Hawktober 2026, Oct. 2–4
Hawktober is one of our favorite fall traditions on campus—a weekend dedicated to reconnecting, celebrating, and making new memories with the people who make our community so special. Join alumni, parents, families, students, faculty, and friends for a vibrant weekend filled with campus events, spirited gatherings, athletic competitions, and opportunities to experience all that makes UHart such a special place.
Whether you're returning to familiar places or coming back to UHart for the first time, Hawktober offers something for everyone. We can't wait to welcome you back to campus.
Full Schedule of Events
Check back often as we continue to build upon the events hosted throughout the weekend!
Faculty Scholarship Poster Presentation
All Day l Harrison Libraries
Celebrate Hawktober Weekend with a look at the inspiring work of our faculty! As we welcome alumni and families back to campus, be sure to stop by the library to explore a special poster session highlighting faculty research, scholarship, and sabbatical work. Featuring projects from across disciplines, schools, and colleges, the exhibit offers a glimpse into the ideas, discoveries, and creative work happening throughout our academic community. Come celebrate the people and work that make our institution thrive—and discover something new along the way.
A Taste of Home
Visit us at Commons Dining Hall for a chance to see family recipes highlighted at the Taste of Home lunch! Aramark will be featuring 8-12 UHart family dishes, submitted by UHart students and their families.
50(ish) Reunion Check-in
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | University Commons
50(ish) Reunion Lunch
Noon to 1:30 p.m. | University Commons Private Dining Room
HLSA Luncheon
Noon to 2 p.m. | Room 331, Gengras Student Union
The Hispanic & Latino Student Association would like to invite parents, students, and alumni to join us for a complimentary Latino lunch. Meet our board members, learn about what HLSA has to offer, and find out what life is like as a Hispanic or Latinx student on campus. Esperamos verlos aquí!
UHart Archives Pop-up Exhibit
1 to 4 p.m. | KF Room, Harrison Libraries
The exhibit will feature items covering the history of the University and its schools, as well as select materials from various special collections.
50(ish) Reunion Then and Now Tour of Campus
1:30 to 3 p.m. | Departing from Commons
Take a stroll through campus reminiscing about areas on campus where you made memories and see what's new at the University of Hartford.
50(ish) Reunion Culture Hour
3 to 4 p.m. | Various Locations
Join us for presentations and conversations on various topics:
- Innovation at the University of Hartford
- Art at the University of Hartford
- Connections with Current Students
50(ish) Reunion Coffee House & Memory Share
4 to 5 p.m. | Gengras Student Union
As we kick-off a wonderful reunion, join us for a cup of coffee and a chance to reminisce about what made the University a unique place to learn in the 70's... and what shenanigans you'll never forget!
50(ish) Reunion Cocktail Hour & Reunion Dinner
5 to 7 p.m. | Gengras Student Union
Celebrate the 50th milestone reunion with a look back at UHart's past, and a look forward at UHart's future. During the dinner the Class of 1976 will receive their official golden H pins.
Mural Walk (This is an off-campus event)
5 p.m. | Pratt Street, Downtown Hartford
Calling all UHart alumni, parents, and families for a guided Mural Walk through downtown Hartford! The walk will begin at 5 p.m. on Pratt Street and cover approximately 1–1.5 miles, concluding at 6:30 p.m. back on Pratt Street. Immediately following the walk, we’ll gather for a happy hour at a nearby Pratt Street location. Event is free to attend for Hawktober registrants. Registration is required and is listed on the Hawktober registration form.
Shabbat Service and Dinner
5:15 p.m. Service, 6 p.m. Dinner | Zachs Hillel Center and Commons Dining Hall
Alumni, students and their parents are invited to attend a Shabbat service, followed by a delicious catered dinner.
Reopening of The Pub
7 to 9 p.m. l Gengras Student Union
Come and sit back, enjoy a drink and some great music. From 7-8 p.m. there will be a private event for our 50(ish) reunion group. At 8 p.m. The Pub will open up to all!
Faculty Scholarship Poster Presentation
All Day l Harrison Libraries
Celebrate Hawktober Weekend with a look at the inspiring work of our faculty! As we welcome alumni and families back to campus, be sure to stop by the library to explore a special poster session highlighting faculty research, scholarship, and sabbatical work. Featuring projects from across disciplines, schools, and colleges, the exhibit offers a glimpse into the ideas, discoveries, and creative work happening throughout our academic community. Come celebrate the people and work that make our institution thrive—and discover something new along the way.
UHart Parents Breakfast Social
9 to 11 a.m. | GSU Hawk Lounge
Hosted by the Director of Parent Engagement & Philanthropy and UHart's Parent Council, we invite you to join fellow parents for a casual meet and greet over a catered breakfast. Connect with other families going through a similar UHart experience and enjoy great conversation. Mingle with campus leadership and chat with UHart staff who can answer your questions on the student experience and learn ways in which you can stay more connected as a proud parent!
