Schedule of Events

Check back often as we continue to update the schedule for Fall Weekend. Activities start on Friday afternoon and continue through Saturday evening.

All Weekend

Information Desk: Welcome Center
When you arrive to campus, come to the Information Desk to check-in and pick up your ¾«¶«AV Fall Weekend Wristband. This is your access to the Saturday Picnic Lunch and all other complimentary events, sessions and tours. You can also pick up any pre-purchased Camel Nation souvenir cups. Pocket programs, maps and FAQs also available!

Friday: 1:30 - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Oak Tent on Tempel Green

Self-Guided Tour of the Arboretum
The Arboretum was established in 1931 and is owned and operated by ¾«¶«AV. This self-guided tour, which begins at the notice board just inside the Williams Street entrance of the Arboretum, is an introduction to the 25-acre collection of trees and shrubs native to eastern North America, and to some of southern New England’s common biological communities. The main trail is approximately two miles long and should take about one hour to complete at a leisurely pace. Enjoy your walk and please remember not to collect anything so that plants and animals are available for those who follow!

Friday: Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday: Sunrise to Sunset
Arboretum, Williams Street, New London, CT

The Noodle Factory at 50: The Charles E. Shain Library 1976-2026
When the Palmer Library was built in 1921 and then expanded two decades later, librarians and administrators knew that by the 1960s the building would need to be expanded or replaced by the 1960s. The 1960s saw rapid growth in the student body and the coming of coeducation. It also saw an increase in the number of books being purchased, an expansion of course offerings and new technologies that put a severe strain on library space. Much of the 1960s was spent exploring expansion of the old library, before architects and administrators turned their focus to create a new space unlike anything else on campus. When the new building opened in 1976, it marked a sharp departure from the past with its Brutalist exterior and broad, open interior spaces. Nicknamed the Noodle Factory by Kurt Vonnegut at its dedication, the building that came to be known as the Charles E. Shain Library has been the heart of campus for a half-century.

Friday: 1:30 - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
First Floor Exhibit, Charles E. Shain Library

50 for 50: Highlights from the Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives
For Shain Library's 50th anniversary , enjoy a showcase of fifty items from the Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives. Featuring books, art, manuscripts, photographs and ephemera, this exhibit explores some of the center's best-known research collections alongside some quirky oddities.

Friday: 1:30 - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Linda Lear Center, Charles E. Shain Library

2026 Art Department Faculty Exhibition
The 2026 Art Department Faculty Exhibition showcases works by ¾«¶«AV's talented studio art faculty: Andrea Wollensak, Denise Pelletier, Chris Barnard, Nadav Assor, Greg Bailey, Amanda Russhell Wallace and Annika Tucksmith. Come see how each faculty member's distinctive personal perspective shows through their artistic practice.

Friday: 1:30 - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 1 - 4 p.m.
Joanne Toor Cummings Gallery, Cummings Arts Center

WCNI Station Tours
We are celebrating our 75th year as a radio station! Come by the WCNI 90.9FM studio for a behind-the-scenes tour of our own college radio station-the home of the finest free-form radio in southern New England! WCNI is located on the right side of Crozier-Williams. Remember to stream WCNI from wcniradio.org or tune in on your radio to 90.9 FM all weekend long and dedicate a song to your favorite alum or student.

Friday: 2 - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Side entrance, College Center at Crozier-Williams

Lyman Allyn Art Museum - Free Admission
Visit the Lyman Allyn Art Museum! Complementing the eye-opening American Perspectives and Louis Comfort Tiffany in New London, which display works drawn from the permanent collection, the Lyman Allyn also presents several changing exhibitions each year. These special shows highlight creativity in its fullest definition – encouraging visitors to experience the pleasures of art through many lenses of discovery, history, social and cultural phenomenon with focus on the character and strengths of Southeastern ¾«¶«AVecticut. Fall Weekend participants will receive free admission with a student ID or Fall Weekend wristband.

