Homecoming & Family Weekend
Homecoming and Family Weekend is one of Montclair State University's biggest traditions that brings together students, families, alumni and the entire Red Hawk community. Join us for a weekend of school spirit, campus traditions, athletic events and special programming across the Montclair and Bloomfield campuses.
Whether you're returning as an alumnus, visiting as a family member or celebrating as a current student, there's something for everyone. Registration coming soon!
Save the Date: October 2-4, 2026
One unforgettable weekend. One Red Hawk community.
This year, Homecoming and Family Weekend are coming together for a weekend filled with Red Hawk Pride, traditions and unforgettable memories. Join students, families, alumni, faculty, staff and friends for signature events including the Homecoming Street Fair, football game, live entertainment, Rocky's Birthday celebration and so much more.
Whether you're returning to campus or experiencing Homecoming for the first time, there's something for everyone.
Celebrate with Us!
Red Hawk Families
Friday, October 2 - Sunday, October 4: A weekend of fun, connection, and Red Hawk pride for current students and their families.
Bloomfield Campus
Friday, October 2: An evening of alumni pride beginning with basketball games that bring the energy followed by an All Alumni Celebration.
Montclair Campus
Saturday, October 3: A full day of Homecoming fun featuring Red Hawk football, carnival games, live performances, delicious food, alumni celebrations and activities for the whole Montclair community.
Homecoming Schedule for All
Saturday, October 3
All events below will be held on the Montclair campus!
In honor of Homecoming Weekend, the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center will offer free admission for all Montclair State University alumni and current students and half-off for all adults (only $5.00). Be sure to come check out one of the true gems on campus. Hope to see you there!
Field Hockey vs. Stockton
11 a.m.
Sprague Field
Free admission for all.
Cooking with Koppell
12-1 p.m.
College of Communication & Media, Presentation Hall
Cooking with Koppell is a College of Communication and Media student-produced show hosted by President Koppell. In each episode, a member of the Red Hawk community shares a homemade dish that reflects their culture, family traditions, or personal journey. Through cooking and conversation, President Koppell uncovers the stories, experiences, and connections that make our University a diverse, inclusive, and vibrant community. Special guest to be announced.
Free admission for all.
Mainstage/Student Performances
12-4 p.m.
Amphitheater
Enjoy the DJ and featured performances, demonstrations and interactive presentations at the mainstage located at the historic amphitheater.
- 2-3 p.m.: Players Variety Show
- 3-4 p.m.: Homecoming Student Talent Showcase
Free admission for all.
Street Fair
12-4 p.m.
Chapin Drive & Alumni Green
Alumni, students, families and our community are invited to gather for a street fair! Enjoy music and activities including face painting, balloon art, food concessions, sweets, carnival rides, photo booths and inflatables. School and Department information tables will be stationed here for you to learn more about the exciting happenings at Montclair.
Free admission for all. Concessions available for purchase.
Women’s Soccer vs. Rutgers Newark
12 p.m.
Soccer Park
$10.00 – Adults (over 12); $5.00 – Veterans, Senior Citizens & Children (under 12). Free for anyone with a Montclair State University ID. Cash only.
Campus Tours
12 p.m. & 1 p.m.
Cole Hall
Admissions ambassadors will host walking tours of campus for alumni and families. First stop, Cole Hall!
Free admission for all.
George Segal Gallery: Kids Art Corner
1-2 p.m.
George Segal Gallery
Drop in for children’s activities exploring the current exhibition. Ages 5-10. Guardian attendance is required.
Free admission for all.
University Galleries Exhibition: A Place to Be Held
1-2 p.m.
George Segal Gallery
A Place to Be Held is the first solo museum exhibition by NYC-based artist Maria Yolanda Liebana. Inspired by the birth of her daughter, Liebana explores motherhood as both a physical and spiritual terrain. Through her immersive installations and mixed-media works shaped by mythology, Tarot, Catholic imagery, art history, and popular culture, she creates a vibrant world of care, transformation, and belonging.
Free admission for all.
Student Entrepreneur Marketplace
1-3 p.m.
Student Center, Quad
Support fellow Red Hawks while enjoying an afternoon of live music! Browse unique products and creations from student entrepreneurs available for purchase. As you explore, WMSC will take the stage with a four-band lineup, providing the perfect soundtrack whether you're shopping, relaxing or simply enjoying the performances.
Free admission for all.
Homecoming Tailgate
3-7 p.m.
Lot 7
Enjoy craft beer, food trucks, wine, music and tailgate games and celebrate school spirit as we get ready for kick off and watch the game!
Free admission for all. Concessions will be available for optional purchase.
Red Hawk Sports Network’s “Game Day” Live Broadcast
4:15-5 p.m.
Sprague Field, Endzone
Stop by Sprague Field to see Montclair State University student broadcasters from the Red Hawk Sports Network as they host a live Game Day broadcast. Watch them break down the upcoming big game, interview Montclair coaches & athletes and talk all things Red Hawk Sports.
Free admission for all.
Football vs. Kean
5 p.m.
Sprague Field
$10.00 – Adults (over 12); $5.00 – Veterans, Senior Citizens & Children (under 12). Free for anyone with a Montclair State University ID. Cash only.
