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.

TimeLocationEvent Description
8am-4pmBates College StoreBates College Store
Need new Bobcat gear? Stop in at the store during open hours!
8amTurner Highlands Golf CourseFBA*: Men’s Basketball Golf Outing
Turner Highlands 
Pre-registration required.
10am-8pmMuseum of ArtBates College Museum of Art
Explore the museum exhibits, including Ralph Steadman: And Another Thing, running until October 11, 2025.
1-7pmTBDWelcome Center
Make our Welcome Center your first stop and snag some Bates swag.
1-7pmTBDCoffee Station
Grab a quick coffee, tea, or cool drink as you stay hydrated on a busy Bates day!
1:30-3pmVariousCampus 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
AfternoonLindholm HouseAdmission 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.
3:30-4:30pmOlin Arts CenterSenior Leadership Team Panel Discussion
4:30-5:30pmPerry Atrium, Pettengill HallSummer 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!
EveningVariousDinner Options (credit cards only)
· Commons | 4:30-8:30pm
· Curb Cats Food Truck | 8pm-12am
· Off-campus
6:30-8pmBonney/Jarnryd (Room 221/222), CommonsShabbat Evening Services and Dinner
This program is in partnership with the Bates Jewish Student Union. Pre-registration is required.
7pmAlumni GymVolleyball vs. Middlebury
8:30-10pmClifton 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)

TimeLocationEvent Description
7-10:30amCommonsBreakfast (credit cards only)
8am-5pmTBDWelcome Center
Make our Welcome Center your first stop and snag some Bates swag.
8am-5pmTBDCoffee Station
Grab a quick coffee, tea, or cool drink as you stay hydrated on a busy Bates day!
MorningLindholm HouseAdmission 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.
8:30-9:30amDana Family Living Room, Dana HallVolunteer 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.
8:30-9:30amClifton Daggett Gray Athletic BuildingBates Athletics Hall of Fame Reception
Pre-registration preferred.
9:30amClifton Daggett Gray Athletic BuildingInaugural 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.
10amDeparts from Steps of Hathorn HallHistoric 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-5pmBates College Museum of ArtBates College Museum of Art
Explore the museum exhibits, including Ralph Steadman: And Another Thing, running until October 11, 2025.
10amDana Family Living Room, Dana HallClass 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- 2:30pmCommonsCommunity BBQ Lunch
The barbecue lunch is free, but pre-registration is requested for planning purposes.
11am-4pmBates College StoreBates College Store
Need new Bobcat gear? Stop in at the store during open hours!
11amCampus Avenue FieldBates Field Hockey vs. Williams
11amRussell Street FieldBates Women’s Soccer vs. Williams
1-2pmStudent Center for Belonging and Community (SCBC), Chase HallMOSAIC 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.
1-2pmMarcy Plavin Dance Studio, Merrill GymnasiumStudent 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.
1pmWallach Tennis CenterFBA*: Alumni Tennis Match
2pmRussell Street FieldBates Men’s Soccer vs. Williams
2pmAlumni GymnasiumBates Volleyball vs. Williams
2pmThompson Room, Alumni GymnasiumFBA*: Volleyball Alumni Gathering
2pmCampus Ave FieldFBA*: Field Hockey Alumni Game
2-4pmBonney/Jarnryd (Room 221/222), CommonsThe 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.
2:30pmPage HallCampus 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.
2:30pmLiving Room, Bonney Science CenterBirthday 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.
2:30pmLeahey FieldLeahey 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!
3-5pmBardwell Field TentBobcat 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
4-5pmPresident’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.
EveningVariousDinner Options (credit cards only)
· Bobcat Den | 1-8pm
· Commons | 4:30-8:30pm
· Curb Cats Food Truck | 8pm-12:30am
· Off-campus
7pmGarcelon FieldBates Football vs. Colby

*Friends of Bates Athletics (FBA)


Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Please contact the Back to Bates team at backtobates@bates.edu or 1-888-522-8371 and we can help you with necessary adjustments.

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.

Maine is a relaxed place! Pack comfortable clothes with plenty of layers to prepare you for sunny days, cool evenings, and rain.

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.

Please make the Welcome Center your first stop!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Campus Safety: 207-786-6254

Emergency Only: 207-786-6111 (dial 6111 if using an on-campus phone.)

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.

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.

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.