Homecoming 2026

Virtual Bingo

8 p.m. | Zoom | FREE

Get ready to kick off Homecoming with this high-energy, fan-favorite event!

Join the fun virtually alongside fellow alumni for your chance to win some absolutely amazing prizes!

Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony

6 p.m. | Hazel-Pruitt Armory, Collaboratory | $15

Join us for an evening of celebration and gratitude as we pay tribute to Shenandoah’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni honorees! We are profoundly honored to recognize these extraordinary individuals for their remarkable achievements and enduring impact. This special reception and presentation will also include a joyous 50th-anniversary celebration for the Class of 1976, “The Spirit of 76!”  We will also welcome the classes of ’81, ’86, ’91, ’96, ’01, ’06, ’11, ’16, and ’21. Let’s come together over heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks to toast to their legacy and our shared history!

Homecoming Concert & Fireworks Show

7:30 p.m. | Cecil Pruitt, Jr. Health & Life Science Building Lawn

Kick off your Homecoming celebrations on the HLSB Lawn! Gather with students, families, alumni, faculty, and staff for an unforgettable evening under the stars. Enjoy live music from pop artist Enslow, featuring alum guitarist Josh Earls ’18, and grab some delicious bites from The Station Café (an alumni-owned food truck!).

Stick around as the night builds up to a spectacular fireworks display at 8:45 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, bring your friends, and come celebrate!

Spirit of ’76 Pit Party

8:30 p.m. | Brandt Student Center Parking Lot | $10

Back by popular demand! In honor of the Class of 1976’s 50th Reunion, come join us as we step back in time and reminisce about our favorite “off-campus” days. Enjoy light refreshments and drinks, catch up with old friends, and stay to watch the night sky light up—it’s one of the best seats in the house for the fireworks show!

Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre Behind-the Scenes Tour

9 a.m. & 10 a.m. | Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre Lobby

Join Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre Managing Director Elizabeth Albert on a behind-the-scenes tour of Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre. See how the magic all comes together in the scene shop and costume shop and get a sneak peek at the “Into the Woods” musical set.

Homecoming & Family Weekend Tailgate

11 a.m. | James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center | Adults $10; Children 12 & Under Free 

Get into the game day spirit at the Homecoming Tailgate! Enjoy an incredible spread from local food trucks available for purchase, a vibrant beer and wine garden, live music, and plenty of kid-friendly fun before the Hornets take the field.

All registered guests will receive a commemorative Homecoming & Family Weekend gift, a sweet treat pass, and two drink tickets for the beer and wine garden. Plus, registered alumni will receive an exclusive alumni gift to mark the occasion!

Homecoming Football Game vs. Hampden-Sydney

RED OUT – Show your spirit with SU red

1 p.m. | Glo Fiber Field at Shentel Stadium | LIMITED SPECIAL ALUMNI PRICE $10 for all-access pass for athletic homecoming games.

Post Game Alumni Social hosted by Black Alumni Network

5 p.m. | Vibrissa Beer: Restaurant & Brewery

Keep the game day hype going! Win or lose, the party isn’t over when the final whistle blows. Head on over to celebrate with your fellow Hornets—your first drink is on us! Come raise a glass, connect with old friends, and toast to another legendary Homecoming weekend. Everyone is welcome!

Class of ’76 Happy Hour

5 p.m. | Chinatown Cafe 

Step away from the main crowds and join your classmates for an exclusive Happy Hour made just for the Class of ’76. Head over to Chinatown Cafe to catch up with lifelong friends, raise a glass to 50 incredible years, and share your favorite memories from back in the day. Unwind, enjoy fantastic drinks, and let’s celebrate this legendary class!

Women’s Soccer vs. Averett

6 p.m. | Glo Fiber Field at Shentel Stadium 

Symphony Orchestra Concert

7:30 p.m. | Armstrong Concert Hall | Tickets are $18 available for purchase HERE

Join the Symphony Orchestra for an evening of orchestral masterworks that span the elegance of the Classical era, the drama of early Romanticism and the virtuosic brilliance of the twentieth century. The program opens with Carl Maria von Weber’s exhilarating Overture to Der Freischütz, a cornerstone of German Romanticism whose vivid orchestration and dramatic storytelling helped shape the future of opera and concludes with Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 101 in D Major, known as “The Clock.” Together, these works offer a captivating journey through some of classical music’s most imaginative and enduring musical voices.

Old Town Crawl

8 p.m. | Downtown Winchester – Feltner Building | 21+ only

Explore the best local pubs and enjoy exclusive drink specials during this popular Homecoming tradition! Pre-register to obtain your SU discount ($8); walk-ups are full price ($10). SU participants will receive a special gift.

Black Alumni Network Brunch & Networking Panel

10:30 a.m. | Hazel-Pruitt Armory, Collaboratory | $10

This brunch will connect alumni, students, and community members for meaningful conversations, mentorship, and professional networking. It offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the achievements of alumni while fostering a spirit of collaboration within the SU community during our sesquicentennial year. All are welcome!

SU Volleyball Matches

11 a.m. & 3 p.m | James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center

Shenandoah University Logos

https://www.su.edu/alumni/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2017/07/SU-Coloring-Book-1.pdf

Shenandoah University Campus Buildings

https://www.su.edu/alumni/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2017/07/Alumni_ColoringPages_SUBuildings.pdf

Buzzy the Hornet

https://www.su.edu/alumni/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2017/07/Alumni_ColoringPages_Buzzy.pdf

Alumni, represent your alma mater during your virtual work meetings by downloading customized Shenandoah Zoom backgrounds! Show everyone you’re proud to be a Hornet!

Add a little Shenandoah spice to your online experience every time you open a new tab in Chrome by downloading Shenandoah’s Chrome extension! The Chrome extension features Shenandoah photos, facts, news, and history.

Haven’t been back to campus in awhile or just want to see what’s new on campus? Visit us virtually! Explore our campus, travel to the Winchester walking mall, and hike through our Cool Spring campus on the Shenandoah River! Please also share with any current high school seniors you know who are considering or should consider Shenandoah University. Take a virtual tour.