This is an early glimpse of what Homecoming 2026 has in store — keep checking this list, as more events will be added!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Alumni & Friends Registration & Welcome
Hermann Fine Arts Center, Lobby
Be sure to reserve your spot! Alumni and friends who register for Homecoming will receive a themed t-shirt and special gift, access to the All-Alumni Welcome Friday evening, a tailgate lunch and ticket to the football game, and access to the All-Decades Reunion on Saturday evening. Registration: $40
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Bags & BBQ: Hosted by MCAA-C and Pioneer Activities Council
Legacy Library Lawn (Rain location is DBRC Court 1)
Join fellow Pioneers and meet the next generation of The Long Blue Line. Share your experiences, catch up with the MCAA-Council and learn more about PAC and our 2026 Homecoming candidates.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Alumni & Friends Registration & Welcome
Hermann Fine Arts Center, Lobby
Be sure to reserve your spot! Alumni and friends who register for Homecoming will receive a themed t-shirt and special gift, access to the All-Alumni Welcome Friday evening, a tailgate lunch and ticket to the football game, and access to the All-Decades Reunion on Saturday evening. Registration: $40
11:00 a.m. – Noon
Phi Beta Kappa Social Hour
Legacy Library, Lower Level
Catch up with fellow members of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society.
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
More History to Make: Presidential Update
Fenton Court
Join President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty for an engaging update on the exciting momentum shaping Marietta College. Learn about progress on strategic initiatives, campus enhancements, student success, and the many ways our community is advancing the College's vision for the future. Attendees will also be the first to hear a significant announcement marking a defining milestone for Marietta and signaling that, together, there is even More History to Make.
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
All-Alumni Welcome
Hermann Fine Arts Center
Gather with alumni and friends at the official Homecoming kickoff. Enjoy the camaraderie and nostalgia among the Marietta College community. A special performance by Marietta’s Theatre Department and a greeting from Alumni Director Gi Smith.
7:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Live Band: Michael Weber Show and Friends
—Hosted by Don Ritter ’81 and Bruce Kinney ’78
The Gathering Place
Don’t miss the exhilarating live band performance at the Homecoming celebration, where alumni and students come together to enjoy an evening of great music and festive spirit. Join us for a memorable night of dancing, singing, and reconnecting with dear friends. Cash bar and snacks. Registration: $15 (MC students may attend for free).
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
All-Alumni Breakfast
Gilman Dining Hall
Pre-registration price: $10; $12 at the door.
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Alumni & Friends Registration & Welcome
Hermann Fine Arts Center, Lobby
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Campus Tour: All Alumni and Friends
Admission House
Take a guided tour of Marietta College’s picturesque campus.
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Marietta College Alumni Association Awards & Athletic Tribute Ceremony
McDonough Auditorium
Celebrate excellence at the Marietta College Alumni Awards & Athletic Tribute Ceremony, when we honor distinguished alumni and outstanding students and student-athletes for their remarkable achievements and contributions, along with recognition of the MCAA Council Adkins Society members. Join us for inspiration and pride as we recognize those who exemplify the spirit and legacy of Marietta College.
Honoring the following Awards:
Hall of Honor: Jo Ellen Diehl Yeary ’76 & David J. Rickey ’78
Outstanding Young Alumnus: Derek Hennen ’12 & Meredith Storey ’12
Liz Tribett Service: Jim Buckwell ’61 & Brittany Metcalf ’13
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Pioneer Tailgate
Don Drumm Stadium
Join us at the Pioneer Tailgate for an unforgettable pre-game celebration filled with food, fun and Pioneer spirit! Various organizations will have tailgate setups throughout the tailgating area. A fun chance to connect with fellow alumni, current students, and faculty. Each tailgate features its own unique flair, spirit and MC pride. At 1:30, the Pioneers take on Baldwin-Wallace University. General Homecoming Registration includes the tailgate lunch & game ticket. If not registered, $15 at the door, $10 for kids 6-12 years old, Free for kids 0-5 years old.
5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
50th Reunion Class of 1976 and all Golden Pioneers Reunion Reception and Dinner
Reception 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
The President’s House, 301 Fifth St, Marietta
Dinner 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Andrews Hall, Great Room
Class of 1976 and all Golden Pioneers (any Pioneer who graduated prior to 1976) are invited to a reception hosted by the President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty. This is a special opportunity for the Class of 1976 and Golden Pioneers to gather and celebrate this milestone together at the President’s House. A special dinner in Andrews Hall’s Great Room will follow. Registration is $50/person.
4:00 p.m.
All-Greek Meeting
McDonough Auditorium
Greek alumni from all chapters are invited to an important brainstorming session to discuss Greek development for current and future students.
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
All-Decades Reunion
The Gathering Place
Reconnect with classmates, relive favorite memories, and celebrate your Marietta College experience at the All-Decades Reunion. Honoring the Classes of 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016, this casual gathering is the perfect opportunity to catch up with lifelong friends and make new memories together. Join us from 5:30–7:30 p.m. on Saturday for an evening of conversation, camaraderie, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks before heading downtown to continue the Homecoming celebration. Whether it's been five years or forty, you'll find plenty of reasons to reconnect with The Long Blue Line.
6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
McDonough’s 40th Celebration
Dyson Baudo Recreation Center
Celebrate four decades of the McDonough Leadership Program during the 6:30-7:30 p.m. social hour and 7:30–9:00 p.m. program with fellow Scholars, current students and administration, program supporters, and former faculty and staff.
Registration: $40
8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
19th Annual New Plays in One Day Festival
Hermann Fine Arts Center, Friederich Theater
Watch the magic as our Theatre Department continue to showcase the strength of Marietta’s performing arts! Guests are invited to a special reception that precedes the 8:00 p.m. performance.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
All-Alumni Breakfast
Gilman Dining Hall
Pre-registration price: $10; $12 at the door.