From gourmet food and wine and beer tastings to a pickleball tournament to a family movie night under the stars, Homecoming and Family Weekend at University of the Pacific offers something for everyone.

The three-day event returns to the Stockton Campus Oct. 11-13.

Attendees are encouraged to get tickets before online registration closes and prices increase Tuesday, Oct. 1.

"This is a Pacific family reunion, and I can't wait to welcome our entire family home again," said Scott Biedermann '05, '20, vice president for development and alumni relations. "Homecoming and Family Weekend reconnects us to everything we love most about Pacific, no matter when we came or how long we stayed.

“Every year I'm energized by the stories I hear, the friendships I witness and the palpable joy I feel as we all come together to celebrate."

See the complete schedule and registration information.

Among the event highlights:

Friday, Oct. 11

It all gets started at 4:30 p.m. with a craft beer fest along Baxter Walkway led by Pacific’s two beer experts—Professor of Law Dan Croxall and Vice President of Enrollment Strategy Chris Ferguson. The samplings include some of California’s best beers.

Friday night also includes the Orange and Black Ball from 6-10 p.m. in Janssen-Lagorio Gymnasium. The event is the university’s main annual athletic fundraiser. The Tigers have five new coaches who will be on hand to meet and greet Pacific fans.

“Last year was my first Orange and Black Ball and I was blown away not only by the scope and grandeur of it but the level of support and engagement that our alums, donors and everyone in the Tigers family displayed,” said Director of Athletics Adam Tschuor.

“I have been fortunate to have attended many similar events inside and outside the intercollegiate athletics and sports world and this is by far top of the list in what it generates and, frankly, how fun a time attendees can expect to have.”

For a fun evening out, Friday night also includes a movie under the stars—bring your own blankets and chairs, and the university will supply the popcorn at 8 p.m. on the DeRosa University Center Lawn.

Saturday, Oct. 12

Saturday’s schedule is jam-packed starting at 8 a.m. with the Tiger Dash, a run for fun as well as a challenge for competitive runners. A parent and family breakfast in the backyard of President Christopher Callahan and First Lady Jean Callahan starts at 9 a.m. The president’s annual champagne toast follows at 10:15 a.m. at the Alex and Jeri Vereschagin Alumni House Lawn, which will include his annual university update.

A new addition this year, a pickleball tournament will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the brand-new courts located on campus near the Eve Zimmerman Tennis Center. The social ladder tournament is open to players of all skill levels, beginner to advanced. Participants can bring their own equipment or use equipment available on-site. The pickleball/padel complex, the first in the country on a college campus, opened in February.

There will be plenty to eat Saturday with a luncheon and tailgate at 11:30 a.m. followed later in the day with the popular Taste of Pacific at 4:30 p.m. where alumni vintners’ wines are paired with gourmet food.

Other Saturday highlights include numerous class and Greek reunions.

The athletics schedule is busy with a men’s water polo reunion game at 11 a.m., Gonzaga in volleyball at 1 p.m. and Pepperdine in women’s soccer at 7 p.m.

The Pacific After Dark concert and beverages on the DeRosa University Center Lawn starts at 7 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 13

After the revelry, a brunch will be held honoring some of Pacific’s faculty mentors. The 2024 recipients are Professor Marcia Hernandez, Associate Professor Derek Isetti ’08, Professor Emeritus William Topp and Professor Emerita Linda Webster.

Pacific men’s water polo has a Sunday matchup against Long Beach State at 1 p.m.

“Homecoming and Family Weekend represents both the special bonds between our loyal alumni and their beloved university, and the family atmosphere of today’s Pacific, where parents, grandparents, siblings and friends are invited and encouraged to think of Pacific as their home too,” said Pacific President Christopher Callahan.

“It is truly one of my most favorite times of the year, and I love the tremendous growth we’ve seen over the past few years, mirroring the energy and excitement we feel across our university.”