10 Cornell Traditions You Should Know About

Cornell University is known for its Ivy League academics and stunning campus, but did you know it’s also home to some unique college traditions? Whether parading giant dragons on campus or camping out for hockey tickets, Cornellians know how to keep things interesting.

In this blog, you’ll learn some of the most iconic Cornell traditions and fun facts that showcase life on campus. Whether you’re a future applicant or just curious about what makes Cornell special, these are the customs every Big Red should know.

• Top 10 Cornell University Traditions
• Other Fun Facts about Cornell University
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Top 10 Cornell University Traditions

Cornell University is currently ranked #11 among the best national universities and has the largest undergraduate population in the Ivy League, with over 16,000 students. But beyond rankings and numbers, what really makes student life at Cornell unforgettable are its long-standing traditions.

From Dragon Day chaos to snowy Slope Day countdowns, Cornell traditions capture the wild, creative, and quirky side of life on the Hill. Here are some of the most iconic Cornell traditions you should know about:

1. Dragon Day

Every spring, first-year architecture students at Cornell design and build a massive dragon, then parade it across campus. Known as Dragon Day, this century-old tradition is one of the most iconic events at Cornell. Students from the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) dress in wild costumes and follow the dragon as it winds its way toward the Arts Quad.

Once the dragon arrives, it faces off with a phoenix constructed by engineering students. The symbolic battle between the two creatures has become a staple of the event, highlighting the friendly rivalry between the College of Architecture and the College of Engineering. It’s loud, dramatic, and always a crowd favorite.

Dragon Day began in 1901 when a student proposed a celebration just for architecture students. The first event was held on St. Patrick’s Day and featured green and orange decorations.

By the 1950s, this Cornell tradition evolved into what it is today, complete with handmade dragons and a full campus procession. For many, Dragon Day is more than just a performance but a defining moment of their first year at Cornell.

2. Slope Day

Each May, thousands of Cornell students head to Libe Slope to celebrate the last day of classes with a huge outdoor concert. With live music, food, and friends spread out across the grassy hill, Slope Day marks the unofficial start of summer. It’s one of the most anticipated days of the year and a final chance to relax before finals begin.

Slope Day has featured some major artists over the years, including Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, and the Pussycat Dolls. Each year, artists are chosen through student surveys and budget planning by the Slope Day Programming Board (SDPB), so the lineup reflects what Cornellians actually want to hear.

The tradition goes back to 1902, when Cornell declared a campus-wide holiday called Spring Day. Students organized games, parades, and performances to welcome the warm weather. Over time, the event evolved into what we now know: music-focused, student-centered, and one of the biggest days on the academic calendar.

3. Homecoming

Homecoming at Cornell is a weekend-long celebration of school pride. Held every fall, it brings students, alumni, families, and fans together for one big Red-filled party. From the football game to fireworks, it’s a chance to honor Cornell traditions and show off your Big Red spirit.

In 2022, Cornell brought back Homecoming at full scale for the first time since 2019, without pandemic restrictions. Around 10,000 people attended, including over 2,000 registered alumni and over 5,000 students.

The football game is the centerpiece of the weekend, though the opponent changes each year. Surrounding the big game are dozens of concerts, carnival games, food stalls, and photo booths scattered across campus, plus highlights like the fireworks show at Schoellkopf Field and performances by student groups.

With music, food, sports, and campus pride packed into one weekend, Homecoming is one of the most exciting times to be at Cornell. It’s a time to celebrate the present, relive the past, and share the spirit that makes Cornell feel like home.

4. The Frozen Apple

Every other year, Cornell’s men’s ice hockey team heads to Madison Square Garden in New York City to compete in the Frozen Apple. This high-energy matchup brings Big Red fans together for one of the most anticipated games of the season. With thousands of Cornellians in attendance, it turns MSG into a sea of red and white.

The Frozen Apple isn’t just a regular hockey game but a full Cornell takeover of the world’s most famous arena. Past opponents have included teams like Boston University, Penn State, and Harvard, creating an intense atmosphere that rivals any professional game. Students, alumni, and families pack the stands, often making it feel like a home game in the middle of Manhattan.

And speaking of apples, here’s a fun Cornell fact: You can actually buy fresh apples from a vending machine on campus! Located in the lobby of Mann Library, the machine is stocked with apples grown just a few miles away at Cornell Orchards.

The apples are specially bred for flavor and texture, with a perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and tartness. It’s a small but tasty reminder that Cornell is also one of the world’s top agricultural science schools.

5. Big Red Marching Band

Did you know Cornell has the only real marching band in the Ivy League? While other Ivies use “scatter bands” that move around loosely during performances, the Big Red Marching Band marches in formation, plays in sync, and brings a level of energy that’s hard to miss. It’s a genuine corps-style band and a source of pride for the campus.

