Kenyon families enjoyed a beautiful weekend full of festivities on the Hill from Friday, Oct. 18 - Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. The Family Weekend 2024 schedule is below.
Thursday, Oct. 17
4:15 - 5 p.m. Drama and Film Artist Talk and Q&A with Yu Miyake
Community Foundation Theater, The Gund
7 - 8:30 p.m. Dohee Lee Performance
Rosse Hall
8 p.m. Production of 'Godspell'
Kenyon College Dance, Drama & Cinema Club (KCDC) presents a production of "Godspell," music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and directed by Jonathan Tazewell, the Thomas S. Turgeon Professor of Drama and Film. There is no ticket fee for the production, and seating is first come, first serve. Please contact Kris Conant at 740-427-5557 with any accessibility concerns. Bolton Theater
Friday, Oct. 18
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration Center Open
Stop by to receive your name badge, parking pass and additional information about the weekend, including information about our event app. Alumni and Parent Welcome Center, 101 Scott Lane
8:40 a.m. - 4 p.m. Open Classrooms
View a list of open classrooms. Please note that some classes have a limited number of seats for guests.
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Generosity Project Book Drive and Bicentennial Book Tabling
Kenyon's Generosity Project is accepting donations of books at Family Weekend and during the entire month of October to distribute in partnership with International Book Project. All are welcome to donate! Drop off your used books in excellent condition (or purchase a new book to donate!) at our table at the Bookstore. You can also sign the Bicentennial Book while you’re there. Kenyon College Bookstore
2 - 3 p.m. Alumni Porch Party
Join fellow alumni and their families for a reception on the front porch of the Advancement Division office. 101 Chase Avenue
2 - 3 p.m. Off-Campus Study Info Session
Is your student interested in studying off-campus during their junior year at Kenyon? Staff from the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) will discuss the process, give tips and tricks and answer general questions. Paul Newman Room (100), Lowell House
3 - 4 p.m. The 2024 Presidential Election, the Constitution and the Future of Politics
Join the Center for the Study of American Democracy for a lecture by the University of North Carolina’s Burton Craige Distinguished Professor of Jurisprudence Michael Gerhardt P'25. A scholar of constitutional law and a biographer of presidents, most recently Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Gerhardt will discuss what is at stake for the Constitution in the November 2024 elections. Oden Auditorium, Oden Hall
4 p.m. Dedication of South Campus Residence Halls and Tour of Thomas Hall
Let’s try this again! While the Thomas Hall tour was a big draw at Homecoming Weekend, our official dedication of the new South Campus residence halls was postponed due to rain. Join President Julie Kornfeld and the Generosity Project at this make-up dedication, followed by bonus tours of Thomas Hall, opening in January. Outside the new South Campus residence hall, east of Middle Path
4:15 - 6 p.m. Summer Research Poster Session
Scholars from Kenyon’s summer research programs and other students will present their research and creative work. Toan Track, Lowry Center
5:30 p.m. Family Weekend Shabbat
Come join Kenyon College Hillel for a Family Weekend Shabbat. We will celebrate Family Weekend as a community with foods of fall including apple cider, cider donuts, apple cake and homemade Challah. All are welcome to join! Lawn in front of Rothenberg Hillel House, 103 West Brooklyn Street
6 p.m. Kokosingers Concert
The Kokosingers, who get their moniker from the beautiful Kokosing River, return with their annual fall concert! Since 1965, the Kokes have been on campus providing dulcet tones and marvelous melodies to the Kenyon community. This khaki-clad chorus is happier than ever to bring these very same tones and melodies to the lovely parents of Kenyon College. Doors to Rosse Hall open at 5:45 p.m., and the concert lasts 45 minutes to an hour. Come early; it can fill up! Rosse Hall
8 p.m. Production of 'Godspell'
Kenyon College Dance, Drama & Cinema Club (KCDC) presents a production of "Godspell," music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and directed by Jonathan Tazewell, the Thomas S. Turgeon Professor of Drama and Film. There is no ticket fee for the production, and seating is first come, first serve. Please contact Kris Conant at 740-427-5557 with any accessibility concerns. Bolton Theater
8 p.m. Production of 'Julius Caesar'
The Crow's Nest presents a production of William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," directed by Georgia Paterson '25 and stage managed by Marisa Kingsley '25. This production will run for two hours with one 10 minute intermission. Doors open 30 minutes before the show begins. Tickets are available online and the ticket waitlist is here. Harlene Marley Blackbox Theater
9 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Bring Your Parents Night
For one night only, parents are invited to get a taste of the new student-run bar Flats, which is usually a student-only space. Don’t miss this opportunity to socialize with your students over cocktails and mocktails, beer on tap, seltzers, ciders and bar food. Flats
Saturday, Oct. 19
8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Registration Center Open
Stop by to receive your name badge, parking pass and additional information about the weekend, including information about our event app. Alumni and Parent Welcome Center, 101 Scott Lane
8 - 9 a.m. Imagine the Possibilities 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk
Join Habitat for Humanity of Knox County and the Knox Board of Developmental Disabilities for their annual "Imagine the Possibilities 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk." A fun time for the whole family! The fully accessible race routes offer a beautiful tour of Gambier and the Kokosing Gap Trail. Pre-register here or register the day of the run/walk beginning at 8 a.m. Gambier Community Center, 115 Meadow Lane
8:30 - 10 a.m. Leadership Breakfast and Campaign Celebration
Invitation only; pre-registration required.
