Homecoming 2026: A Bicentennial Celebration

PLEASE NOTE: The following schedule is subject to change. Please continue to check here for updates.

Friday, October 16

Welcome Home Alumni Check-In | Fri., 10/16 12-4pm & Sat., 10/17 8am-12pm | Williams Center Blue Lounge

Make the Williams Center Blue Lounge & Patio your first stop on campus — the space will be open for photos, mingling, and information about the weekend's festivities. Plus, special Bicentennial gifts for the first 100 alumni guests each day!

SUNY Fredonia Federal Credit Union Open | Fri., 10/16 | 9am-4pm | Williams Center main level

While you're back on campus for Homecoming, stop by the SUNY Fredonia Federal Credit Union and say hello! Visit on Friday, October 16, from 9-4 in Room G139 of the Williams Center to pick up a FREE gift (while supplies last), reconnect with familiar faces, and learn about the benefits of membership. 

Campus Bookstore Open | Fri., 10/16 9am-5pm & Sat., 10/17 12-5pm | University Commons

Is it time for a FRED fit refresh? Visit the campus bookstore for the latest Blue Devil apparel, accessories, and keepsakes — including new Bicentennial merchandise — and showcase your Fredonia pride near and far.

"for nothing is fixed: Susanne Slavick and Andrew Ellis Johnson" Art Gallery Exhibition | Fri., 10/16 & Sat., 10/17 | 12-6pm | Cathy & Jesse Marion Art Gallery, Rockefeller Arts Center

In this timely exhibition of paintings, drawings, and prints, Susanne Slavick and Andrew Ellis Johnson reflect on humanitarian crises caused by current global conflicts, political rhetoric that demonizes refugees, policies that limit refugee resettlement, and the horrific conditions of migrants in US detention centers. In a 2019 publication for the exhibition Getting There, an earlier iteration of this exhibition, they write, "We cannot speak for those in flight, in hiding, and in desperate hope. But we can speak to the contradictory fears and hypocrisies, ignored histories and punitive policies that we as a nation hold and enact here." 

200 Years of Higher Education in Fredonia, NY - a Bicentennial History Talk | Fri., 10/16 | 3-4pm | G103ABC, main level Williams Center 

SUNY Fredonia History Professor Dr. Mary Beth Sievens will discuss "200 Years of Higher Education in Fredonia, New York." Come ready to soak in your alma mater's storied past and perhaps learn something new along the way.

“From Campus to Career: Forty Years of Lessons, Luck, and Laughs” Department of Biology Alumni Talk | Fri., 10/16 | 3pm | Kelly Family Auditorium (Science Center Room 205)

Dr. Randy Krauss, ’86, Head and Executive Director of Operational Enablement and Effectiveness within Global Clinical Trial Operations at Merck & Co. addresses the audience on his forty years of lessons, luck, and laughs. Reception in the Science Center atrium will follow. Free to attend. All are welcome.

Visiting Artist Program Lecture: Susanne Slavick | Fri., 10/16 | 4pm | McEwen Hall 209

Meet one of the artists behind the Marion Art Gallery Exhibit "for nothing is fixed: Susanne Slavick and Andrew Ellis Johnson." All are welcome.  

"HOCO Fest" Bicentennial Party, Food Trucks & Live Music | Fri., 10/16 | 4-9pm | Williams Center Patio*

Student Performances, Live Music, Food Trucks, & S'mores Pits kick off the weekend. Seven-member alumni band The Honk Committee performs hits from across the decades on their all-brass setup and themed student performances pay homage to their favorite generations for a Bicentennial twist. Williams Center Patio. Parking: Lots 10, 11, 26. Enjoy free music/performances; food available for purchase. All are welcome. *This event will relocate to the Williams Center Multi-purpose room in the case of inclement weather.

Alumni Hospitality Zone | Fri., 10/16 | 5-8pm | Williams Center West Lawn near Fountain*

Join us for beer, wine, and seltzers in the designated alumni hospitality zone near the Fountain in the West Lawn of Williams Center. Guests will be able to enjoy the HOCO Fest Bicentennial Party performances and live music from this vantage point while kicking off the weekend with friends old and new. Parking: Lots 9a, 10, 11, 26. *Event will relocate to Williams Center Blue Lounge in the case of inclement weather. Alumni and their guests welcome. 21+ with ID.

2^nd Annual Bad Ad Hoc Hypothesis Fest | Fri., 10/16 | 7pm | Kelly Auditorium, Science Center 1st Floor

Come and listen to STEM faculty and students give faux scientific talks that poke fun at our respective disciplines. Free. All are welcome. 

Recreational Open Skate | Fri., 10/16 | 7-8:30pm | Steele Hall Ice Rink

Whether you want to practice your crossovers, your arabesque, or are lacing up the skates for the first time, visit the ice rink in Steele Hall for 90 minutes of recreational enjoyment. All skaters under the age of 18 must complete a Waiver and Release Form signed by a parent or legal guardian to participate in open skate. Admission: $5; Fredonia students: Free with FREDCard; Skate Rental: $4. Open to the public.

Orchesis Fall Showcase | Fri., 10/16 & Sat., 10/17 | 7:30-9:30pm | Bartlett Theatre, Rockefeller Arts Center

Tickets are available for purchase at Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center. Ticket office hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday, or call (716) 673-3501.

Saturday, October 17

Welcome Home Alumni Check-In | Fri., 10/16 12-4pm & Sat., 10/17 8am-12pm | Williams Center Blue Lounge

Make the Williams Center Blue Lounge & Patio your first stop on campus — the space will be open for photos, mingling, and information about the weekend's festivities. Plus, special Bicentennial gifts for the first 100 alumni guests each day!

