150 Years of St. Olaf History Exhibit – 7:45 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Rolvaag Library, Reference Room
Visit Rolvaag Library and view the 150 Years of St. Olaf History Exhibit just outside the Reference Room in Rolvaag Memorial Library. Say “Cheers to 150 Years!” and toast St. Olaf’s history with cups, mugs, and more from the College Archives.

Open Classes – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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 afternoon. The final list of open classes will be posted here on October 2. View Open Class List.

Flaten Art Museum and Groot Gallery – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Center for Art and Dance
Practicing Democracy: 150 Years of St. Olaf Student Civic Engagement
Practicing Democracy explores and promotes St. Olaf student civic engagement as the college marks its 150th anniversary. Decades of engagement and activism paved the way for St. Olaf College to lead voter engagement among U.S. colleges and universities today.

Chapel Service of Morning Prayer – 10:10 to 10:30 a.m.
Boe Memorial Chapel
Take a moment to pause and reflect at St. Olaf’s daily chapel service. All are welcome.
Presenter
Katherine Fick, Associate College Pastor

Lunch – 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door. Credit card only. Not included in the Black and Gold package

Swag Shop – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Buntrock Plaza
All guests who register for the Black and Gold package receive a premium Ole swag item! Additional swag items are available for purchase in the bookstore.

Registration – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Buntrock Commons, Crossroads
Make this your first stop! Pre-registered guests: Pick up your wristband to access HCFW activities. Walk-up registration available.

St. Olaf Natural Lands Tour – 1 to 2 p.m.
Meet at the Art Barn (Canceled in case of severe weather.)
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.

Guided Then and Now Campus Tour– 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Old Main Steps (Canceled in case of severe weather.)
Meet our student tour guides at Old Main for a guided version of the “Then and Now” campus tour. Learn more about the Hill’s architecture and how it has evolved over the past one century and a half to support today’s Oles.

Open House – Student Resources – 1 to 4 p.m.
Throughout Campus
Stop by Registration to pick-up your BINGO card. Learn about the resources for your student as they live and learn on the Hill. Bring back a completed card to registration and receive a prize!

Hong Kierkegaard Library Open House – 2 to 4 p.m.
Steensland Hall
Did you know 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.

Limestones Alumni Reunion Reception – 3 to 4:30 p.m. 
Reception Room, Christiansen Hall of Music
Invitation Only. The Limestones are celebrating 35 years! All alumni who participated in St. Olaf’s all men’s a cappella group are invited to attend this opening reception as well as other events taking place throughout the weekend. Questions? Contact Eirik Davey-Gislason ’97.

Ole Talks – 3 to 5 p.m. 
Viking Theater, Buntrock Commons
Join members of the St. Olaf community for these short talks about life on the Hill. Participating faculty and topics will be posted as they are confirmed.

Northfield Fall Fun – 3 to 7 p.m. 
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

CURI (Collaborative Undergraduate Research and Inquiry) Fall Showcase – 4 to 6 p.m.
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!

Dinner – 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door. Credit card only. Not included in the Black and Gold package

Athletics Hall of Fame Social and Banquet – 6 to 9 p.m.
Buntrock Commons
Invitation only. Pre-registration required. All previous Hall of Fame inductees are invited to this celebration honoring our newest inductees: Jon Campbell ’00 (tennis), Horace Gant ’08 (football/track and field), Emma Lee ’13 (cross country/Nordic skiing/track and field), John Schantzen ’10 (track and field/football), and Karen Schwartzbauer ’87 (soccer/basketball), as well as the 1979 and 1980 women’s cross country teams.

Questions? Email Luke Kopnick, Athletics Engagement Specialist.

Limestones Alumni Reunion Dinner – 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Buntrock Commons, King’s Dining Room
Invitation only. Pre-registration required. Celebratory dinner celebrating 35 years of the Limestones at St. Olaf. Questions? Contact Eirik Davey-Gislason ’97.

Magician Jack Kelly – 8 p.m.
The Pause
Nationally-recognized magician Jack Kelly brings an interactive experience that incorporates mind-blowing magic and fun to create an unforgettable experience. All are welcome to attend this performance, which is co-sponsored by Alumni and Parent Relations and the Office of Student Activities.

Swag Shop – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Buntrock Plaza
All guests who register for the Black and Gold package receive a premium Ole swag item! Additional swag items are available for purchase in the bookstore.

Registration – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Buntrock Commons, Crossroads
Make this your first stop! Pre-registered guests: Pick up your wristband to access HCFW activities. Walk-up registration available.

Breakfast – 8 to 9:30 a.m.
Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door. Credit card only. Not included in the Black and Gold package.

Parent Reception with President Susan Rundell Singer– 9 to 10 a.m.
St. Olaf House
Current St. Olaf parents are invited to join President Susan Rundell Singer and members of the President’s Leadership Team at the St. Olaf House. Stop by and enjoy light refreshments with college leadership!