Friday: 1:30 - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, 625 Williams Street, New London, CT

Friday, October 9

1:30 - 3:15 p.m. Campus Tour
Join us for an info session and then accompany a student admission tour guide on a 75-minute walking tour of our beautiful arboretum campus. Learn about new campus improvements and see buildings and structures that are hallmarks to generations of alumni.
Office of Admission, Horizon House

1:30 - 5 p.m. Pumpkin Carving Contest
Reserve a pumpkin to carve with your student and then see it displayed on Friday evening and throughout Fall Weekend. Voting for best pumpkin happens Friday evening and the winner will be displayed on Saturday during Camel Fan Zone for all to see! Additional $10 per pumpkin.
Oak Tent on Tempel Green

2 - 5 p.m. Unity House Hangout
Explore a space that has created a sense of family and belonging for our community for half a century. Drop by to mix and mingle with staff and students. Snacks and light refreshments sponsored by the Unity Committee of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Pepsico Room, Unity House

2 - 5 p.m. Hale Center for Career Development Open House
Stop by the Hale Center for Career Development to learn more about ¾«¶«AV’s nationally recognized Career Action Program, which includes the Career Preparation Course. The course, taken by First-years and Sophomores, provides students with the foundation they need to be workforce-ready as liberal arts students.
Career Studio, Hale Center for Career Development, Fanning Hall

2 - 3 p.m. CCSRE Open House
Visit the Center for the Critical Study of Race and Ethnicity (CCSRE) in our new location in the Walter Commons for Global Study and Engagement to learn about our current initiatives and our Certificate Program, which fosters critical study and praxis around race, ethnicity and social difference. Stop by, grab a treat, say hello, and find out how you can get involved!
Room 106, Blaustein Humanities Center

2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Visit the New Disability Cultural Center
Join us in the new Disability Cultural Center, one of only a handful of disability cultural centers in the United States! The DCC affirms and celebrates disability by exploring the intersectionality of identities, creating community support, celebrating disability culture and advocating for disability justice.
Disability Cultural Center, Smith House

2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Stop by the Lotus Center
Join us at the Lotus Center Open House within the Office of Community Advocacy and Sexual Health, a comforting space for survivors and advocates alike to pause, connect and recharge. As families and alumni return for Fall Weekend, the center warmly welcomes our community to celebrate healing, support and togetherness.
Lotus Center, Basement of Smith/Burdick House

3 - 4:30 p.m. Summer Science Research Institute Poster Session
Learn about the exciting research done by ¾«¶«AV students during the Summer Science Research Institute (SSRI), the funded summer research program for natural science students at ¾«¶«AV. ¾«¶«AV students and faculty will be present to describe their research in astronomy, biology, botany, chemistry, computer science, environmental studies, geoscience, mathematics and statistics. Sponsored by the SSRI and the Academic Resource Center.
Susan E. Lynch 1962 Room, College Center at Crozier-Williams

3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Library Prize Event
Each year the Shain Library awards a $500 prize to a student who demonstrates excellence in the research process. Come join us, in the Library Living Room, to see past winners and learn more about the prize from our librarians.
Living Room, Charles E. Shain Library

3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Highlights of Lyman Allyn Art Museum Guided Tour
Enjoy a Highlights Tour of the Lyman Allyn Art Museum. The Museum’s exhibitions offer a wide range of learning experiences for visitors of all ages. Led by experienced docents and educators, our guided tour will introduce groups to our permanent collection and special exhibitions. Pre-registration during your Fall Weekend registration is required as space is limited.
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, 625 Williams Street, New London, CT

4 - 5 p.m. Leaf Peeping— Fall Color Guided Walk
Join ¾«¶«AV Arboretum Assistant Director Scott D'Agostino for a guided walk through the campus landscape to talk about why leaves change color in the fall and find trees and shrubs that can add a splash of fall color to your yard. Meet outside of the New London Hall Greenhouse near the blue sculpture.
Blue Sculpture, New London Hall

