Finally!! A 3-Day entertainment-packed, cost effective, weekend with 6 great events! August 2nd to August 4th! Get ready! The Midwest HBCU Weekend is taking over Columbus, Ohio!

The Midwest HBCU Weekend is bringing together HBCU Alumni as well as other alumni from throughout the Midwest. Individuals from a 3-hour radius including Pittsburgh, Detroit, Louisville, Cleveland, Indianapolis and Cincinnati will be converging on Columbus for an action-packed weekend consisting of networking, socializing and yes, partying. Celebrity entertainers and hosts will be in full effect. The weekend will bring that Southern HBCU experience to the Midwest.

All events will be held in downtown Columbus venues that are either within walking distance or a short Uber ride from any downtown hotel (Add link to website participating hotels link).

Thursday August 2nd

Cigars & Cocktails @ Avalon

The weekend kicks off on Thursday August 2nd with Cigars & Cocktails which will be a laid-back mix of music, cocktails and cigars. Pipes and Pleasures will be your host for the evening providing a broad array of cigar options. Whether you’re a first timer or an aficionado, we've got you covered. It all takes place from 6 pm to 10 pm at Avalon on 205 N 5th Street.

Friday August 3rd

HBCU Connect Professional Networking Reception & Mixer @ Downtown Hyatt

Major employers such as Amazon, JP Morgan Chase and Nationwide will be participating in a professional networking reception designed to bring together corporate recruiters with professional talent. This event will be held at the Hyatt Downtown Columbus| 350 N High St on Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm. To attend this event, you must submit a resume to www.hbcuconnect.com/weekend by July 31st. Hors d’oeuvres and two free drink tickets for the first 100 attendees to register for the reception.

Distinguished Alumni Happy Hour @ Granero Lounge

Mules and Mojitos happy hour will be held at Granero Lounge at 51 Vine St in the Columbus chic Short North District. Happy Hour begins at 4 pm and goes until 8 pm. Drink and food specials are on tap.

First Fridays Midwest Edition @ Copious

First Fridays is hosting the HBCU Alumni from across the Midwest. Inaddition to hosting the Gala After party all at at Copious at 520 S High St. It goes down with 3 DJs and a live band. Get ready for three levels of entertainment 3 DJs, live band and cigar bar.

Saturday August 4th

Represent Day Party - Hosted By OMEGAS @ Club XO

Omega Psi Phi will be hosting the Represent Day Party. This day party will provide an opportunity to wear your favorite t-shirt featuring your School, Team, Fraternity/Sorority, City or Loved one. It is going down at Club XO’s “Sky Room” fully equipped with a retractable roof and patio. 40 East long street is the place to be on Aug 4th from 3pm to 8pm.

Kappa Summer Soiree – All White Affair @ The River Club

Kappa Alpha Psi Columbus Alumni Chapter is hosting The Kappa Summer Soiree “All White Affair” at the legendary River Club(Boathouse\Confluence Park). The big show is going down with 6 rooms of entertainment along with the hottest patio party in the city. 679 W Spring St - August 4th 9pm to 2am.