Upon arriving on campus, feel free to park in any open parking space. There is usually adequate space near Buntrock Commons, Rand Hall, Klein Field at Manitou, or in the parking lot closest to Skoglund Center.
St. Olaf College |
Alumni and Parent Relations
Family Weekend 2026 newsletter
Family Weekend 2026 is just around the corner and we’re so excited for you to join us (and your student) back on the Hill for the weekend! Before you hit the road, be sure to check out our FAQs to make your arrival as smooth as possible.
See you soon,
The Alumni & Parent Relations Team
Ellen Draeger Cattadoris ’07, Maddie Etienne ’20, Kate Kaufman, Joshua Lee, Natalie Mogren, Heidi Quiram, Liz Sandberg, and Emily Welch
FEATURED FAQS
Bring your confirmation email with you (printed or digital) for check-in at Buntrock Commons upon your arrival. Scan the QR code at a check-in kiosk. Staff in Buntrock Commons will happily assist you. A schedule will be available upon your arrival.
While pre-registration is encouraged, guests can stop by the Customer Service table in Buntrock Commons to register on-site.
The first 1700 pre-registered guests earned an exclusive clear stadium tote. Pick up will be in Buntrock Commons. Wristband must be presented at the time and in-person attendance required. Pick up is open beginning Friday, October 2, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, October 3, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tote bags will not be shipped.
Homecoming and Family Weekend is cashless. Payment will be accepted via credit card only for on-site registration as well as all food purchases at The Cage and Stav Hall.
It is our hope to have activities go on without interruption. However, in the case of severe weather, there are some events that will be moved inside or potentially cancelled. We will notify you through text with the number provided during registration and/or post signs around campus. You may also ask staff in Buntrock Commons about any changes.
We strongly encourage guests to bring a reusable water bottle for the day. We will have a dedicated water filling station in Buntrock Commons, and you can also find convenient bottle filling stations in many buildings across campus.
We have a full weekend planned, and you can decide with your student which events you want to check out! Don’t forget, we have our full schedule of events available to view!
Celebrate Homecoming 2026 with this year’s T-shirt, designed by Mara Smith ’29! All proceeds from Homecoming shirt sales go to support the Co-Curricular Opportunity Fund! Pre-order your Homecoming T-shirt today!
Homecoming Clothing Drive: Help Oles Dress for Success
This Homecoming Weekend, you can make a direct impact on current students by donating to The O Boutique, St. Olaf’s free, student-run clothing store located in Ytterboe Hall.
Many students are preparing for upcoming job interviews, career fairs, and networking events. We invite returning alumni and families to drop off gently used professional clothing—such as suits, blazers, dress shirts, skirts, and dress shoes—in Buntrock Commons Crossroads.
Your generosity promotes campus sustainability and ensures every Ole has the wardrobe they need to step confidently into their future.
Thank you!
Are event highlights more your speed? No problem! Check out some of our main weekend highlights and enjoy the Hill alongside your student
Open CLasses
Various Academic Buildings
Arriving early? Explore academic life at St. Olaf — and learn something new along the way! Select faculty members will open their classrooms to visitors on Friday. The final list of open classes below.
Friday flowers
Buntrock Commons near The Cage — 9 a.m.
Every Friday, a local florist sets up shop in Buntrock Commons to sell flowers to students, who can then place their purchases in the PO boxes of their friends. Purchase flowers for your student when you arrive on campus!
student resources open house
Buntrock Commons Crossroads — 1 to 4 p.m.
Stop by for a glimpse into the vibrant student life and resources that define the St. Olaf experience today. Discover the campus centers that help our students thrive, from academic advising to wellness and career development.
Ready for high-flying spikes, floor-diving digs, and back-to-back action? The Oles are back on the court for a stacked doubleheader against Concordia College and Simpson College! Head down to Skoglund, bring your crew, and help us turn up the volume for a home-court sweep.
