In the early hours of Wednesday, April 15, the long-awaited Fox made his annual return to Tars Plaza, ushering in that singular spring day when classes pause and the campus spills outdoors for a sun-soaked celebration.

Daybreak to sunset, Tars savored every second of fun in the sun. From pool time at Lakeside Neighborhood to the much-anticipated picnic on Mills Lawn, here are a few of our favorite moments from Fox Day 2026.

With this being President Brooke Barnett’s first Fox Day proclamation, anticipation was at an all-time high. There have been 14 Wednesday Fox Days—three of which have fallen on the exact same date: April 15 (1981, 2015, and 2026).

It all started when President Barnett for the very first time rolled out the beloved fox statue onto Tars Plaza at daybreak, letting everyone know it was too perfect a day outside for classes.

Everyone has their own way of celebrating their excitement for Rollins’ favorite tradition—some even pitching tents and camping out overnight for a front-row seat to the Fox’s long-awaited annual appearance.

The T-shirt pickup was abuzz with excitement as students lined up in droves, while the ever-adorable fox plushies flew off the tables.

This year, campus activities included video games in Dave’s Boathouse, board games in the Hub, arts and crafts on Bush Lawn, water inflatables on Olin Lawn, and kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Virginia.

To catch some rays and hopefully a few waves, a handful of Tars headed to the beach, just an hour from campus.

Nothing caps off a day spent soaking up the sun quite like a picnic. The annual Fox Day feast on Mills Lawn was full of favorite comfort foods like burgers, barbecue chicken, smoked sausages, mac-and-cheese, and fresh-glazed doughnut holes.

Another year, another entry in Fox Day lore, where sun-drenched revelry meets full-campus camaraderie. This year’s celebration carried the signature mix of surprise, spirit, and a little well-earned mischief, just as the elusive fox intended. Now, with memories made and plushies in hand, the countdown begins—just 360-ish days until that wily fox makes his grand return and Rollins hits pause for another unforgettable day in the sun.

• Fox Day