McNerdicon: A Celebration of All Things Nerdy April 30

A long time ago, in a dining center very close by (under 12 parsecs to be exact), McNerdicon was born. What began as a Star Wars Day event on May the Fourth at McNary Dining Center has grown into an annual celebration of all things nerdy. Each year’s McNerdicon differs in theme, activities, décor and food specials, but it has maintained a core set of elements that make McNerdicon a fan favorite event.

This year it will be held 9 to 11:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30. 

The first McNerdicon featured decorations and memes throughout the building along with food items renamed with a Star Wars theme – Boba Fettuccini Alfredo anyone? The next year it expanded to include Harry Potter themes, a photo booth, caricaturist, costume contest, and gaming corner. The event was an immediate hit and has remained popular, attracting an average of 200 scruffy-looking nerf herders… er, students per year.

For the past few years, the OSU Gaming Club has played a large role in McNerdicon’s activities; hosting mini LAN parties, bringing their own TVs and gaming systems and encouraging students to bring Nintendo Switches for large-scale Mario Kart races. Food items at the “Gamer Food Bar” keep competitors well fueled with nachos, chili cheese dogs, popcorn, soda and more.

Other organizations and clubs on campus are also involved in the event. RHA, the Chess Club and Furry Club have all participated. For those who literally wear their fandom proudly, the Cosplay Club often hosts cosplay contests, and the Taylor Swift Club has hosted a friendship bracelet-making station. For the analog gamers, there are also tables for board games and tabletop games such as Dungeons and Dragons. The activities and clubs vary year-to-year but the general spirit of embracing your inner nerd prevails. Whether you frequently travel Rainbow Road, or prefer to use the Bifrost, this event is the perfect chance to geek out with fellow nerds and enjoy the fun of celebrating shared interests.

McNerdicon typically takes place the last week of April or first week of May (usually the Thursday before May the Fourth). Keep an eye out at McNary and at @eastsidebeavs on Instagram for updates on this year’s event and to find out how your club can be involved!

There’s no need to wait until April to enjoy fun events at dining centers on campus though! From tailgate parties and trivia nights to fine dining dinners and holiday events, there is a full calendar of activities to enjoy across campus year-round. Be sure to follow @food.at.osu and each campus neighborhood’s account on Instagram (@eastsidebeavs, @southsidebeavs, @westsidebeavs) to never miss an event!