We have developed programming for everyone to enjoy the Hill in their own way. Explore the schedule to find your perfect fit and see what’s in store.
HOMECOMING EVENT
FAMILY WEEKEND EVENT
HOMECOMING AND FAMILY WEEKEND EVENT
Schedule is subject to change.
Explore the full schedule below or jump to a specific day!
Friday, october 10 →
Saturday, october 11 →
Sunday, october 12 →
Friday, October 10, 2025
ALL-DAY EVENTS
Ole Led Tours
Download the GOOSECHASE APP, a virtual scavenger hunt app. Discover parts of campus you’ve never seen before and revisit some of your favorites. Photograph your way around campus from Friday, October 10 through Saturday, October 11.
Game code: XEVRD7
Password: OLE
Self-Guided Then and Now Campus Tour
Access the “Then and Now Tour” for a self-guided audio tour of campus narrated by St. Olaf students. Along the way, learn more about the architecture of the Hill and how it has evolved over the past 150 years to support today’s Oles. Access the tour HERE.
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Open Classes — Various locations across campus
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 will be posted October 7.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | St. Olaf Bookstore — Buntrock Commons, Ground Floor
Update your Ole gear at the St. Olaf Bookstore. Don’t forget to purchase your Homecoming and Family Weekend swag before you leave!
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Flaten Art Museum and Groot Gallery — Center for Art and Dance
Gateway to Himalayan Art introduces the main forms, concepts, meanings, and religious traditions of Himalayan art with objects from the collection of the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, New York. Learn more about the exhibition HERE.
10:10 to 10:30 a.m. | Chapel Service of Morning Prayer — Boe Memorial Chapel
Take a moment to pause and reflect at St. Olaf’s daily chapel service. All are welcome.
10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Lunch in Stav Hall — Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door. Credit card only.
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Registration — Buntrock Commons, Crossroads
Make this your first stop! Pre-registered guests pick up your wristband. Walk-up registration available.
Guests registered prior to September 15 can pick up their complimentary set of St. Olaf Homecoming pint glasses at registration.
1 to 2 p.m. | St. Olaf Natural Lands Tour — Art Barn near the wind turbine “Big Ole”
Walk the trails with Natural Lands Director Charles Umbanhowar and Manager Wes Braker ’18. Learn about the variety of flora and fauna in this protected area and see how faculty and students use the land.
Canceled in case of severe weather
2 to 3 p.m. | Empowering Parents with QPR Skills — Viking Theater, Buntrock Commons
Did you know that 1 in 5 college students experience mental health challenges? You want your student to feel at home on the Hill. Creating an environment that feels like home, includes making sure they are taking care of their mental health. Come join our QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) session to better support your student with their mental health.
RSVP here to attend. Space is limited.
2 to 4 p.m. | Hong Kierkegaard Library Open House — Steensland Hall
St. Olaf is home to the largest collection of writings by and about Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard outside of Denmark. The Hong Kierkegaard library houses approximately 20,000 book volumes. Learn more about the history of the collection and how it supports international Kierkegaard scholarship. Tours will depart every 30 minutes starting at 2 p.m. with the last tour beginning at 3:30 p.m.
3 to 7 p.m. | Northfield Fall Fun — Various Locations
View the list of curated activities compiled by the Alumni and Parent Relations team at St. Olaf. Get out and enjoy our Northfield community of cows, colleges, and community! No transportation provided. Northfield Fall Fun
4 to 6 p.m. | CURI (Collaborative Undergraduate Research and Inquiry) Fall Showcase — Buntrock Commons, King’s Dining Room
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. All are welcome to attend!
4:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Dinner in Stav Hall — Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door. Credit card only.
7 p.m. | St. Olaf Volleyball vs. Gustavus Adolphus College — Skoglund Gym
The St. Olaf volleyball team is back in action for their annual “White Out” game, and this year we’re taking on Gustavus! Wear your brightest white Ole gear and join in the fun as we cheer our team on to victory.
7 p.m. | St. Olaf Volleyball Alumnae Gathering — Skoglund Gym
St. Olaf volleyball alumnae and their guests are invited after the game for pizza, volleyball, and more fun!
8 p.m. | Eric Dittelman–Mind Reader — The Pause
St. Olaf Office of Student Activities and Alumni and Parent Relations invites students, families, friends, and alumni to experience mind reader Eric Dittelman. Eric combines amazing mind reading with stand-up and improv comedy for an evening of entertainment. All are welcome.
