Family Weekend 2026
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.
Family Weekend 2026: Sept. 25-27
Details below
Family Weekend 2025 Photos
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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: Sept. 25-27, 2026!
Friday, Sept. 25
- 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 p.m. – Brown and White Scrimmage
Join us in the Reilly Center to kick off the basketball season. There will be team introductions, scrimmages by both the Men’s and Women’s teams, fan contests, an autograph session, and more!
- 8-11 p.m. — S’mores at Marchiori Pavilion
Join us under the new Marchiori Pavillion outside Devereux Hall for a variety of s’mores.
Saturday, Sept. 26
- 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 26 when making your reservation
- Payment will be collected when you check in at the course the day of
- Student Fee: $11
- Non-Student Green Fee: $17 (for 9 holes)
- Cart (per person): $11 (for 9 holes)
- 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 the Golf Course
- 10 a.m. — Women’s JV Rugby vs. SUNY Cortland
Marra Athletics Fields Complex
- 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.
- 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.
- Other morning options include:
- Walk the Allegheny River Trail.
- Grab a coffee at Café La Verna, which opens at 9 a.m.
- Eat a delicious breakfast at the Hickey Dining Hall, which opens at 9 a.m.
- Noon — Men's Varsity Rugby Game vs. Queens University
Marra Athletics Field Complex
- Noon — Men's D2 Hockey Game vs. Alfred State
William O. Smith Recreation Center (551 East State Street, Olean, NY)
- Noon — Women's Club Soccer vs. University of Rochester
Grass field behind the baseball field
- 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.
- 2 p.m. — Men's JV Rugby vs. Queens University
Marra Athletics Fields Complex
- 2:30 p.m. — Men's Club Soccer vs. Canisius
Grass field behind the baseball field
- 3 p.m. – Men’s Varsity Hockey Game vs. Niagara University
William O. Smith Recreation Center (551 E. State St, Olean, NY)
- 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.
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4:00 p.m. — Family Weekend Mass
All are welcome to Mass at the University Chapel in Doyle Hall.
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7:30 p.m. — Eric Dittelman - Comedy Mind Reader
Join us in the Quick Center for the Arts to see a performance often known by just his surname. Dittelman combines amazing mind reading with stand-up and improv comedy. He blew audiences away as the first ever mind reader on NBC's "America's Got Talent" where he was a season 7 Top Ten finalist and judges' favorite. He has since appeared on "Ellen", "Live with Kelly and Ryan", and "Penn & Teller: Fool Us". He has also been featured in Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, and even The National Enquirer. He has studied improv comedy with The Upright Citizens Brigade, ImprovBoston, and The Second City. In 2018, he made his Broadway debut appearing with "The Illusionists" and currently appears in the hit off-Broadway show "Speakeasy Magick".
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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. 27
- Morning options include:
- Walk the Allegheny River Trail.
- Grab a coffee at Café La Verna, which opens at 9 a.m.
- Eat a delicious breakfast at the Hickey Dining Hall, which opens at 9 a.m.
- 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 Chargers.
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!