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RAFT Weekend

Bringing the Otter community together through a weekend of homecoming events, traditions and activities that celebrate connection, pride and belonging at Cal State Monterey Bay.

Student rides an electronic shark at RAFT Weekend
Otter Traditions and Experiences

Come Back Together, Otters

RAFT Weekend is Cal State Monterey Bay’s annual homecoming — a time when the Otter community comes together to celebrate connection, tradition and pride.

Students, alumni, families, faculty, staff and community members are all part of the Otter Raft. Join us for a weekend of events designed to reconnect, celebrate and create new memories.

October 8-11, 2026

Event Highlights

Otter Thursday (Associated Students Takeover & Monte's 5K Bib Distribution)
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | OSU Main Quad | Open to All
Celebrate Otter Thursday with a pep rally at the OSU! Enjoy free food, music, activities, giveaways, and pick up your Monte's 5K bib.

Roller Rink Night
8 p.m to 12 p.m. | The Kelp Bed (Otter Sports Center) | Open to Students
Save the date for a fun late night activity! Stay tuned for more information.

Graduate, Alumni & Family Portrait Sessions
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | OSU Main Plaza | Open to All 
Stay tuned for more information.

Beginner Mountain Bike Rides
12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Otter Cycle Center | Open to Students
Join Recreation for a free, gentle-paced mountain bike ride on beginner-friendly trails.
Register on MyRaft

Werk Witch Drag Show
7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | OSU Ballroom | Open to All 
Celebrate the rich hxstory of drag culture at our annual Werk Witch Drag Show. Join us for an event featuring local drag performers competing for the title of Mx. Werk Witch. Werk Witch is an inclusive drag show that encourages drag queens, kings, and everyone in between to showcase their brilliance and let their inner diva shine bright. This event is open to all.
In-person and livestream options available.

 

Monte’s 5K
9 a.m. | OSU Main Quad Plaza | Open to All
Walk, run or roll alongside Monte Rey to support student scholarships. Advance registration required; donations encouraged.
Register for Monte’s 5K

MB Madness (RAFT Carnival)
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Main Quad | Open to All
Experience one of CSUMB’s signature traditions. Enjoy live music, performances, games, food vendors and student-led competitions.

Advanced Mountain Bike Rides
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Otter Cycle Center | Open to Students
Join CSUMB Recreation for free 20-mile advanced mountain bike ride at Fort Ord National Monument—fast pace, technical trails, and 3,000 ft of climbing for experienced riders.
Register on MyRaft

Graduate, Alumni & Family Portrait Sessions
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Administration Plaza | Open to All
Stay tuned for more information.

RAFT Brunch
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. | OSU Ballroom | Open to All
Join us for a closing celebration of RAFT Weekend. Connect with fellow Otters over complimentary food and refreshments.
Registration required via MyRaft

Softball Tournament
12 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Softball Field | Students Only
Join our day long softball tournament. Winners of the tournament get a Recreation Champion Shirt and bragging rights! Join as a team or free agent. Make sure to sign up on both MyRaft and IMleagues!
Register for Softball Tournament