by Karmyn Perry
Get ready to break out your scarlet and silver! Bellarmine University is officially welcoming parents to campus for Family Weekend 2026, running from Friday, October 16th through Sunday, October 18th. This annual tradition is the perfect opportunity to visit campus, connect with other Knight families, and enjoy a weekend packed with activities. Admission is $15 per person, and Bellarmine students and children under six can attend for free.
Friday Kickoff: El Carnaval on The Quad:
The festivities kick off Friday, October 16th, with check-in running from 5 to 8 p.m. on the Quad. During this time, families can dive into El-Carnaval, also hosted on the Quad. This exciting opening event features live music and band performances, food, trucks, and plenty of snacks. Explore the community resource fair, check out cultural vendors,grab free giveaways, and capture memories at the photo booth. There will also be interactive games and activities to enjoy, including bull riding, piñatas, and crafts.
Saturday Highlights: Brunch, Bingo, and Big Games:
Saturday, October 17th begins the second check-in window starting at 8 a.m. in Frazier Hall. Shortly after, from 9 to 11 a.m., families are invited to the university dining hall for the annual brunch with President Susan B. Donovan. The afternoon offers several options, starting at noon with a sprint football matchup against Midway University at Holy Cross High School, with tickets priced at $9.54 for adults and $7.43 for children. Alternatively, you can meet at the Centro Atrium admission desk between 12 to 3 p.m. for a peerless distillery tour. Later in the afternoon, join fellow Knights back in Frazier Hall from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for a lively round of Not so Late Knight Bingo. The night wraps up at 7 p.m. with an exciting Louisville FC soccer game, making it a perfect way to spend a Saturday night evening together as a family.
Sunday Gathering: Mass, Cookout, and Field Hockey:
Sunday, October 18th, opens with a traditional Catholic Mass from 10 to 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Woods Chapel. If you and your family are interested in participating as a gift bearer, lector, or collection assistant, email the Sacristan, Alex Santiago, at asantiago@bellarmine.edu. Following Mass, the family weekend closing cookout will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Palio. Finally, you can wrap up your weekend at 1 p.m. by cheering on the field hockey team as they take on UMass Amherst at Trager Stadium, which is completely free to attend.
See You Soon: Final Reminders and Tickets:
We cannot wait to see the campus buzzing with the incredible energy of our Knight Families. Whether you can join us for a single event or stay for the entire weekend, your presence makes this tradition so special. Lock in your plans early by grabbing your event tickets and checking the official Bellarmine Family Weekend website for final updates. See you soon on the Quad!