Staff Fest 2026

Staff Fest is an annual recognition event to say thank you to Emory University staff members for their hard work throughout the academic year. It occurs on the Friday after Commencement.

Staff Fest 2026

Friday, May 15, 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, on the Quad

We are excited to announce the 48th annual Staff Fest celebration will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026!

All University staff, faculty, and retirees are invited. We are unable to accommodate family members or non-University employees.

*Emory University badges required for entry.

Staff Fest 2026 will include:

  • Food (see below)
  • DJ, music, and dancing
  • Volleyball tournament (see below)
  • Field games on the quad (relay races, etc.) lead by the Health and Well-being Team
  • Other games and activities

2026 Theme

This year's theme is Emory United, Come Kick it on the Quad!

T-Shirt Sales

Staff Fest t-shirts are available for purchase online. You can choose to have your shirt shipped to your home or pick it up at various times and locations on campus during the week leading up to Staff Fest or at the event itself.

*Be sure to “Submit Order” after submitting your credit card info. Your order has not been placed until you see a confirmation page.

Buy your shirt

volleyball on the quad

Volleyball Tournament

Can your team take home the trophy? Put together your team, select a captain and register for the Volleyball Tournament!

The tournament can accommodate 16 teams on two courts. Teams should consist of 6 to 10 players each. Deadline to register is April 30.

  • Location: On the Quad 
  • Time: Refereed games will occur between 11:00 am-2:00 pm 
  • Only team captains should sign up for their team. One registration per team with a max of 10 players per team
  • Questions? Contact healthemory@emory.edu

Register for Volleyball

Chalk the Walk

Chalk the Walk is about spreading joy, optimism and inspiration through the magical power of sidewalk chalk. The THEME for the artwork aligns with this year's Staff Fest theme, Emory United! 

Only two entries per school/division will be accepted, with a maximum of 12 total teams in the contest. For complete guidelines and additional details, view the Chalk the Walk Guidelines.

  • Location: On the Quad 
  • Time:Teams can start as early as 9 am and must be finished by noon
  • Only team captains should sign up for their team. Teams must have a minimum of 2 members and a maximum of 4
  • Questions? Contact hrcomms@emory.edu.

Register for Chalk the Walk

Food

Staff Fest provides a free lunch catered by Williamson, Bros. BBQ. Serving starts at 11:30 and will be served while quantities last.

Menu:

  • Chopped chicken
  • Pulled pork
  • Black bean burger (vegan)
  • Baked beans (no pork)
  • Potato salad
  • Assorted gourmet cookies (oatmeal raisin, chocolate chunk, white chunk macadamia, mini candy cookies)

Drinks: Variety of Coke products, donated by Coca-Cola.

There will also be ice cream throughout the Quad.

Bring Your Own Refillable Water Bottle

Staff Fest partners with the Emory Office of Sustainability Initiatives to make this event as sustainable as possible.

All attendees are strongly encouraged to bring their own water bottle to this event to limit the number of plastic water bottles distributed.

We will also have maps of refill stations on the Quad.

Thank you!

Human Resources would like to extend a big thank you to all our campus partners who are helping us make Staff Fest happen this year:

  • Healthy Emory
  • Campus Services
  • Transportation and Parking
  • Emory Police Department
  • Office of Sustainability
  • Staff Council
  • Communications and Marketing
  • Advancement & Alumni Engagement

Thank you to our corporate sponsor, Coca Cola, for providing drinks and a special shout out to all our volunteers! We couldn't do it without you!