Skip to main content
    background

    Homecoming & Family Weekend Schedule for Parents & Families


    Welcome parents, families, friends, and guests to campus! We are excited for you to experience the spirit of DeSales alongside your Bulldog and discover what makes our community so special. From campus activities to opportunities to connect with others, we have many events planned for you to enjoy throughout the weekend!

    * To register for the event with a red star, use the main registration form located at the bottom of this page. While registration is not required for all events, we encourage you to indicate which activities you plan to attend so we can better prepare for the weekend. Events without a star click the drop down to register for that event directly.

    Saucon Rail Trail Walk *

    10:00 a.m. | DeSales University Softball Field Parking Lot

    • Lace up your walking shoes and join us for a casual walk on the Saucon Rail Trail led by students from the Exercise in Medicine Club. The route will include the new Preston Lane Pedestrian Bridge which opened in 2025 and was made possible through a partnership between DeSales University and Upper Saucon Township.
    • Meet in the parking lot of the DeSales University Softball Field parking lot. 

    Family Luncheon

    11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | DeSales University Center, Conference Room

    • Rooted in the Salesian tradition of hospitality and community, we invite you to gather for a luncheon hosted by the Office of Student Life and take the opportunity to meet Vice President of Student Life Brian Mauro. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other families, connect with campus staff, and kick off the day's activities together. Representatives from a variety of Student Life offices will be available at resource tables to answer questions and share information about the many services and opportunities offered on campus for students.
    • Cost:
      • $20 Guests
      • Free for DeSales Students (student must be registered)
      • $13 for Children (ages 6-10)
      • Children 5 & Under Free
    REGISTER

    Alumni and Friends Tailgate

    12:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | DeSales University Center Parking Lot

    • Tailgate is sold out. Contact Melissa Ciment at melissa.ciment@desales.edu to be added to the waitlist.
    • Students 21+ and older are welcome to join the Alumni and Friends tailgate by purchasing a tailgate spot or bringing a chair and joining a group.
    • Parking passes for each car are $15, and spots will be assigned based on the decade of your class year or group affiliation. Each parking pass includes a $20 voucher to be used toward a Homecoming and Family Weekend shirt or an item of your choice at the Homecoming Virtual Apparel Store.
    • Please let us know who will be at your tailgate area so we can account for the number of guests in the lot. Guests are free of charge, but will still need to receive a wristband at the table in the tailgate lot to consume alcoholic beverages.

    Varsity Athletic Games *

    All Day | Athletic Fields

    • Cheer on the Bulldogs all day with a full lineup of varsity games across campus.
      • 11:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. - Baseball Doubleheader at Weiland Park
      • 12:00 p.m. - Women's Soccer at the Soccer Stadium
      • 1:00 p.m. - Women’s Field Hockey at Turf Fields 
      • 2:00 p.m. - Women's Tennis at the Tennis Courts
      • 3:00 p.m. - Men's Soccer at the Soccer Stadium
    Visit DeSales University Athletics - Official Athletics Website for more information.

    Parking information can be found on our     Q&A page.

    Chemistry Demonstration *

    12:30 p.m. | Hurd Science Center

    • Watch chemistry come to life with a spectacular demonstration presented by DeSales for science students, faculty, and staff. These engaging experiments are sure to entertain curious minds of all ages!
    • Chemistry Demo registration is full. Please email Melissa Ciment at melissa.ciment@DeSales.edu to be added to the waitlist.

    Food Truck Fan Fest *

    1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | DeSales University Center Parking Lot

    • Get ready for a great lineup of delicious food truck favorites in the DUC parking lot. Grab a bite to eat and get ready to cheer on our Bulldogs as they take the field throughout the day.
    • This year the food trucks include:
      • Let’s Go Coffee 
      • Red Robbin 
      • All Belgium Waffles  
      • Chickie and Pete's (1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.) 

    DSU Mentor Hub *

    1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | DeSales University Center Parking Lot

    • Hear from DeSales alumni at the DSU Mentor Hub and discover how mentorship continues to shape careers and connections. Together, we celebrate the meaningful relationships that enrich the DeSales experience, create lasting impact beyond graduation, and inspire the next generation through alumni mentoring. Students who register to attend in advance will get a food truck voucher! (While supplies last)

    Frankie’s Fun Zone *

    1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | DeSales University Center Field

    • Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun at Frankie's Fun Zone with our very own pumpkin patch, inflatables, face painting, petting zoo, and more. Plus, enjoy some treats while making memories with family and friends. There's something for all ages!
    • Henna and face painting will be available from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. only.
    Please note: Pumpkins are available on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of registration. Registration simply helps us get an estimate of attendance so we can plan accordingly.

    Alumni Memorial Mass *

    5:00 p.m. | Connelly Chapel

    • Gather in Connelly Chapel for a special Alumni Memorial Mass as we remember and honor the lives of alumni who have passed away. Together, we will celebrate their enduring connection to the DeSales community and offer prayers in gratitude for their lives.

    Family and Alumni BBQ

    5:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. | DeSales University Center, Conference Room

    • Celebrate the spirit of the DeSales community at our traditional BBQ buffet, featuring classic favorites like hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and all the fixings. Alumni, families, friends, faculty, staff, and students are invited to enjoy delicious food, reconnect with old friends, make new memories, and experience the camaraderie that makes Homecoming and Family Weekend so special.
    • Cost:
      • $25 Guests
      • $25 DeSales Student
      • $15 for Children ages 6-10
      • Children 5 & Under
    Please Note: If a DeSales student is attending, they must purchase a ticket and register in advance with your group. Meal Swipes are not accepted.

    REGISTER

    Firework Show

    7:15 p.m. | DeSales University

    • End the night beneath a sky full of color as fireworks light up campus in celebration. A spectacular Homecoming and Family Weekend tradition year after year!