Homecoming and Family WeekendSchedule
Homecoming & Family Weekend Information Desk
Saturday, October 3 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
2026 Schedule
We are thrilled to welcome you to campus for Homecoming and Family Weekend! Below is a preliminary schedule.
Registration will go live Sept. 1 at 9 a.m.
Friday, OCT. 2
8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Day in the Life for high school seniors
Admissions Office
Do you have a high school senior planning to apply to HWS? This is a highly personalized program to give your student a total view into life at HWS. We will create a personalized schedule that matches your interests including sitting in on classes, meeting with faculty, coaches and staff, completing an admissions interview, touring campus, and spending time with current students over lunch. At the same time, families meet with a variety of staff from across campus about the ways that HWS supports students in preparing for a life of consequence. Contact the Admissions office at 315-781-3622 for more information.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | HWS College Store Open
51 Saint Clair St.
9 a.m. | Hobart Lacrosse Golf Tournament
Clifton Springs Country Club
Separate Registration Required. Contact Coach Brundage with questions at brundage@hws.edu.
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Davis Gallery at Houghton House
Davis Art Gallery at Houghton House, 1 Kings Lane
Dialogues: The Art and Architecture Faculty Featuring the HWS Art Collection features Professor Christine Chin, Visting Assistant Professor Patrick Kana, Professor Nick Ruth and Professor Phillia Yi.
Baskets or Bust
3 - 4 p.m. | William Scandling Research Vessel Excursion I
2:45 p.m. departure from Medbery Parking Lot
Finger Lakes Institute Director Lisa Cleckner will lead a working session aboard the William Scandling assessing the environmental well-being of Seneca Lake. Event is limited to 18 people — ages 13 and older — no infants or small children, please. Appropriate footwear is recommended. Registration Required.
- 5 excursions are offered throughout the weekend. Registration opens September 1st at 9 a.m.
- If your preferred time slot is full, you can join the waitlist.
- Waitlisted? Just show up at the Medbery Lot shuttle stop 15 minutes before your desired departure time. The shuttle runs ahead of each excursion, and no-shows are common — so waitlisted guests are often able to board on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Can't make your registered time? Please cancel so someone on the waitlist can take your spot.
- Waitlist boarding isn't guaranteed, but it happens often — arriving early at Medbery Lot gives you the best shot.
3 p.m. | Hobart Baseball Scrimmage vs. Cayuga Community College
McDonough Park, 80 Lyceum St., Geneva, NY
3:30 - 5 p.m. | Art Reception
Davis Art Gallery at Houghton House, 1 Kings Lane
Curator remarks at 4 p.m.
4 - 6 p.m. | LGBTQ+ and Resource Center Open House
The Resource Center, 402 Pulteney Street
Join us for the LGBTQ+ and Resource Center Open House during HFW! Explore the space, connect with the community, and learn about the support and resources available to students.
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | William Scandling Research Vessel
Excursion II
4:15 p.m. departure from Medbery Parking Lot
Finger Lakes Institute Director Lisa Cleckner will lead a working session aboard the William Scandling assessing the environmental well-being of Seneca Lake. Event is limited to 18 people—ages 13 and older—no infants or small children, please. Appropriate footwear is recommended. Registration Required.
5 p.m. | Homecoming Dance Showing
Deming Theatre, Gearan Center for the Performing Arts
The department of dance and movement studies invites family and friends to an informal showing celebrating the students enrolled in this fall's technique classes. Join us for Ballet, Hip Hop, Modern and West African dance and drumming.
5 - 9 p.m. | Family Dinner and Dessert in Saga
Saga, Scandling Campus Center
Join us for a fun-filled evening with dinner and dessert at the Great Hall of Saga, complete with caricatures, airbrush tattoos, lawn games, fire pits and s'mores. It is encouraged to purchase meal tickets in advance.
6:30 - 8 p.m. | Kosher Shabbat Dinner
Abbe Center for Jewish Life, 764 S. Main St.
Please RSVP for dinner by Sept. 30 to shabbat@hws.edu. Alums and families are welcome!