The band has been around for over 125 years, making it almost as old as Cornell itself. Most active during the fall semester, it plays at every home football game and several away games. Fans at Schoellkopf Field look forward to the halftime show, when the band sweeps across the field in sharp formations, playing everything from classic fight songs to pop hits.

But the Big Red Marching Band isn’t limited to football! It also performs at parades, downtown Ithaca events, and even the occasional NFL halftime show. Some alumni love the group so much that they invite the band to play at their weddings.

Whether you’re watching from the stands or playing on the field, the Big Red Marching Band is a core Cornell tradition. With their red jackets, big sound, and bold attitude, they help turn every game day into a celebration.

6. Sy Katz ’31 Parade

Speaking of the Big Red Marching Band…

When Cornell plays Columbia in New York City, the Big Red Marching Band gets something no other Ivy League school can claim: a parade of its own through the streets of Manhattan! Known as the Sy Katz ’31 Parade, this unique Cornell tradition fills the city with music, school spirit, and a whole lot of red.

The tradition began in 1972, thanks to Seymour “Sy” Katz, a proud alum from the Class of 1931. In the late ’60s, he became a devoted fan of the Big Red Marching Band and believed they deserved a proper spotlight.

With the help of friends at the Cornell Club-New York, he secured a police permit to march one block in Midtown Manhattan. What started as a short procession became known as “the shortest parade with the longest history in New York City.”

Over the years, the parade has taken on a life of its own, but the mission has stayed the same: to give the band its moment to shine. Today, the band performs a whole post-game parade whenever the Cornell football team travels to play Columbia. Students, alums, and New Yorkers line the street to watch the band march, play fight songs, and proudly wave Cornell flags.

7. Chimes concert

Since 1868, Cornell’s chimes have echoed across campus from the top of McGraw Tower. The Cornell Chimes first rang at the university’s opening ceremonies and have been part of campus life ever since. Today, student “chimesmasters” continue the tradition by performing live concerts up to three times a day during the school year.

Each concert features a mix of music, including Cornell fight songs, classical pieces, and even pop hits like Taylor Swift or The Beatles. The songs are played manually on a 21-bell chime, which takes strength, coordination, and plenty of practice. The result is a unique sound you’ll hear all across the Arts Quad and beyond.

Walking to class, you’ll often hear the bells mid-performance. Some students pause to listen or guess the tune, while others enjoy the music in the background. It’s one of those small, memorable parts of campus life that makes Cornell feel truly different from other schools.

8. International Spirit of Zinck’s Night

“We’ll all have drinks at Theodore Zinck’s, when I get back next fall!” If you’ve heard this line from the classic Cornell song Give My Regards to Davy, you’ve already had a taste of one of the most enduring Cornell traditions.

Every October, Cornellians around the world celebrate the International Spirit of Zinck’s Night with food, drinks, and a strong sense of community.

For more than a century, this annual event has honored the spirit of Theodore Zinck, a beloved Ithaca saloonkeeper whose tavern was a favorite hangout for Cornell students in the late 1800s. Originally a place to unwind and connect, Zinck’s bar became a symbol of Cornell camaraderie.

Today, Zinck’s Night has grown into a global celebration, with Cornellians gathering in cities around the world, including London, Tokyo, Zurich, and Manila, to share stories, memories, and the lasting bond of the Big Red community.

Whether you’re a student in Ithaca or a graduate living thousands of miles away, Zinck’s Night reminds you that Cornell pride doesn’t fade after graduation. It’s a time to reconnect, raise a glass, and celebrate the lifelong friendships that begin on the Hill.

9. Cornell red and white

Cornell’s red and white colors were first used (completely by accident!) during the university’s Inauguration Day on October 7, 1868. As described in A History of Cornell by Morris Bishop, the decorations inside Library Hall featured bold red flannel draped behind large white letters spelling out “CORNELL” and “WHITE,” accented by silver stars.

Though unplanned, this color scheme made such an impression that it became the official identity of the university from that day forward. Those bold red and white uniforms didn’t just turn heads on campus, but they ended up changing the look of grocery store shelves across America.

In 1898, during a Thanksgiving Day football game against the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), Herberton L. Williams, general manager of the Campbell Soup Company, was in the crowd. He was so impressed by Cornell’s colors that he pushed to swap the company’s black-and-orange labels for the same striking red and white.

That redesign debuted in 1899, and Campbell’s hasn’t changed its color scheme since. Today, Cornell’s colors still appear on jerseys, banners, and graduation robes, but their influence reaches far beyond Ithaca, right into kitchens across the country.

