More than 3,500 family members and current Bucknell students are expected to participate in Bucknell University's annual Family Weekend, Friday, Sept. 19, through Sunday, Sept. 21. The three-day tradition offers families a chance to explore campus academics, athletics, the arts and community celebrations — including the second annual Community International Festival.

"Family Weekend brings together our students and their loved ones for a special opportunity to share in the Bucknell experience," says Tara Michaels, director, events and experiences. "From academic showcases to cultural festivals, the weekend provides something meaningful for everyone."

Friday Highlights
The weekend begins Friday afternoon with an introduction to Bucknell's newest academic centers. From 4 to 5 p.m., families can explore the Perricelli-Gegnas Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and the Dominguez Center for Data Science in Taylor Hall. Faculty and staff will share how students can engage in projects related to data science, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurial innovation.

At 5 p.m., the Harvest Dinner returns for pre-registered families under the Sojka Lawn tent, featuring a buffet of fall-inspired dishes. Guests can also opt for a uniquely local experience: wine tasting in the corn maze at the Banty Rooster (formerly Ard's Farm), starting at 5:30 p.m. The event includes wine tasting, live music, food trucks and seasonal treats in a festive farm setting.

Athletics and the arts round out the evening. The Bison women's volleyball team hosts Patriot League rival Lehigh in Davis Gym at 7 p.m. At the same time, the Department of Theatre & Dance will continue the tradition of first-year students kicking off the season as it presents the comedy Almost, Maine, written by John Cariani and directed by Ava Zapulla '26 in Tustin Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

Community International Festival Returns
 

The international flag procession during last year's inaugural Community International Festival. Photo by April Bartholomew

One of the weekend's signature events is the second annual Community International Festival from noon to 3 p.m. at Hufnagle Park, 520 St. Louis Street, in downtown Lewisburg. Bucknell, Susquehanna University and the Lewisburg Downtown Partnership invite everyone to a vibrant celebration of global cultures that promises an afternoon of international cuisine, cultural booths, student performances, and live music.

The festival will feature international food vendors, live music and cultural performances. A highlight will be the international flag procession following opening remarks by Lewisburg Mayor Kendy Alvarez '06 at 1 p.m.

"The festival has quickly become a cherished part of Family Weekend, allowing our international community to share its traditions with both Bucknell families and the Lewisburg region," says Michaels.

Additional Saturday Highlights
Saturday morning begins with the men's water polo team hosting Salem at 10 a.m. in Kinney Natatorium, while the popular Bingo Brunch begins at 10:30 a.m. on Sojka Lawn, featuring brunch, school-spirit activities and a performance by Bucknell's Bison Girls dance squad.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors can browse student creations during the Perricelli-Gegnas Center’s student entrepreneurs’ showcase at the Campus Shop next to the Campus Theatre on Market Street.

The afternoon continues with Christy's A Cappella Concert at 1 p.m. in the Weis Center Atrium, a showcase of Bucknell's vocal ensembles. There will be two more performances of the first-year student comedy Almost, Maine in Tustin Theatre at 2 and 7:30 p.m. respectively. Families can also enjoy scenic trolley tours of campus and Lewisburg at 2, 3, and 4 p.m., while the men's water polo team will face Air Force in Kinney Natatorium at 3:20 p.m.

Spirit and culture shine later in the day. The Spirit Trail at 4:30 p.m. on Dent Drive offers Bucknell-themed giveaways and crafts, while the student organization LACOS presents Feria Latina at 6 p.m. on MacDonald Commons, celebrating Latin American culture through food, music and dance.

At 6 p.m., the Bucknell football team will host Lehigh for its Patriot League opener in Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium. The evening concludes with We Brake for Nobody, a ticketed improv comedy show at 7 p.m. in the Elaine Langone Center's Forum, featuring Bucknell student performers.

Sunday Highlights
Sunday morning begins with the men's water polo team hosting Fordham at 9 a.m. in Kinney Natatorium, followed by the Farewell Breakfast under the Sojka Lawn tent starting at 9:30. The men's water polo team will conclude its weekend's competition at 1 p.m. against Wagner.

The Bucknell Symphonic Band joins the Billtown Brass for a free, public concert at 2:30 p.m. in the Weis Center, offering a powerful musical finale.