Wartburg College will welcome alumni, parents and friends of the college to campus Oct. 8-11 for Homecoming & Family Weekend 2026.
This year’s theme is Knight Lights, a reminder of the way Wartburg graduates shine like a beacon in their communities.
“We hope alumni, parents and friends can join us for the most special weekend of the year,” said Ellen Engh, director of alumni and parent engagement. “There’s always so much great energy on campus during Homecoming & Family Weekend.”
Former President Bob Vogel, a 1956 graduate of Wartburg, will be honored at a memorial service at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Wartburg Chapel. A reception will be held starting at 7:30 a.m. in the chapel garden.
Other major events planned this weekend include:
- Kastle Kapers: Friday, Oct. 9, 8:30 p.m., Neumann Auditorium. This variety show of student and alumni talent will feature music, comedy and more.
- Homecoming Parade: Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m. The route heads down Fifth Street Northwest, turns onto First Avenue Northwest, and turns again down 12th Street Northwest.
- Renaissance Faire: Saturday, Oct. 10, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Student groups, community organizations and food trucks will offer goods for sale.
- Football Game: Saturday, Oct. 10, 1:30 p.m. The Knights take on the Buena Vista Beavers; Athletic Hall of Fame nominees will be recognized at 1:10 p.m.
- Oktoberfest: Saturday, Oct. 10, 4 to 6:30 p.m. Enjoy beer, brats, and German games on the campus mall.
- Homecoming Luncheon: Sunday, Oct. 11, 11:45 a.m. Winners of Wartburg’s Alumni Citation — Jean Movall Buckingham ’82, Jim Ernst ’70 and Dr. Miriam Brown Tyson ’89 — will be honored.
Wartburg Knights Black Armor Golden Ale and Wartburg Knights Orange Wheat American Ale, both crafted by Bremer Brewing Co., will be on tap and for sale in four-packs at Oktoberfest. Ten percent of all sales come back to support the college.
“We’re starting the celebration earlier in the week with a kickoff event, pep rally, competitions and our Knight’s Nite event,” said Alina Ahamed, a fourth-year student and executive director of Homecoming Committee. “We look forward to welcoming the rest of the Wartburg and Waverly communities to join in the fun this weekend.”
Additional events, including various reunions, concerts, open rehearsals, open houses and a golf tournament are planned. See the full schedule at www.wartburg.edu/homecoming.
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