Schedule of Events 2026
The current schedule for the weekend will be updated regularly. Please check back periodically for the latest information.
Tree Festival
Friday, October 2: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Ball Circle
Celebrate Nature at the UMW Tree Festival! Join us Friday afternoon on Ball Circle for the annual UMW Tree Festival, a vibrant annual celebration that highlights the beauty, benefits and magic of trees in our urban environments.
This year’s festival promises a range of exciting activities designed to connect you with nature and your community. Explore awesome activities from tree climbing with professional arborists to mindful doodling workshops, there’s something for everyone. Dive into the world of biodiversity and ecology found in historic trees, art, culture, science and more.
Let your passion and creativity take root as we come together to appreciate the majesty of trees. Don’t miss out on this unique inspiring opportunity about bringing our community together and connecting with nature. Come celebrate nature and hang out with fellow tree enthusiasts!
Mark your calendars and be there to join the green fun! For more info, visit sustainability.umw.edu.
Hypnotist
Friday, October 2: 8:00 p.m.
George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium
Join Campus Programming Board for a night of laughs with a professional hypnotist! Doors open at 7:30pm and admission is free. Sponsored by the CPB.
UMW Athletics
Want to cheer on the UMW Eagles? Visit the official site for Mary Washington Eagles and get the most current and up-to-date schedule of competition during Family Weekend.
Generations Breakfast Bites
Saturday, October 3: 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Cedric Rucker University Center, Linden Terrace, 4th Floor.
Breakfast Bites is a special gathering for our Generations families—families with two or more generations of Mary Washington students and alumni. Whether your family’s UMW story began decades ago or includes a student on campus today, we invite you to join us for light breakfast fare, candid photos, conversation, and a celebration of your family’s Mary Washington connection.
This event is complimentary; advance registration is kindly requested and will be available in September.
UMW Education Abroad Fair
Saturday, October 3: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cedric Rucker University Center, Chandler Ballroom
The Center for International Education presents the annual UMW Education Abroad Fair. A launch pad for your adventures abroad, the fair is the perfect venue for students to meet with UMW Faculty-Led Program directors, representatives from UMW Approved Education Abroad Programs, Peer Advisors, Study Abroad Alumni, and Center for International Education staff to explore study abroad, volunteer, research, and internship opportunities all over the world. Come dream, explore options, and define goals for your abroad experience!
Chocolate Chomp Challenge
Saturday, October 3: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Hurley Convergence Center Digital Auditorium and Lab 130
Learn about Chomp and other fun games. Chomp was developed by mathematician and economist David Gale and is played by calculating moves that involve eating a chocolate bar. Sponsored by the Mathematics Department.
UMW Galleries
Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
duPont Hall and the Ridderhof Martin Gallery
Practice What You Teach
In DuPont Gallery, we start the year off right with an exciting exhibition of faculty artwork! This exhibition highlights the creative research of the Department of Art’s faculty and staff. Featuring recent work across diverse media, Practice What You Teach reflects the innovation, experimentation, and talent the Department is known for.
Mid-Atlantic New Painting
Ridderhof Martin Gallery will host one of UMW Galleries’ longest standing traditions, the Mid-Atlantic New Painting Biennia. This event brings together regional artists to survey current directions in painting. Juried by Alexis Assam from the Virginia Museum of Fine Art, this exhibition spans abstraction to figuration, capturing a snapshot of contemporary practice.
Both galleries will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. No tickets or registration is required.
UMW Museums
Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont
Open Daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
224 Washington Street, Falmouth, VA
Visit Belmont, home of American artist Gari Melchers and his wife Corinne. This 27-acre estate features the historic home, art studio and galleries, tours, gardens, historic buildings, visitor center and museum store, and several miles of walking trails. Learn more at garimelchers.umw.edu.
James Monroe Museum
Open Daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and
Sundays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
908 Charles Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Explore the life and career of the fifth President of the United States at a museum founded by his descendants. Furniture, paintings, clothing, documents, and more cover Monroe’s experiences from the American Revolution through local, state, and diplomatic posts to his presidency, the “Era of Good Feelings.” The museum store offers books, children’s activity items, and other distinctive products. Learn more at jamesmonroemuseum.umw.edu.
Tour of Historic Brompton
Saturday, October 3: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Described as one of America’s most historic houses, Brompton serves as the official residence of the University president. During this open house, take a 30 minute tour of this historic home and stroll the beautiful grounds. Once a prominent dairy farm, Brompton was used as a hospital during the 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg. Brompton is adjacent to the Fredericksburg Battlefield and Visitor Center run by the National Park Service. Please access the house from the entrance across from the Jepson Alumni Executive Center located at 1119 Hanover Street.
In the case of inclement weather, tours are canceled.
Picture Perfect: UMW Family Photos
Saturday, October 3: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Palmieri Plaza – Fountain in front of Monroe Hall
Stop by the fountain in front of Monroe Hall for a complimentary professional family portrait—and don’t forget to grab a few UMW props for a fun Family Weekend photo! Open to all UMW families attending Family Weekend, no registration necessary. Photo link for download will be provided at time of photo.
Adaptive Sports Day
Saturday, October 3: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Goolrick Main and Auxiliary Gyms
This event celebrates the unique abilities of persons with disabilities in the realm of sports. Often, persons with disabilities are discouraged or denied the opportunity to participate in any form of sports. This event will demonstrate inclusive excellence and uplift and champion individuals with disabilities by giving them a platform to shine and excel. It will bring about positive social change through engagement. By participating in the various adaptive sports (goal ball, wheelchair basketball, boccia ball, pickle ball, and seated volleyball), individuals have the opportunity to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the complexities faced by individuals with disabilities, as well as their talents and contributions in sports and more broadly. Co-sponsored by the POTS Club, Friends of Athletics, the James Farmer Multicultural Center, and the Office of Title IX & ADA Compliance. A golf cart shuttle between the Hurley Convergence Center (HCC) and Goolrick Gym is available by calling 540 654-1666.
Chemistry “Magic” Show
Saturday, October 3: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Jepson Science Center, Room 100
Student members of the American Chemical Society and the Department of Chemistry invite you to view some awe-inspiring and wonder-filled chemistry demonstrations in UMW’s recently expanded and renovated Jepson Science Center.
Music Department Showcase
Saturday, October 3: 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Seacobeck Hall, Weatherly Wing
Join us for a showcase to hear what UMW Music has to offer!
Rocktoberfest
Saturday, October 3: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Ball Circle
Class Council and CPB host their annual Rocktoberfest. Enjoy BBQ, live music, games, and a beer garden for guests over 21!
Rain location: Cedric Rucker University Center, Chandler Ballroom.
BINGO
Saturday, October 3: 8 p.m.
Lee Hall, The Underground
Families, have you always wanted to see what UMW Bingo is all about? Come by the Underground for our special Family Weekend Bingo where anyone can be a winner!
