HCFW October 22-25 2026

Homecoming & Family Weekend

JU's Homecoming 2026 Return to the River Banner

Welcome Alumni, Parents & Families!

We look forward to welcoming you to campus for Homecoming and Family Weekend on October 22-25, 2026.

Homecoming & Family Weekend
Homecoming & Family Weekend
Homecoming & Family Weekend
Homecoming & Family Weekend
Homecoming & Family Weekend
Homecoming & Family Weekend

Register for Events

Event Information

October 22-25, 2026

Register for Events

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HCFW 2026?

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We hope you will make plans to join us for another PHINtastic weekend on campus! Homecoming & Family Weekend is the perfect time to reconnect with JU alumni, friends and family and rediscover the ever-changing JU campus.

The Office of Alumni & Family Engagement, in partnership with Student Life and Jacksonville Athletics, is planning a full schedule of events for guests of all ages to enjoy!

Make sure you register and purchase your tickets well in advance as some events have limited attendee capacity.

Mock Rock & Big Phins On-Campus

Get ready for the ultimate showdown! Student organizations will take the stage to battle it out in an unforgettable lip sync competition filled with creativity, choreography, costumes, and school spirit. The annual Big Phins on Campus will be selected from a group of standout student leaders for their impact and school spirit.

October 22 @ 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Swisher Gym

JU Family Tailgate

Get ready to cheer on the Jacksonville University Dolphins with a Homecoming & Family Weekend baseball tailgate. Enjoy food, drinks, and pregame fun, including access to the Diamond Club.

October 24 @ 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

John Sessions Stadium Terrace

JU Baseball vs. Mercer University

We are excited to bring back what has become a Homecoming tradition and signature event. Join us at John Sessions Stadium for the signature event of the weekend: a can't-miss Homecoming Baseball Game under the lights. Come early for tailgating, games, giveaways and more as we pack the stands with Dolphin pride.

Date TBD

John Sessions Stadium

First Wave HCFW Kickoff

The official kickoff to Homecoming & Family Weekend 2026. Join Jacksonville University students, alumni, families, and friends. An evening of celebration, connection, and Dolphin pride. Enjoy live music, food trucks and drinks, and special recognition of our Alumni Award recipients, Order of the Dolphin members, and milestone reunion classes. Alumni celebrating reunion years are invited to gather in VIP tents to reconnect with classmates and celebrate their JU legacy.

October 23 @ 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

River House Pool

a view of the St Johns river from JU

Sunday on the St. Johns

Wrap up Homecoming & Family Weekend with brunch on the banks of the St. Johns River. Enjoy a light brunch, live music, and a build your own mimosa bar while cheering on Steel Magnolia 5K finishers. Join fellow Dolphins for The Last Splash—a celebratory farewell toast.

October 25 @ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Riverfront Amphitheatre

a group of people running a 5k marathon

Steel Magnolia | NROTC 5K

Hosted by the Jacksonville University NROTC Unit, the event features both a 5K race and a 1-Mile Fun Walk, welcoming participants of all ages and fitness levels. Enjoy a scenic course through JU's beautiful riverfront campus, commemorative race shirts and finisher medals, post-race refreshments and music, and awards recognizing the top finishers.

October 25 @ 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

5K route around campus

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Homecoming & Family Weekend Return to the River: 2026

Return to the River: Celebrate the people, traditions, and memories that make Jacksonville University feel like home. Whether you’re a Dolphin student, alumni, family member, or friend of the university; come back, kick back, and make memories. We look forward to welcoming you to campus for Homecoming and Family Weekend on October 22-25, 2026.

Universal access Read a transcript of the video.

Homecoming & Family Weekend Return to the River 2026

On the banks of the wide St. John's stands our Alma Mater dear, whereby, striving and through our friendships, we find a pathway clear. It's the place where our thoughts return. As through this busy world we roam. For our memories will always lead us back to our college home.