Scholars & Donors Brunch (BY INVITATION ONLY) | Sat., 10/17 | 9:30-11:30am, Williams Center Multi-purpose Room

Annual scholarship recipients join the generous benefactors who've supported them to celebrate their achievements and break bread together. By invitation only.   

Family-Friendly Lawn Games | Sat., 10/17 | 12-3pm | Williams Center West Lawn

Enjoy lawn games near Williams Center Patio* with cookout lunch available for purchase. Observe the Bicentennial chalk-art, pumpkin decorating, and apple-bobbing competitions! Parking: Lots 9a, 10, 11, 26. Free to attend. All are welcome. *Rain location: Steele Hall.

Alumni Beer Garden | Sat., 10/17 | 12-3pm | Williams Center Patio

A traditional gathering of friends old and new, plus cold brew. Beer, seltzers, sodas, food for purchase. Williams Ctr. Patio.* Parking: Lots 9a, 10, 11, 26. *Event will relocate to Steele Hall in the case of inclement weather. Alumni and their guests welcome. 21+ with ID.

Class of 1976 Induction & Golden Alumni Luncheon | Sat., 10/17 | 12-2pm | Horizon Room, lower level Williams Center

Join your 1976 classmates and fellow golden graduates for culinary delights + conversation while learning what’s new as we celebrate our Bicentennial. Horizon Room, Williams Ctr. Parking: Lot 10. Alumni from 1976 and earlier and their guests welcome.

Campus Bookstore Open | Fri., 10/16 9am-5pm & Sat., 10/17 12-5pm | University Commons

Is it time for a FRED fit refresh? Visit the campus bookstore for the latest Blue Devil apparel, accessories, and keepsakes — including new Bicentennial merchandise — and showcase your Fredonia pride near and far.

"for nothing is fixed: Susanne Slavick and Andrew Ellis Johnson" Art Gallery Exhibition | Fri., 10/16 & Sat., 10/17 | 12-6pm | Cathy & Jesse Marion Art Gallery, Rockefeller Arts Center

In this timely exhibition of paintings, drawings, and prints, Susanne Slavick and Andrew Ellis Johnson reflect on humanitarian crises caused by current global conflicts, political rhetoric that demonizes refugees, policies that limit refugee resettlement, and the horrific conditions of migrants in US detention centers. In a 2019 publication for the exhibition Getting There, an earlier iteration of this exhibition, they write, "We cannot speak for those in flight, in hiding, and in desperate hope. But we can speak to the contradictory fears and hypocrisies, ignored histories and punitive policies that we as a nation hold and enact here." 

Women's Volleyball vs. Delhi | Sat., 10/17 | 1pm, Dods Hall Gymnasium

Bump, set, spike — let's go Blue Devils! The Women's Volleyball teams hosts the SUNY Delhi Broncos at 1pm on Saturday. Adults 18+ $5; Youth 5-17 $2; Fredonia students free with Fredcard. Open to the Public.    

Men's Soccer vs. Alfred State | Sat., 10/17 | 1pm | University Stadium - Grass Field

Cheer on the Blue Devils as they take on the Alfred State Pioneers at home in University Stadium. Adults 18+ $5; Youth 5-17 $2; Fredonia students free with Fredcard. Open to the Public. 

Recreational Open Skate | Sat., 10/17 | 2-4pm | Steele Hall Ice Rink

Whether you want to practice your crossovers, your arabesque, or are lacing up the skates for the first time, visit the ice rink in Steele Hall for 120 minutes of recreational enjoyment. All skaters under the age of 18 must complete a Waiver and Release Form signed by a parent or legal guardian to participate in open skate. Admission: $5; Fredonia students: Free with FREDCard; Skate Rental: $4. Open to the public.

Departmental & Interest Group Mixer | Sat., 10/17 | 3-5pm | Williams Center Multi-Purpose Room

It's a Williams Center takeover! Visit with the groups, activities, and causes held dear during your time at Fredonia. Relish some of the traditions that have remained while exploring what's new. Free to attend. Complimentary appetizers and refreshments for registered students and alumni and their guests. Parking: Lots 9a, 10, 11, and 26.

Participating departments, clubs, and organizations include:

• Communication Disorders and Sciences
• Education
• History
• Geology & Environmental Science
• The Leader
• Music Education
• Psychology
• School of Business
• Plus, more to come!

Stanley Museum Grand Re-Opening | Sat., 10/17 | 5pm | Stanley Museum, 2nd floor, Houghton Hall

Due to the renovation of Jewett Hall, the Stanley Museum has been given a new home on the 2^nd floor of Houghton Hall. Students and faculty have been busy resurrecting the museum — come celebrate their hard work! Free. All are welcome.

Alumni Downtown Gathering | Sat., 10/17 | 7-9pm | White Inn, Fredonia

Meet up with fellow alumni for a casual gathering at the White Inn over cocktails and light bites before hitting the town. $15 ticket gets you one drink and light hors d'oeuvres. On-site and street parking is available. Alumni and their guests welcome.

Orchesis Fall Showcase | Fri., 10/16 & Sat., 10/17 | 7:30-9:30pm | Bartlett Theatre, Rockefeller Arts Center

Tickets are available for purchase at Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center. Ticket office hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday, or call (716) 673-3501.

Fredonia College Symphony Orchestra | Sat., 10/17 | 8pm (approx. 70-min show including intermission) | King Concert Hall, Rockefeller Arts Center

Fredonia's College Symphony Orchestra performs its first concert of the season, including Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain, Stravinsky's iconic Firebird Suite, and Gabriela Ortiz's Kauyumari. 2026 Concerto competition winner Gavin Aquino will be featured performing Bloch's Suite Hebraique on viola. Free to attend, no tickets necessary. All are welcome.