A family poses for a photo during Homecoming and Family Weekend 2026, Oct. 2-4.

Homecoming and Family Weekend 2026: A picture-perfect fall celebration

From Career Jam and Skidtoberfest to athletics and the arts, Skidmore students, families, and alumni came together to cheer on the Thoroughbreds and enjoy a beautiful fall weekend in Saratoga Springs.

With changing leaves and plenty of sunshine, Skidmore College welcomed alumni, families, and friends to campus Oct. 2–4 for Homecoming and Family Weekend 2026 — an opportunity to celebrate the Skidmore community and Thoroughbred pride.

Across campus, families got a glimpse of college life and alumni reconnected with friends and favorite places. The entire community also cheered on the Thoroughbreds and enjoyed performances, exhibitions, and other special events, including a live interview with Award-winning broadcast journalist and best-selling author Joan Lunden P’27.

Against a picture-perfect fall backdrop, the weekend offered plenty of reasons to celebrate — and plenty of reminders of what makes Skidmore a special place to learn, connect, and return.

Career Jam

Students connected with alumni and professionals across a range of fields at Career Jam, hosted by Skidmore’s Career Development Center. They explored career paths, gained firsthand insights, and built meaningful connections, highlighting the strength of Skidmore’s lifelong network of mentorship and support.

Supporting Skidmore Athletics

Friends of Skidmore Athletics (FOSA) showed their school pride at the Thoroughbred Bred Cup at Saratoga National Golf Course. The event brought together alumni and many other community members in support of a good cause.

Athletics took center stage during the All in to Win initiative — a multiday fundraising challenge for Skidmore Athletics. More than 947 families, fans, and Thoroughbreds across generations rallied to raise over $452,000, topping the $300,000 goal.

Skidmore student-athletes competed throughout the weekend in hard fought matchups, with fans gathering to cheer on the Thoroughbreds in field hockey, men's and women's soccer, volleyball, and women's tennis.

Men's soccer players during a game on a grass soccer field, one player making a play to kick the ball. — Colin Goodhines '27 makes a play during the men's soccer game against Ithaca College on Saturday, Oct. 3.

Five women's volleyball players come together on the court to celebrate a point scored. — Natalie Pedersen '28, center, celebrates with teammates during the women's volleyball match against Ithaca College on Saturday, Oct. 3.

Filene Scholar celebration concert

The Filene Scholar Celebration Concert showcased recipients of Skidmore’s prestigious Filene Music Scholarship. Among the country’s most talented young musicians, Filene Scholars advance their musical studies at Skidmore while pursuing any major they choose. Their performances showcased extraordinary musical talent and exemplified the spirit of Creative Thought Matters in every pursuit at Skidmore.

Three students stand in front of grand piano singing during a performance on stage, one person sits at piano bench playing. — Filene Scholars Aiden Weiland ’29, Gina LeBeau ’30, and Lily Maynard ’30 sing in Arthur Zankel Music Center during Homecoming and Family Weekend 2026.

Student Events Council Bonfire

Students, families, and alumni gathered around the bonfire to warm up, catch up with friends, and enjoy the crisp fall evening. Hosted by the Student Events Council, the gathering offered another opportunity to spend time together and take in the festive atmosphere.

Two people sit on the ground next to each other in front of a bonfire. — Soraya Gordon ‘29 and her mother, Heather Gordon, enjoy a bonfire hosted by the Student Events Council.

Skidtoberfest and BBQ

Skidtoberfest brought students, families, and alumni together for a lively fall celebration filled with color, creativity, and cheerful community spirit. The signature event featured local vendors and artisans, seasonal treats, and student performances. Combined with beautiful blue skies and energy, Skidtoberfest was a highlight of the weekend.

The celebration continued with the tailgate hosted by the Office of Alumni Engagement. Students, families, and alumni enjoyed delicious chicken from the famous Brooks' House of BBQ while cheering on the Thoroughbreds.

Five people sit on the grass, smiling, at a artisan craft festival. — Skidmore students, loved ones, and alumni shared special moments — and some silliness, too — at Skidoberfest.

Two adults smile as they sit on blowup horses and race each other on a grass lawn. — Skidmore students, loved ones, and alumni shared special moments — and some silliness, too — at Skidoberfest.

FOSA Banquet

The Friends of Skidmore Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony honored the remarkable achievements of Dani DeGregory '16, Charles Kromann '05, Thomas E. Lach '87, Meredith Palmer '11, Sarah Cooper Raymond, and the 2013 riding (now equestrian) team.

Their stories — spanning decades of excellence, leadership, and dedication— exemplify the passion, teamwork, and creativity that define the Skidmore student-athlete experience.

Horse statue trophies and a stack of certificates in booklets lined up on a table. — Trophies and certificates for accomplished Thoroughbreds at the FOSA Induction Ceremony.

Good Morning Skidmore

On Sunday, members of the Skidmore and Saratoga Springs communities listened to former “Good Morning America” co-host Joan Lunden P’27 speak about her most recent book, “Joan: Life Beyond the Script,” during a special event co-hosted by the Saratoga Book Festival. During what is an “an incredibly precarious time in this country when it comes to news and broadcasting,” Lunden praised Skidmore for its supportive campus atmosphere — “a crucial antidote to the negativity.”

Two people sit in chairs on a stage for a talk with a poster on an easel in between them. One is holding a microphone. — Joan Lunden P’27, the longest-running female host in the history of early morning television, was interviewed by Julie Chapman of Spectrum News 1 Albany.

A picture-perfect autumn weekend

Homecoming and Family Weekend celebrated some of what makes Skidmore special: a creative, caring community and the connections that make returning to Saratoga Springs feel like coming home.