Post updated Sept. 2024

Otterbein’s Homecoming & Family weekend will once again return for two days September 20-21. Traditions are what keep the memories alive. Whether you graduated from college five years ago, or 50, Otterbein University’s Homecoming & Family Weekend is an event for anyone and their families to attend. Bring your spouse, kids and even grandkids and travel back to your college days at Otterbein to reminisce with old friends, relive old memories and have a cheerful weekend celebrating and playing on campus.

The weekend is open to the public, not just alumni! All events are free to attend (including the sporting events), but food and drinks can be purchased separately throughout the weekend.

Check out what you can expect for Homecoming weekend in Westerville.

Friday, September 20

4-6:30 p.m. - Cardy Hour with faculty and staff
Towers Lawn

Families, students, alumni, faculty and staff are invited to this casual gathering featuring appetizers, beer and seltzer (for purchase), and non-alcoholic beverages.

6:30-9 p.m. - Homecoming kickoff concert & OtterFest
Towers Lawn

Homecoming & Family Weekend kicks off Friday evening for OtterFest on the Towers Lawn from 6:30-9 p.m. The event will feature live music by the alumni cover band, four food trucks and a biergarten featuring local brewery, Seventh Son Brewing Company.

Saturday, September 21:

10 a.m.-3 p.m. - Cardy Zone
Towers Lawn

Start the morning at Cardy Zone for kids beginning at 10 a.m. on Towers Lawn. The area will have a donut and coffee truck to grab breakfast and some caffeine before starting your day.

*Faculty and alumni can attend the Celebration of Otterbein from 9-10 a.m. in the Riley Auditorium for the State of the University Address.

11 a.m. - Homecoming Parade 

Head outside of Cardy Zone to catch the Homecoming Parade beginning at 11 a.m. As the biggest tradition for homecoming weekend, you won’t want to miss this. The parade starts at The Point at Otterbein on Collegeview Road and ends at Campus Center and will feature the homecoming court, the Otterbein band and many other floats and entertainment. The best place to view the parade is on Grove St.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. - OtterFest
Towers Lawn

When the parade is done, head back to Cardy Zone for kids and OtterFest for all day entertainment. The day will include inflatables, games, crafts, face painting, a juggler, live music, including Nashville recording artist, Otterbein School of Music alum and first place winner of Netflix show “Sing On!”, Allison Asarch ’18. The Ohio Wildlife Center will also be there sharing an educational animal presentation. A ticketed lunch is available and tickets can be purchased on site, as well as hard seltzers and beer from Zaftig Brewing Company.

12-1 p.m. - Tour of the Frank Museum of Art
39 S. Vine St

Space is limited. Free ticket required through the Homecoming & Family Weekend registration process.

2 p.m. - Football vs. Marietta College
Memorial Stadium

Alumni and friends should stop by the Homecoming welcome tent on Friday evening or Saturday to receive complimentary ticket vouchers for the football game!

5-7 p.m. - ’80s Theatre Reunion
(Cowan Hall, Roush Hall)

Receive a guided tour of Fritsche Theatre from 5-6 p.m. and then head to the theatre reunion reception in Roush Hall from 6-7 p.m. (paid registration required). For more details and to register for the reception, click here.

6-9:30 p.m. - Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science Gala
The Point at Otterbein

Come for an unforgettable evening as Otterbein University presents the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science Gala. Celebrating 15 Years of Excellence, this event will honor those who have helped to shape the equine industry and will feature a silent auction. Registration required.

7 p.m. - Alumni Choir Concert
Church of the Messiah, 51 N. State. St.

Experience a concert by the alumni choir beginning at 7 p.m. at the Church of the Messiah in Westerville. No ticket required.

Explore Westerville
Saturday 3 p.m.-Sunday, Uptown Westerville and Beyond

While the event concludes at 3 p.m. Saturday, the fun doesn’t need to stop there! Uptown Westerville and nearby areas are ready to welcome you to enjoy a beautiful Saturday night, or breakfast on Sunday morning before heading back home to recuperate from all the festivities.

Uptown Westerville offers a wide variety of bars, restaurants, shops, and activities for everyone to explore. Plus, the Uptown district is a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, allowing visitors to enjoy a beer, glass of wine or a cocktail inside DORA boundaries. Simply purchase drinks from participating DORA establishments and sip and stroll down the streets of Westerville’s historic Uptown.

Here's our recommendations for what to check out while exploring the city:

For dinner and drinks:

1. Temperance Row and Uptown Deli – Check out Westerville’s first brewery opened after the city lifted the dry ban, serving American cuisine and local brews in a casual environment.
2. Asterisk Supper Club – Enjoy this upscale restaurant offering American comfort food in a sophisticated atmosphere.
3. High Bank Co. - Brand new to Uptown Westerville, this restaurant and distillery just opened in the old United States Post Office building at 28 S. State St. The full-service bar and restaurant features a full-service bar and restaurant, two patios, a retail store, and exterior DORA windows.
4. North High Brewery & Brew Pub - Visit Westerville's newest brewery featuring their local beers, a full restaurant, great outdoor space and a firepit.