How to Make the Most of Homecoming and Family Weekend 2026

BRISTOL, R.I. – Homecoming and Family Weekend returns to Roger Williams University with three days of opportunities for Hawks to reconnect, celebrate, and share their RWU experience with family and friends.

From longtime traditions such as Casino Night and the Autumn Festival to athletic competitions, student performances, and activities across the waterfront campus, the weekend offers something for students, families, alumni, and friends of the university. Homecoming and Family Weekend runs from Friday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 18.

Alumni and families must register for the $10 Homecoming and Family Weekend Package, which covers up to four family members, not including their RWU student, for Casino Night, Family Bingo, the Autumn Festival, and Coffee and Conversation. Additional family members are $5 each.

Here is a quick guide to some of the highlights.

Traditions, Games and Performances

23rd Annual Captain’s Cup Regatta

Friday, Oct. 16, and Saturday, Oct. 17, Bready Sailing Center – Take in one of RWU’s signature waterfront traditions as alumni, families, friends, and current members of RWU Sailing gather for the 23rd Annual Captain’s Cup Regatta. Family Racing kicks things off Friday afternoon, followed by Saturday’s sailboat races and ticketed breakfast, lunch, reception, and dinner events for regatta participants. Be sure to purchase your ticket here.

Casino Night

Friday, Oct. 16, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Campus Recreation Center (Field House) – Try your luck at one of RWU’s favorite Homecoming and Family Weekend traditions. Play blackjack, roulette, Caribbean poker, Texas hold ’em, and other games – without the worry of losing money – before sticking around for an end-of-night raffle featuring a selection of prizes.

Coffee and Conversation

Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 to 11 a.m., Roger’s Café at RWU Law – Meet Vice President for Student Life Vitaliano Figueroa, members of the Division of Student Life, and the Parent and Family Leadership Council. The gathering gives families an opportunity to ask questions about life outside the classroom and learn more about the people and programs that support RWU students.

Autumn Picnic Lunch

Saturday, Oct. 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in front of the Marine and Natural Sciences Building – Grab a seat around campus or bring a blanket and picnic by the waterfront during the annual Autumn Picnic Lunch. Bon Appétit Dining will serve a special fall-themed menu for this ticketed event. Be sure to purchase your ticket here.

Autumn Festival

Saturday, Oct. 17, 1 to 4 p.m., Campus Recreation Center (Patio) and Commons Quad – Spend the afternoon at a weekend favorite for students, families, and alumni. Student organizations will host carnival games, ax throwing, arts and crafts, and other activities, while RWU vocal and dance groups perform live and local food vendors offer plenty to sample.

Student Theater Performance: The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals

Saturday, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m., Performing Arts Barn – Close out Saturday with Stage Company’s Insomnia Show production of The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals. The horror comedy follows Paul, an ordinary guy who finds himself surrounded by townspeople overcome by an alien hive mind that makes them sing and dance as though they are living in a musical.

Family-Friendly Fun

Family Bingo

Friday, Oct. 16, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Campus Recreation Center (Upper Gym) – Bring the whole family together for another fan-favorite RWU tradition. Play for the chance to win prizes throughout the evening and stay for the end-of-night raffle.

Roger’s Photo Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., campuswide – Grab your phone – and your Roger Blue – for a new way to explore campus. Families will work together to solve clues connected to RWU history, traditions, and locations around campus while capturing photos along the way.

Hawk-tober Fest

Saturday, Oct. 17, noon to 4 p.m., parking lot adjacent to the Turf Field – Celebrate autumn with fellow Hawks over games, seasonal snacks, beer, and wine. The ticketed event is open to alumni, families, friends, and students ages 21 and older. Be sure to purchase your ticket here.

Sports and Recreation

Athletics Hall of Fame

Friday, Oct. 16, 5:30 p.m., Mario J. Gabelli School of Business – Celebrate the newest members of the RWU Athletics Hall of Fame. This year’s class includes J. Mike Lynch ’01, Men’s Basketball; Matt Duggan ’09, Sailing; Mark Mastin ’92, Men’s Volleyball; Jenny (Dill) Okubo ’07, Women’s Swimming; and the 2014 Women’s Soccer Team. The ticketed evening begins with a cocktail reception followed by dinner and the Hall of Fame induction. Be sure to purchase your ticket here.

Homecoming 5K Road Race

Saturday, Oct. 17, 9:30 a.m. registration and 10 a.m. start, in front of the Campus Recreation Center – Start Saturday morning on the move with the RWU Cross Country team. The campus 5K is open to parents, students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

Children’s 100-Yard Dash

Saturday, Oct. 17, 9:45 a.m., Campus Recreation Center Patio – Before the 5K gets underway, young Hawks ages 12 and under can race for medals in the Children’s 100-Yard Dash.

Athletic Matches

Hawk fans will have plenty to cheer for throughout the weekend. Women’s Lacrosse opens the action Friday night with a fall scrimmage against the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. On Saturday, Field Hockey takes on Endicott College at 1 p.m. on the Turf Field, including a halftime performance by the Hawkettes Dance Team, while Women’s Volleyball hosts Bridgewater State University at 1 p.m. in the Campus Recreation Center Upper Gym. Alumni games for Women’s and Men’s Lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee, and Softball are also scheduled throughout the day, followed by the Wrestling intersquad meet at 7 p.m.

Check out the Athletics Calendar to see the complete schedule of all the athletics events.

Check out the complete Homecoming and Family Weekend schedule for registration information, tickets, and additional events happening throughout the weekend.