Family Weekend at St. Bonaventure gives everyone reason to smile.

St. Bonaventure University

Family Weekend 2025: Sept. 26-28

Details below

 

2024 Family Weekend images
Family Weekend 2024 Photos
View and download photos for free on SBU's Flickr photo-sharing website.
 

Family weekend at SBU


Family weekend reunites students with their families early in the fall semester, when students have settled into their campus routine and are excited to share their life as a Bonnie with their loved ones.


A weekend of family friendly fun

Family Weekend, sponsored by the Campus Activities Board and the Center for Activities, Recreation and Leadership at St. Bonaventure, reunites students and their families so that all may share the rich and varied experiences that make up college life at SBU.

The weekend includes live entertainment, family oriented games and contests, demonstrations, receptions, sports events, and a host of other events including the wet and wild Polar Spray fundraiser for Special Olympics New York, and the Family Festival featuring live music, food trucks, student group vendors, and much more.

It's a fun weekend for the entire family. Don't miss it.

Friday, Sept. 26

  • 5:30 p.m. — Polar Spray
    Come to the parking lot between Richter and Reilly centers and get doused by a fire hose! It's all to benefit Special Olympics of Western New York. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. If interested in donating, visit our Polar Spray Giving Page. For questions about this event, email Dr. Paula Scraba, event organizer. 
  • 7-11 p.m. — Camp Bonaventure
    Join us at the Marchiori Pavillion outside Devereux Hall for a variety of different crafts (available while supplies last), board/lawn games, s’mores, and more! 
  • 8-10:30 p.m. — Live Music at Camp Bonaventure
    Come enjoy some live music provided by local artist Alex Cole under the Marchiori Pavillion.

Saturday, Sept. 27

  • 8 a.m.-1 p.m. — Family Weekend Golf at the SBU Golf Course
    Enjoy a round of Golf at the SBU golf course. The form to sign-up for your tee time can be found here.
    • Please make sure to select the correct date of September 27th when making your reservation
    • Payment will be collected when you check in at the course the day of 
    • Student Fee: $10
    • Family Fee: $15
    • Cart: $10 per person
    • Carts cannot be reserved ahead of time. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis and weather permitting.
    • If you have any question, please email golfcourse@sbu.edu
  • 9 a.m.   Women's Rugby vs. University of Cincinnati
    Marra Athletics Fields Complex
  • 9:45 a.m. — Family 2.5 Fun Run/Walk on the Trail 
    All faculty/staff, students and family members invited. Registration begins at 9 a.m. near the Allegheny River Trail by the SBU Tennis Courts. Sponsored by The SBU Parent’s Leadership Circle.  Contact Rachel Elser if you have any questions about this event.
  • 11 a.m. — Men's Varsity Rugby vs. Kutztown University
    Marra Athletics Field
  • 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Family Weekend Legacy Reception
    This celebration and recognition of SBU alumni and their families, hosted by the Office of Alumni Engagement, takes place in the Hall of Fame in the Reilly Center. For questions or more information, email Alumni Engagement at alumni@sbu.edu.
  • 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Family Weekend Festival
    Join the entire SBU community on the parking lot between Richter and Reilly centers for this annual celebration. Dozens of student groups will be selling SBU embroidered items. There will be various other craft vendors, live music, food trucks, art, and much more! The event goes on, rain or shine. For questions, email Jenna Keppel, assistant director for Student Activities, Programming and Engagement.
  • 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Mountain Open House
    Take a 35-minute drive to Mt. Irenaeus in neighboring Allegany County to experience how The Mountain works alongside St. Bonaventure to bring Franciscan spirituality to the university community. All are welcome. You will need to provide your own transportation. Visit this website for directions
  • Noon-1:30 p.m.— Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society Induction Ceremony
    This event, open to invited student inductees and family guests only, takes place in the Quick Center for the Arts. A reception will follow at the Doyle Hall Courtyard.
  • 1 p.m. — Men’s JV Rugby vs. Kutztown University
    Marra Athletics Fields Complex
  • 2 p.m. – Baseball Park Celebration 
    Join us at the Baseball Field to celebrate the addition of the new bleachers, press box, and backstop. The celebration will include a blessing, an inaugural first pitch, and speeches from Tom Marra, Bob Beretta, and Coach Razz.
  • 3:45–4:30 p.m. — School of Education Early Acceptance Reception under the Marchiori Pavilion
    All students in early assurance programs for School of Education graduate programs and their families are invited to share in refreshment and learn more about the opportunities this program offers. RSVP required.  
  • 4:00 p.m. — Family Weekend Mass
    All are welcome to Mass at the University Chapel in Doyle Hall.
  • 6 p.m. – Men’s Soccer vs. George Washington
    Marra Athletics Fields Complex
  • 7-10 p.m. — Dueling Pianos in the Rathskeller
    Dueling Pianos in the Rathskeller – Head down to the newly refurbished Rathskeller for a night of fast, funny, and unforgettable entertainment hosted by Western New York Dueling Pianos. Drinks and food can be purchased from the bar using cash or card.  
  • 8-11 p.m. — S’mores at Marchiori Pavilion
    Join us under the new Marchiori Pavilion outside Devereux Hall for a variety of s’mores.

Sunday, Sept. 28

  • 1 p.m.  — Women's Soccer vs. Rhode Island
    Marra Athletics Fields Complex
  • 1 – 4 p.m  — Bills Game Watch Party in the Rathskeller
    Need a place to catch the game? Join us in the Rathskeller to watch the Buffalo Bills take on the Saints. Drinks and food can be purchased from the bar using cash or card.
PLEASE NOTE: We continue working hard to create a welcoming and memorable weekend just for you. Be sure to check back for any updates to the schedule!