When is Dartmouth Homecoming and what happens during it?

Dartmouth’s Homecoming, officially known as "Dartmouth Night and Homecoming," is one of the college’s most iconic and spirited traditions! This event usually takes place in mid-to-late October. For 2024, Homecoming was scheduled for the weekend of October 18-19, but dates can shift slightly year to year, so it’s smart to check Dartmouth’s official calendar as the event gets closer.

The highlight is definitely the huge Homecoming bonfire on the Green (the central campus lawn). The bonfire tradition goes back over a century and is typically built by the sophomore class, but all class years and even alumni get involved with the festivities. First-year students traditionally run around the bonfire a number of times based on their class year (for example, the Class of 2028 would run 28 laps), cheered on by students and alumni alike. There’s a big pep rally atmosphere, with speeches, school songs, and the whole community coming together.

Weekend events often include a Homecoming parade, a Dartmouth football game, tailgates, and opportunities for alumni to reunite. Student groups will host get-togethers, and there are activities open to the broader public, so prospective students and families are definitely welcome to attend! It’s a great way to get an authentic feel for campus culture. Many high school juniors and seniors interested in Dartmouth will schedule campus tours to coincide with this celebratory weekend, so you won’t feel out of place as an applicant or prospective student.

If you decide to visit during Homecoming, expect a vibrant, welcoming, and busy campus. For example, one recent visitor described how seeing the bonfire up close made them realize how tight-knit and enthusiastic the Dartmouth community is. The energy was contagious, and traditions like the bonfire run and the parade gave a genuine snapshot of what student life is like beyond the academics.