Open House Options Abound at Mary Washington This Fall 2026

September 22, 2026

Amy Jessee

Students walk on campus walk at UMW past fountain, trees and brick buildings — The University of Mary Washington has plenty planned this fall, from weekday campus tours and info sessions to weekend open houses, starting Saturday, Sept. 26.

Fall might be the perfect time for a family field trip to Fredericksburg, particularly for high school students.

That’s according to Northern Virginia Magazine, which noted “If you’ve only whizzed by Fredericksburg while heading down I-95, it’s time for a little field trip. The ‘burg comes alive on the weekends: Stroll down Caroline Street, in the heart of historic downtown, past shops with enticing window dressing… While things are oriented around the town’s historic charm, evenings in Fredericksburg often turn buoyant. That’s because it’s a college town — home of the University of Mary Washington.”

The University of Mary Washington has plenty planned this fall, from weekday campus tours and info sessions to weekend open houses, starting Saturday, Sept. 26. Students and families attending an open house learn about academics, athletics, student life and more.

Sign up for a weekday campus visit or weekend Open House at Mary Washington.

“Stepping onto a college campus and taking in all that it has to offer can help solidify a college decision,” said UMW Dean of Admissions and Associate Vice President Melissa Yakabouski. “You get a taste of life on campus, including dining options, an introduction to the academic environment and the faculty who will be your mentors, and quick meetings with the classmates who will become your friends. Plus, there’s plenty of time to explore a thriving downtown that’s walkable from campus.”

Additional fall open houses happen on Saturday, Oct. 17, with an afternoon of city festivities in Fredericksburg for Quack-toberfest in Riverfront Park, and Sunday, Nov. 8, with an option to catch the matinee performance of Dear Evan Hansen at the Klein Theatre. Tickets go on sale Thursday, Oct. 22.

All Open House and campus tours are free to attend, with registration required, and lunch options available to purchase in the on-campus dining hall or downtown.

New this year are Twilight Tours on Wednesday, Sept. 23, and Tuesday, Oct. 27. These evening info sessions offer a student-led campus tour and evening cheering on the Eagles under the lights at the Battleground Athletic Complex. All regular-season UMW home games are free to attend.

Students walk along Campus Walk on UMW’s Fredericksburg campus.

Students and faculty gather in the College of Business lobby.

UMW students gather on a sidewalk in downtown Fredericksburg.

Students and faculty work together in the College of Education and Human Development makerspace.

UMW students cheer from the stands at an Eagles athletic event.

UMW’s Bell Tower overlooking Fredericksburg at sunrise

Students make their way along Campus Walk, the heart of UMW’s Fredericksburg campus.

Students gather in the College of Business, one of UMW’s three academic colleges.

UMW students explore downtown Fredericksburg, just a short walk from campus.

Students collaborate in the College of Education and Human Development’s makerspace, a hands-on environment for learning and creativity.

UMW students cheer on the Eagles from the stands at the Battleground Athletic Complex.

The Carmen Culpeper Chappell ’59 Centennial Campanile, known as the Bell Tower, overlooks the UMW campus and Fredericksburg.

Student-athletes interested in continuing their sport at Mary Washington or anyone interested in the DIII athletic opportunities can schedule a visit on Saturday, Nov. 14, as Mary Washington hosts the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference Tournament for women’s volleyball, along with the home opener for the NCAA Division III national champion men’s basketball team.

“The game schedule for Saturday provides a tremendous opportunity to showcase Mary Washington Athletics at its best,” said UMW Athletics Director Patrick Catullo. “With exciting competition taking place throughout the day on Saturday, Nov. 14, we invite visitors to join us on campus, support our student-athletes, and learn more about the outstanding experiences and opportunities available at UMW.”

UMW fields 24 sports, including 19 NCAA Division III sports with the addition of men’s volleyball, now recruiting for fall 2027. Team sports include the newest addition of cheerleading, along with equestrian, esports and men’s and women’s rugby.

Local students should also save-the-date for Tuesday, Nov. 3: as a school holiday for election day, it’s also a major decision day for Mary Washington. Students who apply by Saturday, Oct. 31 and register to attend the Tuesday, Nov. 3 reception can receive their official admissions decision during the afternoon.

To learn more about opportunities to visit the University of Mary Washington this fall, visit the UMW website. See the full schedule for UMW Athletics on UMWEagles.com.

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