Back to Bates: Schedule
October 3-4, 2025
During Back to Bates, we invite family members of current students and alumni from across generations to experience life on campus, visit with their student or reconnect with old friends, and enjoy the wonders of fall in Maine. Join us for food, fun, and friendship as we celebrate the Bates community!
Pre-registration opens on August 6 and closes on September 19, but don’t worry – walk-ins are welcome! Make Commons your first stop when you arrive on campus to pick up your Bates swag!
2025 Schedule
We’re delighted to share this schedule to help you plan your Back to Bates visit. We will continue to add details, event times, and more. Registration opens on August 6th. Please note that specific events, times, and locations are subject to change.
Friday, October 3
Time | Location | Event Description |
---|---|---|
8am-4pm | Bates College Store | Bates College Store Need new Bobcat gear? Stop in at the store during open hours! |
8am | Turner Highlands Golf Course | FBA*: Men’s Basketball Golf Outing Turner Highlands Pre-registration required. |
10am-8pm | Museum of Art | Bates College Museum of Art Explore the museum exhibits, including Ralph Steadman: And Another Thing, running until October 11, 2025. |
1-7pm | TBD | Welcome Center Make our Welcome Center your first stop and snag some Bates swag. |
1-7pm | TBD | Coffee Station Grab a quick coffee, tea, or cool drink as you stay hydrated on a busy Bates day! |
1:30-3pm | Various | Campus Open House – Harward Center, 161 Wood Street – Multifaith Chaplaincy, 163 Wood Street – Center for Purposeful Work, Chase Hall – Student Center for Belonging and Community, Chase Hall |
Afternoon | Lindholm House | Admission Tours and Info Session Do you have another possible Bobcat in the family? The Bates Admission office will offer its usual Friday tour and info sessions; registration is required via the Admission portal. Please note that these are Admission-specific tours for prospective students and their families, not general campus tours. |
3:30-4:30pm | Olin Arts Center | Senior Leadership Team Panel Discussion |
4:30-5:30pm | Perry Atrium, Pettengill Hall | Summer Research Poster Session In this poster session, more than 40 students who received Bates grants and fellowships to conduct research in the summer of 2025 will talk about their discoveries. Stop by, ask questions, learn, and be amazed by these phenomenal student-scholars! |
Evening | Various | Dinner Options (credit cards only) · Commons | 4:30-8:30pm · Curb Cats Food Truck | 8pm-12am · Off-campus |
6:30-8pm | Bonney/Jarnryd (Room 221/222), Commons | Shabbat Evening Services and Dinner This program is in partnership with the Bates Jewish Student Union. Pre-registration is required. |
7pm | Alumni Gym | Volleyball vs. Middlebury |
8:30-10pm | Clifton Daggett Gray Athletic Building (Gray Cage) | A capella Concert A Bates tradition! Soak in the atmosphere and the amazing sounds of student a capella groups. Doors open at 8pm. Seating for 900 is first come, first served. |
*Friends of Bates Athletics (FBA)
Saturday, October 4
Time | Location | Event Description |
---|---|---|
7-10:30am | Commons | Breakfast (credit cards only) |
8am-5pm | TBD | Welcome Center Make our Welcome Center your first stop and snag some Bates swag. |
8am-5pm | TBD | Coffee Station Grab a quick coffee, tea, or cool drink as you stay hydrated on a busy Bates day! |
Morning | Lindholm House | Admission Tours and Info Session Do you have another possible Bobcat in the family? The Bates Admission office will offer its usual Saturday tour and info sessions; registration is required via the Admission portal. Please note that these are Admission-specific tours for prospective students and their families, not general campus tours. |
8:30-9:30am | Dana Family Living Room, Dana Hall | Volunteer with Bates: Parent Ambassador Gathering Connect with our team of Parent Ambassadors and explore the ways parent volunteers support in welcoming newly admitted families to the Bates community. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer returning for another year, ready to jump in, or simply interested in learning more, stop by and enjoy light morning refreshments. |
8:30-9:30am | Clifton Daggett Gray Athletic Building | Bates Athletics Hall of Fame Reception Pre-registration preferred. |
9:30am | Clifton Daggett Gray Athletic Building | Inaugural Bates Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony The special induction ceremony will honor, pay tribute to, and perpetuate the memory of those individuals and teams who, either through participation, support, or interest, have made outstanding contributions in the field of intercollegiate athletics and who have helped bring recognition, honor, distinction, and excellence to Bates College. Pre-registration preferred. |
