Welcome to Family Weekend 2026
We are excited for you to join us from
Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 4
Family Weekend is a cherished campus tradition where students showcase life on the Hilltop for their families and supporters.
We are looking forward to your family joining us! Please review the schedule below and then use the links to buy Family Weekend long sleeve t-shirts, fun run / walk tickets with t-shirt, and the Saturday night show.
Below is the 2026 Family Weekend Schedule. Please note that times and locations are subject to change.
Buy:
∗ Abbey Players Friday Night Show →
∗ Family Weekend Long Sleeve T-Shirts and Fun Run Tickets →
∗ Our Main Event: Saturday Night Harlem Wizards →
Note: The tailgating spots have sold out. Tickets for the game are still available.
Family Weekend Tailgating Update
We understand the disappointment of families who were unable to secure a tailgating space for Family Weekend. As was the case last year, the available spaces sold out very quickly.
General parking will remain available on or near campus at no cost; however, vehicles without a tailgating reservation will not be permitted to park within the designated tailgating areas. Fans who did not secure a space are welcome to use the picnic grove located in the south end zone of Grappone Stadium for tailgating.
There is no admission fee to enter the tailgating areas on foot. Family members and fans are welcome to walk into the tailgating zones to meet and gather with friends and family who have reserved spaces.
The construction of our new track and turf field complex adjacent to South Lot has reduced our tailgating inventory by approximately half compared with last year. As a result, we are significantly limited in the number of spaces we can offer, and all currently designated tailgating areas are sold out for the Family Weekend football game.
We are actively exploring whether additional areas near Grappone Stadium can be safely utilized for tailgating. If we identify a suitable location and are able to offer additional spaces, families will receive at least one week’s notice before the new inventory becomes available for purchase.
Although we cannot guarantee that additional spaces will become available, please know that we are making every effort to identify appropriate options. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we manage the limitations associated with this important campus construction project.
Links to purchase tickets are also available in the schedule below.
*Note: On the schedule these items require a ticket for guests and current students. We recommend pre-purchase, as events and items sell out.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Family Weekend planning team at familyweekend@anselm.edu or 603-641-7344. We will see you in October!
Schedule
*Anselmian Abbey Players: True Colors – An Abbey Players Cabaret
7:00 p.m. (Koonz Theatre, Dana Center)
Join the Abbey Players for an evening of unforgettable performances that remind us every emotion has its own color - and every color has its own song. True Colors invites you on a vibrant musical journey where each song reveals a different shade of the human experience. From the bright joy of celebration to the deep blues of heartbreak, from passionate reds to hopeful golds, music has a unique way of giving color to our emotions. Featuring an eclectic mix of songs spanning musical theatre, pop, and everything in between, this dynamic cabaret showcases the extraordinary talents of Saint Anselm College's student performers.
Purchase tickets for this event
Family Weekend Welcome Table
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Dana Center Lobby)
For guests and students who pre-purchased t-shirts, please pick-up your order here. If you have questions regarding the weekend’s events, staff are available to answer any inquiries.
Fun Run/Walk Check-In
8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. (Dana Center Lobby)
For guests and students who pre-registered to participate in the Fun Run/Walk, please check-in with staff here to receive your runner’s bib number, t-shirt, and course map. All participants must check-in. Please note that the registration fee is $15 and includes a t-shirt.
*Fun Run/Walk
9:00 a.m. (Rain or Shine, Begins on Campus Green Roadway Adjacent to Dana Center)
This Fun Run/Walk through campus will award prizes to the top male and female runners in the following categories: Age 13 and over for male and female; age 12 and below for male and female. The College’s acapella group – Hint of Lime – will perform the National Anthem.
Purchase tickets for this event
Family Welcome Reception
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (McCready Event Space, Jean Student Center Complex)
Dr. Michael Lewis, Saint Anselm’s new College President, will host our reception for families and friends of current students. Dr. Lewis will open the reception with a few thoughts, followed by light refreshments, and an opportunity for families to connect with members of the monastic community, administrators, and student representatives from an array of clubs and organizations.
Spotlight on Student Summer Research
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (Outside McCready Event Space, Jean Student Center Complex)
Research doesn’t take a break at Saint Anselm College! Under the direction of faculty mentors, students work on significant research projects over the summer through fellowships supported by the College’s Honors program, NH-LIFT and NH-INBRE programs. Together, these groups form a summer research community. Stop by and learn from these students as they present the findings from their research.
Jazz Band and Hint of Lime Performances
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (Melucci Auditorium, Jean Student Center Complex)
Come enjoy musical performances by our talented student musicians.
Multicultural Day Celebration
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Campus Green, Rain Location Carr Center)
Celebrate the beauty of diversity within our campus community – featuring food, music, and performances.
Ozone Archeology Dig with Classics Society (Weather Permitting)
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Meet Dana Center Parking Lot)
Embark on an archaeological dig here on campus in the Ozone! Equipment will be provided, and please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. For more information, please contact classicssociety@anselm.edu.
*Saint Anselm College Football vs Southern Connecticut State University
1:00 p.m. (Grappone Stadium)
Join us for an afternoon on the gridiron as the Hawks play Southern Connecticut State – GO HAWKS!
The tailgating spots have sold out. Tickets for the game are still available.
Purchase tickets for this event
Chapel Art Center – Open Gallery
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Chapel Art Center, Alumni Hall)
View the Center’s permanent collection of 18th century early American furniture, Renaissance-era religious and modern American art, as well as the current special exhibition – Grace and Favor: Art and Philanthropy.
Mass
4:00 p.m. (Abbey Church)
All are welcome to join the monastic community in the Abbey Church for the celebration of the Eucharist. The Saint Anselm College Choir will perform at this Mass.
*Harlem Wizards vs Saint Anselm College Community Members: Tricks & Hoops Basketball Event
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Stoutenburgh Gymnasium)
Experience high-flying dunks, trick hoops, alley-oops, comedy skits and more during this fun family event. Featuring faculty, staff, and members of the College community!
Purchase tickets for this event
Mass
11:00 a.m. (Abbey Church)
All are welcome to join the monastic community in the Abbey Church for the celebration of the Eucharist. The Saint Anselm College Choir will perform at this Mass.
Nursing Honors Induction Ceremony and Reception
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Grappone Hall, Abbott Gerald Auditorium)
The Jean School of Nursing will host the annual Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society Induction Ceremony and Reception. This special event honors selected senior nursing students who have achieved exceptional academic and professional excellence. Attendance is by invitation only to the selected inductees and their guests.
General Family Weekend Information
Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Geisel Library’s annual book sale runs throughout Family Weekend and offers a wide selection of books and other media. Stop by and browse through the eclectic assortment, there is something for everyone!
Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday: 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Friday: 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday: 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Lodging and Dining
We’ve put together a list of recommended hotels and restaurants to make your trip to Manchester as easy and delicious as possible!
SEE OUR LODGING AND DINING RECOMMENDATIONS

Questions
- Email familyweekend@anselm.edu