Everyone is Welcome to the 101st Annual Open House

The University of Guelph is inviting the community to experience College Royal, its annual campus-wide open house, celebrating 101 years of tradition. Taking place on March 15 and 16, this free event showcases the university’s seven different schools of study and offers plenty of family-friendly activities.

“We wanted to stick to our roots this year,” said Jillian Ohm, College Royal president, in a press release. “It’s amazing to see this tradition continue for over a century, even through challenging times. It’s great to see everyone back on campus.”

Run entirely by students at 50 Stone Rd. E., College Royal is an opportunity to explore various buildings, exhibits, and events across campus.

“Seeing our hard work come together and the joy it brings to people is so rewarding,” Ohm added.

Six Must-Do Activities at College Royal

🔹 1. Visit Old MacDonald’s Farm – Bring the family to see live animals and interactive displays, a favorite attraction for kids and animal lovers.

🐴 2. Watch the Livestock Shows – Check out horses, dairy cattle, beef cattle, and sheep, all proudly showcased by University of Guelph students.

💃 3. Experience the Square Dancing Competition – Held on Saturday, this energetic tradition features talented dancers competing in a fun and lively event.

🥞 4. Enjoy a Pancake Breakfast at the Pancake Flip – From 9 to 11 a.m. daily, grab a plate of pancakes and watch the Pancake Flip competition on Sunday to see who can create the best breakfast masterpiece.

🥤 5. Try a Mystery-Flavored Plant-Based Milkshake – Created by undergraduate students in collaboration with the Guelph Food Innovation Centre, this unique dairy-free treat will be revealed at the event.

🐶 6. Watch the Dog and Cat Shows – Student handlers will showcase their pups’ skills in exciting dog shows, while the cat competition will be judged virtually.

More to Explore

📍 Visitors can also check out art exhibits, a commemorative mural celebrating the 100th anniversary, and kid-friendly indoor and outdoor games. The mural is expected to be a popular photo-op spot for attendees.

🚗 Admission and parking are free, with event locations spread across University Centre, Dairy Barn, Summerlee Science Complex, Athletics Centre, and Rozanski Hall.