This Is Homecoming
September 24–27, 2026
Welcome to the University of Findlay’s Homecoming & Family Weekend! Get ready for a celebration filled with exciting events, nostalgic reunions, and plenty of Oiler pride. Whether you're a student, alumnus, parent, or community member, there’s something for everyone.
From bonfires and fireworks to athletic events and live entertainment, this weekend promises fun, food, and unforgettable memories. Be sure to book with our preferred hotel partners early to ensure a worry-free stay.
Thursday, September 24
Pop by the Rock
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Spirit Rock near Morey Hall
Stop by to snap a selfie, grab a treat, and leave your mark on the Spirit Rock! Bring your own marker and write an Oiler Nation Homecoming message. Tag us @oileralumni or @ufindlay.
Men’s Soccer vs. Lake Erie
4:00 PM | DeHaven Soccer Stadium
Bonfire Bash: Flames, Festivities, and Fun
7:00 – 9:00 PM | DeHaven Soccer Stadium
🎧 DJ: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Music, team introductions, and free t-shirts (first 250 attendees).
Food trucks available.
College of Education Homecoming Speaker
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Ritz Auditorium, Old Main
Our speaker will be Joe Knopick ’10, Assistant Principal at Jackson High School. He recently received the prestigious international educational honor, the Fulbright Award Scholarship, and traveled to Finland to study their educational system. He will share his experiences as a social studies teacher, Assistant Principal, and Fulbright recipient. This event is open to the public and alumni.
Friday, September 25
Mazza Museum
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Mazza Museum
Museum and gift shop open. Family friendly.
50th Reunion of the Class of 1976
4:00 PM | Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion
Members of the Class of 1976 and their guests are invited to a special reunion gathering.
$60/person. Includes dinner, reunion favors, alumni awards breakfast, and all Homecoming activities.
Star Gazing at the Newhard Planetarium
5:00 PM & 6:00 PM | Brewer Science Center
45-minute guided tour of the evening sky. Registration required. Limit 40 per session.
Volleyball Game: UF vs Cedarville
7:00 PM | Croy Physical Education Center
Oiler Palooza
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Lawn of the Watterson Center
An evening of energy, entertainment, and Oiler spirit.
Talent Show
The stage is yours, Oilers!
We’re looking for students, alumni, faculty, and staff to take the stage and show off their talents during one of the most exciting nights of Homecoming Weekend.
🎤 Sing
💃 Dance
🎠Perform comedy or spoken word
🎸 Play music
✨ Showcase a unique talent
…and just about anything else you can think of!
Performances should be approximately 3–5 minutes long, and space is limited to around 20 acts.
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just looking to have fun with friends, we’d love to have you be part of the show.
The Talent Show will take place during Oiler Palooza on the porch of the Watterson Center and will be part of an evening featuring games, inflatables, food, music, and fireworks.
Ready to sign up?
👉 Register here: Talent Show - Oiler Palooza 2026 – Fill out form
Questions? Contact the Alumni Office at [email protected]
This Is Homecoming. Let’s make it unforgettable.
Games & Inflatables
Food available for purchase
The Moors – a dark comedy
7:30 PM | Powell Grimm Theatre, Egner
General admission is $8.00
Free for UF students, staff, and faculty
Fireworks
9:30 PM | West Parking Lot of Watterson Center
Bring lawn chairs and enjoy the annual fireworks show.
Saturday, September 26
Heart Healthy 5K and Fun Walk
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Old Main
$15 students / $25 public / $25 virtual. Includes shirt and raffle entries.
Alumni Awards Breakfast
9:00 AM | Winebrenner Auditorium
Celebrate outstanding alumni. $25/person. Registration required.
Mazza Museum
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Mazza Museum
Museum and gift shop open. Family friendly.
Moonbase: The Next Step at the Newhard Planetarium
10:30 AM and 11:15 AM | Brewer Science Center
20-minute Film Run Time. Registration required. Limit 40 per session.
The Next Step is the story of this human endeavor, pushing scientific and technological advances to the limit. Traveling the 250,000 miles and surviving the hostile and alien conditions of reduced gravity, extreme temperatures and toxic lunar dust, we explain the science and technology for this brave mission to happen. Follow our story filled with awe, danger, trepidation and share the wonder of the lunar environment made for 360 fulldome format. Prepare yourself for a hostile and breath-taking lunar experience! Download the Movie Poster
Swimming & Diving Alumni Meet
11:00 AM | Sink Natatorium
Homecoming Football Tailgate Bash
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Donnell Stadium
The can’t-miss event of Homecoming Weekend!
Live music by Tongue ‘n Groove – Northwest Ohio’s premier rock and pop party band.
Picnic-style eats from Miller’s Meats.
Cornhole, lawn games & more.
Campus clubs and departments.
Alumni Meet-Up.
Whether you're here for the game, the friends, the food, or the music — this is the place to be!
UF Bands Alumni Reunion
2:00 PM | Donnell Stadium
Football Game: UF vs Northwood
2:00 PM | Donnell Stadium
President’s Leadership Society and Family Leadership Circle Reception (Invitation Only)
Immediately following the football game | Carrothers Home
Members of the President Leadership Society and Family Leadership Circle are invited to a special reception honoring Richard L. Ludwick, J.D., D.Ed., the University’s new president.
Join us for an opportunity to connect with fellow members of the Oiler leadership community in a relaxed and welcoming setting. This exclusive gathering offers a relaxed setting to celebrate Homecoming & Family Weekend and welcome a new era at Findlay. For more information please contact, [email protected]
Volleyball Game: UF vs Tiffin
6:00 PM | Croy Physical Education Center
Movie Night Under the Stars
7:00 PM | Watterson Center Lawn
Project Hail Mary: Ryland Grace, a science instructor, awakens on a spaceship without knowing who he is or how he got there. He quickly learns that he needs to figure out the mystery around a substance that is causing the sun to fade as his memory gradually comes back. He uses his scientific skills and sheer inventiveness as the mission's details come to light, but he might not have to work alone. Starring Ryan Gosling as Rylan Grace.
Bring your blanket and your favorite snacks. Friends, fun, and a little Disney sing-along action guaranteed.
The Moors – a dark comedy
7:30 PM | Powell Grimm Theatre, Egner
General admission is $8.00
Free for UF students, staff, and faculty
Rieck Center Night Hike
8:00 PM | Rieck Center
Bring a flashlight and enjoy the trails, moth lights, and owl spotting.
Sunday, September 27
Worship Service
10:00 AM | Winebrenner Auditorium
Hosted with College First Church of God. Students, alumni, and families welcome.
Mazza Museum
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Mazza Museum
Museum and gift shop open. Family friendly.
The Moors – a dark comedy
2:00 PM | Powell Grimm Theatre, Egner
General admission is $8.00
Free for UF students, staff, and faculty
Rieck Center Fall Open House
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Rieck Center
Building opens at 1:30 PM. Enjoy the story trail, snacks, and a relaxing fall afternoon.
Registration Coming Soon. Don’t Miss It!
This is your weekend to come back, reconnect, and celebrate what it means to be an Oiler.