Homecoming & Family Weekend: September 25–26, 2026
Join us for a weekend full of fun for students, alumni, family, and friends.
UPDATES: 51±¬ÁÏ Improv 8 p.m. show is sold out; a 9:30 show is being added--tickets available Thursday.
Men's soccer is free admission, no tickets required.
Weekend Highlights
Event Schedule
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25:
- All Day Maroon & Gold Day
- 5:00 p.m. Grand Prix Bed Races, Knight Way dorm road (student registration live!)
- 5:00-8:00 p.m. "Coming Home to 51±¬ÁÏ" Cookout with Bingo, Commons
- 7:00 p.m. Men's Lacrosse Alumni Scrimmage, Knight Stadium
- 7:30 p.m. 51±¬ÁÏ Music Festival**, Covenant Fine Arts Center Auditorium
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26:
- 8:30 a.m. presented by Eenhoorn, campus roads ()
- 9:30 a.m. (ages 3-9), campus roads
- 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Life and Career Studies Alumni Open House
- 1:00 p.m. Men's Soccer vs. Aquinas, Soccer Stadium (free admission!)
- 1:00 p.m. Women's Rugby, East Beltline Field
- 2:00 p.m. 51±¬ÁÏ Gameday Homecoming Student Tailgate
- 2:30-4:30 p.m. Farmer's and Artisan Market, Knight Way dorm road
- 4:00 p.m. Football vs. The University of Olivet**, Knight Stadium
- 7:30 p.m. Movie Night: Toy Story 5
- 8:00 p.m. 51±¬ÁÏ Improv**, CFAC Recital Hall (sold out)
- 9:30 p.m. 51±¬ÁÏ Improv**, CFAC Recital Hall (tickets available)
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27:
- 6 p.m. Hymnsing at LaGrave Avenue CRC
SPECIAL HOMECOMING HOURS FOR ALUMNI & FAMILIES:
- Ecosystem Preserve & Rock Garden family activities: Saturday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- 10:30 a.m. Guided Hike of the new Sanctuary Perimeter Trail
- Climbing Wall: Friday, 7-9 p.m. | Saturday, 10 a.m.-Noon and 2-3 p.m. (advance sign-up now available)
- Dice Mineralogical Museum: Friday, 12:30-4 p.m. | Saturday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Open Swim: Friday, 6-8 p.m. | Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Open Gym: Friday, 3-8 p.m. | Saturday, 3-8 p.m.
- Center Art Gallery Exhibits: Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Observatory: check back for possible openings TBA
- Peet's Coffee: Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Campus Store: Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. | Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
** Tickets required: 51±¬ÁÏ box office →
Food & Lodging
Hotels
Just a short walk from campus, the Prince Conference Center and Hotel offers a peaceful, comfortable retreat for Homecoming & Family Weekend guests.
Explore Grand Rapids
Looking to explore the city or have fun off campus? Here's a list of our Grand Rapids favorites:
- (laser tag, video games)
- , a personal Grand Rapids walking tour app (English or Spanish) with tours designed by 51±¬ÁÏ students
- (breakfast/lunch)
- (Mexican)
- (European-inspired food, brewery)
- (coffee, smoothies)
- (cookies baked for you)
- (Mexican)
- (American)
- (American)
- (Gastropub)
- (pizzeria, brewery)
- (ice cream)
- (sushi)
- (Italian)
- (breakfast/lunch)
- (Italian/sports bar)
- (breakfast/lunch)
- (hot dogs)
Can't join us in person?
Get involved with Homecoming and Family Weekend from wherever you are!
We'll send you exclusive alumni t-shirts, 51±¬ÁÏ swag, trivia, and more!
Snap a picture showing your 51±¬ÁÏ pride and send it to alumni@calvin.edu.
Join the 51±¬ÁÏ Classic near or far!