All-day events
Ole Led Tours
Download the GOOSECHASE APP, a virtual scavenger hunt app. Discover parts of campus you’ve never seen before and revisit some of your favorites. Photograph your way around campus from Friday, October 10 through Saturday, October 11.
Game code: XEVRD7
Password: OLE
Self-Guided Then and Now Campus Tour
Access the “Then and Now Tour” for a self-guided audio tour of campus narrated by St. Olaf students. Along the way, learn more about the architecture of the Hill and how it has evolved over the past 150 years to support today’s Oles. Access the tour HERE.
“Big Chair” Photo-op — Campus Green
Grab your family and friends for a fall photo-op with St. Olaf’s beloved giant gold adirondack chair, known affectionately by students as “Big Chair.”
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Registration — Buntrock Commons, Ground Floor
Make this your first stop! Pre-registered guests pick up your wristband. Walk-up registration available.
Guests registered prior to September 15 can pick up their complimentary set of St. Olaf pint glasses at registration.
8 to 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast in Stav Hall — Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door. Credit card only.
9 to 10 a.m. | First-Year Parents Reception — Buntrock Commons, King’s Dining Room
First-year parents are invited to a special welcome reception. Enjoy light refreshments, mingle with other new Ole families, and connect with college leadership.
9 to 10 a.m. | Sophomore Experience with Brandon Cash and Sarah Jurewicz — location TBD
Sophomore parents are invited to join Brandon Cash ’16 and Sarah Jurewicz from St. Olaf’s Orientation and Transition Experiences team to learn more about how the college is supporting your Ole during this important year in their college career.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | St. Olaf Bookstore — Buntrock Commons, Ground Floor
Update your Ole gear at the St. Olaf Bookstore. Don’t forget to purchase your Homecoming and Family Weekend swag before you leave!
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. | St. Olaf Natural Lands Tour — Art Barn, near the wind turbine “Big Ole”
Walk the trails with Natural Lands Director Charles Umbanhowar and Manager Wes Braker ’18. Learn about the variety of flora and fauna in this protected area and see how faculty and students use the land.
Canceled in case of severe weather
10 a.m. to noon | Open Skate — Skoglund Center, Ice Arena
St. Olaf Athletics invites all Homecoming and Family Weekend attendees to participate in this fun, casual event. Ice skate rental will be available free-of-charge.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Homecoming Athletics Tailgate — Skoglund, S2 Parking Lot
Come fuel up for Homecoming! We’re kicking things off with a fantastic tailgate that’s open to all campus guests. Purchase some delicious bites from a variety of food trucks, enjoy complimentary root beer courtesy of Public Safety, and spend some time catching up with athletics staff and other Ole fans. It’s the perfect way to rally before the game!
Food can be purchased with cash or credit. Student meal swipes not accepted.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | St. Olaf Men’s Soccer Alumni Gathering — Skoglund Gym, S2 Parking Lot
Men’s soccer alumni are encouraged to register to attend the Homecoming Athletics Tailgate for casual socializing with athletics alumni, parents, and fans ahead of the game. No formal program. Purchase your pre-game food and refreshments and then head to the pitch at 1 p.m. to watch the Oles take on Bethel.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | St. Olaf Archives: History of Homecoming — Buntrock Commons
Stop by and check-out this special pop-up exhibit of memorabilia and photos from the St. Olaf archives curated for Homecoming.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Ole’s Family Fun — Campus Green
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 with a variety of lawn games, pumpkin painting, and delicious treats like apple tasting, boba tea samples, and classic popcorn and cotton candy. You won’t want to miss this event. Something for Oles of all ages!
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Ole’s Fan Tent
Stop by Buntrock Plaza and get game-day ready! Grab a rally item and let your team spirit shine.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Fireside Apple Orchard Apple Tasting
Stop by for a delicious apple and cider tasting event. Fireside Orchard will be on campus sampling a diverse range of apples from crisp and tart to sweet and juicy.
Apples and cider will be available for purchase. Credit card only.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Boba Tea Tasting
Join us for a boba tea tasting! We’re excited to feature Tin Tea, a local business owned by alumna Chau Truong ’24. This is a great opportunity to sip and savor delicious boba tea while connecting with the Ole community.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Inflatable Bouncer
Jump for joy! We’ll have an inflatable bouncer ready for kids of all ages to enjoy. It’s the perfect way for little ones to burn off some energy while the adults socialize.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Popcorn Wagon
A timeless treat for all! Stop by the classic popcorn wagon owned by Northfield’s FiftyNorth and grab a bag of freshly popped kernels.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Pumpkin Painting
Time to get creative! Head over to the fall craft corner and design your own masterpiece. We’ll have everything you need for pumpkin painting—just bring your artistic side!