CURI SYMPOSIUM
Buntrock Commons, King’s Dining Room — 4 to 6 p.m.
Buntrock Commons, King’s Dining Room — 4 to 6 p.m.
The St. Olaf Collaborative Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (CURI) program provides opportunities for St. Olaf students of all academic disciplines to gain an in-depth understanding of a particular subject through working closely with a St. Olaf faculty member in a scholarly or artistic setting. Stop by the CURI Symposium and meet the St. Olaf students who participated in the Collaborative Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (CURI) last summer. Students will share poster presentations about their research across a variety of disciplines.
FRIDAY NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT: DEREK HUGHES
Buntrock Commons, The Pause — 8 p.m.
Buntrock Commons, The Pause — 8 p.m.
The Office of Student Activities and Alumni and Parent Relations invites students, families, friends, and alumni to experience magician Derek Hughes. His seamless blend of humor and magic creates an unforgettable experience, earning him a reputation as one of the most innovative entertainers in the industry. Food will be available for purchase in The Pause. All are welcome.
First-Year Parent Reception
Buntrock Commons, King’s Dining Room
9 to 10 a.m.
First-year parents are invited to a special welcome reception. Enjoy light refreshments, mingle with other new Ole families and connect with college leadership.
Sophomore experience
Buntrock Commons, The Pause
9 to 10 a.m.
First-year parents are invited to a special welcome reception. Enjoy light refreshments, mingle with other new Ole families and connect with college leadership.
ole’s amazing race
10 a.m. to noon
All guests are invited to pre-register for Ole’s Amazing Race, sponsored by Campus Recreation. The event takes place rain or shine. Get a team of two to four players to compete! Top three teams receive a voucher for an exclusive Homecoming swag item.
Registration Full!
natural lands tours
Meet at the Art Barn (near the wind turbine)
9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Walk the trails with Natural Lands Director, Charles Umberhowar and manager Wes Braker ’18. Learn about the variety of flora and fauna in this protected area and how faculty and students use this land.
Canceled in case of severe weather
ole’s family fun
Buntrock Plaza and Campus Green
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Head out to the Campus Green for a fun-filled afternoon of fall activities! Current students, families, alumni, and guests are all welcome to join in on the fun.
Featured Activities
Fireside Apple Orchard Apple Tasting
Tin Tea Boba Tasting
Pumpkin Painting & Inflatable Bouncer
Popcorn Wagon & Cotton Candy
Ole’s Fan Tent (until 1 p.m.)
ST. OLAF football vs. augsburg
Klein Field at Manitou
1 p.m. kickoff
ST. OLAF Soccer vs. concordia
Rolf Melby Field
Women 1 p.m.
Men 3:30 p.m.
st. olaf band concert
Skoglund Center Auditorium
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Founded in 1891, The St. Olaf Band, dubbed “one of America’s preeminent bands” by The New Yorker, performs the very best compositions and transcriptions for symphonic band, producing an exciting, crowd-pleasing style. All are welcome to attend this performance conducted by Dr. Henry Dorn. No tickets required.
trivia night
Buntrock Commons, The Pause
8 to 9:30 p.m.
Test your knowledge in a fun, fast-paced trivia game hosted by Assistant Dean for Student Engagement Brandon Cash ’16!
Open to all students, alumni, families, and guests.
Family Weekend Concert
Skoglund Center Auditorium
3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
End your day with a perfomance during the annual Family Weekend concert featuring:
Viking Chorus
Joseph Kemper ’11, Conductor
Norseman Band
Michael Buck ’89, Conductor
Manitou Singers
Tkach Hibbard, Conductor
St. Olaf Philharmonia
Keenun Nam, Conductor
All are welcome to attend. No tickets required.
natural lands tours
Meet at the Art Barn (near the wind turbine)
10 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Walk the trails with Natural Lands Director, Charles Umberhowar and manager Wes Braker ’18. Learn about the variety of flora and fauna in this protected area and how faculty and students use this land.
Canceled in case of severe weather