Joe College was once a weekend spring tradition held between the 1950s and 1970s.  Festivities over the years have included float parades sponsored by Duke fraternities and sororities, boxed lunches on the Quad, Lawn Concerts, Indoor Stadium Blanket Concerts, coinciding Hoof ‘n’ Horn productions, and Slip ‘n’ Slipper formals. 

Joe College was known for its legendary entertainment acts as well, which have included Duke Ellington (1959, 1962), Bob Hope (1961), Count Basie (1960, 1961), The Beach Boys (1966), and The Grateful Dead (1971).

Joe College, after thirty years of absence, was brought back to Duke University Fall 2007.  It was revived as a daylong affair filled with food, arts and crafts, tie-dying, and, of course, music. Joe College in 2007 showcased Gov’t Mule, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Will Hoge, Ryan Shaw, Endless Mic, and Nelo.  In 2008, Shwayze, the White Rabbits, the Brew, and Kooley High took the stage.