Welcome back to school from Fourth Estate! While there are many exciting events happening this semester, here are five big happenings that you don’t want to miss out on:

1. Panera is officially open during the week…and weekends!

The long awaited restaurant favorite is finally open on campus. Students will be lining up to get their favorite soup in a bread bowl seven days a week. To avoid lines, students can also order online for a quick pick up at the Johnson Center location. Hours: Monday- Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m.- 9 p.m.

2. Homecoming

On Feb. 14 Mason Nation will come together to watch Mason basketball play University of Richmond. This will be prime time to rally up all of your friends and show your Mason spirit. Patriots Activities Council will be putting on events starting Feb. 9 for the Homecoming Tip-Off. Events include Mason Majesty Pageant, Can-Struction Competition, Skating on the Plaza, The Art of Lip Sync, and the Annual Homecoming Block Party. For more information for homecoming and homecoming tip off week visit: http://pac.gmu.edu/homecoming

3. Spring Recruitment- Looking for a student organization to join? Panhellenic Council Spring Sorority Recruitment and Interfraternity Council Spring Fraternity Reruitment will be taking place Feb. 2-6. To find out more information about their events visit: https://si.gmu.edu/greek-life/how-to-join/

4. Pentatonix- This vocal quintet is heading to the Patriot Center March 19. With more than 6.7 million YouTube subscribers and their unique vocal renditions on popular music, this is sure to be a concert that students don’t want to miss. Students can get a discount on their tickets at the Patriot Center box office if they show their student ID. Tickets are on sale now for their “On My Way Home” Tour.

5. Mason Players Productions: “In the Next Room, or The Vibrator” and “An Experiment with an Air Pump”

The Mason Players put extensive amounts of work into their productions. “In the Next Room, or The Vibrator” will be showing Feb. 26-28 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 28 and March 1 at 2:00 p.m. “An Experiment with an Air Pump” will be showing March 26-28 and April 2-4 at 8p.m. and March 28, 29 and April 4 at 2 p.m. Students are able to get one free ticket by showing their mason ID at the Center of the Arts box office. For more information on the shows visit: http://cfa.gmu.edu/