10. The bear behind Big Red

Cornell has never had an official mascot, but the bear has long been the university’s most recognized symbol, especially in athletics. The tradition began in 1915, when a live bear appeared on campus during Cornell’s undefeated national championship football season. Three more live bears followed over the years, each known as “Touchdown.”

The last of them, Touchdown IV, became the center of a student-led campaign to bring the bear onto Schoellkopf Field, but the university never approved it. In one strange twist, alumni invited the bear to Cleveland, then shipped it in a dog cage to Columbus, Ohio, for a game against Ohio State. The plan ended abruptly when the Animal Protective League intervened and ordered the bear released into the wilds of western Pennsylvania.

Today, the bear lives on as a costumed student mascot. Known unofficially as “Touchdown,” the student performs at football games, men’s hockey matches, and other varsity events, carrying on a quirky but beloved Cornell tradition.

Other Fun Facts about Cornell University

Now that you know the most iconic Cornell traditions, here are a few fun facts that make the campus even more unforgettable:

1. The campus is “gorges.”

Cornell’s main campus in Ithaca stretches across 745 acres and sits high on a hill overlooking Cayuga Lake. It’s located in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, surrounded by dramatic gorges, hiking trails, and waterfalls that run right through campus.

You’ll often hear students say “Ithaca is Gorges,” and it’s true! You might cross a suspension bridge to get to class, walk past a waterfall on your study break, or hear rushing water while relaxing on the Arts Quad.

The university also manages the nearby Cornell Botanic Gardens, which add over 3,000 acres of gardens, forests, and wild spaces to explore. The natural setting is definitely a huge part of the Cornell experience.

However, Cornell isn’t limited to Ithaca! The university also has a tech-focused campus in New York City and a medical school in Qatar. Still, most students agree that the Ithaca campus is the true heart of the university. It offers something rare: a peaceful, nature-filled setting full of energy, ideas, and academic activity.

2. Cornell’s motto is the best in the country.

Of course, “best” is subjective, but did you know that Motto Magazine once named Cornell’s motto the top motto among all American colleges and universities? The editors praised it for its strong message of access and inclusive education.

The full quote, spoken by founder Ezra Cornell in 1868, is: “I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.” That simple line continues to shape the university’s values today. Around campus, you’ll often see the shorter version, “… any person … any study.” It’s always written with the original punctuation.

From the beginning, Cornell backed up those words with action. The university admitted students regardless of gender, race, or religion at a time when most colleges did not. It was one of the first in the country to welcome women and African Americans, and it still promotes access, diversity, and academic freedom. More than 150 years later, the motto is just as powerful as ever.

3. Cornell has many famous alumni.

Cornell has produced many well-known graduates in science, politics, media, and the arts. Some of the most recognizable names include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, “Science Guy” Bill Nye, and Superman actor Christopher Reeve.

One of the most unique alumni contributions came from Bill Nye himself. In 2011, he donated a “solar noon” clock to Rhodes Hall. Every day at noon, sunlight passes through a metal tube and lands on a disc, marking the time perfectly.

The design highlights Cornell’s blend of science, engineering, and creativity. It’s a great example of how alumni continue to influence campus life.

Cornell’s alumni network is also active and supportive, offering mentorship, career advice, and networking events. When you go to Cornell, you’ll be an ongoing part of the community and proof that the Big Red experience lasts well beyond graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some unique traditions at Cornell University?

Cornell has plenty of unique traditions. Dragon Day features a giant student-built dragon parading through campus, while Slope Day celebrates the last day of classes with a massive outdoor concert. Other unique events include the daily chimes concerts at McGraw Tower and the Sy Katz Parade in NYC.

2. What is Cornell most known for?

Cornell is known for offering Ivy League academic programs in various fields. It’s especially recognized for engineering, hotel administration, architecture, and agriculture. The university is also known for its inclusive motto, “any person, any study,” and its scenic campus in Ithaca.

3. Who are the famous alumni from Cornell University?

Cornell has many famous alumni, including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Bill Nye the Science Guy, and Christopher Reeve. Many Cornell alums have had successful careers in science, business, media, politics, and the arts.

Takeaways

• Cornell’s major traditions include Dragon Day and Slope Day, which bring students together year after year. These events are central to campus life and showcase the university’s creative and spirited culture.
• Other well-loved traditions include the Sy Katz Parade in NYC, Zinck’s Night for alumni, and Homecoming weekend, which is packed with music, games, and fireworks.
• Some interesting facts about Cornell include its fresh apple vending machine and earning the title of best motto among all U.S. colleges and universities.
• Cornell combines rigorous academics with a strong sense of tradition, a diverse student body, and one of the most beautiful campuses in the Ivy League.
• Need help with your Cornell application? A college admissions expert can guide you through the process and help you stand out.