Mirthweek returns with virtual events and a socially distanced drive-in movie on campus. The fun begins Monday.

There’s no better way to affirm that the world is blossoming again than with the return of Mirthweek! The annual University of Missouri–St. Louis springtime homage to happiness begins Monday and runs until next Friday.

For more than three decades, UMSL has celebrated its students with fun campus activities during Mirthweek, serving both as a reward for hard work and a means to relax. Last year’s festivities were suspended because of the emergence of COVID-19. But the University Program Board, UMSL’s student programming committee, is ready to bring back the good times.

“I think the opportunity to bring back our events embodies the exact spirit of Mirthweek – community, rejuvenation and lightheartedness,” said Rachel Thompson, UPB program chair. “After such a consuming year, hosting Mirthweek is our way of celebrating what we have accomplished as an UMSL community this year and to express our hope for what is to come.” 

This year’s Mirthweek activities will include both virtual and on-campus events. Students will have a chance to say a socially distanced hello during a drive-in movie showing of “Black Panther,” while the annual Student Leadership Awards and an interactive improv class will be held online. The week’s fun culminates in a digital trivia night hosted by Brian Baumgartner, best known for playing Kevin the TV show “The Office.”

“The incorporation of virtual events throughout the week exhibits the innovation and creativity that has inspired us throughout this year as we had to adapt to such drastically changed circumstances while still being able to provide students with fun and engaging events,” Thompson said. “Mirthweek will definitely look different this year, but I am so proud of our board for coming together and making it happen in such a creative way.”

Here are scheduled Mirthweek activities:

Monday, April 19 at 5:30 | Student Leadership Awards: The UPB will honor the 2021 nominees for the Student Leadership Awards. Some of the awards include student leader of the year, outstanding service to the community, best overall student organization program, excellence in virtual programming award, and so much more. This event will be held virtually and all are welcome. RSVP.

Tuesday, April 20 at 5:00 pm | Everyday Improv for Everyday People: Have you ever seen people on television and they say something quick and funny in response to something? Ever wondered if you could do that too? Then this is the event for you. UPB is teaming up with Mission Improvable to help teach you how to improve your improv. Mission Improvable will fulfill their mission to teach everyday improv for everyday people in a fun interactive way that will have you doing some improv tricks of your own. RSVP.

Wednesday, April 21 at 8:00 pm | Mirthweek Drive-In Movie: Join the UPB in celebrating Mirthweek with a drive-in movie showing of “Black Panther” in Marillac Lot VV. Spots will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis. There will be limited spots for cars, but lawn seating will also be available (so bring a lawn chair and blanket as a backup). Follow the UPB Instagram page for chances to win a free snack pack for the event. RSVP.

Friday, April 23 Mirthweek | Virtual Comedy Show with Brian Baumgartner: Guess who’s coming to UMSL as our Mirthweek comedian? Spend a night with Baumgartner, who starred as dimwitted accountant Kevin Malone on “The Office.” The UPB will be hosting a virtual trivia night all themed around the hit series. You’ll have the chance to win cool prizes, including an Apple watch, ask Brian all of your burning behind the scenes questions and, of course, play some fun trivia. RSVP.