For Berkeley High School students, the club fair is more than an afternoon of candy and time with friends. With clubs representing a variety of interests, identities, and causes, the event gives students the opportunity to learn about different communities on campus and connect with their peers over interests and issues they’re passionate about.
“There’s so many different types of clubs, and I think anyone could walk into the … fair and find at least … one club that they have interest in,” Cecilia Grant, the BHS chief of clubs said.
Over 120 clubs attended this year’s fall fair, showcasing a diverse range of students’ interests, identities, and ideas. The fair took place on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026 during a third period block schedule to accommodate for the event. In previous years, students and teachers struggled to navigate the duration of the club fair. This year, an extended third period helped reduce confusion. The two hour period was divided into four 30-minute blocks in which buildings on campus were assigned one of four time slots to attend the event.
BHS clubs differ from one another, each functioning with their own distinct focus or goal. Some are centered around providing a space for students to connect with others of a similar identity, interest, or ideology, and others on specific projects in the community.
For the Life Science Initiative Club, a main goal is to bring hands-on science experiments to Washington Elementary schoolers. Last year, they led several immersive science experiments with the students.
“We teach the kids about the science behind the experiments and hopefully build interest in STEM,” Owen Robinson, the president of the Life Science Initiative Club said.
Athena De La Torre, the president of Mural Club, stated that the main objective of her club is to “bring more art into schools and into the society and community.” The club uses painting as a tool for activism and to express themselves through art.
With a student body of around 3,000 students, finding peers who you relate to at BHS can feel overwhelming. The club fair is a tool for both incoming and returning students to find a group that they have an affinity with. Although the vast selection of clubs can be difficult to navigate, it still serves as an onramp for bonding with others.
“It’s a little bit overwhelming because there’s so many clubs, but it’s making me really excited to get involved in the school and join more clubs,” shared BHS freshman Amalia Edquist.
Given Berkeley’s history of activism and civic engagement, the fair featured numerous clubs focused on political and social issues. The clubs represented a wide range of perspectives and interests, including Sunrise Club, which is responsible for many of the student-organized walkouts and protests, and the BHS Students for Reproductive Rights Club which partners with Planned Parenthood to raise awareness about sexual health and reproductive laws. In addition to a range of political perspectives, BHS also has a wide range of student identities. Some of the clubs featured at this year’s fair were Latinos Unidos, Black Student Union, Neurodiversity Club, and the Alliance of Gender Expansive Students. These clubs provide students a dedicated space to connect with peers who they share similar identities and experiences with.
From solving Rubik’s cubes, bikepacking, clothing swaps, and bioengineering, BHS clubs reflect a variety of interests. With such a broad spectrum of clubs, many unique hobbies are covered.
For those who don’t find a club that matches their interest, the pathway to starting one is relatively simple, with the first step being submitting an online registration form before the end of the first semester.
As clubs begin to host their meetings, students will engage with others who share the same interests and form meaningful connections.
Throughout the school year, students who attend clubs will complete projects, obtain service hours, and expand the reach of the BHS community.