On Friday the 3rd, October 2025, Southwestern students gathered together for a night of dancing, DJs, and pirate-themed drinks. Compared to other universities, which have the standard Homecomings and Winter Formals, Southwestern stands out with its own unique tradition known as the Seafarer’s Soiree. An annual dance that provides all students the opportunity to dress up and let loose, this celebration is one of the most memorable events on campus.

This year’s Soiree was unique in numerous ways. Unlike previous years, which saw the event hosted off-campus, this year, the dance was held in Southwestern’s very own Bishops Lounge to make it accessible for all. Students also got to celebrate a bit early this time around, with the event taking place in the first week of October rather than early winter. This made it all the easier for students to dress up for the Red Carpet-themed event. 

Decked out in their finest outfits and brimming with school spirit, students, faculty, and staff alike strolled into the Bishops Lounge on October 3rd, ready to dance the night away. The venue was an appropriate match. Portioned off with fashionable black curtains, fairy lights that lined the ceiling, and fitting pirate decorations, the Lounge transformed into the perfect dance floor. 

After sauntering down the red carpet that marked the entrance, attendees were greeted by a glowing pirate ship stationed near the entrance, which acted as a drink stand for the night, beckoning students forward as soon as they entered. Serving a variety of different sugary mocktails, the two bartenders ensured every student left their counter with a tasty, glittery drink and a complementary star-shaped blender. 

With drinks in hand, students had the choice between selecting a delicious snack for the night or receiving a tarot-card reading from a hired expert. Most chose the latter station first, sitting down for a swift but substantial 5-minute consultation about their future. In case prophecy wasn’t what you were hoping for, you could drown your sorrows in the buffet table nearby. Our own Pirate Dining offered a nacho-making station, popcorn, and an assortment of desserts for hungry guests to enjoy. 

Tables were spread throughout the venue for students to lounge on, those with seats situated right next to the stage. If you decided to sit down to enjoy your meal, you got a front-row seat to the DJ for the night, who played a perfect mixture of classics and recent hits that everyone could enjoy. After tiring yourself out from dancing, you and your friends could then head to the photo booth nearby. With a variety of accessories to choose from, even those without fancy suits could dress up.

As the night drew to a close, the photography station ensured no student left without a souvenir, offering a printed version of every photo to decorate their dorm walls with to ensure everyone had a lasting memory of the night. 

This year’s Seafarers’ Soiree was surely one for the books’ it was an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, fun, and community spirit. It perfectly encapsulates what Southwestern is all about and the energy that keeps students sailing back year after year.