5K Fun Run
Monday, October 19th, 7:00 pm race time, check in starts at 6:00 pm. Inclement weather location: Across campus, rain or shine
The Homecoming 5K Glow Run & 1K Campus Walk serves as the premier kickoff event of Homecoming Week. Open to students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and community members, the event welcomes participants of all fitness levels for a vibrant, illuminated evening celebration. Transforming traditional campus paths into an illuminated night course, the event highlights scenic Fort Lewis College vistas with enhanced lighting, boundary markings, and community spirit.
To ensure accessibility and broad participation, the event features two distinct route options:
- The 5K Glow Run: A dynamic, fully marked route winding across campus for runners and joggers seeking a scenic, energized evening run.
- The 1K Central Campus Walk: A centralized, accessible loop through the core of campus, providing a relaxed, low-barrier option for walkers, families, and groups looking to stroll and soak in the festive atmosphere together.
Whether participants sprint, jog, or leisurely walk, the event emphasizes wellness, inclusivity, and Skyhawk connection over competition. Through partnerships with WellPAC for wearable glow gear and shirt-decorating stations, alongside the Cycling Team for illuminated course infrastructure, the night offers an unforgettable kickoff to Homecoming festivities.
Chili Cook-Off
11:30 am – 1 pm – Main location: Amphitheater. Inclement weather location: Student Union Ballroom
Which chili will take home the title? Join us for the Homecoming Chili Cook-Off and taste up to unique chili creations made by talented faculty and staff competitors. Sample them all, vote for your favorite, and be part of one of Homecoming's tastiest traditions. Don't miss the fun! Come early, event will only lasts as long as the Chili does.
Chili Cook-Off is traditionally held outdoors at the Amphitheater, the event moves to the Ballroom in the event of inclement weather. Participants compete by preparing their favorite chili recipes, with stipends provided to help cover ingredient costs. Attendees can sample a variety of chilis and cast their votes for the best chili. Coca-Cola generously donates beverages for the event. This event is also the primary distribution event for the annual Homecoming T-shirt. Each year, the shirt features a student-created design selected through a student vote, making it a unique tradition that highlights student creativity and school pride.
As one of Homecoming's most anticipated traditions, the Chili Cook-Off fosters community engagement, friendly competition, and excitement for the week ahead.
Build-A-Buddy, Dress yourself & your buddy!
Noon – 1 pm | Animas Lounge
Students, we're giving away FREE Homecoming T-shirts! Stop by, join the fun, and snag a limited-edition shirt to commemorate this year's celebration. First come, first served, so don't wait!
Build-A-Buddy is one of the most popular and well-attended events of Homecoming Week. It is hosted by Student Union Productions (SUP) and held in the Student Union Animas Lounge. Participants are invited to select their own stuffed animal and personalize it with Fort Lewis College-themed t-shirt. Once completed, students get to take their new furry friend home at no cost, making it both a cherished keepsake and a symbol of Homecoming spirit. Its combination of creativity, school pride, and a free take-home souvenir have made Build-A-Buddy a longstanding student favorite.
Light Up FLC
6:30 pm | Clock Tower. Inclement weather location: Event canceled
Gather at the Clock Tower and help light up campus as Homecoming celebrations continue.
Light Up FLC is one of FLC's newest Homecoming traditions, established through a special initiative by President Shotton to create a meaningful annual event that brings the campus community together in celebration of Skyhawk pride.
As the sun sets, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members gather at the Clocktower. Participants receive glow items that illuminate the crowd, creating a festive atmosphere as anticipation builds for the main event. Once darkness falls, the Clocktower is illuminated in blue lights and the iconic FLC marquee letters are switched on. The lighting ceremony serves as a symbolic moment that energizes the Homecoming celebration and showcases the strength of the Fort Lewis College community. The event concludes with attendees joining together to sing the FLC Fight Song.
Movie Night
7 pm | Area E-2/Quad. Inclement weather location: Chem 130 or Noble 130
Settle in for a Homecoming movie night with fellow students on campus.
