There’s something special about the beginning of a new school year that makes college campuses feel a little bit more exciting. Whether you’re settling into your dorm, reuniting with your college friends, or desperately trying to figure out where your classes are, the first few weeks of the semester feel like an endless to-do list. And this fall, Owala is adding another reason to get out of your dorm room.
The iconic water bottle brand is bringing back its College Tour for 2026, making stops at 10 college campuses all across the country. While last year’s tour brought pickleball tournaments to campuses, this year, Owala is bringing a whole new lineup of merch and activities.
One of the biggest draws will be the chance to customize your own personal Owala. Students can get their bottles engraved and take advantage of heat-press customization to give their drinkware a little bit of extra personality this school year. And since no college event is complete without some exclusive merch, Owala will also have tour-exclusive items available for students, including tees, crewnecks, socks, and pennant flags.Â
But perhaps the most unexpected attraction of the tour is Owala’s human claw machine. Yes, you read that right. Instead of reaching into a traditional claw machine for a stuffed animal, students can step directly into the action themselves.
So, whether you’re an avid Owala collector looking to customize your favorite water bottle, a college merch lover, or are simply trying to see what exactly a “human claw machine” entails, there will be plenty to check out when Owala comes onto your campus.
Which Colleges Are On Owala’s 2026 College Tour?
Owala’s College Tour will be stopping at 10 college campuses this year: University of Southern California (Sept. 9), Utah State University (Sept. 14), University of Arizona (Sept. 17), Texas A&M University (Sept. 21), University of Oklahoma (Sept. 24), The Ohio State University (Sept. 28), North Carolina State University (Oct. 1), Clemson University (Oct. 5), University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) (Oct. 8), and Auburn University (Oct. 12), respectively.
If you’re a college student at one of the 10 schools on the tour, this is your chance to experience Owala’s campus takeover for yourself. Specific details regarding registration and event logistics may vary by campus, so it’s important for students looking to attend one of the participating universities to keep an eye out for more information about when and where the Owala College Tour will be happening on their campus.Â
So, if Owala is coming to your campus this fall, consider this your sign to grab your friends or roommates and check it out. After all, college is all about making memories, and getting your water bottle engraved while being grabbed by a human claw machine definitely sounds like one you won’t forget!