Activity Note: Please use the on-campus access point for the St. Olaf House. Guests may walk from the main campus or park in the large parking lot behind the Regents Hall of Natural Sciences (RNS). To access the house, proceed down the short path on the west side of the RNS parking lot and use the front door. For those with accessibility concerns, limited parking is available immediately adjacent to the house. Follow directional signage for accessible parking.

150 Years of St. Olaf History Exhibit – 9 a.m. to noon
Rolvaag Library, Reference Room
Visit Rolvaag Library and view the 150 Years of St. Olaf History Exhibit just outside the Reference Room in Rolvaag Memorial Library. Say “Cheers to 150 Years!” and toast St. Olaf’s history with cups, mugs, and more from the College Archives.

Ole’s Amazing Race – 9 a.m. to noon
Campus Green, outside Buntrock Commons

Heat 1: 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Heat 2: 10:30 a.m. – noon
Check in 30 minutes prior to your heat start.

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, complete the challenges, and grab your prize at the finish!

Limited to 30 teams per heat. Register early!

• Waivers must be completed prior to participation.
• Please do not bring dogs or other pets on the Amazing Race.

St. Olaf Natural Lands Tour – 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Meet at the Art Barn (Canceled in case of severe weather.)
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.

Guided Then and Now Campus Tour– 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Old Main Steps (Canceled in case of severe weather.)
Meet our student tour guides at Old Main for a guided version of the “Then and Now” campus tour. Learn more about the Hill’s architecture and how it has evolved over the past one century and a half to support today’s Oles.

Shop 1500 Open House  – 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Buntrock Commons
Officially opened in September 2024, Shop 1500 provides hair cuts, braiding, and styling services for all students, especially meeting the needs of Oles with Black or textured hair. Just as importantly, the shop will provide a place for connection and conversation. Stop by to learn more about the shop from its co-founder, Aidan Lloyd ’24, and current student managers.

Ole’s Petting Zoo – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Campus Green
Little Blues Traveling Zoo will be on campus with goats, pigs, sheep, an alpaca, and more!

Fireside Orchard Apple Tasting – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Campus Green
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.

Share Your St. Olaf Story – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Skifter Hall
The history of St. Olaf is not one story, but many — and we want to hear yours! We are collecting memories and reflections from our community in honor of the college’s sesquicentennial. Help us commemorate 150 years by sharing your St. Olaf story. Stop by our Broadcast Media Services studio in Skifter Hall to share your reflections in a professional recording booth with Ole interviewers. Your story will be shared at 150th.stolaf.edu and added to the college’s permanent archives. Everyone who shares a story receives a free 150th t-shirt! 

St. Olaf Archives: Pop-Up Exhibit: History of Homecoming  – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Buntrock Commons
Stop by and check-out this special exhibit of memorabilia and photos from the St. Olaf archives curated just for Homecoming and Family Weekend.

Ole’s Family Fun  – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Campus Green (Rain location Buntrock Commons – no inflatables)
This carnival-style event is open to visitors and current students. Join us for an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, balloon artist, caricaturists, cotton candy, popcorn, and lawn games. You don’t want to miss this fun event for Oles of all ages!

Women’s Cross Country at Carleton: Running of the Cows Meet – 10:30 a.m.
UPDATED EVENT TIME
Carleton College, Bill Huyck Championship Course
Head across town to cheer on the Oles as they participate in the annual “Running of the Cows” Cross Country Meet.

Alumni Gathering with Retired St. Olaf Faculty and Teaching Staff  – 10:30 a.m. to noon
Buntrock Commons, King’s Dining Room
In honor of the college’s Sesquicentennial, all are welcome to join us for this special reception with retired St. Olaf faculty and teaching staff. List of confirmed participants will be updated by September 18. Light refreshments will be served.

View the list of confirmed participants HERE.

Open Skate with Ole Athletics – 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Skoglund Center
Interim Athletic Director Kelly Mahlum invites all Homecoming and Family Weekend attendees to participate in this fun, casual event. Enjoy a gourmet hot chocolate bar and conversation with St. Olaf athletics staff. Ice skate rental will be available free-of-charge.

St. Olaf Football Friends and Family Tailgate – 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Klein Field at Manitou
St. Olaf football alumni and families are invited to a pre-game tailgate at Klein Field.
Questions? Contact Jessica Rieper P ’24.

Homecoming and Family Weekend Celebration Lunch – 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
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. Included in the Black and Gold package. Pay at the door also available. 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.

William “Bill” Green ’77 Legacy Luncheon – 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Buntrock Commons, King’s Dining Room

All are welcome at this lunch honoring William “Bill” Green ’77’s legacy of service to St. Olaf students. As the longtime director of multicultural affairs and community outreach (MACO) and assistant dean of community life and diversity at St. Olaf, Mr. Green positively impacted the lives of countless Oles. Join us to learn more about Mr. Green’s commitment to creating a sense of belonging for every Ole and a new scholarship being established in his honor. Buffet lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Formal remarks by Mrs. Nann Green and the Green family at 12 p.m. Included in the Black and Gold package. Pre-registration required.