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Generosity Project Book Drive and Bicentennial Book Tabling
Kenyon's Generosity Project is accepting donations of books at Family Weekend and during the entire month of October to distribute in partnership with International Book Project. All are welcome to donate! Drop off your used books in excellent condition (or purchase a new book to donate!) at our table at the Bookstore. Kenyon College Bookstore
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Bicentennial Book Tabling
Stop by and add your signature to the Bicentennial Book. Middle Path
10 a.m. Kenyon Review Reading and Conversation
The Kenyon Review invites you to a reading and conversation with editorial team member Jamie Lyn Smith ’96 and Kenyon Review Fellow Jennifer Galvão. These two writers will read from their work and then discuss the Kenyon Review's editorial process as well as upcoming projects like the "Rural Spaces" portfolio. A Q&A will follow the discussion. Please contact Associate Director of Programs Elizabeth Dark at 740-427-5451 with any accessibility concerns. Cheever Room, Finn House
10 - 10:30 a.m. Football Team Walk
Meet at the Middle Path Gates to cheer on the football team as they make their traditional walk to the field prior to playing Wittenberg at 1 p.m. Start at Middle Path Gates, end at the Lowry Center
10:15 - 11:30 a.m. Session on What to Expect Next in Your Student’s Kenyon Journey
(And tips on assisting your student in connecting to campus and excelling academically!) Learn about what comes next in your student's college journey — from navigating finals, to their first extended time off over the winter break. We will also provide tips on assisting your student in continuing to connect to Kenyon and resources to help students excel in the classroom. After the brief presentation, Director of First Year Experience Don Miller and Dean of Student Brian Janssen will be available for informal conversations and questions. Alumni Dining Room, Peirce Hall
11 a.m. Bicentennial Timeline Tour with Tom Stamp
A walking tour of historical south campus and our bicentennial timeline. Meet at the north door of the Church of the Holy Spirit
11 a.m. Phi Beta Kappa Initiation
Denniston Reading Room, 303 Chalmers Library
Noon Kenyon Relays / Fletch Diving Invite
James A. Steen Aquatic Center, Lowry Center
Noon - 1 p.m. ODEI Parent and Family Luncheon
Join the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for a welcoming luncheon that will bring together students, faculty, staff and visiting families to celebrate and embrace the diversity of our campus community. Connect with others in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying a catered lunch. This is your opportunity to engage in conversations, ask questions and share ideas on how we can create a more inclusive environment. You'll also hear from campus leaders about the College’s ongoing efforts to promote diversity, equity and belonging. Whether you're looking to meet new people or learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, this is a perfect opportunity to get involved. All are welcome! Alumni Dining Room, Peirce Hall
12 - 4 p.m. Fall Harvest Festival
At the Gambier Community Center, this free family event includes horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, food trucks, children’s activities, pumpkin decorating and more! Parking is limited; please consider walking. Gambier Community Center (near the Lowry Center) at 115 Meadow Lane.