10:30 a.m. to noon | Ole’s Amazing Race — Check in on the Campus Green
Ready to test your limits and have a blast? The Amazing Race is an action-packed event that will have you navigating the campus, completing challenges, and racing to the finish line.
All guests are invited to pre-register for Ole’s Amazing Race, sponsored by Campus Recreation. The event takes place rain or shine on the campus green. Get a team of two to four players to compete, and grab your prize at the finish! Top three teams receive a voucher for an exclusive Homecoming swag item.
The event will involve a series of physical and mental challenges, so be prepared for anything! You’ll be on your feet, running and walking across the campus’s diverse terrain, from manicured lawns to paved pathways. Be ready to stand for periods of time, climb stairs, walk longer distances, and quickly move between different locations. Limited to 40 teams.
Dogs or other pets prohibited on the Amazing Race course.
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Lunch in Stav Hall— Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Enjoy a menu of “Caf Favorites” with the option to dine in Stav Hall or grab your food and enjoy it outdoors at picnic tables on the campus green. Pre-register or pay at the door. Credit card only.
Activity Note: The line to Stav Hall is longest between 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. We advise arriving early to avoid the wait.
Noon to 4 p.m. | Flaten Art Museum and Groot Gallery — Center for Art and Dance
Gateway to Himalayan Art introduces the main forms, concepts, meanings, and religious traditions of Himalayan art with objects from the collection of the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, New York. Learn more about the exhibition HERE.
1 p.m. | Homecoming Football Game — St. Olaf vs. Gustavus Adolphus College — Klein Field at Manitou
Cheer on the Oles as they take on the Gusties! Kick off is at 1 p.m. Wear your black and gold and get ready to make some noise!
1 p.m. | St. Olaf Men’s Soccer vs. Bethel University — Rolf Mellby Field
It’s time to get loud! Wear your black and gold and rally behind the Oles as they take on the Bethel Royals!
3 to 4 p.m. | 2005 Norway Tour Affinity Gathering — Buntrock Commons, Norway Room
Hit the right note with old friends! Members of the St. Olaf Band, Choir, and Orchestra 2005 Norway Tour are invited to gather with retired St. Olaf Orchestra conductor Steve Amundson and Stef Fiser Kleven ’06 to, reminisce about the trip, and make some new memories. Return to the Hill and celebrate Homecoming with your fellow band, choir and orchestra alums!
3:30 p.m. | St. Olaf Women’s Soccer vs. Bethel University —Rolf Mellby Field
Take advantage of a second Ole soccer game. Watch the Oles as they take on the Bethel Royals! Wear your black and gold and let’s get loud!
4 p.m. | St. Olaf Alumni Swim and Dive Meet — Skoglund Pool
Alumni of the St. Olaf Swimming and Diving program are invited back to campus for the 38th annual alumni meet and post-meet pizza dinner. Questions? Contact Bob Hauck.
4 to 6:30 p.m. | Welcome Home, LGBTQ+ Oles! — King’s Dining Room
Join the College Archives and the History Department for the official celebration of St. Olaf College’s first LGBTQ+ Oles Oral History collection. The celebration event will include a short panel discussion, a pop-up exhibit featuring items and stories from the collection, and a reception. All are welcome!
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. | St. Olaf Music Pre-Concert Tailgate — Skoglund, S2 Parking Lot
All are welcome to join the Ole music community for a St. Olaf Band pre-concert gathering filled with great food and even better company. Grab a delicious bite from a variety of food trucks, enjoy complimentary root beer served by St. Olaf Public Safety, and spend time connecting with fellow music lovers, students, and faculty. It’s the perfect way to get in the spirit before the big show!
NEW ADDITION: Bandie and orchie alums, as a special treat, retired conductors Tim Mahr ’78 and Steve Amundson will be in attendance!
Food can be purchased with cash or credit. Student meal swipes not accepted.
4:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Dinner in Stav Hall — Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pre-purchase or pay at the door. Credit card only.
6 p.m. | St. Olaf Women’s Soccer Alumnae Gathering — Art Barn
Women’s soccer alumnae and their guests are invited to attend a gathering at the St. Olaf Art Barn for post-game refreshments and socializing.
