RWU Homecoming Guide: A Weekend of Fun with Family and Friends

October 7, 2024By Matthew Milotakis '25

BRISTOL, R.I. - One of the most beloved yearly traditions is coming up! The Homecoming and Family Weekend Committee has prepared three days of family-friendly events, performances, athletic matches, and outdoor activities to welcome family, friends, and alumni to the beautiful RWU campus. Homecoming and Family Weekend will be held this year from Friday, Oct. 18, to Sunday, Oct. 20, and with a lot of fun activities to choose from, we put together a handy guide to help you make the most of it. Here's a quick rundown of all that RWU has to offer during this year's Homecoming and Family Weekend.

Traditions, Games, and Performances

Casino Night

Friday, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Campus Recreation Center Field House - Win the chance to be a part of an exciting end of the night raffle as you dominate different games at Casino Night. There are many games to choose from like blackjack, roulette, Caribbean poker, or even Texas hold 'em. Participate in these thrilling games or watch from afar during this evening of intense fun.

Student Theater Performance: A Midsummer Night's Dream

Friday, Oct. 18, and Saturday, Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m., Performing Arts Barn - RWU's Theater program will be putting on a performance of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The story follows four young lovers Hermia, Lysander, Helena, and Demetrius as they explore themes of transformation, illusion, and love all within a magical realm of a fairy kingdom in the Athenian woods.

Autumn Picnic Lunch

Saturday, Oct. 19, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., front of Marine and Natural Sciences Building - Come and eat a feast of themed Autumn Lunch Picnic delights prepared by the Bon Appétit Dining staff. Decide whether you'd like to sit by our beloved waterfront or around campus where you may spot a friendly deer.

Autumn Festival

Saturday, Oct. 19, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Campus Recreation Center and Commons Quad - After the lunch feast, enjoy carnival games, axe throwing, arts and crafts, and creative mementos hosted by student groups on campus. Dance along with student dance groups or sit down and sing along to student bands in between sampling some local food vendors.

20th Annual Captain's Cup Regatta

Saturday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Global Heritage Hall Atrium - Join alumni, family, and friends of RWU Sailing for a fun day of sailing and hanging out for the Annual Captain's Cup Regatta. Boats will be rigged by undergraduate sailing students and the day consists of a continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is a ticketed event where all proceeds will go toward team enhancements like training trips, team gear, and more.

Coffee and Conversation

Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Roger's Café Law School - Expand your network by meeting the Parent and Family Leadership Council as well as the Division of Student Life at the Homecoming and Family Weekend Coffee Hour. Take this chance to ask any questions about student life, and learn about the Parent and Family Leadership Council who work to provide leadership, support, and feedback in different areas on campus.

Family-Friendly Fun

Family Bingo

Friday, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Campus Recreation Center Upper Gym - One of the most attended events on campus: Bingo! Take your entire family for an opportunity to win tickets to an exciting end-of-the-night raffle featuring fantastic prizes. Take advantage to have fun with your family and don't forget to shout as soon as you win.

Hawk-tober Fest

Saturday, Oct. 19, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Parking lot adjacent to Turf Field - Welcome in autumn with seasonal beverages and snacks at our Hawk-tober Fest! This event is open to alums, families, and friends as a social with games, beer, and wine.

Mentalist Show with David Hall

Saturday, Oct. 19, 8 p.m., Campus Recreation Center Field House - Come get mesmerized by Magician and Mentalist David Hall as he performs card and hand tricks, reads minds, and makes you laugh with his charms. He is known for his comedic timing, improv skills, and theater-like performances coming out during his magic and mind reading performances.

Sports and Recreation

Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet

Friday, Oct. 18, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Global Heritage Hall - Celebrate the incredible achievements of our alumni athletes including Men's Basketball, Baseball, Women's Soccer, Men's Swimming, and Softball at the Athletics Hall of Fame Reception and Dinner. This event recognizes not only student athletes but coaches, administrators, teams, and friends of the athletic program. This is a ticketed event with a cash bar and dinner followed by the induction of our incredible athletic class years.

Homecoming 5K Road Race

Saturday, Oct. 19, 9:30 a.m., Front of Campus Recreation Center - Join the RWU Cross Country team to kick off your morning as they lead the Homecoming 5K Road Race. This race is located around campus and is open to all parents, students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Waivers are available before the race.

Children's 100-Yard Dash

Saturday, Oct. 19, 9:45 a.m., Recreation Center Patio - Prior to the start of the 5K, watch the exhilarating and lively children's race. Kids aged 12 and under will have the opportunity to compete for medals in our 100-yard dash.

Athletic Matches

Many of our talented and award-winning sports teams will be playing such as Men's and Women's Lacrosse Alumni, Women's Alumni Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee Alumni, Softball Alumni, Men's and Women's Soccer, Women's Volleyball, Field Hockey Alumni, and Tennis Alumni.

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

Campus tours will also be available throughout the entire weekend. Learn about our academic buildings, visit student dorms, and see your student's favorite hangout spots all while being guided by a friendly Hawk.

Check out the complete schedule of all eventstaking place this weekend.