10am | Departs from Steps of Hathorn Hall | Historic Campus Tour with Muskie Archives Departing from the front steps of Hathorn Hall; walk with us as we share the early history of the college and the campus. |
10am-5pm | Bates College Museum of Art | Bates College Museum of Art Explore the museum exhibits, including Ralph Steadman: And Another Thing, running until October 11, 2025. |
10am | Dana Family Living Room, Dana Hall | Class of 2026 Senior Parent Gift Launch And just like that, it’s your Bobcat’s final year on campus! Gather with other Class of 2026 families to connect, pick up some limited-edition senior parent volunteer swag, and get involved as a member of the Senior Parent Gift Committee. Be a part of this meaningful opportunity to make a lasting impact for Bates students of today and tomorrow. |
10:30am- 2:30pm | Commons | Community BBQ Lunch The barbecue lunch is free, but pre-registration is requested for planning purposes. |
11am-4pm | Bates College Store | Bates College Store Need new Bobcat gear? Stop in at the store during open hours! |
11am | Campus Avenue Field | Bates Field Hockey vs. Williams |
11am | Russell Street Field | Bates Women’s Soccer vs. Williams |
1-2pm | Student Center for Belonging and Community (SCBC), Chase Hall | MOSAIC Families, Students, and Alumni Networking Our MOSAIC events seek to build community among those who may not immediately “see” themselves represented on campus. We welcome the family members, guardians, and support networks of underrepresented racial, ethnic, LGBTQIA+, first-generation-to-college, and international Bates students, as well as our MOSAIC alumni, to an event of connection and conversation. |
1-2pm | Marcy Plavin Dance Studio, Merrill Gymnasium | Student Performance Showcase Today’s students continue to bring fresh energy, creativity, and perspective to the rich history of performance at Bates. Join us to see a lively showcase of their engaging artistry! Seating limited to 150 and is first come, first served. |
1pm | Wallach Tennis Center | FBA*: Alumni Tennis Match |
2pm | Russell Street Field | Bates Men’s Soccer vs. Williams |
2pm | Alumni Gymnasium | Bates Volleyball vs. Williams |
2pm | Thompson Room, Alumni Gymnasium | FBA*: Volleyball Alumni Gathering |
2pm | Campus Ave Field | FBA*: Field Hockey Alumni Game |
2-4pm | Bonney/Jarnryd (Room 221/222), Commons | The Bates 50th Connection: Back to Bates Social Enjoy coffee and desserts in a relaxed and festive social for alumni approaching or celebrating their 50th Reunion. If you recently joined your 50th, please come and share your experiences. Hear 50th Reunion updates from Bates staff and enjoy an afternoon of connection and camaraderie with your peers. This event is especially for alumni in the classes of 1974 -1980. |
2:30pm | Page Hall | Campus Tree Tour with Muskie Archives Departing from Page Hall located at 345 College Street; explore and learn about the diverse trees on campus with our guided tour. |
2:30pm | Living Room, Bonney Science Center | Birthday Celebration for Dean Reese Please join us for birthday festivities honoring James Reese, Associate Dean for International Student Programs, as we gather during Back to Bates Weekend to celebrate this cherished member of our Bates community. Refreshments will be served. |
2:30pm | Leahey Field | Leahey Field Dedication Join us for a dedication ceremony of Leahey Baseball Field as we unveil the stunning new in-field turf and other critical improvements. We will hear from the coaches and players as they step up to the plate and ring in a new era for Bates Baseball. Witness the impact of this upgrade! |
3-5pm | Bardwell Field Tent | Bobcat Celebration Tent Quench your thirst and fuel your Bobcat spirit at the Bobcat Celebration Tent! Enjoy a selection of beverages while mingling with alumni, parents, and friends throughout the weekend. 21+ event |
4-5pm | President’s Reception A special invitation-only gathering with President Jenkins to recognize and thank alumni, families, and friends who have made Mount David Society-level gifts to the college. | |
Evening | Various | Dinner Options (credit cards only) · Bobcat Den | 1-8pm · Commons | 4:30-8:30pm · Curb Cats Food Truck | 8pm-12:30am · Off-campus |
7pm | Garcelon Field | Bates Football vs. Colby |
*Friends of Bates Athletics (FBA)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does registration for Back to Bates include?
When you register for Back to Bates: Alumni & Family Weekend by September 19, 2025:
- Entrance to the Community BBQ on Saturday, October 4. The BBQ lunch is free, but pre-registration is requested for planning purposes.
