Snow much fun planned for RIT’s FreezeFest ’22

This time of year is statistically the coldest in Rochester, so when better for winter enthusiasts to enjoy skiing and snowboarding trips, ice skating, and hockey games?

And those who enjoy warmer environments can partake in museum and gallery tours, movies, basketball games, and more during this year’s 10-day FreezeFest, beginning Friday through Feb. 6.

“The goal of FreezeFest is to bring the RIT community together in new ways to celebrate Rochester’s cold and snowy months,” said Bill St. Jean, associate director for campus programs. “Since its inception in 2010, FreezeFest has brought students and the RIT community together for an assortment of winter-themed programs and events.”

One of the more popular features students enjoy during FreezeFest is the swag that is given away. The Student Life social media pages will provide up-to-date information on FreezeFest activities and where you may receive winter gear, including hats, gloves, shirts, and socks.

“Winter can be rough between the cold and schoolwork stress, so events like FreezeFest are even more impactful,” said Rachel DeTone, a fourth-year graphic design major from Marlton, N.J., and the director for the RIT College Activities Board. “It’s important to give students a chance to unwind, hang out with each other, and get some free goodies. Every year, FreezeFest ends up being such a joy to be a part of. Seeing the months of hard work and planning come together on its own is very satisfying.”

Although some events are already sold out, there are plenty of other activities scheduled. New this year is Ovation: RIT Performing Arts Showcase, where 15 performances will compete for cash prizes. The competition will be held 7-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, in the Robert F. Panara Theatre in Lyndon Baines Johnson Hall.

All events, unless otherwise mentioned, are free and open to the RIT community.

For the latest information, go to the FreezeFest website.

Other scheduled events include:

Friday, Jan. 28: 

• Margaret’s House Food Drive, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Margaret's House, RIT's on-campus child care center, is collecting non-perishable food items for the RIT FoodShare Center.
• Community Service Fair, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Community Service Fair is offered once at the beginning of each semester to find volunteer opportunities. Free kid-sized Ben & Jerry’s cone for all attendees. ASL interpreters will be available. Student Alumni Union, Fireside Lounge,
• Chocolate on Ice, 9 p.m.-midnight. The annual ice skating and chocolate festival. Enjoy ice skating (skates available or bring your own) and chocolate treats. Gene Polisseni Center.

Saturday, Jan. 29:

• Into the ROC: Tour of ARTISANworks, 12:30 p.m.-4 p.m. Take a bus to a guided tour of ARTISANworks, a nonprofit art space that supports and displays the work of local artists. (SOLD OUT)

 Sunday, Jan. 30:

• Ski and Snowboard Trip, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., College Activities Board presents a trip to Bristol Mountain Resort. $30 includes bus transportation and lift tickets. (WAITING LIST)
• Wrestling, RIT vs. SUNY Oswego, noon-2 p.m., George H. Clark Gymnasium.

Monday, Jan. 31:

• Stay Warm with the Center for Campus Life, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free hot chocolate, coffee, and giveaways. Campus Center, Lobby.
• Labyrinth, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Participate in a lunch-break Labyrinth walk. This event is for anyone, non-specific to any religious or spiritual beliefs. The theme is “Hope in Winter,” reminding ourselves that we all need to grasp onto hope in the darkest days of the year in order to seek the dawning of new creation as light more readily trickles in over these next few months. Walk and reflect at your own pace. Student Alumni Union, Fireside Lounge.

Tuesday, Feb. 1:

• Brighten Your Day, 9 a.m. Wellness giveaways. Campus Center, Breezeway.
• Black Heritage Month Kickoff, 1-2 p.m., Student Alumni Union, Fireside Lounge.

Wednesday, Feb. 2:

• Commuter Chill, 8-10 a.m. Bagels and warm drinks provided by Off-Campus and Commuter Services. Campus Center.
• Warm Up with International Student Services, 9:30-11 a.m., Student Alumni Union, International Student Services Office.
• Bow Wow Wellness, 12:30-2 p.m. De-stress by petting visiting dogs. Student Alumni Union, Fireside Lounge.

Thursday, Feb. 3:

• I Love Female Orgasm, 8-9:30 p.m. A fun, educational program about sexuality and pleasure. Open to people of all genders. Student Alumni Union, Ingle Auditorium.

Friday, Feb. 4:

• FreezeFest Ice Sculpture, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., outside George H. Clark Gymnasium.
• FreezeFest Festivities, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Student Alumni Union, Lobby.
• Gray Matter Discussion: Is it Time for Gender Abolition?, noon-1 p.m. A dialogue via Zoom on a controversial topic with civility and respect for freedom of speech.
• Paint n’ Chill, 3-6 p.m. Try a massage chair, visit the photo booth, and paint along with others. Campus Center, Bamboo Room 2650 and Reading Room.
• Women’s Basketball vs. Clarkson, 5:30-7:30 p.m., George H. Clark Gymnasium.
• Kapaemahu: A film screening and panel discussion, 6-7 p.m., or join on Zoom. The School of Film and Animation in cooperation with the Native American Future Stewards Program, Campus Life, the Animation Club, and the Native American Student Association, are hosting a screening of this 2D animated short film. Learn about the hidden history of the four monumental stones on Waikiki Beach and the transgender healing spirits within them. The screening will be followed by a discussion with two of the film’s directors, Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu and Joe Wilson. Wegmans Theater, MAGIC Spell Studios.
• Ovation: RIT Performing Arts Showcase, 7-9 p.m. The showcase features 15 performances vying for cash prizes. Lyndon Baines Johnson Hall, Robert F. Panara Theatre.
• “Happy Feet” College Activities Board Cinema, 8-11 p.m., Ingle Auditorium.
• Men’s Hockey vs. American International College, 7:05 p.m., Gene Polisseni Center.
• Men’s Basketball vs. Clarkson, 7:30-9:30 p.m., George H. Clark Gymnasium.

Saturday, Feb. 5:

• Into the ROC: George Eastman Museum, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., George Eastman Museum. Take a self-guided tour of the estate of George Eastman, the pioneer of popular photography and motion picture film, and Kodak founder. The Eastman Museum is the world’s oldest photography museum and currently features RIT faculty member Joshua Rashaad McFadden’s “I Believe I’ll Run On” exhibit. McFadden will be available for questions. (SOLD OUT)
• ALANA Lounge, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Table games, snacks and prizes. Gordon Field House and Activities Center.
• Snow Much Fun!, noon-4 p.m. Fun activities, free food, and student run-businesses, Student Alumni Union, Davis Room and Lobby.
• Women’s Basketball vs. St. Lawrence – National Girls and Women in Sports Celebration, 2-4 p.m., George H. Clark Gymnasium.
• Men’s Basketball vs. St. Lawrence, 4 p.m., George H. Clark Gymnasium.
• Men’s Hockey vs. American International College, 5:05 p.m., Gene Polisseni Center.
• “Big Hero 6,” College Activities Board Cinema, 8-11 p.m., Ingle Auditorium.

Sunday, Feb. 6:

• Change Makers Symposium, 11 a.m-3:30 p.m. Experiential activities and opportunities to connect with the RIT community. Listen, reflect, explore and get outside.
• Laughing Gull Chocolate Making Trip, 11:50 a.m.-2:50 p.m. Visit The Rochester Brainery for a chocolate making class, as well as a tasting hosted by Laughing Gull Chocolates. All supplies and transportation provided. (WAITING LIST).
• Open Skate, 1-4 p.m., Outdoor Rink – Tennis Courts (weather depending).