6 p.m. | St. Olaf Men’s and Women’s Alumni Swimming and Diving Gathering — Coach Hauck’s Home
St. Olaf swimming and diving alumni are invited to Coach Hauck’s home for a pizza party! Enjoy an evening of food, refreshments, and, even better, good company.
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. | St. Olaf Band Concert — Skoglund Center Auditorium
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.
8 to 9:30 p.m. | Saturday Night Trivia Mafia — Buntrock Commons, The Pause
Calling all students, alumni, families and guests: Enjoy a fun, engaging, fast-paced game of trivia with awesome prizes! Free event for guests and current students.
Trivia Mafia is based in Minneapolis and is committed to providing the best trivia! Join us for a fresh batch of enjoyably challenging questions about all kinds of topics — from Mr. Wizard to Steven Universe, maillots to Millard Fillmore.
You will be on a team with the other people at your table.
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- Before the game starts, the host will go over the rules so everyone knows what to expect.
- One person per table will sign into our custom-built events website with a phone or tablet.
- You’ll have about a minute to confer for each answer and one person from your team will submit your answers using our custom web form.
- The game will be six rounds of questions and take about 90 minutes. You’ll see the team standings at the middle and by the end. #braggingrights
- We hope you enjoy a good quiz with some great camaraderie!
SUNday, October 12, 2025
all-day Events
Self-Guided Then and Now Campus Tour
Access the “Then and Now Tour” for a self-guided audio tour of campus narrated by St. Olaf students. Along the way, learn more about the architecture of the Hill and how it has evolved over the past 150 years to support today’s Oles. Access the tour HERE.
10 to 11 a.m. | Natural Lands Tour — Art Barn near the wind turbine—Big Ole
Walk the trails with Natural Lands Director Charles Umbanhowar and Manager Wes Braker ’18. Learn about the variety of flora and fauna in this protected area and see how faculty and students use the land. Meet at the Art Barn.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | St. Olaf Bookstore — Buntrock Commons, Ground Floor
Update your Ole gear at the St. Olaf Bookstore. Don’t forget to purchase your Homecoming and Family Weekend swag before you leave!
10:30 a.m. | Sunday Morning Worship: 18th Sunday after Pentacost with Holy Communion — Boe Memorial Chapel
Associate College Pastor Katherine Fick will deliver the sermon, College Pastor Matthew Marohl will preside. James E. Bobb, Associate Professor in Music and the Cantor for the Student Congregation, will assist.
Sunday Worship is a time of inspiration and worship for body, mind, and spirit; a meaningful beginning to a new week. All are welcome!
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Brunch in Stav Hall — Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door. Credit card only.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Family Weekend Jazz Brunch — Buntrock Commons, King’s Dining Room
Gather with family and friends for a delicious Sunday brunch, complete with a lively performance by the talented St. Olaf Jazz Collective. Savor a wonderful meal in great company while enjoying some fantastic live music. It’s the perfect way to spend a fall weekend morning together.
Pre-registration recommended. All members of your party must be registered, including current students, for this event.
Limited walk-up ticket purchases will be available.
Ticket required. Meal swipes will not be accepted.
Seating times:
| Seating I | 11 a.m. | 90 tickets |
| Seating II | Noon | 90 tickets |
| Seating III | 1 p.m. | 90 tickets |
Noon to 4 p.m. | Flaten Art Museum and Groot Gallery — Center for Art and Dance
Gateway to Himalayan Art introduces the main forms, concepts, meanings, and religious traditions of Himalayan art with objects from the collection of the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, New York. Learn more about the exhibition HERE.
1 to 2 p.m. | Natural Lands Tour — Art Barn near the wind turbine—Big Ole
Walk the trails with Natural Lands Director Charles Umbanhowar and Manager Wes Braker ’18. Learn about the variety of flora and fauna in this protected area and see how faculty and students use the land. Meet at the Art Barn.
3:30 to 5 p.m. | Family Weekend Concert — Skoglund Center Auditorium
Hear the Norseman Band, St. Olaf Philharmonia, Manitou Singers, and Viking Chorus perform during their annual Family Weekend concert. Celebrate music’s legacy at the college with new arrangements of St. Olaf classics like “Manitou Heights,” “Fram! Fram! St. Olaf,” a medley of St. Olaf College songs, and more! No tickets required.
4:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Dinner in Stav Hall — Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door. Credit card only.