Men’s Cross Country at Carleton: Running of the Cows Meet – 11:30 a.m.
UPDATED EVENT TIME
Carleton College, Bill Huyck Championship Course
Head across town to cheer on the Oles as they participate in the annual “Running of the Cows” Cross Country Meet.

St. Olaf Women’s Tennis vs. Concordia College – noon
Carlson Tennis Courts

Flaten Art Museum and Groot Gallery – noon to 4 p.m.
Center for Art and Dance
Practicing Democracy: 150 Years of St. Olaf Student Civic Engagement
Practicing Democracy explores and promotes St. Olaf student civic engagement as the college marks its 150th anniversary. Decades of engagement and activism paved the way for St. Olaf College to lead voter engagement among U.S. colleges and universities today.

St. Olaf Football vs. Hamline – 1 p.m.
Klein Field at Manitou
Wear your black and gold to cheer on the Oles in this match-up against Hamline University. Admission included in the Black and Gold package. A la carte ticket purchases must be made online. There will be no ticket sales at the gate.

William “Bill” Green ’77 Plaque Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – 1 to 1:30 p.m.
Shop 1500, Buntrock Commons
Shop 1500 will be home to a permanent plaque honoring Bill Green ’77, longtime Director of Multicultural Affairs and Community Outreach (MACO) and Community Life and Diversity at St. Olaf. Join members of the Green family for a short ceremony to dedicate the plaque and to honor Mr. Green’s legacy as an Ole Trailblazer.

St. Olaf Men’s Tennis vs. Concordia College – 1:30 p.m.
Carlson Tennis Courts

Alumni Swim and Dive Meet – 4 p.m.
Skoglund Pool
Alumni of the St. Olaf Swimming and Diving program are invited back to campus for the 37th annual alumni meet and post-meet pizza dinner. Questions? Contact Bob Hauck.

March, Speak, Dance, Draw, Vote! Civic Engagement Alumni Roundtable – 4 to 5 p.m.
Center for Art and Dance
Alumni who have made notable contributions to civic engagement will converse about the student activism on the Hill, past and present, in this moderated discussion. All are welcome! Panel members will be listed in late September.

Limestones 35th Reunion Concert  – 4 to 6 p.m.
The Pause, Buntrock Commons
One of St. Olaf’s most beloved traditions, the Limestones a capella group is celebrating 35 years! Join us for this special reunion performance of past participants to hear all of your favorites, including the Limestones signature song, Malt-O-Meal.

Dinner – 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Buntrock Commons, Stav Dining Hall
Pay at the door. Credit card only. Not included in the Black and Gold package.

St. Olaf Football Dinner – 5 to 7 p.m.
Klein Field at Manitou, East End Zone
St. Olaf football alumni are invited to join Coach James Killian and the Oles for a post-game potluck organized by the Touchdown Club and Ole football parents. Not included in the Black and Gold package. Cash at the door. For questions or to pre-pay, contact Jessica Rieper P ’24.

March, Speak, Dance, Draw, Vote! Civic Engagement Extended Gallery Hours – 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Groot Gallery, Center for Art and Dance
Enjoy extended gallery hours for Practicing Democracy: 150 Years of St. Olaf Student Civic Engagement.

Limestones 35th Reunion Meet and Greet – 6 p.m.
Buntrock Crossroads
Greet Limestones alumni after their afternoon concert in the Pause.

St. Olaf Band Concert – 7:30 to 9:30  p.m.
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.

Saturday Night Trivia Mafia –  8 to 9:30 p.m.
The Pause
Calling all students, alumni, families and guests: Enjoy a fun, engaging, fast-paced game of trivia with awesome prizes! Free event for HCFW 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.

• 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!

Saturday Social on the Plaza – 8 to 10 p.m.
Buntrock Plaza
Spend the evening cozied up by an outdoor fire on Buntrock Plaza! Grab your friends to make a s’more and enjoy other fun treats and beverages.

Breakfast – 8 to 9:00 a.m.
Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door. Credit card only. Not included in the Black and Gold package.

Service of Holy Communion – 10:30 a.m.
Boe Memorial Chapel
Presenter Katherine Fick, Associate College Pastor
Presider Matthew Marohl, College Pastor
Organist James E. Bobb, Cantor to the Student Congregation

Lunch – 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door. Credit card only

Ole’s Golf Scramble – 11 a.m.
Willingers Golf Club
$81/person for cart, green fees, range balls and lunch. Min 72 players, Max 80 players. Hosted by Alumni and Parent Relations and the Men’s and Women’s Golf Teams. Shotgun scramble. All levels welcome!

Flaten Art Museum and Groot Gallery – noon to 4 p.m.
Center for Art and Dance
Practicing Democracy: 150 Years of St. Olaf Student Civic Engagement
Practicing Democracy explores and promotes St. Olaf student civic engagement as the college marks its 150th anniversary. Decades of engagement and activism paved the way for St. Olaf College to lead voter engagement among U.S. colleges and universities today.

Family Weekend Concert – 3:30 to 5 p.m.
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.

Dinner – 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door. Credit card only. Not included in the Black and Gold package.