Artists, Performers, & Lightning Talks
Each year, in addition to our poster presentations, Cal Poly Humboldt’s ideaFest also showcases creative works by visual and performing artists, musicians, filmmakers, and much more! Live performances and presentations happen during the event and are open to all.
Marching Lumberjacks
Library Main Entrance • 2:30pm - 3pm
The Marching Lumberjacks are a student run organization and have been so for 57 years. We accept and welcome everyone to join, regardless of musical background. The Marching Lumberjacks travel all throughout California for parades and events, always bringing a fun time to our fans.
Humboldt Sculpture Walk
Library Nordstrom Lobby, Library 1st Floor • Guided tours are scheduled at 12pm and 5pm. Please meet in the Library Nordstrom Lobby.
The Cal Poly Humboldt Sculpture Walk will take you on a journey through the Library, with pieces displayed in various locations appropriate for each work. You'll discover an abundance of high-quality art created on our campus. This annual Cal Poly Humboldt Sculpture Walk, presented by the Associated Student Sculptors, showcases the wide variety of artwork produced by the Cal Poly Humboldt Sculpture program. It usually occurs from April to May, concluding with commencement. Guided tours are at 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm, coordinated by Sondra Schwetman, Cal Poly Humboldt Sculpture Lab. Tour groups meet in the Library Nordstrom Lobby (1st Floor).
Dance Performances
West Windows, Library 2nd Floor • 2pm - 2:30pm
The Cal Poly Humboldt Dance Program will showcase a diverse array of works created for both classes and concerts, featuring a range of styles including Danza Azteca, Contemporary, and Jazz.
Theater Performances
West Windows, Library 2nd Floor • 3pm - 3:30pm
Join student Hayden Hilscher for a captivating performance featuring two comedic classical monologues, accompanied by a glimpse into their audition journey at KCACTF.
The first piece, from Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard, showcases the governess's poignant reflection on her identity and life's complexities. The second, from William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, brings Viola's humorous struggle to life as she navigates the complications of disguise and relationships.
Each monologue is approximately one minute long and offers a snapshot of these timeless works, paired with Hayden's own personal insights.
Musical Performances
Library Nordstrom Lobby, 1st Floor • 2pm - 4pm
Enjoy music student soloists and small ensembles performing a wide variety of music in the Library Lobby.
Film Screenings
The Studio, Library Room 120, 1st Floor • 4pm - 5pm
Experience a dynamic showcase of bold, thought-provoking, and visually stunning short films from Cal Poly Humboldt’s Film Program. These works highlight the creative, technical, and storytelling talents of our emerging filmmakers as they progress through our rigorous Filmmaking I-IV courses and specialized Film electives.
Spanning narrative, documentary, social change, and experimental genres, these films explore personal visions, urgent social issues, and imaginative new worlds. Each piece is a testament to the passion, innovation, and dedication of our students—future filmmakers shaping the cinematic landscape.
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the next generation of storytellers in action!
Pelican Bay Communication Student Presentations
CTL Classroom, Room 317, 3rd Floor • 3pm - 5pm
These are the final presentations for the COMM 319W theory and research class from our students at Pelican Bay, a super maximum security prison. The topics will cover social science, rhetoric, persuasion, media, representation, and advocacy. Students will present live via Zoom. There will be time for audience discussion and feedback with these incarcerated scholars.
Transfer Student Showcase
Library Learning Lab, Room 308, 3rd Floor • 4pm - 5pm
The Transfer Student Showcase is an opportunity featuring successful transfer students who will share their research experiences, challenges, and successes. It will provide valuable insight and inspiration to incoming transfer students, empower transfer students to actively engage in research, and connect with faculty mentors.
Maker & New Media Showcase
Library Makerspace, Library Room 205, 2nd Floor • 3pm - 4pm
The ideaFest Maker & New Media Showcase highlights a diverse array of projects from students across disciplines, working with a variety of media, including film, crafts or art with maker elements (e.g. knitting or sewing), digital media projects (video, audio, graphics, coding, etc.), 3D models/printed objects, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and other physical and digital projects.
Presentations share the students’ process, including their inspiration, research, how-tos, lessons learned, and their maker statements.
The showcase is hosted in and around the Makerspace, which provides space, resources, and support for students to make projects that connect with their coursework, hobbies, and creative self-expression. The Makerspace is also a place for collaboration and social learning, where varied interests and experiences intersect.
CIRM Bridges 3.0 Connect Lightning Talks
Library Fishbowl, Library Room 209, 2nd Floor • 3pm - 5pm
CIRM Bridges Scholars in our Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine Certificate Program will present their research from their internships in 10 minute lightning talks on Regenerative Medicine.
Flight, Fire, & Digital Dissection Simulation Demos
Hall of Simulation, Library 2nd Floor • 3pm - 5pm
Discover the Hall of Simulation, an exciting new space on the 2nd floor of the Library designed to ignite curiosity and inspire hands-on learning! Fly high in a cutting-edge FAA flight simulator, battle fires on a Simtable, or explore digital dissection tables featuring human and animal anatomy. Shape landscapes with the augmented reality sandbox and dive into immersive adventures that transform how we learn. Simulation-based learning enhances problem-solving, knowledge retention, and understanding of complex concepts. The Hall of Simulation also features a dynamic digital wall for exploring and visualizing data collaboratively. Step into a world of possibilities where simulation technology brings learning to life!
Senior Art Show
Reese Bullen Gallery, Art B 101 • Guided walks to Art B are scheduled at 2pm, 2:30pm, 3pm, and 3:30pm. Please meet in the Library Nordstrom Lobby.
Held at the Reese Bullen Gallery, this exhibition showcases the achievements of Humboldt’s graduating Art majors and minors. It features a broad range of forms and styles, reflecting students’ diverse identities and influences, as well as the range of media concentrations - from painting, ceramics, photography, and printmaking to jewelry, sculpture and media arts - within the Cal Poly Humboldt Art Department.