The first NAKfest took place in 1989 when the Founding Chapter, Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo hosted the only other chapter at that time Alpha Chapter, San Jose State University. It was originally held on the weekend that coincided with the date of NAK’s anniversary, February 26th . In 1999 the event was officially moved to the month of April to take advantage of better weather.

No more than 50 NAK brothers attended the first NAKfest. The two chapters competed against each other in games of softball, football, and basketball. Although we don’t know the exact outcome of each game, Cal Poly claims to have won the sports championship that year, and for several years following. The rest of the weekend included an official business meeting to discuss NAK’s constitutional by-laws and performances by the chapters.

The fundamental essence of NAKfest remains to this date, several significant changes had occurred. In 1996, when the Gamma Chapter at Sonoma State University hosted approximately 200 NAKs, including the brothers from San Diego State who chartered a bus for the trip, the attendance had nearly quadrupled in size compared to the first year of NAKfest. What had started out as a regular business meeting had come to serve as the venue for electing members of our National Board. As for the official NAKfest party, by now featuring a dinner and dance at a local hotel or banquet hall, it had begun to develop the reputation throughout the state as an event not to miss.

One thing that remained the same was Cal Poly once again being crowned victors of the sports competition. However that, too, would ultimately change. Throughout the many years of NAKfest several different sports competitions have been held. The most common sports at NAKfest have been football and basketball, with soccer another frequent event. Other sports played throughout NAKfest history include softball, volleyball, cross-country running, handball, tug-o-war, and even a pie-eating contest!

This year the brotherhood will enjoy festivities at the Gamma Chapter, Sonoma State University inviting over 2000 brothers of Nu Alpha Kappa, and all of our family and friends. The gathering has grown from two chapters in Central California to 22 chapters across California, Nevada and Colorado. The Spring time family tradition continues, as we all reunite for a weekend of fun and excitement as only the brothers of Nu Alpha Kappa can do.

Previous NAKfest Hosting Chapters

1989 Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Founding Chapter
1990 Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Founding Chapter
1991 San Jose State University, Alpha Chapter
1992 San Diego State University, Beta Chapter
1993 Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Founding Chapter
1994 San Diego State University, Beta Chapter
1995 San Jose State University, Alpha Chapter
1996 Sonoma State University, Gamma Chapter
1997 Stanislaus State University, Delta Chapter
1998 Fresno State University, Epsilon Chapter
1999 UC Santa Barbara, Zeta Chapter
2000 Santa Clara, Eta Chapter
2001 Chico State University, Theta Chapter
2002 Sacramento State University, Iota Chapter
2003 UC Davis, Kappa Chapter
2004 UC San Diego, Lambda Chapter
2005 Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Founding Chapter
2006 UC Los Angeles, Rho Chapter
2007 Colorado State University – Ft. Collins, Mu Chapter
2008 San Jose State University, Alpha Chapter
2009 UC Riverside, Nu Chapter
2010 San Diego State University, Beta Chapter
2011 CSU Monterey Bay, Xi Chapter
2012 Sonoma State University, Gamma Chapter