1 - 3 p.m. Mural Workshop
Columbus-based artist Raeghan Buchan will lead a workshop to make a collaborative mural. Please register in advance. The Annex (12 East Gambier Street, Mount Vernon)
1 p.m. Kenyon Football vs. Wittenberg University
McBride Field
2 p.m. Symphonic Wind Ensemble Family Weekend Concert
The Kenyon Symphonic Wind Ensemble will present their Family Weekend concert under the direction of Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Heather Faulkner. Rosse Hall
2 - 4 p.m. WKCO Family Weekend BBQ
Join us for hot dogs, veggie dogs, oodles of condiments, great music and loads of fun. Check out our space and see our growing physical music collection. Take a peek in our recording studio/broadcasting booth or listen to our live radio shows as they happen! Bring your grill dads, cool moms, friends and even your foes. We can't wait to share this special event with all of you and your people. Farr Hall lawn
3 - 4 p.m. Kenyon-Exeter Reading Q&A
Returned students from last year's Kenyon-Exeter cohort will share work inspired by their year abroad. Prospective students and their families will have the opportunity to learn more about the student experience on this English study abroad program that will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. 2025-26 Resident Director Matthew Suazo will be present to answer questions. Cheever Room, Finn House
3:30 p.m. Pep on the Steps
Join us for a performance from the pep band. Steps of Rosse Hall
4 p.m. In Memoriam: A Walking Tour of Kenyon’s Latin and Greek Inscriptions
What can Kenyon’s Latin and Greek inscriptions tell us about the College’s two-hundred-year history? Join us for a one-hour walking tour in which we will tell the tales of these fascinating texts from the past that seek to speak to us in the present. Part of a project commemorating Kenyon’s bicentennial, the tour will be led by Professor of Classics Adam Serfass and two classics majors, Ellis Copley ’25 and Chiara Nevard ’25. Meet at the College Gates
4 - 5 p.m. Dohee Lee Film Screening and Faculty Lectureship
Community Foundation Theater, The Gund
4 - 5 p.m. Guided Tour of The Gund
Director and Chief Curator Daisy Desrosiers will lead guests through the five exhibitions currently on display in the Buchwald-Wright Gallery. The Gund
4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Campfire and Pumpkin Patch at Kenyon Farm
Join us at the Kenyon Farm for some fall fun. We'll have a campfire with s'mores, a pumpkin patch where you can pick a free pumpkin (and purchase additional pumpkins!), photo opportunities and more. We have limited parking, so we encourage you to walk down. We're an easy 15-minute walk from Middle Path! Kenyon Farm, 20245 Zion Road
5 p.m. A Cappella Cabaret
Join the Broken Legs, the Owl Creek Singers, Colla Voce, The Chasers, Take Five, Männerchor, POCapella, the Ransom Notes and the Stairwells for a diverse musical performance. From jazz, to pop, to indie, to folk, to classical, you won’t want to miss nine of our talented groups performing all genres of music! Rosse Hall
8 p.m. Family Weekend Stand-Up Comedy Show
A night of laughter featuring a lineup of stand-up comics. Peirce Pub
8 p.m. Production of 'Godspell'
Kenyon College Dance, Drama & Cinema Club (KCDC) presents a production of "Godspell," music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and directed by Jonathan Tazewell, the Thomas S. Turgeon Professor of Drama and Film. There is no ticket fee for the production, and seating is first come, first serve. Please contact Kris Conant at 740-427-5557 with any accessibility concerns. Bolton Theater
8 p.m. Production of 'Julius Caesar'
The Crow's Nest presents a production of William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," directed by Georgia Paterson '25 and stage managed by Marisa Kingsley '25. This production will run for two hours with one 10 minute intermission. Doors open 30 minutes before the show begins. Tickets are available online and the ticket waitlist is here. Harlene Marley Blackbox Theater
Sunday, Oct. 20
10:30 a.m. Harcourt Parish Services
Church of the Holy Spirit, 102 College Park Street
1 p.m. 3-on-3 Intramural Basketball Tournament
Come watch your student (or others!) compete in a 3-on-3 intramural basketball game. Courts located near Norton and Watson residence halls (rain site: MAC, Lowry Center)
2 p.m. Production of 'Julius Caesar'
The Crow's Nest presents a production of William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," directed by Georgia Paterson '25 and stage managed by Marisa Kingsley '25. This production will run for two hours with one 10 minute intermission. Doors open 30 minutes before the show begins. Tickets are available online and the ticket waitlist is here. Harlene Marley Blackbox Theater
Open Daily
- Kenyon College Bookstore: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Chalmers Library: Thursday from 7 a.m. - midnight., Friday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Brown Family Environmental Center (BFEC): Self-guided tours of the hiking trails and wildlife gardens, dawn to dusk.
- Gund Gallery: Thursday from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Kokosing Nature Preserve is a conservation burial ground located at 10620 Quarry Chapel Road. The preserve is open every day from dawn to dusk and offers a beautiful park-like setting with mowed walking paths. Learn more at kenyon.edu/knp.
- If you can't make it to campus, many of our athletic events will be livestreamed.