While our goal is to keep traffic moving and parking disruptions to a minimum, a variety of events can cause an increase in vehicular volume and impact parking on and around the Danforth Campus. We will list events we’re aware of on this page so you can plan ahead or consider one of our many smart commute options.


Spring 2024 Events Impacting Traffic

April 1 – St. Louis Fashion Fund: This event will draw high volume traffic in Zones 1 and 2.

April 5 – Admissions Bear Days: Admissions will be welcoming prospective and admitted students to campus. This will draw a high volume of traffic to Zones 2 and 4.

April 6Pow Wow, Relay For Life, and the WashU Chemistry Tournament: Zones 2 and 3 may be impacted by a high volume of traffic.

April 10-25ThurtenE Carnival: Zone 2 parking will be impacted as early as April 10.

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  • Perimeter spaces in Lot 31 (surface lot east of the Athletic Complex), Lot 33 (Parking along Olympian Way) and Lot 35 (surface lot south of Simon Hall) will be offline on Wednesday, April 10 for the fencing installation.
  • Lot 33 (Parking along Olympian Way) and the northwest corner of Lot 35 (surface lot south of Simon Hall) will be offline from Friday, April 12 through Thursday, April 25 at 7am.
  • Parking in Lot 31 (surface lot east of the Athletic Complex) and the remainder of Lot 35 (surface lot south of Simon Hall) will be offline beginning at 6pm on Monday, April 15. All vehicles must be removed prior to 6pm on April 15. Those lots will be offline and inaccessible from 6pm on April 15 through 7am on April 25.
  • Olympian Way will be closed to all inbound and outbound traffic as of 6pm on April 15.
  • Zone 2 permit holders should utilize the DUC (levels 2 and 3), Lot 47 (surface parking near the Music School) and Lot 50 (surface parking near the Alumni House). Overflow parking will be directed to the Wallace Garage on the South40 as needed.

April 13, 15, 19 – Admissions Bear Days: Admissions will be welcoming prospective and admitted students to campus. This will draw a high volume of traffic to Zones 2 and 4.

April 19-21WashU Reunion at ThurtenE Carnival: This event will draw high volume traffic in Zone 1.

April 20-21St. Louis Earth Day Festival: Zone 1 (East End) may be impacted by the Earth Day celebration in Forest Park.

April 26 – WILD: High traffic should be expected in Zones 2 and 3 the evening of April 26.

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  • The northeast quadrant of Lot 33 (the surface parking along Olympian Way) will be offline from Thursday, April 25 through Saturday, April 27.
  • The northwest quadrant of Lot 33 (the surface parking along Olympian Way will be offline on Friday, April 26.
  • Lot 31 will be offline from 5pm on Friday, April 26 through 7am on Saturday, April 27.
  • There will be no northbound traffic permitted beyond the Francis Olympic Field Gates after 3 p.m. on Friday, April 26.

May 13 – Spring Commencement
Starting the week of May 3, the Parking and Transportation team will begin placing signs and staging barricades in preparation for parking and traffic restrictions around campus. While the university-wide ceremony will take place Monday, May 13; activities will be underway throughout the week, starting as early as May 08. Specific details will be announced in late April or early May. More information on Spring Commencement.

McDonnell Hall AHU Project: Jan. 22 – Oct. 01, 2024

Anticipated Parking/Transportation impact:

  • North side of Lot 43 will be offline (surface parking south of McDonnell Hall)
  • Motorcycle parking area will be offline (south of McDonnell Hall)
    Alternate motorcycle parking can be found in Lot 33 (surface parking along Olympian Way) and in the surface lot at 33 N. Skinker.