A logo for Holy Cross family weekend, which is happening from Sept. 18-20, 2026

Family Weekend, Sept. 18-20, 2026

Parents, grandparents, siblings, and other family members are invited to campus to connect with their students and explore Holy Cross.

Register

Friday, Sept. 18

Hogan Campus Center, Room 320

Family Weekend guests are asked to check-in as they arrive. Guests will get an updated schedule, map of campus, and a commemorative Family Weekend giveaway. Students and staff will be available to answer any questions. Those who check-in will have a chance to enter a drawing for themed prize baskets. Winners will be drawn at noon on Saturday, Sep. 19.

Prior Performing Arts Center, Third Floor

Queens, Gods, and Devotees: Selections from the Petrucci Family Foundation Collection of African American Art

Featuring over 30 paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, and fiber works from c. 1900 to the present, Queens, Gods, and Devotees foregrounds earthly and divine greatness, and their associated devotional objects and ritual practices. Many of these images of exalted figures and concepts related to spirituality and worship are specific to the Black American experience, or are re-imagined in a Black cultural context. References to Greek mythology, the Judeo-Christian tradition, ancient cultures, and traditional African spiritual practices appear alongside one another.

The exhibition includes work by celebrated artists including Romare Bearden, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Richmond Barthé, John Biggers, Willie Cole, Shinique Smith, Tawny Chatmon, Imo Nse Imeh, and Sharif Bey, among others. Selections in Queens, Gods, and Devotees are drawn entirely from the Petrucci Family Foundation Collection of African American Art.

Learn more

Prior Performing Arts Center, Third Floor

Explore the current exhibit on a guided tour. 

Depart from the Joanne Chouinard-Luth Recreation and Wellness Center (The Jo) Patio

Are the exorcism rumors true? Are there secret labyrinths buried on campus? Find out! Learn about Holy Cross history, mystery, and lore on this walking tour of campus that will highlight some little-known facts and legends of Mount St. James. Led by Tom Cadigan, '02, Director of Alumni Regional and Special Programs, this fun tour will expand your Holy Cross horizons. 

Dinand Library, 3rd Floor 

Give three cheers and a hoiah (reference to the Songs of Holy Cross) when you visit the Archives & Distinctive Collections exhibit of items that celebrate the 250th anniversary of America, the centennial of a notable performance, the marching band, football, and other athletics. Photographs, documents, and more will be on display in the Reading Room. Staff will be available to answer questions.

Prior Performing Arts Center, Third Floor

Explore the current exhibit on a guided tour. 

Hogan Campus Center, Location TBD

Get a taste of what a Holy Cross classroom experience with this presentation from Professor Enrique Quezada-Llanes. More details to come. 

Location TBA

Alpha Sigma Nu is the National Jesuit Honor Society, which will be inducting and celebrating its newest members. Reception immediately following.

Hogan Campus Center, Jenks Suite B/C, 4th Floor 

Our Parents’ Council will be holding its fall planning meeting. Light refreshments will be served. Invitation only. 

Luth Athletic Complex, Hart Center Arena

Cheer on your Crusader Volleyball team as they take on the Eagles of American University in a key Patriot League match. Admission is free for all attendees. 

Kimball Hall, Seelos Theatre, 1st Floor

Enjoy watching a recent film release. Film to be announced.

Hogan Campus Center, Ballroom

Join us for one of our signature weekend programs as the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom transforms into a lively casino night! Enjoy Roulette, Blackjack, and Texas Hold’em tables, and play to earn tickets for the chance to win exciting prizes. Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board.

A fall landscape on the Holy Cross campus
Professor Narita teaching in front of a classroom

Saturday, Sept. 19

The Jo, Flaherty Gymnasium

Visit The Jo Recreation and Wellness Center to enjoy playing pickleball. Court availability will be first come, first served. Equipment and basic instructions on how to play are available at the welcome desk upon arrival.

For those who have purchased parking specifically for the football game, lots open and tailgating can begin in the designated lots. For ticketing/parking information, please visit: goholycross.com/tickets

Prior Performing Arts Center, Luth Concert Hall, Basement

All families are invited to join President Vincent D. Rougeau as he addresses the College community and shares his thoughts on the Holy Cross experience. Light refreshments will be served following. 