Movie Night makes its Homecoming debut this year, offering students a unique outdoor movie experience with a fun twist. Held on the Quad between the residence halls, this event invites students to gather under the stars for an evening of entertainment and community. Rather than voting on movie titles, students will choose from a selection of movie descriptions, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the experience. The winning film remains a mystery until showtime, creating anticipation and encouraging students to take a chance on something new. To enhance the movie-going experience, attendees will enjoy complimentary popcorn, candy, and beverages.
FLC RAs’ Homecoming Swag Decoration
5 pm | Outside Whalen
Get into the Homecoming spirit and decorate your gear with FLC RAs.
Field Day
5–7 pm | Plaza/Ballroom
Join fellow Skyhawks for games, activities, and friendly competition during Homecoming Field Day.
Field Day is an energetic and activity-filled event, transforming the heart of campus into a festival of fun and Skyhawk spirit. Designed to bring students together through interactive experiences, the event offers a wide variety of attractions and activities. Students can test their skills on large inflatable obstacle courses and participate in a variety of lawn games and challenges. The event also features circus-style performers and entertainers, creating a lively atmosphere filled with excitement and surprises. Upbeat music plays throughout the event, adding to the festive energy and encouraging students to gather, compete, and celebrate. There are complimentary treats, including free locally made ice cream and Zuberfizz soda.
All-Campus Dinner
5–7 pm | San Juan Dining Hall
Share a meal with the campus community as part of the week’s Homecoming celebrations.
The All Campus Meal brings the campus community together over a shared meal. Held at the San Juan Dining Hall and Student Union Plaza, the event takes place alongside Field Day. Hosted by Fresh Ideas and the Environmental Center, the All Campus Meal provides a complimentary meal for all members of the campus community. The menu is thoughtfully curated around local offerings. As attendees gather to share a meal, the event reinforces the spirit of Homecoming by fostering relationships across campus and celebrating the diverse community that makes Fort Lewis College unique.
Volleyball Game
6 pm | Whalen
Cheer on Skyhawk Volleyball and show your FLC spirit during Homecoming Week.
Alumni Open House
3:30–5 pm | FLC Campus | Multiple Locations
Walk the halls where it all started. Eight programs are opening their doors to alumni and the Fort Lewis community: Katz School of Business, Adventure Education, Ballantine Media Center, Health and Human Performance, English, Center of Southwest Studies, Environment and Sustainability, and Arts and Sciences.
Meet the faculty and students carrying the work forward, see what has changed and what hasn't, and visit as many programs as you like before we head downtown.
Free | RSVP requested
Family Welcome Dinner
5–7:30 pm | San Juan Dining Hall
Welcome families to campus and connect over dinner as the Homecoming weekend gets underway.
FLC RAs’ Homecoming Swag Decoration
5 pm | Dirks Field
Add some Skyhawk spirit to your Homecoming gear with FLC RAs.
Men’s Soccer
6 pm | Dirks Field
Cheer on Skyhawk Men’s Soccer during Homecoming weekend.
Alumni Mug Crawl
5:30–8 pm | Carver Brewing Co. & 11th Street Station
Two alumni-owned Durango spots, one good night. Start at Carver with drinks and appetizers at the Alumni Office, then head to 11th Street Station for a draft special made just for Skyhawks. Every ticket supports the Alumni Scholarship Fund.
Register early; prices go up the day of the event.
The Alumni Mug Crawl is hosted by the Office of Alumni Engagement and Advancement, bringing Fort Lewis College alumni together in historic downtown Durango. Participants receive a commemorative Homecoming mug and visit participating local establishments throughout downtown, where they can sample a variety of specialty beverages and signature cocktails.
Register today
Mocktail Crawl
8–10 pm | Residence halls
Visit participating residence halls for mocktails and a night of Homecoming fun.
