THON Weekend 2026 will take place from February 20th through the 22nd at the Bryce Jordan Center. THON Weekend officially kicks off when our dancers stand on Friday, February 20th at 6:00 PM, and ends on Sunday, February 22nd at 4:00 PM.
THON™ Weekend is a beacon of hope for Four Diamonds children and families in the fight against childhood cancer. Student volunteers and participants come together to dance for a cure at the largest student-run philanthropy event in the world.
THON culminates in a 46‑hour, no‑sitting, no‑sleeping dance marathon during THON Weekend in February that raises essential funds to ensure Four Diamonds children receive world‑class care at no cost, advance critical childhood cancer research, and provide emotional support — all in pursuit of a cure.
For 46 hours straight, designated dancers celebrate their yearlong fundraising efforts as organization representatives and Independent Dancer Couples by pledging to stand in support. Supporters join us in the stands to enjoy live music, performances, fun games and challenges, and our infamous line dance. We create a line dance to be performed every hour of the 46-hour marathon that changes every year. We encourage everyone to learn the dance and join the fun!
Over 16,500 student volunteers come together to spread awareness and raise funds for childhood cancer while supporting Four Diamonds children and families. Each year, through meticulous care and dedication, we are able to make sure that 96 cents of every dollar directly impacts Four Diamonds children & families battling childhood cancer at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Thousands of students pour their hearts and souls into THON every year because we believe in the fight against childhood cancer and hope for the day we dance in celebration. Why do we THON? We THON for the Four Diamonds children and families, the fight, and the cure. Through this event, we can do our part to make a difference.
The PSU dance marathon started in 1973 when a group of students wanted to raise funds and give back to the local community. The first-ever event was held at Penn State’s HUB Ballroom, and 78 students danced for 30 hours, raising over $2,000. A few years after the first dance marathon, Four Diamonds became our sole beneficiary in 1977, resulting in a partnership that would allow us to make a difference in the lives of more than 5,500 Four Diamonds children and families.
THON Weekend has grown to new heights since then. We’ve moved to different locations to accommodate our growing numbers, from the White Building to Rec Hall and finally to the Bryce Jordan Center. We broke the $1 million mark back in 1992 and now raise millions every year. We are coming off a record-breaking fundraising year in 2025 where we raised over $17.7 million dollars For The Kids®!
Whether you’re a student, an alumnus, or a supporter interested in making an impact, there’s a role for everyone at THON Weekend. Thanks to you, we can support Four Diamonds children and families affected by childhood cancer and fuel research that can enhance treatments and take us one step closer to dancing for a cure. Get involved and help us stand up against childhood cancer by becoming a volunteer, making a donation, or just joining the fun!
THON Weekend 2026 will take place from February 20th through the 22nd at the Bryce Jordan Center. THON Weekend officially kicks off when our dancers stand on Friday, February 20th at 6:00 PM, and ends on Sunday, February 22nd at 4:00 PM.
No. THON Weekend is free and open to the public, and does not require a ticket to attend. However, all attendees will be required to obtain a THON Weekend wristband at Will Call prior to entrance. The wristband helps THON volunteers manage wait times and entrance into the BJC, and must be worn at all times inside the building.
To enter the Bryce Jordan Center, enter the general spectator line at Will Call via the BJC ticketing office. At Will Call, you will receive a wristband and will then be directed to enter the building via Gate A or B. Please note, wristbands must be worn the entire time you are present in the Bryce Jordan Center. For more information about how to enter the Bryce Jordan Center, read our Spectator Resource Packet here.
Throughout the weekend there may be times when the Bryce Jordan Center reaches its maximum accommodation. During these times, spectators will not be able to enter the facility and should proceed to the Will Call office, where they can provide their cell phone number and enter a digital line. Spectators will receive a text message when it is their turn to enter the building, and will have 45 minutes from the time the text message is sent to enter the building.
There is no way to predict when the building will either close or reopen; however, high-traffic times typically include Friday night, Saturday afternoon and evening, and late Sunday morning. During times the building is at maximum accommodation, spectators awaiting entry are not permitted to wait on the Bryce Jordan Center property.
Spectators may park in the Stadium West Parking Lot accessible via Park Ave, Jordan East Commuter Lot, and Porter North throughout THON Weekend. These lots are outlined in yellow on the map below. If you require accessible parking, the lot outlined in light blue has been reserved for accessible placard holders. General spectators may not park in other lots outlined by different colors during THON Weekend. To view the THON Weekend Parking Map, please view the Spectator Resource Packet here.
Yes, ADA-accessible parking and entrances are available during THON Weekend. Accessible parking is available in various lots near the Bryce Jordan Center, including Jordan East in the ADA Visitors Section (near Gate B) and Stadium West directly across the street from the Bryce Jordan Center Ticket Office. Parking in these lots is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To view the full parking map, view our Spectator Resource Packet here.
Yes, THON spectators must adhere to the THON Weekend Clear Bag Policy.
Approved Bags:
Clear Tote 12″ X 12″ X 6″
Plastic Zip Top Bag 11″ X 11″ X 0″
Wallet/Clutch/Fanny Pack 6.5″ X 4.5″
Exceptions: Accommodations can be made for all medically necessary items after proper inspection
Prohibited Bags:
Backpacks
Binocular Cases
Camera Cases
Clear Backpacks
Mesh Bags
Oversized Totes
String Bags
Briefcases
Tinted Plastic Bags
Roller Bags
For THON weekend each dancer is allotted 8 spots on their pass list. How the spots on the pass list are determined depends on the organization or the independent dancer couple. Receiving a pass means you are eligible to access the floor THON weekend. In order to access the floor, you will encounter Rules and Regulations volunteers who will assist you with getting onto the floor. The type of pass you have received will determine how you access the floor.
For more information about how you can check in to use your general pass or a scheduled pass, please review our Spectator Resource Packet here.
Yes, there are several items we recommend bringing to THON Weekend, including:
A good pair of shoes and an extra pair of socks. You will be standing from the moment you enter the Bryce Jordan Center
A non-monetary ID that can be used to access your pass
Disposable camera
Bag in compliance with the THON Weekend Bag Policy
Portable phone charger
Empty reusable water bottle
Tennis ball
Personal hygiene items: toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer
Yes, the following items are prohibited during THON Weekend:
Outside food or beverages. However, empty, reusable water bottles will be allowed
Inflatable objects or balloons
Weapons of any kind
Liquids (excluding sealed bubbles)
Large flag poles
Large sports equipment
Glitter, silly string, etc.
Animals, including training dogs and emotional support animals. (Excluding animals needed for medical reasons)
Items that cannot fit under a seat, including large containers
Items used for transportation (skateboards, hoverboards, etc.)
Alcohol, narcotics, or inebriated spectators
Tobacco products, lighters, or vape devices
You can make a one-time donation or schedule recurring donations using this link!
THON™ is able to donate 96 cents of every dollar raised to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital because of supporters like you. Your generosity creates moments of joy for Four Diamonds children and families and empowers our volunteers through year-round events, fundraisers and THON Weekend.
