10 ways students are taking the spotlight this spring
Each spring, CSULB students present the projects that define their time on campus. This season brings work spanning research, performance, design and innovation, all ready for an audience. As these projects move out of classrooms and into public venues, the campus community has a chance to see them up close — and often for the first time. Here are 10 showcases to catch before the semester ends:
Week of Research & Creativity
April 20-24
Various campus locations
The 5th annual 2026 Week of Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity (RSCA) celebrates the diverse work of CSULB students, staff and faculty across myriad disciplines. Events and sessions highlight research and creative projects both on campus and in the broader community. Attendees can participate in discussions and network with members from different fields.
Sunstone Innovation Challenge
April 21 at 1 p.m.
LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid
The Sunstone Innovation Challenge is an annual campus-wide business plan competition that encourages diverse teams to develop and launch business ideas. The final pitch event showcases top teams presenting their business plans to a panel of judges, competing for seed funding.
Contemporary Dance Concert
April 23-25
Martha B. Knoebel Dance Theater
An annual spring concert, CSULB's 2026 Contemporary Dance Concert features original choreography and performances by students and faculty across a range of contemporary styles. Evening shows take place April 23-25, with a Saturday matinee on the 25th. Hosted by the Department of Dance and College of the Arts, the public concert will be livestreamed for remote audiences.
‘Celebrating Music’ Concert
May 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Carpenter Performing Arts Center
Showcasing the talent and dedication of student musicians, the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music's annual “Celebrating Music" concert will feature performances by the symphony orchestra, wind symphony, university and chamber choirs, vocal and instrumental jazz ensembles and more. Can't make it? No problem. There are plenty of smaller spring recitals to check out.
Film Festival
May 17
Carpenter Performing Arts Center
Senior film students from the Department of Cinematic Arts premiere their final projects at a film festival at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Each short film is an original work developed over a year. Intermediate and advanced documentary films will be screened at noon, followed by senior narrative films. Admission is free, and the festival is expected to wrap up by 5:30 p.m.
Green Generation Showcase
April 23 at 4 p.m.
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
Held in celebration of Earth Month at The Beach, the Green Generation Showcase is CSULB's biggest sustainability event of the year. Featuring booths from student organizations, community partners and green businesses, the main draw is an assortment of student-led research and projects. Look for climate justice-focused posters, artwork, prototypes, videos, performances and more.
Theatre Arts' Season Finale
April 23-May 1
Studio Theatre
The Theatre Arts Department presents its final production of the school year, “Pliant Girls,” directed by Beth Lopes. Described as "fierce, funny and sharply contemporary," the play "flips an ancient myth into a bold, feminist rebellion; where sisterhood becomes a survival strategy."
Campus Couture Fashion Show
April 25 at 6 p.m.
CSULB Central Quad
Fashion students from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences showcase their boldest work at this annual runway event. Themed "Pattern Recognition," the Spring Fashion Show features garments that blend technical mastery with diverse aesthetics from conceptual couture to ready-to-wear statements. Hosted by student-led Campus Couture, this high-energy event is a celebration of style and creativity.
Engineering Expo
May 7 at 1 p.m.
LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid
College of Engineering students present their senior projects at the annual Engineering Expo. The event features a range of innovations, from robotics and green technology to mechanical designs, highlighting the practical applications of students' problem-solving skills and technical knowledge. The showcase is judged by industry leaders and tech experts.
INSIGHTS Art Exhibition
May 6-July 10
School of the Art Galleries
INSIGHTS, the School of Art’s annual juried exhibition, will be on display in galleries located between FA1 and FA3. The public can view them weekdays between 12 and 5 p.m., and is welcome to attend the opening reception May 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. A selection of works included in the show will then move to the Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum for display through July 10.
