculty and exchange ideas. Free and open to the public.

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Fisher Fine Arts Library, 220 S. 34th St.

8/22

The Houston Hurrah!

During New Student Orientation, this open house extravaganza of events will include a picture scavenger hunt, free ice cream and snow cones, arts and crafts, video games and board games, and custom street sign-making. Participants will explore Houston Hall and enjoy a special performance by the Penn Glee Club.

9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Houston Hall, 3417 Spruce St.

8/22

Penn Bookstore Social

Entrance of Penn Bookstore with festive decoration.

New students will get acquainted with Penn’s comprehensive bookstore—a central hub to shop and hang out—during this New Student Orientation program. Visitors can enjoy music, desserts, and raffle drawings in the second-floor café.

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St.

8/21

Penn Traditions 101: From Highball to Hey Day

Part of New Student Orientation, attendees will learn from the Penn Traditions and Alumni Relations teams about Penn’s traditions and history, as well as play games, enjoy snacks, and get an exclusive Class of 2029 giveaway.

4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

College Green, by the Benjamin Franklin Statue