Prior Performing Arts Center, Third Floor

Queens, Gods, and Devotees: Selections from the Petrucci Family Foundation Collection of African American Art

Featuring over 30 paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, and fiber works from c. 1900 to the present, Queens, Gods, and Devotees foregrounds earthly and divine greatness, and their associated devotional objects and ritual practices. Many of these images of exalted figures and concepts related to spirituality and worship are specific to the Black American experience, or are re-imagined in a Black cultural context. References to Greek mythology, the Judeo-Christian tradition, ancient cultures, and traditional African spiritual practices appear alongside one another.

The exhibition includes work by celebrated artists including Romare Bearden, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Richmond Barthé, John Biggers, Willie Cole, Shinique Smith, Tawny Chatmon, Imo Nse Imeh, and Sharif Bey, among others. Selections in Queens, Gods, and Devotees are drawn entirely from the Petrucci Family Foundation Collection of African American Art.

Learn more

The Jo, Flaherty Gymnasium

Stop by The Jo during Family Weekend for a fun, low-key game of basketball knockout! All skill levels are welcome and no experience is needed. Jump in for a few shots, enjoy some friendly competition, and have fun together!

Hogan Campus Center, 1st Floor Lobby Table 

A representative from the ring company Herff-Jones will be available for those interested in getting sized for and purchasing class rings at a discounted price.

Depart from the Joanne Chouinard-Luth Recreation and Wellness Center (The Jo) Patio

Are the exorcism rumors true? Are there secret labyrinths buried on campus? Find out! Learn about Holy Cross history, mystery, and lore on this walking tour of campus that will highlight some little-known facts and legends of Mount St. James. Led by Tom Cadigan, '02, Director of Alumni Regional and Special Programs, this fun tour will expand your Holy Cross horizons. 

Location TBD

Accordion player Diarmuid Ó Meachair and Galway fiddle player Ellie Egan will play a selection of music from East Galway. The traditional music of East Galway is known for its unhurried pace, lyrical expression, and strong rhythm. Unlike the faster, highly ornamented styles of other regions like Sligo, the East Galway style focuses closely on the smooth flow of the melody and a soulful, down-to-earth feel. The concert will include music from legendary east Galway figures such as Paddy Fahey, Paddy Kelly, Conor Tully, Paddy Carty and Joe Burke. They will be accompanied by guitarist Simon Lace and Brooks Scholar John Hannigan (Accordion & Fiddle).

Hogan Campus Center, Hoval

Swing by the Hoval for family photos in the oversized chair, find your way out of the inflatable corn maze, enjoy some hands-on crafts, and more! 

Fitton Football Field

Crusader Athletics invites all families and friends to attend this important regional rivalry contest against the Yale University Bulldogs. Guests can enjoy our fan-friendly concessions powered by our Holy Cross Dining Services.   

Parking Lots/Tailgating opens at 9 a.m.

Gates open at 1:00 p.m.

Depart from the Joanne Chouinard-Luth Recreation and Wellness Center (The Jo) Patio

Are the exorcism rumors true? Are there secret labyrinths buried on campus? Find out! Learn about Holy Cross history, mystery, and lore on this walking tour of campus that will highlight some little-known facts and legends of Mount St. James. Led by Tom Cadigan, '02, Director of Alumni Regional and Special Programs, this fun tour will expand your Holy Cross horizons. 

Luth Athletic Complex, Hart Center Arena

Cheer on your Crusader Volleyball team as they take on the Midshipmen of the Naval Academy in a key Patriot League match. Admission is free for all attendees. 

St. Joseph Memorial Chapel

All are welcome to join us for worship in our beautiful St. Joseph Memorial Chapel. 

Hogan Campus Center,  Ballroom

Join the Black Student Union for their annual Fish Fry! Bring family and friends for a night filled with delicious food, music, and community. All attendees, including family members, must be registered to guarantee a meal. Please use the link here to register.

Kimball Hall, Seelos Theatre, 1st Floor

Enjoy watching a recent film release. Film to be announced.

Hogan Campus Center, Hogan Courtyard (Hoval)

Unwind at the fire pits on the Hoval and enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors. Gather by the fire, connect with friends, and soak in the cozy atmosphere. Sponsored by the Office of Student Involvement.

President Rougeau shakes hands at a President's Council event.
Holy Cross football players celebrate a touchdown during a game played at Fenway Park.

