WYOMISSING, Pa. — Penn State Berks students and their family members, alumni, faculty and staff are invited to the college’s 2026 Family and Homecoming event, slated for Saturday, Oct. 3. This year’s theme is "Celebrating Penn State pride." The day will include activities for the entire family, as well as events targeted to students and families and to alumni.
Most events are free and open to all attendees unless otherwise noted, however many require advanced registration. Visit the website to register.
Prospective students are also invited to register for Penn State Day, the college’s largest admissions event of the year, beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, in the Beaver Athletics and Wellness Center, and then they are invited to stay after the program for the Family and Homecoming Weekend festivities. (Prospective students and families will be asked to confirm their attendance for lunch after registering for Penn State Day and will receive meal tickets the morning of Penn State Day.)
Schedule
Penn State Day
9–11:30 a.m., Beaver Athletics and Wellness Center
Prospective students and their families are invited to this admissions program. Attendees will learn about academic programs and NCAA Division III athletics; meet faculty, staff and current students; tour campus with Lion Ambassador student tour guides and have an opportunity to ask questions about admissions and student life.
Family and Homecoming Event Check-In and Registration
10 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Outside the Thun Library
Attendees will check in at the registration tents to receive a copy of the schedule and a picnic lunch ticket.
Family photos at the Lion Shrine
10 a.m.–noon, Nittany Lion Shrine
Attendees are invited to stop by the Lion Shrine and have a keepsake photo taken with family, friends or coworkers.
Parent and Family Reception
10:30–11:30 a.m., Perkins Student Center Lobby and Student Lounge, Open to parents and families of current students
Parents and families of new and returning students will have an opportunity to meet with Chancellor Radha Pyati and college staff and discuss a wide variety of topics. Attendees will also hear about campus updates. Light refreshments will be served.
Campus Tours
10:30–11:30 a.m., Departs from the Lion Bench, Perkins Student Center Plaza
Guided tours of campus will be offered with student Lion Ambassador tour guides.
Penn State Alumni Welcome Table
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Alumni Pavilion, located behind the Woods Residence Hall
Penn State alumni are invited to stop by the welcome table under the Alumni Pavilion, join in activities for the entire family and pick up an alumni gift while supplies last.
Homecoming and Family Lunch
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Perkins Student Center Lawn Tent
Students and their families, alumni, faculty and staff are invited to attend a free picnic under the tent. Due to space limitations, the maximum number of guests per party is five. (Current Berks students should be included in the party total when registering.) This is an opportunity for the college community to come together, enjoy a picnic lunch and connect in a casual setting. Advanced registration is required.
Paint & Play Free Attractions
11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Perkins Student Center Lawn and Beaver Athletics and Wellness Center Lawn
Throughout the day, there will be face-paint artists, yard games, and many other activities for the entire family.
Penn State Pumpkin Painting Competition
11:30 a.m.–2 p.m., Beaver Athletics and Wellness Center Parking Lot
Attendees will have an opportunity to show their Penn State pride and creativity as they decorate pumpkins with school spirit and other unique designs. Supplies will be provided, and the winner will be announced during the Women’s Soccer game.
Annual Student Art Exhibition: Signature
Noon–4 p.m., Freyberger Gallery, Perkins Student Center
The Freyberger Gallery will showcase student creativity through art projects, from illustrations to sculptures and other mediums.
Men's Soccer vs. Eastern University
Noon, Turf Field
Homecoming Values Awards and Dance Team Performance
Men's Soccer Game Halftime, Turf Field
Penn State Berks students exemplify the Penn State values of integrity, respect, community, responsibility, discovery and excellence. This ceremony will celebrate the students who were. honored with this year’s Penn State Values Awards. The awards ceremony will be followed by a performance from the Penn State Berks Dance Team.
Ultimate Saturday Sundae
12:30–1:30 p.m., Alumni Pavilion
Attendees are invited to enjoy their favorite flavors of Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream, served by Penn State Berks alumni.
Thun Library Makerspace — Create with Us!
1–4 p.m., 105 Thun Library
Stop by the campus Makerspace to create your own drink koozie or wristlet (while supplies last), check out the Cricut, and learn how a 3-D printer works.
Athletics Alumni Social
1:30–2:30 p.m., Dance Studio, Beaver Athletics and Wellness Center
Alumni athletes are invited to reconnect, meet Penn State coaches and staff, share memories, swap stories and build new connections. Attendees can enjoy a "dirty" soda bar with snacks and a special gift will be provided to our alumni athletes while supplies last
Women's Volleyball vs. Penn State Brandywine
2:30 p.m., Performance Gym, Beaver Athletics and Wellness Center
The Pumpkin Painting Competition winner will be announced during this match.
Performance by Comedian Jonathan Burns
3 p.m., Perkins Student Center Auditorium
Jonathan Burns combines the unique talents of flexibility, curiosity and goofiness to astonish audiences around the globe. Burns has impressed the “America's Got Talent” judges, dazzled the audience on “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “The Late, Late Show with James Corden.” The “New York Times” called Burns “extremely funny.”
Late-Afternoon Snack
4 p.m., Perkins Student Center Lobby
Attendees are invited to grab a slice of pizza and mingle
Berks Benefitting THON Bingo
4:15 p.m., Perkins Student Center Multipurpose Room, Cost: $25 at the door (cash and check only)
Attendees are invited to play bingo for a chance to win prizes. Proceeds will support Berks Benefitting THON and the Four Diamonds Fund
More information
For more information regarding Family and Homecoming Weekend events for students and families, contact the Office of Student Affairs at 610-396-6065 or email BKStudentAffairs@psu.edu. For more information about alumni events, email the Office of Alumni Relations at berks-alumni@psu.edu or visit the Family and Homecoming website.