When you register for Back to Bates: Alumni & Family Weekend by September 18, 2026:

• Entrance to the Community Luncheon on Saturday, October 3. The Luncheon is free, but pre-registration is requested for planning purposes. 
• A fun Back to Bates swag item!
• For families, a parent class year pin helps you easily connect with parents in your student’s class throughout the weekend.
• You can sign up for the few events with an attendance limit.

Registration is open from July 30— September 18, 2026. After September 18, we look forward to having you join us as a walk-in, so make your first stop 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 an eye on the weather forecast and update 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 in Chase Hall your first stop!

For both visiting families and returning alumni, exploring Maine’s foodie scene is another reason to enjoy Back to Bates! You can start with this list of places off-campus for dining to help you find a new local favorite.

We will also have several on-campus dining options throughout the weekend, as listed in the schedule above.

Every year, due to the NESCAC composite schedule, some teams are away during Back to Bates weekend. We look forward to having the teams playing away this year back 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. 

If you anticipate barriers or would like to discuss an accommodation related to any of the planned programs, activities, or materials, please reach out to Brenda Pelletier, Associate Director of Conferences and Campus Events at bpelleti@bates.edu or 207-786-6400.

Bates is committed to meeting the dietary needs of all guests throughout the year, including during special events. To learn more about accommodations for dietary restrictions and special dining needs, please visit the Dining, Conference, and Campus Events website.

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 in Chase Hall until 5pm on Saturday. 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.