Cardinal Nights, Stanford’s signature substance-free program for students, celebrates more than a dozen years this spring.
The Arbor reopened in 2021 and provides students a place to gather, perform music, and host events. | Nikolas Liepins/Ethography
After a pause during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program, which was started by the Office of Substance Use Programs Education and Resources and is run by the Office of Student Engagement, returned in full in fall 2023.
Cardinal Nights hosts an annual Casino Night, an evening of entertainment, gambling, and charitable giving. | Micaela Go
In addition, OSE launched a Cardinal Nights series of events called Explore the Bay. The off-campus trips to places like Great America, San Jose Sharks games, or Broadway shows, give students the chance to explore local activities and venues and connect off campus in non-academic settings.
Stanford’s Lego Night draws a crowd of eager builders each year. | Anthony Chen/Ethography
On average, more than 800 students attend Cardinal Nights events each month, with some of the more popular being timed with traditions such as the revival of the Mausoleum, which occurs every October.
The annual Mausoleum Halloween party is a Stanford student tradition, dating back decades. | Anthony Chen/Ethography
“We’ve continued to look for opportunities that bring students joy, belonging, and a chance for them to get to know the Bay Area,” said Snehal Naik, senior director of student engagement. “We want students to embrace the social opportunities and traditions that help create lifelong friendships.”
During fall and spring quarters, student bands regularly perform at the Arbor. | Nikolas Liepins/Ethography
Since its inception in 2011, the program has been shaped by student feedback. For example, last year, OSE worked to include additional late-night events and brought back some of the more popular ones such as Casino Night, and introduced Arcade Night and a Lego competition.
Cardinal Nights first hosted a Lego Night in 2023 and due to popular demand, brought the event back one year later. | Anthony Chen/Ethography
“We appreciate students reaching out with feedback and sharing their experiences as we continue to strengthen the program,” Naik said. “We want Cardinal Nights to be student-centered and reflective of the things students are interested in doing together. Some of the best stories we have heard are when students come to events and make new friends with a common interest.”
Cardinal Nights regularly hosts movie nights on and off campus, including a “2022 event dubbed “Movie Night with Trees.” | Micaela Go
For more information
Interested in learning more? Follow Cardinal Nights on Instagram or attend an upcoming event.