The Mocktail Crawl is a unique Homecoming tradition hosted by the Housing & Residence Life team. Held throughout the residence halls, the event invites students to explore campus, connect with fellow residents, and sample a variety of non-alcoholic specialty beverages. Each residence hall creates its own signature mocktail, giving participants the opportunity to experience a range of creative flavors while visiting different residential communities across campus. Participants receive a commemorative Homecoming glass to use during the event and take home as a souvenir.
Family Hike
8:45–11 am | TBD
Family Hike offers students and their families a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Four Corners region while spending quality time together during Homecoming and Family Weekend. Held early Saturday morning, the hike allows participants to start the day with an outdoor adventure guided by local experts familiar with the area's trails, history, and scenery. The event showcases one of the college's greatest assets, its location in the heart of Southwest Colorado. Registration is required, and a participation fee helps support transportation, logistics, and the guided experience.
Skyhawk Tailgate
11 am – 2 pm | Football Stadium
Skyhawk community, come show off your Skyhawk pride and build excitement ahead of the football game! Complimentary food coupons to the FLC Concession stand will be giving to attendees. Come enjoy a tailgate atmosphere with yard games, receive homecoming swag, temporary FLC tattoos, poster making.
This exciting new Homecoming event is designed to bring students, families, and the Fort Lewis College community together before kickoff on Saturday. Held at the Clocktower, the event creates a festive gathering space where attendees can celebrate their Skyhawk pride and build excitement ahead of the football game. Guests can participate in a variety of classic yard games, create custom Homecoming swag, and show their school spirit through activities such as temporary FLC tattoos, poster-making, and other interactive crafts. Adding to the tailgate atmosphere, attendees can enjoy complimentary hot dogs and hamburgers grilled by Fort Lewis College leadership, along with a root beer keg and other refreshments. The combination of food, activities, and school spirit creates a welcoming environment for both students and families.
Homecoming Alumni Tailgate
10 am–noon | Art Lot, next to Ray Dennison Memorial Field
Brunch bites, drinks for every taste, a bounce house for the kids, and KDUR's DJ Tom Kipp spinning vinyl before kickoff. Grab your Skyhawk swag, pick up or buy a game ticket on-site, then head next door as the Skyhawks take on CSU Pueblo at noon. Kids 12 and under are free. Register early; prices go up the day of the event.
The Alumni Homecoming Tailgate is a premier Homecoming gathering designed specifically for Fort Lewis College alumni. Held in the Art Parking Lot adjacent to Ray Dennison Memorial Field, the event provides a welcoming space for alumni to reconnect with classmates, celebrate shared memories, and enjoy the excitement of game day.
Featuring an elevated tailgate experience, attendees are treated to a brunch-inspired menu in a relaxed and social atmosphere before kickoff. Guests can enjoy mimosas and other refreshments while catching up with fellow Skyhawks. The Alumni Homecoming Tailgate serves as both a reunion and a celebration, bringing together graduates from across generations to honor their connection to Fort Lewis College. Registration is required, and there is a fee to attend.
Register today
Football Game
Noon–2 pm | Ray Dennison Field
Cheer on Skyhawk Football during one of the biggest traditions of Homecoming weekend.
Volleyball Game
4 pm | Whalen
Keep the Homecoming celebration going and cheer on Skyhawk Volleyball.
Alumni Awards Ceremony
6–8 pm | Student Union Ballroom
Some stories deserve a proper toast. Join alumni, friends, and family for dinner, drinks, and an evening honoring this year's honorees, from the Distinguished Alumni Award to the Emerging Leader Award. Business or cocktail attire.
The Alumni Awards Ceremony & Reception recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments, leadership, and impact of Fort Lewis College alumni. Held in the Student Union Ballroom, the event welcomes alumni, friends of the college, and supporters to gather in recognition of distinguished graduates who have made meaningful contributions to their professions, communities, and Fort Lewis College. Through stories of achievement and service, attendees gain insight into the diverse ways Skyhawks continue to make a difference long after graduation. Registration is required, and there is a fee to attend.
Register early; prices go up the day of the event.
Register today