- A fun Back to Bates swag item!
- For families, a parent class year pin to help you easily connect with parents in your student’s class throughout the weekend.
- You have the ability to sign up for the few events where there is an attendance limit.
Registration is open from August 6 — September 19, 2025. After September 19, we look forward to having you join us as a walk-in, so make your first stop be the Welcome Center.
I need to adjust my registration. How do I do that?
Please contact the Back to Bates team at backtobates@bates.edu or 1-888-522-8371 and we can help you with necessary adjustments.
Where should I park?
You may park in any legal spot on campus or on nearby public streets. The largest campus lot is located between Underhill Arena and the Russell Street Track (enter from Russell Street). Please respect handicapped parking signs.
What should I wear?
Maine is a relaxed place! Pack comfortable clothes with plenty of layers to prepare you for sunny days, cool evenings, and rain.
In case of rain, will the schedule be adjusted and updated?
Yes! We will keep our eyes on the weather forecast and make updates to our online schedule accordingly. Event locations and descriptions with significant changes will be highlighted. We will continue to post updates to the web, and you can always get the latest from staff at the Welcome Center.
Where should I go when I first arrive?
Please make the Welcome Center your first stop!
What are our dining options?
For both visiting families and returning alumni, exploring the Maine foodie scene is one more reason to enjoy Back to Bates! You can start with this list of places off-campus for dining and activities to help you find a new local favorite.
We will also have several ways to dine on campus throughout the weekend, listed in the schedule above.
My favorite Bobcat team isn’t on campus this weekend.
Every year, because of the NESCAC composite schedule, some teams are away on Back to Bates weekend. We look forward to having those teams that are playing away this year back at home on future Back to Bates weekends.
We know that this is disappointing for those families and alumni who were looking forward to rooting for the Bobcats at home this year. And while we don’t take your disappointment lightly, we know how loyal our families and alumni are and hope to see you on the sidelines of another team, making more Bobcat athletics connections.
Can I bring my dog to campus?
We certainly welcome your leashed pet on campus, but except for certified service animals, pets are not allowed in any area where food is being served or in residence halls. Please read the full policy here.
Where can I find restrooms?
Several buildings will be open, with restrooms available to use:
How do I address my accessibility needs?
We want to ensure that Back to Bates: Alumni & Family Weekend is an inclusive experience for all. If you anticipate a barrier on campus or within any programming, please get in touch with Christine Schwartz at cschwart@bates.edu. To ensure that we can implement any accommodations promptly, please reach out to us by September 19 if at all possible.
How can I address my dietary restrictions?
Bates Dining labels food served for the following common allergens: nuts, dairy, egg, pork, fish, shellfish, vegan, coconut, gluten-friendly, and soy.
However, it is important to note that manufacturers may change the formulation of foods without our knowledge. Additionally, because food is prepared in a commercial kitchen and presented in a self-service environment, there is a possibility of cross-contact with allergens. Anyone concerned about food ingredients should be aware of these risks and be proactive about their food choices. While it is ultimately your responsibility to decide whether or not to eat certain foods, we encourage you to direct specific questions to the chef on duty at the station or a manager.
If you have food-related allergy concerns, we also strongly encourage you to contact John Lajoie, Director of Dining at jlajoie@bates.edu, to discuss your needs.
How do I contact campus safety?
Campus Safety: 207-786-6254
Emergency Only: 207-786-6111 (dial 6111 if using an on-campus phone.)
How do I contact campus health services?
St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center and Central Maine Medical Center are within a mile of campus if you need medical attention during the weekend. Please call Bates Campus Safety (6254 from a campus phone, otherwise 207-786-6254) if you need a ride or other assistance.
Is there a Lost and Found?
Inquiries about articles lost on campus may be made at the Welcome Center located at Commons until 5pm on Saturday and thereafter at Bates Campus Safety, 245 College Street. Following the event, all unclaimed articles will be taken to the Office of College Advancement at Bates College, and the College is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
What are the smoking regulations?
Smoking – the burning of any type of pipe, cigar, cigarette, or similar product, and chewing tobacco is prohibited in all campus buildings – including residence halls. This policy also includes but is not limited to, battery-powered e-cigarettes, vaporizers, vape pens, atomizers, and electronic nicotine delivery systems.
Smoking is prohibited within 50 feet, approximately 20 paces, of all campus facilities, including residence halls and athletics grounds.