The Calvin Classic 5K is one of Calvin's signature Homecoming & Family Weekend events.
On Friday, September 29 and Saturday, September 30, Calvin University welcomes alumni, family, and the broader community to campus for Homecoming & Family Weekend. The weekend features athletic contests, a race around Calvin’s beautiful campus, a fall music festival, and even a farmer’s market.
View full schedule
Taking in athletic events
The undefeated since 1876 Calvin Knights football team will run their first-ever open to the public intersquad scrimmage, where the team will play a couple quarters of football, plus show off some of their set plays. The maroon and gold football scrimmage will be held at 1 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Christian Eagles Football Stadium (2300 Plymouth Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49506). Before the game, a tailgate lunch will be held at 11:30 a.m. (advance RSVPs requested).
Calvin women’s volleyball, men’s lacrosse, hockey, men’s and women’s rugby, and both cross country teams are also in action during the Homecoming weekend. Check schedule for times and locations.
Showcasing art and exploring campus
The 2023-2024 season of music at Calvin kicks off during Homecoming & Family Weekend with the annual Calvin Music Festival. This year, all eight of the university’s vocal and instrumental ensembles will be featured at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night in a collage-style concert at the Covenant Fine Arts Center Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased through the Calvin University Box Office, and all proceeds benefit the Friends of Music Scholarship Fund.
Other works of art to check out on campus include the art exhibit “Learning in Place: Legacies of Organic Architecture at Knollcrest,” which was compiled by professor of art history Craig Hanson; the Dice Mineralogical Museum, which features over 300 types of unique mineral specimens from around the world, and the university’s beautiful Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens.
Joining in on the fun
The weekend also includes a number of fun events to participate in, including the Calvin Classic 5K & Fun Run, which has been running for more than 30 years strong and allows runners and handcyclists of all ages and abilities to race for a medal or simply enjoy a brisk stroll with family and friends around the beautiful campus.
Visitors can also climb the university’s indoor 40-foot tall rock wall or enjoy the open swim time in the Olympic-sized pool. A root beer social and a carnival are also among the weekend festivities.
“All are welcome to come out to Calvin’s campus this weekend,” said Jeff Haverdink, director of alumni engagement. “Whether you are interested in experiencing top-tier athletics or fine arts, exploring trails or climbing rock walls, the weekend surely has something for you. And we couldn’t ask for better weather.”
