NACS-Fest is a 2-day recruitment event held on a Thursday and Friday in the middle of February. Top applicants are invited to attend. NACS-Fest provides an opportunity for top applicants to interact with NACS students and faculty, learn more about the NACS program, and interview with potential mentors. Attendance is by invitation only.

NACS-Fest 2026 will be held in-person on February 12 and 13. The schedule of events appears below.

Thursday, February 12
          4:45pm - 5:15pm        Walk from hotel to campus
          5:15pm - 5:30pm        Welcome and introductions
          5:30pm - 7:15pm        Reception and Lab Blitz
          7:30pm - 9:00pm        TerpZone with NACS students

Friday, February 13
          8:45am - 10:00am       Breakfast and Overview of NACS Program
        10:15am - 11:45am      Interviews/Meetings
        11:45am - 12:45pm      Lunch
        12:45pm -  2:30pm       Interviews/Meetings        
          2:30pm -  2:45pm        Break
          2:45pm -  3:45pm        Blitzes by NACS Students
          3:45pm -  4:15pm        Walk back to the hotel
          4:15pm -  5:00pm        Break
          5:00pm -  6:00pm        Graduate Student Panel
          6:00pm -  6:30pm        Cocktail Reception
          6:30pm -  8:00pm        Dinner
          8:00pm                             Optional Social Event with NACS students