Celebrate your Family of Colonels!
Family Day is back for 2026! Join us for this opportunity for friends, family and current students come together to celebrate with campus events, traditions, and plenty of Colonel pride!
Family Day will afford you many opportunities to spend time together as a family, as well as to meet faculty, staff, administrators, friends and other Wilkes families.
2026 Family Day Schedule
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Colonel Corner, Henry Student Center
Visit the Colonel Corner, located on the 1st floor of the Henry Student Center for the latest in Wilkes apparel and accessories.
11 A.M. - 1 p.m.
Henry Student Center, First Floor
Family Day registration will be held in the Henry Student Center on the first floor to check-in for the day, pick up your pre-purchased t-shirt and receive your wristband to enjoy the day’s events. After registration, meet Wilkes’ 8th President, Dr James Cousins.
12 - 5 p.m.
Sordoni Art Gallery, Karambelas Center
Visit the current exhibition, Of Place and Passage: Actions and Images by Stephan Koplowitz, which explores the artist’s evolving language of site-responsive choreography—spanning early photobooth experiments, large-scale public performances, and new works engaging with artificial intelligence. From the optical play of camera obscura to digital and telematic collaborations, Koplowitz reveals how body, space, and image continually shape one another.
12 - 3 p.m.
Fenner Quadrangle
Join our Mega Councils for our annual BBQ Bash on the Greenway! Enjoy a bounce house, yard games, photo booth and arts & crafts.
1 p.m.
Schmidt Stadium
Watch the Wilkes Colonels take on the Elizabethtown Blue Jays field hockey team at Schmidt Stadium. Transportation from the Henry Student Center to the Ralston Athletic Complex will be available.
2 - 4 p.m.
McHale Athletic Center
Join Wilkes Adventure Education (WAE) at the rock wall in the McHale Athletic Center for a climbing adventure. This is the perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself while having fun with your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a beginner, this event is designed to help you test your skills, build confidence and create memories. Don’t miss the chance to conquer new heights!
4 - 5 p.m.
Jean and Paul Adams Commons (JPAC)
A special twist on a Wilkes tradition! Join the e-Mentors for a chance to win some fantastic prizes. Whether you’re a bingo pro or a first-timer, this event promises a good time to be had by all. Don’t miss out on the fun!
5 - 7 p.m.
Various Locations
Enjoy an off-campus dinner with your family! A number of downtown, local restaurants are open and ready for you!
7 p.m.
Schmidt Stadium
Watch the Wilkes Colonels take on the Montclair State Red Hawks football team at Schmidt Stadium. Transportation from the Henry Student Center to the Ralston Athletic Complex will be available, and your wristband will grant free game entry.
What to Do While Visiting Your Wilkes Student
Looking for things to do when you come to campus? Take a look at some of the cool activities right around the corner from Wilkes! Northeast Pennsylvania is home to waterfall hikes external website, an Indoor Trampoline Park external website, and even axe throwing at The Hatchet Factory external website. Celebrate Fall with a visit to one of our many pumpkin patches external website.