50(ish) Reunion Brunch
9 to 10 a.m. | 1877 Club
Wake-up and rejuvenate with brunch and new stories of campus fun.
UHart Archives Pop-up Exhibit
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | KF Room, Harrison Libraries
The exhibit will feature items covering the history of the University and its schools, as well as select materials from various special collections.
Stretch & Stride
11 a.m. to Noon | Grant Family Track and Field
Campus Recreation will host a stretch and walk around the Grant Family Track and Field. After the group’s last lap, we’ll continue on to Alumni Stadium to watch our UHart Field Hockey team face off against the University of New England.
Presidents' College Lifelong Learning Course: Is Anybody Out There? Searching for ET Life
11 a.m. to Noon | Wilde Auditorium
Our out-of-this-world guide, Michael Robinson, will update us on current scientific search techniques, including SETI radio signals and exoplanetary biosignatures, and on the new challenges they bring with them. He’ll also help us understand how our ideas about ET have changed over time, often reflecting us—our human hopes and fears—as much as scientific realities about the vast universe beyond our little earth’s orbit. Micahel Robinson is a professor of history at the University of Hartford and author whose research examines exploration and its place within the cultural imagination. Registration is required and is listed on the Hawktober registration form.
Field Hockey vs. University of New England
Noon | Al-Marzook Field
Cheer on the 2026 Women's Field Hockey team as they take on University of New England.
Hawktoberfest
Noon to 5 p.m. | Alumni Plaza
We’ve partnered with SGA to feature student performances, music, games, activities for the entire family, and more!
Enjoy our Galleries on Campus
Noon to 5 p.m. | Joseloff Gallery and Silpe Gallery
Joseloff Gallery Presents: Hartford Art School Faculty Biennial
Hartford Art School Faculty exhibit in the Joseloff Gallery with a range of mediums. Participating artists: Marion Belanger, Power Boothe, Ellen Carey, Leslie Cober, Zach Dunn, Jenni Freidman, JLS Gangwisch, Andrae Green, Jared Holt, Reagenn Holt O’Reigaekn, Stephanie Lanter, Valerie Lyons, Dillon McGuire, Gregery Miller, John Nordyke, Jeremiah Patterson, Shayna Piascik, Kasey Ramirez, Jerry Rodríguez Sosa, Carol Schwartz, Mark G. Snyder, Matt Towers, Charlie Weber, Emily Weiskopf, Paco Winebox, Rebecca Zablocki
Silpe Gallery Presents: There’s No Place Like Home! The Wonder of Animal Dwellings
The Guild of Natural Science Illustrators – New England connects professionals who promote, educate, and celebrate the visual communication of science. Starting in 1968, the Guild began with a small group of illustrators at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC in 1968. The New England Chapter supports artists through networking, workshops, and exhibits.
Study Abroad 101 for Parents & Students
1 to 2 p.m. | Mali Auditorium, Dana Hall
Interested in an educational experience overseas? University of Hartford offers everything from the traditional study abroad experience to internships, research, service-learning/volunteer, and teach abroad programs. Students can study abroad in over 50 different countries, and there are options available from one week to one year and everything in between. Education abroad can be an excellent resume booster (did you know only 11% of U.S. college students choose to study abroad?) and every UHart student is eligible to participate. You'll be able to hear directly from the International Center and study abroad alumni. Join us to learn more and get your questions answered! Registration is required and is listed on the Hawktober registration form.
Women's Soccer vs. Wentworth Institute of Technology
3 p.m. | Al-Marzook Field
Cheer on the 2026 Women's Soccer team as they take on Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Men's Soccer vs. Wentworth Institute of Technology
6 p.m. | Al-Marzook Field
Featuring a special celebration of the 1996 Men's Soccer Team during halftime.
BSU Annual Alumni and Parent Dinner
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | North and South Cafe, Gengras Student Union
Join us for the BSU Annual Alumni and Parents Dinner! Registration is required and tickets are $40. Children 11 and under are free.
School of Communication Alumni Networking
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | 1877 Rotunda
School of Communication alumni are invited to attend a reception where you can catch up with other graduates and faculty. Complementary appetizers and beverages provided.
BIPOC Wine and R&B Night
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Sarah's on Park | Bloomfield, CT
After a wonderful dinner with the Black Student Union, follow the 21+ crowd to Sarah's on Park to continue to celebrating with wine, music and friends. This event is off-campus. Event is free to attend for Hawktober registrants. Registration is required and is listed on the Hawktober registration form.
UHart Pre-Show Reception at The Bushnell Performing Arts Center
6 to 7:30 p.m. | The Bushnell Performing Arts Center, Hartford, CT
Join Steve Collins '89, president and CEO of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Dale Merrill, dean of The Hartt School and Hartford Art School, and Régulo Stabilito, director of orchestras and assistant professor of orchestra studies and conducting at The Hartt School for a celebration of the arts at our pre-show reception. Light bites, drinks, and conversation with alumni, parents, and patrons of the arts will create space for community connections before a wonderful evening of performances. All reception attendees will need a ticket to one of the performances at the Bushnell that evening in order to access the reception and theaters.