7 p.m. | Stern Family Forum
Smith Opera House
As featured guests for the 2026 Stern Family Forum, Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd and Republican political strategist Karl Rove will visit Hobart and William Smith to discuss American politics, media and civil discourse. Shuttles available.
SATURDAY, OCT. 3
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | HWS College Store Open
51 Saint Clair Street
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | State of HWS with President Mark D. Gearan
Vandervort Room, 2nd Floor of Scandling Campus Center
10 a.m. | Hobart Soccer Alumni Game
St. Clair Field. Rain Location: Thomas B. Poole '61 and Family Sports Dome
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Squash Alumni Gathering
Squash Courts
Join us for an alumni squash gathering! Bring your squash gear if you'd like to play or simply come and socialize with the current team. Light refreshments will be provided. No parking at the field house.
*10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Summer Scholars Research Symposium
L. Thomas Melly '52 Lobby, Gearan Center for the Performing Arts
Summer research students from disciplines across the curriculum will share the results of their research projects through poster displays and conversation. *Will start immediately following the State of HWS.
10:30 a.m. | Hobart and William Smith Swimming and Diving Team Parent and Alumni Coffee and Donuts
South end of Cozzens Field (adjacent to the Gilman Room Patio); Rain Location: Second floor of Bristol Field House
Separate registration required.
11 a.m. | Hobart Lacrosse Tailgate
Dana’s Time Out
Separate Registration Required. Contact Coach Brundage with questions at brundage@hws.edu.
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | William Scandling Research Vessel
Excursion III
10:45 a.m. departure from Medbery Parking Lot
Finger Lakes Institute Director Lisa Cleckner will lead a working session aboard the William Scandling assessing the environmental well-being of Seneca Lake. Event is limited to 18 people—ages 13 and older—no infants or small children, please. Appropriate footwear is recommended. Registration Required.
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | The Adams Intercultural Center Open House
288 Pulteney St., Geneva, N.Y.
Stop by the Adams Intercultural Center named in honor of Rev. Dr. Alger L. Adams '32, D.D.'83. For years, the “IC” has provided a welcoming environment that supports personal growth, academic success, leadership skills and programming designed to broaden cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for diversity, inclusion, social justice and community bonds.
11 - 1 p.m. | Climb St. Mark’s Tower
Adjacent to St. John’s Chapel
Whether you’ve ascended the tower before or not, we’re sure you’ll want to make time to take in the spectacular views of the campus and the lake. Don’t forget to bring along your camera. Beware—the view could take your breath away, and so could the ascent! We’ll take your picture to prove that you made it to the top. Appropriate footwear is recommended. Registration not required.
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | GAMEDAY Lunch and Fun Fest
The Barn (172 St. Clair St.)
Get in the HWS spirit with fun for all ages! Enjoy a petting zoo, photo booth, bonfire pits, lawn games and live music by HWS Student Jazz Ensemble. Don’t miss out on a day full of excitement and great memories! It is encouraged to purchase meal tickets in advance.
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Student and Alum Vendors
The Barn
Lake Drum Brewing, Darling Dalia’s, Apollo’s Praise, KBae Jewels, Fashion Fix, Mirabilia Jewelry, The Wave
11 a.m. - 5 p.m. | HWS Sailing scrimmage vs. Cornell University
Bozzuto Boathouse
11:30 a.m. | Hobart Soccer Alumni Pregame Gathering
Front steps of Bristol Gymnasium
12 - 4 p.m. | Davis Gallery at Houghton House
Davis Art Gallery at Houghton House, 1 Kings Lane
Dialogues: The Art and Architecture Faculty Featuring the HWS Art Collection features Professor Christine Chin, Visting Assistant Professor Patrick Kana, Professor Nick Ruth and Professor Phillia Yi.
12 p.m. - Halftime | Boswell Brews and Refreshment Tent
Tent, South end of Boswell Field at David J Urick Stadium
Grab some refreshments and catch all the action from the south end of the field!
1 p.m. | Hobart Baseball Golf Outing
Silver Springs Golf Club
1 p.m. | Hobart Football vs. Ithaca
Boswell Field at David J. Urick Stadium
Fans are encouraged to wear orange to the stadium to help create an unforgettable gameday experience. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a free orange Hobart t-shirt. View a livestream of the game here. Gates open at 11:30 a.m.