4:30 - 7 p.m. Flannel & Food Truck Reception
Grab your favorite flannel and start your Fall Weekend experience by mixing and mingling with other ¾«¶«AV families and friends on Tempel Green! Grab a group and play lawn games, dance to the DJ or just catch up! Each ticket includes (1) meal from the food truck of your choice and (2) drink tickets for beer, wine or soft drinks. Space is limited and tickets are $35 in advance, or $40 at the door. Tickets are required for current ¾«¶«AV students. All ages welcome.
Maple Tent on Tempel Green

5 - 6:30 p.m. Small Town Universe Screening with Professor Gianninas
Join Professor Alex Gianninas, Emeritus Professor Leslie Brown and the Thames Amateur Astronomy Society for a screening of Small Town Universe, which paints an intimate and captivating portrait of life in Green Bank, West Virginia, home of the world's most sensitive radio telescope and the only town in the United States where Wi-Fi and cell phones are banned.
Olin 014, Olin Science Center

5 - 7 p.m. Vote for Your Favorite Jack-o'-lantern!
Stop by to vote for your favorite Jack-o'-lantern! The winner will be displayed at Camel Fan Zone on Saturday and receive a prize!
Maple Tent on Tempel Green

5:30 - 6:15 p.m. Zachs Hillel House Open House
Tour Zachs Hillel House and meet the Jewish community at ¾«¶«AV. Sponsored by ¾«¶«AV Coll Hillel and the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life.
Zachs Hillel House

6 - 7:30 p.m. Prism Concert: An Ensemble Sampler
A Fall Weekend Concert featuring the ¾«¶«AV Singers, Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. This concert is free and open to the public.
Evans Hall, Cummings Arts Center

6:15 - 8 p.m. Shabbat Dinner
Join us for Shabbat blessings and dinner at Zachs Hillel House. Sponsored by ¾«¶«AV Coll Hillel and the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life.
Zachs Hillel House

7:30 - 9 p.m. PORTRAITS
Selections from Talking With... by Jane Martin and Sonnets for an Old Century by José Rivera;
Directed by David Jaffe '77, Professor of Theater.

Talking With... gives us unique portraits of women exploring life and identity with humor, conflict, honesty and emotional depth. Sonnets For an Old Century gives us a group of sharply drawn characters that speak from their hearts and souls to what it is to be alive and what we leave behind when we're gone.
Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, 2 p.m.

Tickets: $12; Seniors, CC Faculty/Staff: $7; Students with ID: $7. Purchase your ticket here.
Tansill Theater, Hillyer Hall

8 - 10 p.m. Olin Observatory Stargazing and Open House
Come join the ¾«¶«AV astronomy community for a fun night of stargazing on the roof of the Olin Science Center. Weather permitting, we will have telescopes set up to get close-up views of Saturn and its rings, Neptune and other celestial objects. There will be indoor activities on the ground floor as well, for guests of all ages. (Note: if the weather does not cooperate, the event will be rescheduled for the following evening, Saturday, Oct 10)

On the rooftop:
- tour of the night sky (current constellations & bright stars)
- telescopic observing of Saturn with its majestic rings, and Neptune and its moon Triton
- see our brand new 14-inch Planewave Telescope in the observatory dome and enjoy eyepiece observing with it!

On the ground floor of Olin:
- Olin 111: computers set up with the free planetarium software Stellarium, explore the night sky from the comfort of a computer screen!
- Olin 113: educational videos
Lobby and Rooftop Observatory, Olin Science Center

8 p.m. - 12 a.m. Humphrey’s Late Night
Check out the new Humphrey’s pub, complete with an outdoor patio, and enjoy some late-night laughs. Beverages and snacks are available for purchase.
Humphrey’s, College Center at Crozier-Williams

Saturday, October 10

7:30 - 10 a.m. Breakfast on Own
Enjoy breakfast on your own. Check out a local favorite or swing by the Social House at Harris Refectory for an on-campus dining experience. Social House, Harris Refectory