- The Hartford Symphony Orchestra's New World Symphony & Beyond - Belding Theater, 8 p.m. (Attend the Hartford Symphony Orchestra concert by purchasing tickets in our University of Hartford block with your registration, or use your own tickets to the HSO.)
- The Great Gatsby - Mortensen Hall, 7:30 p.m. (Attend The Great Gatsby show as part of the Bushnell’s Broadway series by purchasing tickets directly on the Bushnell website.)
Faculty Scholarship Poster Presentation
All Day l Harrison Libraries
Celebrate Hawktober Weekend with a look at the inspiring work of our faculty! As we welcome alumni and families back to campus, be sure to stop by the library to explore a special poster session highlighting faculty research, scholarship, and sabbatical work. Featuring projects from across disciplines, schools, and colleges, the exhibit offers a glimpse into the ideas, discoveries, and creative work happening throughout our academic community. Come celebrate the people and work that make our institution thrive—and discover something new along the way.
Hawktober 5K
8 a.m. Check in opens, 9 a.m. Race begins
Race, run, walk or jog your way through campus alongside UHart alumni, students, families, and friends at our annual Hawktober weekend 5K. Race registration includes a t-shirt and race bib; proceeds support our Cross Country/Track and Field Programs.
Separate registration required. Register Here.
Simchat Torah Program
10 a.m. to noon | Zachs Hillel Center
Jazz Brunch
11 a.m. | Cafe, Gengras Student Union
Join fellow alumni, parents and students for everyone’s favorite part of Hawktober weekend: the annual Jazz Brunch. Enjoy lively jazz music featuring alumna and recording artist Latanya Farrell M'97, M'98.
Tickets are $40/person (11 and under are free) and includes brunch, your first beverage, and all the smooth jazz you can handle. Space is limited. Register Here
Featured & Favorites
Don't miss the annual return of The Pub—come for the music, come for a drink; stay for the friends, fun, and memories!
While You're in the Area
The towns surrounding our campus offer some wonderful opportunities to explore and participate in events. Below are some great opportunities to fill your weekend with activities in the area while also enjoying all that Hawktober has to offer! Not sure where to stay while visiting? Check out our travel page for area hotels and driving directions.
Farmers Market & Outdoor Activities (Event Information)
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. l Connecticut Old Statehouse and West End Farmer's Market, Hartford
Yoga in Our City (Event Information)
5:30 p.m. l Pope Park, Hartford
Hartford Harvest Festival (Event Information)
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. l Pratt Street, Hartford
WeHa United Jazz
1 to 5 p.m. l Blue Back Square, West Hartford
Yoga in Our City (Event Information)
10 a.m. l Colt Park, Hartford
Blue Back Farmer's Market
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. l Blue Back Square, Town Hall Parking Lot, West Hartford
Auerfarm Fall Festival (Event Information)
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. l Auerfarm, 158 Auer Farm Road, Bloomfield
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t see an answer to your question? Send us an email at hawktober@hartford.edu.
Questions About Registration
Certainly not! Hawktober Weekend is our Homecoming and Family Weekend, a true campus-wide celebration of all the Hawks who make this community special including students, alumni, families, and friends.
Once a Hawk, always a Hawk. If you are a graduate of the Class 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, and 1978, you’ll want to check-out our 50(ish) reunion information to maximize your time and connections while on campus for the weekend.
Alums not participating in their 50(ish) reunion are welcome at all other events throughout the Hawktober weekend! We can't wait to see you there.
We have a lot of exciting events aimed toward our UHart parents, including a Parents’ Breakfast Social, campus tours, and plenty of opportunities to meet and mingle. We especially recommend that our parents register to attend the UHart Parents Breakfast Social on Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m.
Want to learn more? Reach out to Erica Schermerhorn Light, director of parent and engagement.
Registration is live! Use the online form to secure your entry into Hawktober 2026.
Register for the 50(ish) Reunion on your reunion web pages.
We highly recommend that students register to attend Hawktober events to ensure that we have enough refreshments and seating available for all of our guests.
Hawktober Weekend pre-registration will remain open until Sept. 30. After that date, guests are still welcome to come and register on-site.
Questions About Travel
If you are driving to the University of Hartford, check out our recommended routes from various directions.
The University of Hartford has plenty of parking available for our Hawktober Weekend guests. See our interactive parking map to review all of your options.
The University of Hartford has partnered with local hotels to offer you discounted rates. View options and make reservations online. For additional informational purposes, the comprehensive list of rates displayed for each property will show other available rate types as well (including the hotel's standard rate, any seasonal specials, and affinity group rates such as AAA). All hotel rates are based on availability, which may change from day to day due to new reservations and cancellations.