1 - 2:30 p.m. | HWS Tennis: Afternoon Aces
HWS Tennis Center
Hosted by Tim Riskie, Emme Levenson and current HWS Tennis student-athletes. Round robin doubles tennis event, we pair you up with a partner. Play for a trophy. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.
1 - 2 p.m. | William Scandling Research Vessel Excursion IV
12:45 p.m. departure from Medbery Parking Lot
Finger Lakes Institute Director Lisa Cleckner will lead a working session aboard the William Scandling assessing the environmental well-being of Seneca Lake. Event is limited to 18 people—ages 13 and older—no infants or small children, please. Appropriate footwear is recommended.
1:30 - End of halftime | Chili for the Chilly Pop-up Tailgate
Hobart Soccer Game (John H. Cozzens Jr. ’41 Memorial Field)
Enjoy chili-to-go, walking tacos, cookies and drinks. Debit and Credit cards accepted, no cash.
2 p.m. | Hobart Soccer vs. Clarkson
John H. Cozzens Jr. ’41 Memorial Field
Livestream game here.
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | William Scandling Research Vessel Excursion V
2:15 p.m. departure from Medbery Parking Lot
Finger Lakes Institute Director Lisa Cleckner will lead a working session aboard the William Scandling assessing the environmental well-being of Seneca Lake. Event is limited to 18 people—ages 13 and older—no infants or small children, please. Appropriate footwear is recommended. Registration Required.
3 - 4 p.m. | Book Signing by Linda Robertson
Fish Screening Room
4 p.m. | Hobart Lacrosse Senior Farewell and First Year Welcome Banquet
Vandervort Room, 2nd Floor of Scandling Campus Center
Cocktail hour followed by dinner at 5 p.m.
4:30 - 6 p.m. | MDSC (Media and Society) 30th Anniversary Reception
Melly Lobby, Gearan Center for the Performing Arts
SUNDAY, OCT. 4
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | HWS College Store Open
51 Saint Clair St.
9:30 – 11 a.m. | Family-Friendly Simchat Torah Celebration
Temple Beth - El, 755 South Main St.
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Bagels and Lox
Abbe Center for Jewish Life, 764 S. Main St.
Join HWS Hillel for our traditional bagel brunch and the opportunity to see the HWS Torah Scroll and special exhibit created by Sophia Mughal ’25. RSVPs to hillel@hws.edu appreciated but not required.
12 p.m. | William Smith Field Hockey vs. Vassar College
H.J. McCooey Memorial Field
Fans are encouraged to wear green to help create an unforgettable game day experience. The first 100 fans in attendance will receive a free green William Smith t- shirt. Shirt distribution begins at 1 p.m. Livestream game here.
End of halftime | Hot-dog cart Pop-up
William Smith Field Hockey Game (H.J. McCooey Memorial Field)
Debit and Credit cards accepted, no cash.
12 - 4 p.m. | Provenzano Gallery
Provenzano Student Art Gallery, Scandling Campus Center
2 p.m. | Hobart Soccer vs. Cortland
John H. Cozzens Jr. ’41 Memorial Field
Livestream game here.
4:30 p.m. | Roman Catholic Mass
St. John's Chapel, S. Main St.
7 p.m. | Protestant Episcopal Eucharist
St. John's Chapel, S. Main St.
Homecoming and Family Weekend Meal Options
|
Meal |
Date & Time |
Location |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dinner |
Fri, Oct 2 | 5–9 p.m. |
Saga Dining Hall, Scandling Campus Center |
$20/person |
|
Breakfast |
Sat, Oct 3 | 8–9 a.m. |
Saga Dining Hall, Scandling Campus Center |
$10/person |
|
Campus Game Day Lunch |
Sat, Oct 3 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (food served until 1 p.m.) |
The Barn, Barn Parking Lot |
$15/person |
Children five & under eat free. HWS students don't need a ticket — all three meals are included in their meal plan.
Tickets: Advance purchase is preferred and available through Friday, September 26. Tickets can also be purchased at the door (credit/debit only). Refunds are available through September 18.
After booking: Your receipt will be emailed — please keep it, as you may be asked to show it at the door.