9 - 10:30 a.m. Funded Summer Research Presentations
Stroll through research poster presentations given by students who received funding for summer research from ¾«¶«AV programs, including the Funded Sophomore Research Program; The Sharis '86 & Thorn '88 Pozen Endowed Fund for Excellence in Journalism, Writing, and Media; Walter Commons - Bessell UNSDG Internship, Global Research Assistant Grants and Independent Global Research Grants, New London Civic Leaders; Horizons Beyond High School; ¾«¶«AVSHARP (¾«¶«AV Social Sciences, Humanities, Arts, Research Program); the Myers Research Fellowship; and Davis Projects for Peace. Students will share their topics and conclusions from their research completed during Summer '26. Information about applying for these funded summer research opportunities will be available. Co-sponsored by the Offices of the Dean of the Faculty, Office of the Dean of the College and the Dean of Academic Support.
Susan E. Lynch 1962 Room, College Center at Crozier-Williams

9:30- 11 a.m. Men's Lacrosse Blue & White Game
Join us for an exciting Blue & White Scrimmage as our Men's Lacrosse team takes the field! Alumni and guests are welcome to come out, reconnect, and cheer on the team. It's a great opportunity to see familiar faces, catch up with former teammates, and get a preview of what's ahead for the season.
Silfen Turf Field

10 - 11:15 a.m. Men’s Ice Hockey Alumni Scrimmage
Men’s Ice Hockey alumni are invited to play in an Alumni Scrimmage at Dayton Arena, followed by the Grandstands Ribbon Cutting and Dedication. Please email Coach Jim Ward (jbwar2@conncoll.edu) if you are interested in playing!
Dayton Arena

10 - 11 a.m. Guided Tour of the Native Plant Collection
Join ¾«¶«AV Arboretum Assistant Director Scott D'Agostino for a guided walk through the Native Plant Collection. Meet at the Williams St. entrance.
Williams St. Entrance, ¾«¶«AV Arboretum

10 - 11 a.m. ¾«¶«AV Mock Trial
Room 101, New London Hall

11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Highlights of Lyman Allyn Art Museum Guided Tour
Enjoy a Highlights Tour of the Lyman Allyn Art Museum. The Museum’s exhibitions offer a wide range of learning experiences for visitors of all ages. Led by experienced docents and educators, our guided tour will introduce groups to our permanent collection and special exhibitions. Pre-registration during your Fall Weekend registration is required as space is limited.
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, 625 Williams Street, New London, CT

11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Camel Fan Zone
Enjoy complimentary ¾«¶«AV fan gear and cheer on your Women's and Men's soccer teams to victory! Go Camel Nation!
Freeman Field, Tempel Green

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Women's Soccer Game
Support the Camels in their game against the Bobcats!
Freeman Field, Tempel Green

11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Campus Tour
Accompany a student admission tour guide on a 75-minute walking tour of our beautiful arboretum campus. Learn about new campus improvements and see buildings and structures that are hallmarks to generations of alumni. Please reserve your spot in advance by clicking here.
Office of Admission, Horizon House

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Ammerman Center for Arts and Technology Annual Alumni Panel
Join us for an exciting and informal conversation about career paths stemming from the Center for Arts and Technology with a variety of alumni. All are welcome.
Visualization Wall, Lower level of Charles E. Shain Library

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Ribbon Cutting and Dedication of Fran Shields Grandstand at Silfen Track & Field
Silfen Turf Field

12 - 2 p.m. Pumpkins & Pooches
Pose for a picture with your pooch, enjoy complimentary toys, treats, and doggy bags. Say WOOF!
Tempel Green across from Fanning

12 - 2 p.m. Fall Picnic on Tempel Green
Enjoy a festive picnic on Tempel Green. Remember to pick up your wristband at the Information Desk as this is your pass to lunch. Students do not need to register for the picnic but must show their ID for entrance. Staff and faculty please bring your Camel Card for entry.
Oak Tent on Tempel Green

1 - 2:30 p.m. Women's Field Hockey Game
Cheer on the Camels in their game against Bates!
Silfen Turf Field

1 - 3 p.m. Harvestfest
Support campus clubs and organizations while browsing crafts, gifts, and custom ¾«¶«AV swag at this signature Fall Weekend event! Clubs and organizations can only accept cash, but there is a convenient ATM in the lobby of the College Center at Crozier-Williams. Sponsored by the Student Activities Council (SAC).
Maple Tent on Tempel Green

