Homecoming 2026: Alumni Connections, Campus Traditions and Bison Pride

Bucknell University plans to welcome 500 alumni, families and friends to campus Friday through Sunday, Oct. 16–18, for Homecoming Weekend 2026. The annual fall tradition will bring generations of Bucknellians together for a weekend of campus activities, athletic competitions and opportunities to celebrate the University's history and community.

This year's Homecoming comes as Bucknell marks the 75th anniversary of Ellen Clarke Bertrand Library, a campus landmark that has served generations of students and faculty. The weekend will also highlight alumni achievements, connections between students and graduates, and the traditions that continue to shape the Bucknell experience.

Friday: Alumni Connections and Campus Traditions
Homecoming Weekend will begin Friday with opportunities for alumni and students to connect across generations. The weekend's programming will emphasize the lifelong Bucknell community, creating opportunities for graduates to reconnect with classmates, explore campus and engage with current students.

Alumni can join members of Club Ralley, a student-run campus startup, for the Ralley Run 5K starting at 5:30 p.m. from 400 St. George St. Registration can be found on the Ralley app.

Friday evening will showcase achievements in athletics through the Bucknell Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which will honor five individuals whose accomplishments have left an indelible mark on Bison athletics: Kate Brewster-Duffy '08, Leonard Joseph '13, A.J. Kizekai '10, Emma Levendoski '16 and Chelsey Musante '10. The induction ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. in the Elaine Langone Center (ELC) Terrace Room.

Saturday: Bison Pride, Alumni Recognition and Athletics
Saturday will feature a full slate of activities celebrating Bucknell's alumni community and student-athletes. Alumni and visitors can gather at Bisonville, a new central, festival-style tailgate hub, before cheering on the Bison football team as it faces Lafayette at 3 p.m. at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium.

Additional athletic competitions throughout the day will offer opportunities to support Bucknell teams, with events featuring Bison student-athletes in men's and women's swimming (noon, Kinney Natatorium), baseball (12:30 p.m., Depew Field at Marren Park), softball (1 p.m., Becker Field) and men's soccer (7 p.m., Emmitt Field at Holmes Stadium). The weekend's athletic programming will highlight the competitive spirit and community pride that are hallmarks of Homecoming.

Alumni recognition will also take center stage. The University's 30 Under 30 program celebrates young graduates making notable contributions in their professions and communities. An invitation-only reception with this year's honorees at 7:30 p.m. in the ELC's Terrace Room will offer an opportunity for alumni and current students to connect and learn from graduates building careers across a range of fields.

Additional Homecoming activities will bring together members of the Bucknell community for fellowship and campus traditions.

Saturday evening will include a concert featuring rapper Fetty Wap at 7 p.m. in Sojka Pavilion. The performance is free to current students with a valid Bucknell ID card and $25 for all others and tickets are available through the University box office. The concert will add a musical highlight to the weekend's celebrations.

Sunday: Art, Exploration and Community
Homecoming Weekend will continue Sunday with opportunities to explore Bucknell's cultural offerings and reconnect with the campus community. The Samek Art Museum will offer a student-led exhibition tour starting at 11 a.m. from the museum on the third floor of the ELC, inviting visitors to experience its exhibitions and engage with the visual arts.

There will also be a gospel music residency worship service at Rooke Chapel starting at 11 a.m., led by the Rev. Angela Jones, the University's 2026–27 gospel music fellow.

The Bison field hockey team will also play host to La Salle at noon at Graham Field at Holmes Stadium.

As alumni and families conclude their visits, the weekend will offer a chance to reflect on the people, experiences and traditions that make Bucknell a lasting part of their lives.

A full schedule of events and registration information are available on the Bucknell University Homecoming website.