Note: Discounted tickets for Alumni will be sold in advance on the registration page at $5 per ticket. All alumni tickets must be picked up at the Alumni Welcome Tent by 4:30 p.m.
Family Weekend Schedule
Friday, October 2
1908 Happy Hours
5:30-7 p.m.
Student Center, 1908 Pub
Kick off Homecoming & Family Weekend at 1908 Happy Hour! Enjoy music from a live DJ, test your knowledge with bar trivia hosted by Campus Activities and spend time with your Red Hawk and fellow families. Pizza and drinks will be available for purchase throughout the event.
Family Weekend registration required. Current Montclair student welcome with Student ID.
Please Note: Pizza is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We’ll do our best to accommodate and serve everyone, but please be prepared for a short wait during peak times.
Movie Night
7-10 p.m.
Student Center, Quad
Spend an evening under the stars with family and friends! Enjoy a western-themed movie, snap a fun photo in our photo booth and relax as you make lasting memories together.
Admission free for all. Popcorn & a giveaway provided to students with a valid Montclair ID and those who register for Family Weekend.
Saturday, October 3
Family Welcome Breakfast
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
University Hall, 7th Floor Conference Center
Family Weekend registration required. Current Montclair student welcome with Student ID.
Please Note: Breakfast is available on a first-come, first-served basis. While seating and capacity are limited, guests will be coming and going throughout the morning. We’ll do our best to accommodate and serve everyone, but please be prepared for a short wait during peak times.
Homecoming Street Fair
12-4 p.m.
Chapin Drive & Alumni Green
Family Weekend Perk: Guests with a Saturday Family Weekend ticket will receive $10.00 in food tickets per registered guest & for their Montclair student to use at participating Homecoming Street Fair food vendors.
Student Entrepreneur Marketplace
1-3 p.m.
Student Center, Quad
Support fellow Red Hawks while enjoying an afternoon of live music! Browse unique products and creations from student entrepreneurs available for purchase. As you explore, WMSC will take the stage with a four-band lineup, providing the perfect soundtrack whether you're shopping, relaxing or simply enjoying the performances.
Free admission for all.
Meet Pebbles the Pupscot
2-3 p.m.
Student Center, NEST
Meet Pebbles, Montclair's official therapy pup! Whether you need a moment to relax, want to de-stress or are looking to snap a photo with our lovable mini Labradoodle, stop by anytime during this drop-in experience. Pebbles can't wait to meet you!
Free admission for all.
Sunday, October 4
Rocky's Birthday
1-3 p.m.
Student Center, Quad
Celebrate Rocky's Birthday! Watch Rocky and all his mascot friends compete in games & more!
Free admission for all.
Homecoming Alumni Events
Friday, October 2
Alumni Basketball Game at Bloomfield College
5:30 p.m.
Bloomfield College Gymnasium
Whether you’re on the court or in the bleachers, it will be a fun time for all. Return to campus and reconnect with former teammates/classmates to relive some of the great moments from your college years.
Free admission for all.
Alumni Reception at Bloomfield College
7-9 p.m.
Bloomfield College, Westminster Hall
Join fellow alumni for an All Alumni Celebration, a lively gathering filled with conversation, connection and campus spirit. Celebrate reunion classes ending in 1s and 6s, including our newest alumni from the class of 2026. The evening is complete with music, fun, food and a pinning ceremony recognizing the 10th, 25th and 50th reunion classes.
Cost: $15 / Children 12 and under free.
Ticket Includes food, entertainment and a $5.00 donation to the Bear Necessities: Bloomfield College Food Pantry.
Saturday, October 3
Alumni Welcome Tent
12-4 p.m.
Tent Outside Cole Hall
Gather with fellow alumni, sign in and pick up your alumni welcome gift. Check out the schedule for the day and learn about your alumni benefits.
Free admission for all.
Alumni BBQ
1-4 p.m.
Historic Quad (in front of Freeman, Russ and Chapin Halls)
Calling all alumni and their guests! Join fellow graduates for the signature alumni event of the day. Enjoy a BBQ lunch, craft beer, music, games, fun for the kids, seeing old friends and making new ones! Celebrate school spirit and show your Red Hawk pride as we get ready for kick off!
Cost: $25.00 – Adults / $15.00 – Children over two / $35.00 – Walk-in.
Ticket Includes food, two drink tickets and a $5.00 donation to The Red Hawk Pantry.
Questions?
Contact us!
Student Communications and Red Hawk Life is the centralized department for communicating with current students and families for everything outside of the classroom. We create clear, timely and authentic messaging that bridges communication gaps, fosters engagement and promotes belonging across the Montclair and Bloomfield campuses.
Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving
The Office of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement serves a global community of Montclair alumni by creating meaningful opportunities to stay connected to the University and fellow graduates. Through events, volunteer opportunities, career networking and communications, the office helps alumni remain engaged with the Montclair community long after graduation. Alumni are encouraged to participate in programs, attend events, mentor students and fellow graduates, and stay informed about campus news and initiatives. The office also supports alumni who want to give back to the University through philanthropy and service. Whether you are looking to reconnect with classmates, expand your professional network or get involved with Montclair in new ways, the Office of Alumni Engagement is here to help.