1 - 2:15 p.m. Campus Tour
Accompany a student admission tour guide on a 75-minute walking tour of our beautiful arboretum campus. Learn about new campus improvements and see buildings and structures that are hallmarks to generations of alumni. Please reserve your spot in advance by clicking here.
Office of Admission, Horizon House

1:30 - 4 p.m. CONNtoberfest Beer Garden
Prost! The CONNtoberfest Beer Garden will be open from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 10 on Harkness Green. Drink tickets can be redeemed for seasonal beer, wine, or soft drinks. Enjoy traditional beer garden snacks like popcorn, pretzels, and more! Beer Garden is 21+ only and requires a valid ID for entry. Guests under 21 years of age are not permitted in the Beer Garden.
Patio, Cummings Arts Center

2 - 4 p.m. Men's Soccer vs. Bates
Cheer on our amazing Camels as they take on the Bates Bobcats.
Freeman Field, Tempel Green

2 - 4 p.m. PORTRAITS
Selections from Talking With... by Jane Martin and Sonnets for an Old Century by José Rivera;
Directed by David Jaffe '77, Professor of Theater.

Talking With... gives us unique portraits of women exploring life and identity with humor, conflict, honesty and emotional depth. Sonnets For an Old Century gives us a group of sharply drawn characters that speak from their hearts and souls to what it is to be alive and what we leave behind when we're gone.
Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, 2 p.m.

Tickets: $12; Seniors, CC Faculty/Staff: $7; Students with ID: $7. Purchase your ticket here.
Tansill Theater, Hillyer Hall

3:15 - 4 p.m. Mamacoke Island Info Session: Hidden Beauty on the Thames River
Join Professor Maria Rosa and Arboretum Director Maggie Redfern as they provide an overview of one of our riverfront campus' amazing resources: Mamacoke Island.

Remember to sign up for the Mamacoke Island hike directly following this session! Pre-registration during your Fall Weekend registration is required as space is limited. Participants are asked to meet at 33 Gallows Lane by 3:45 p.m. and transportation to the trailhead will be provided or participants can drive directly to 56 Benham Ave (From campus, head east on Benham Ave down the hill towards the river. Just before the railroad tracks on the left is a single lane driveway. Follow the driveway to the end and park parallel to the other cars).
33 Gallows Lane, Arboretum

4 - 5:15 p.m. Mamacoke Island Hike: Adventure on the Thames
Join Professor Maria Rosa and Arboretum Director Maggie Redfern, Arboretum Director, for an exploratory hike on beautiful Mamacoke Island. Departing from the Arboreteum Office at 33 Gallows Lane, the group will be shuttled to the trailhead and dropped off for a 45-minute hike to learn about this unique ecosystem. Please wear hiking boots and a hat, and pack water, a light snack, and sunscreen.

Participants are asked to meet at 33 Gallows Lane by 3:45 p.m. and transportation to the trailhead will be provided or participants can drive directly to 56 Benham Ave (From campus, head east on Benham Ave down the hill towards the river. Just before the railroad tracks on the left is a single lane driveway. Follow the driveway to the end and park parallel to the other cars).

Pre-registration during your Fall Weekend registration is required as space is limited. Don't forget to attend the Mamacoke Island Info session at 3:15pm."
Meet at 33 Gallows Lane for the shuttle ride or drive directly to 56 Benham Ave to park at the trailhead.

4:30 - 5:30 p.m. 1911 Society Leadership Giving Reception
1911 Leadership Giving Society members are invited to join us for a celebratory toast in your honor as a thank you for your generous support of the college. By invitation only.
Patio, Horizon House

5:30 - 6:30 p.m. A Cappella Showcase
An amazing performance highlighting one of the College’s oldest traditions! Come listen to the sweet harmonies of all seven a cappella groups. No tickets needed; seating is abundant.
Oak Tent on Tempel Green

7:30 - 9 p.m. PORTRAITS
Selections from Talking With... by Jane Martin and Sonnets for an Old Century by José Rivera;
Directed by David Jaffe '77, Professor of Theater.