Sunday, Sept. 20

The Jo, Flaherty Gymnasium

Visit The Jo Recreation and Wellness Center to enjoy playing pickleball. Court availability will be first come, first served. Equipment and basic instructions on how to play are available at the welcome desk upon arrival.

The Jo, Multipurpose Studio 110

Balance your body; balance your mind. This session will warm up the body and guide you through movements focusing on alignment, strength, balance, and flexibility. This class is appropriate for all levels; no experience or registration required. Equipment will be provided, or bring your own, if you prefer.

Ciampi-Condron Hall, Ground Floor, Reflection Room

Experience this deeply relaxing meditative experience as you are "bathed" in resonant sound waves and vibrations.

St. Joseph Memorial Chapel

All are welcome to join us for worship in our beautiful St. Joseph Memorial Chapel. 

Luth Athletic Complex, Linda Johnson Smith Soccer Stadium

Cheer on the Crusader Women’s Soccer team as they take on the Greyhounds of Loyola-Maryland University in a key Patriot League matchup. Admission is free for all attendees. 

Students participate in an orientation event next to an outdoor fire.
a family standing in a pew in St. Joseph Memorial Chapel

What To Know For 2026

Families can register online. There is no cost to attend, but we ask you to register to assist with our planning. Please note, football tickets are purchased separately through Athletics. Students get free admission to football games with their student IDs. 

  • We encourage guests to make hotel reservations early. Browse a listing of area hotels that the College partners with throughout the year. 
  • When contacting hotels, inquire if they are offering a special Holy Cross rate. 

A copy of your registration is emailed to the address you use when registering. If you do not find an email, check your SPAM folder. If you are still having difficulty locating it, email families@holycross.edu so we can double-check your registration. 

In your confirmation email, there is a link for you to be able to edit your registration directly. If you are still having difficulty, contact the Office of Parent and Family Engagement at families@holycross.edu, or at 508-793-3344. It would be helpful to include “Family Weekend Registration” in the subject line of your email. 

There is a preview of the schedule on the Family Weekend website. At check-in, you will be provided a finalized schedule. There are many activities planned and more will be added, so be sure to check-in when you arrive on campus to receive the latest updates. 

  • We ask families to register online by Monday, September 14. However, families can still register online or on-site after this date. 
  • When guests arrive on campus, we ask that you check in with us in the Hogan Campus Center room 320 to receive a detailed schedule and a commemorative item! Free raffle tickets are also available at check-in.

  • Tickets can be purchased through Athletics here. Holy Cross students have free admission with their HC IDs, and are able to sit with their family if they so choose. Guests wishing to park in the tailgating lots can purchase these spots through Athletics at goholycross.com/tickets as well. Space is limited.
  • Parking at Garage, Freshman Field and West Lot is available for both a single-game and season-long package, and can be purchased in advance or on game day. These lots are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more info on parking visit goholycross.com or contact the Athletics Department at 1-844-GOCROSS or email tickets@holycross.edu.
  • There are many non-ticketed athletic events; see Family Weekend schedule for information.

  • Guests can park in any of the upper campus lots. On Saturday, we will also have overflow parking lots designated off campus that will have shuttle service.  
  • If you’re attending the football game, see info above about the Freshmen Field and West Lot. Visit goholycross.com ticket central website for more information.
  • Real-time texting with helpful parking information (including when lots are at capacity) will be available. Please visit goholycross.com for more information  to stay up to date on the latest Holy Cross Athletics news, promotions and events. You will see a link there to opt in for text updates. 

  • Yes! There will be shuttles throughout the weekend to assist our families in navigating campus, including vans able to assist guests in wheelchairs. Information about these shuttles will be available at check-in. During registration, we ask that you indicate your needs in your registration form so that we can plan accordingly. 
  • Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to provide courtesy wheelchairs. We encourage you to bring your own if you feel they are needed.
  • If you have a handicap placard, you are welcome to park in any of the marked available spaces on campus. Additional spots will be designated for Family Weekend.

  • There are many campus eateries that will be open for families, including the Kimball Main Dining Hall. For more information on the locations, hours, and menus, visit the Dining Services website. 
  • Enjoy concessions at the football game being operated by Holy Cross Dining.  
  • Tailgating is allowed during the football game. Visit the athletics website for more information.