Homecoming 2026 - A Bicentennial Celebration
From Oct. 16–18, 2026, the campus comes alive with the same spirit captured in a 1976 yearbook acrostic — Fun, Research, Enthusiasm, Desire, Old, New, Interest, Always. Those words still ring true today as we mark a historic milestone: 200 years of higher education in Fredonia. This bicentennial year invites alumni, students, and friends to reflect on cherished traditions while embracing new ideas that continue to shape our community. The weekend promises to be an occasion to remember. Gather your classmates, bring your family. Welcome home!
Please see below for a Schedule of Events and Registration link. We have a full slate of activities throughout the weekend, including some ticketed events and many free engagements, but it's always FREE to visit campus - so please explore, reminisce, and enjoy!
Be sure to Register before Aug. 31 for 10% off your paid event tickets! Plus, each registered alumni guest will be entered into our weekend raffle drawing for a special prize worth more than $200!
Homecoming Registration & Tickets
Schedule of Events
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
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 | Horizon Room, lower 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.
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.
Bicentennial Party, Pep Rally & Live Music | Fri., 10/16 | 4-9pm | Steele Hall
Pep Rally, Live Music, & Food Trucks kick off the weekend. Pep Rally will feature performances from across the decades for a Bicentennial twist. Steele Hall. Parking: Lot 27. Enjoy free music/performances; food available for purchase. 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 will be available for purchase at Campus Ticket Office.
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 | 12-2pm | Williams Center West Lawn
Family-Friendly Lawn Games on the Williams Center west lawn. Enjoy some friendly competition on your way to/from the Beer Garden.* Parking: Lots 9a, 10, 11, 26. Free. All are welcome. *Event will relocate to Steele Hall in the case of inclement weather.
Alumni Beer Garden | Sat., 10/17 | 12-2pm | 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
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.
Alumni Academic & Activity Interest Group Mixers | 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 (participating groups will be listed here as plans develop, but you can count on traditional staples like Residence Life and SGA, plus many more!). Parking: Lots 9a, 10, 11, and 26. Free. Alumni and their guests 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 will be available for purchase at Campus Ticket Office.
Fredonia College Symphony Orchestra | Sat., 10/17 | 8-10pm | King Concert Hall, Rockefeller Arts Center
Tickets will be available for purchase at Campus Ticket Office.