Fall 2026

Homecoming & Family Weekend Register Now

A Blackburn Road Trip: Where All Roads Lead Back to Blackburn

September 25-27, 2026

Pack your bags, fuel up, and hit the road—because Blackburn College Homecoming & Family Weekend 2026 is taking you on the ultimate Blackburn Road Trip! From September 25–27, alumni, students, families, and friends are invited back to campus for a weekend packed with nostalgia, celebration, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

This year’s theme, “A Blackburn Road Trip: Where All Roads Lead Back to Blackburn,” celebrates the journeys that begin at Blackburn and the lifelong connections that continue to bring the Blackburn community back together. Inspired by classic road trips, roadside attractions, and a touch of Route 66 Americana, the entire weekend will transform campus into a destination full of adventure, spirit, and Beaver pride.

Whether you’re reconnecting with classmates, revisiting your favorite campus traditions, introducing your family to Blackburn, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, there will be something for everyone along the route.

Weekend highlights include:

  • Live music and dancing at the Full Tank Finale featuring local band Miles Station
  • The return of Barney’s Hide & Squeak throughout the Carlinville community
  • The Scenic Route Bar Crawl exploring Carlinville’s local bar scene
  • Roadside Finds: The Blackburn Marketplace featuring alumni, students, faculty, staff, and local vendors
  • Affinity reunions and special gatherings
  • Family-friendly activities and interactive experiences
  • The McKinley House Celebration Dinner honoring 100 years of McKinley House hosted by President Larry Lee
  • Athletic events, tailgating, entertainment, and much more

From the moment you arrive at the Welcome Center in Jaenke Alumni Center to your final stop at the weekend’s celebrations, every mile of Homecoming & Family Weekend 2026 is designed to bring the Blackburn community together in meaningful, memorable, and fun ways.

No matter where life’s highway has taken you, this September all roads lead back to Blackburn.

Homecoming Boxes & T-shirts

Order Homecoming Swag

The sixth edition of Blackburn’s Homecoming in a Box returns for the 2026 Homecoming festivities. Whether you are unable to make it to campus or are traveling in for the weekend celebration, you will want all the customized essentials that go along with this year’s theme. Boxes will be mailed prior to Homecoming weekend or you can elect to pick up your order at the Registration Table.

Only 70 boxes will be sold, and when they’re gone, they’re gone! Don’t miss out on grabbing yours.

A 2026 Homecoming commemorative tee is included in each box. Just want a t-shirt? No problem – order that, too!

Order By September 1st
Friday, September 25, 2026 | 5:00 p.m.

The McKinley Celebration Dinner

Join Blackburn College for a truly special evening celebrating 100 years of McKinley House, one of campus’s most treasured landmarks and gathering places. As part of Homecoming & Family Weekend 2026, guests are invited to enjoy an elegant dinner hosted by President Larry Lee while reflecting on a century of memories, traditions, and Blackburn history.

The evening will feature live music from a string quartet, opportunities to walk through the historic home, and time to reconnect with fellow alumni and friends in one of Blackburn’s most iconic settings. Guests will also receive one complimentary drink ticket as part of the evening’s festivities.

Register Today
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | Beginning at 10:00 a.m

Roadside Finds: The Blackburn Marketplace

Take the scenic route through one of the most exciting stops of Homecoming & Family Weekend 2026! Roadside Finds: The Blackburn Marketplace transforms Blackburn Drive into a lively open-air marketplace inspired by classic road trips, roadside attractions, and Route 66 charm.

Featuring alumni, students, faculty, staff, local businesses, artists, collectors, and makers, the marketplace will offer a unique mix of handmade goods, vintage treasures, boutique items, artwork, baked treats, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind finds. Whether you’re searching for the perfect Homecoming souvenir, supporting fellow Beavers, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, there’s something waiting around every corner.

Barney’s Hide & Squeak Returns!

The Road Trip Edition

Back by popular demand, Barney’s Hide & Squeak returns for its second year during Blackburn College Homecoming & Family Weekend 2026! This Route 66-inspired adventure sends participants throughout the Carlinville community searching for clues, surprises, and everyone’s favorite hidden Beaver along the way.

Participants can pick up their official game board at the Welcome Center located in the Jaenke Alumni Center beginning Friday of Homecoming Weekend. Then it’s time to hit the road, explore local businesses and community stops, and see if you can track down where Barney is hiding.

Completed game boards must be turned in to the Welcome Center by 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 26 to be eligible for prizes. The grand prize winner will be announced Saturday evening during the Full Tank Finale celebration.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 8:00 a.m

Blackburn 5K

Lace up your running shoes and hit the road for the Blackburn 5K during Homecoming & Family Weekend 2026! Hosted by the Blackburn Cross Country program, this fun and energetic event invites alumni, students, families, and community members to run or walk through the streets of Carlinville as part of this year’s Blackburn Road Trip celebration.

Whether you’re racing for a personal best, enjoying a casual walk with friends, or simply taking the scenic route through the community, the Blackburn 5K is a great way to kick off the weekend while supporting Blackburn athletics.

Participants will also have the chance to compete for unique prizes—including the opportunity to win your very own custom street sign as a memorable keepsake from the journey.

Saturday Evening | Homecoming & Family Weekend 2026

Full Tank Finale

Fuel up for the biggest celebration of the weekend at the Full Tank Finale, the ultimate closing party for Blackburn College Homecoming & Family Weekend 2026! Inspired by this year’s theme, “A Blackburn Road Trip: Where All Roads Lead Back to Blackburn,” this high-energy evening brings alumni, students, families, and friends together for one unforgettable night of music, food, dancing, and Beaver pride.

The night will feature live entertainment from local favorite Miles Station, keeping the party going with great music and plenty of opportunities to hit the dance floor. Guests can enjoy food stands, drinks, interactive photo booth experiences, and a lively atmosphere designed to celebrate the journey back to Blackburn.

The evening will also include the announcement of the grand prize winner for Barney’s Hide & Squeak, making the Full Tank Finale the final stop on an incredible Homecoming road trip weekend.

Bring your friends, grab a drink, strike a pose, and dance the night away as we close out Homecoming & Family Weekend Blackburn-style.

Schedule of Events

Check out all the events planned for Homecoming 2026. Look at the featured event list or download your own printable schedule.

List of Events
Sep 25
Friday, September 25, 2026

Homecoming & Family Weekend: Blackburn Road Trip

Sep 25 - Sep 27

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