Carthage celebrates Homecoming & Family Weekend with fun events all week long. Weekend events include an Alumni and Family Brunch, a Firebird football game, the Homecoming Parade, and more! In addition to this lineup of fun events, several reunions will also be held this year.
Purchase a ticket package below to save. Packages include tickets to multiple events.
Rise and Run Package: $60 (includes Firebird 5k entry, T-shirt, Alumni/Family Brunch, and a free drink ticket)
Parent Package: $115 (includes four tickets to the Alumni/Family Brunch, swag, and spirit poms and clappers)
Event Schedule
Monday, Sept. 25
Homecoming Kick-Off Featuring Mind Reader Joe Diamond
8 p.m., Todd Wehr Center Jockey Rooms No charge — This event is for current Carthage students Carthage Activities Board is kicking off Homecoming again this year with an out-of-this-world mind-reading event from southeastern Wisconsin native Joe Diamond.
Tuesday, Sept. 26
Carthage Quiz Bowl
9 p.m., Todd Wehr Center Jockey Rooms No charge — This event is for current Carthage students Try to answer some of Carthage’s most difficult trivia questions in this Kahoot battle!
Wednesday, Sept. 27
H. F. Johnson gallery of art presents: ‘Polychromatic’
Noon-5 p.m., H. F. Johnson Gallery of Art No charge — Open to public “Polychromatic” is an exhibition of mixed-media objects celebrating a calamitous and piebald application of color.
‘Light in, light out’ student photography exhibition
Ehrler Hospitality Center, A. F. Siebert Chapel No charge — Open to public “Light In, Light Out” is a student photography exhibition that explores visual themes related to light, mental health, and wellness. Just as photography relies on light to create a message, it also gives out light to share a message — “Humans are beings that soak in light to find support and give off light to share themselves with others.”
Leah Kate with Lost Stars
7 p.m., Todd Wehr Center Jockey Rooms No charge — This event is for current Carthage students Join Carthage Activities Board for a buzzworthy music experience featuring Leah Kate and guest Lost Stars. Leah Kate writes pop/rock anthems that cut to the bone. Pairing booming, radio-ready choruses with poignant, hyper-specific details, her songs are intimate and razor-sharp — the sort of tracks that resonate with listeners around the world. With the success of the snarky breakup song “10 Things I Hate About You,” the Los Angeles native is realizing her childhood dreams of pop stardom by reaching deep within and sharing relatable feelings alongside addictive melodies.
Thursday, Sept. 28
H. F. Johnson gallery of art presents: ‘Polychromatic’
Noon-5 p.m., H. F. Johnson Gallery of Art No charge — Open to public “Polychromatic” is an exhibition of mixed-media objects celebrating a calamitous and piebald application of color.
‘Light in, light out’ student photography exhibition
Ehrler Hospitality Center, A. F. Siebert Chapel No charge — Open to public “Light In, Light Out” is a student photography exhibition that explores visual themes related to light, mental health, and wellness. Just as photography relies on light to create a message, it also gives out light to share a message — “Humans are beings that soak in light to find support and give off light to share themselves with others.”
Airbrush T-Shirts
4-7 p.m., Todd Wehr Center No charge — This event is for current Carthage students Create any design, symbol, phrase, or artwork imaginable on a T-shirt (or trucker cap, towel, laundry bag, etc.).
Lincoln Symposium
5-8:30 p.m., Todd Wehr Center and Campbell Student Union Auditorium No charge — Register now Join us for a two-day symposium featuring some of the leading Abraham Lincoln scholars from around the country. Join us for discussions about Lincoln and celebrate his service as a trustee of Carthage. This event is co-sponsored by The Lincoln Forum, The Lincoln Presidential Foundation, and the Kenosha Civil War Museum. Learn more
Friday, Sept. 29
Lincoln Symposium
8 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Todd Wehr Center and Campbell Student Union Auditorium No charge — Register now Join us for a two-day symposium featuring some of the leading Abraham Lincoln scholars from around the country. Join us for discussions about Lincoln and celebrate his service as a trustee of Carthage College. This event is co-sponsored by The Lincoln Forum, The Lincoln Presidential Foundation, and the Kenosha Civil War Museum. Learn more
H. F. Johnson gallery of art presents: ‘Polychromatic’
Noon-5 p.m., H. F. Johnson Gallery of Art No charge — Open to public “Polychromatic” is an exhibition of mixed-media objects celebrating a calamitous and piebald application of color.
‘Light in, light out’ student photography exhibition
Ehrler Hospitality Center, A. F. Siebert Chapel No charge — Open to public “Light In, Light Out” is a student photography exhibition that explores visual themes related to light, mental health, and wellness. Just as photography relies on light to create a message, it also gives out light to share a message — “Humans are beings that soak in light to find support and give off light to share themselves with others.”
Softball Field Dedication
5-6 p.m., Softball Field No charge — Reserve your spot Carthage will officially dedicate the softball field in a ceremony before the Athletic Hall of Fame event. Join us in celebrating the newly named Wiers Family Stadium and Madrigrano Field. A reception will be held at the field following the dedication. Registration is required.
Athletic Hall of Fame Induction
6 p.m., Todd Wehr Center Jockey Rooms Cost: Adults $50, Children $20 — Register now The Carthage Athletic Department will recognize the newest Hall of Fame class, featuring former student-athletes and administrators. These inductees were selected for their dedication to Carthage in competition, the classroom, the community, or leadership.
Dancing Through the Decades Black Alumni Reunion
7:30 p.m., David A. Straz Jr. Center Atrium Cost: $25 — Register now Join the Office of Equity and Inclusion for a fun-filled night of dancing, reminiscing, and reconnecting with old friends. Be prepared to dress in the colors of the decade you graduated, and bring photos of your time at Carthage to be posted. Admission includes dinner and drinks.
‘Carrie: The Musical’
7:30 p.m., Wartburg Theatre Cost: Adults $14, Seniors (55+) $10, Students $8 — Get tickets Carrie White is a teenage outcast who longs to fit in. At school, she’s bullied by the popular crowd and virtually invisible to everyone else. At home, she’s dominated by her loving, but cruelly controlling mother. What none of them know is that Carrie’s just discovered she’s got a special power, and if pushed too far, she’s not afraid to use it. This play contains content that may not be suitable for children.
Alumni & Family Firebird Fun Night: FEATURING Comedian Jonathan Burns
8 p.m., Campbell Student Union No charge — Reserve your spot This family-friendly event will feature entertainment for all ages. Born with the gifts of flexibility, curiosity, and goofiness, Jonathan Burns combines these unique talents to astonish audiences around the globe. Join us beginning at 7:30 p.m. for free appetizers and drinks.
Saturday, Sept. 30
Firebird 5K funraiser
8 a.m., Begins at the A. F. Siebert Chapel Cost: $40 per person — Register now Get #fiREDup to run! Join the Carthage men’s and women’s track and field and cross country teams for the annual Firebird 5K. Registration includes a free Firebird T-shirt. Proceeds benefit student athletes.
Virtual Firebird 5K Cost: $30 per person — Register now
Can’t make this year’s homecoming Firebird 5K? No Problem! Participate remotely with our virtual option. Complete your 5k walk/run anytime the week of homecoming and submit your performance. Virtual participants will be included in the results, eligible for virtual specific prizes, and even receive a virtual swag bag! Once registered, keep an eye out for further instructions on how to submit your results as well as suggestions on how to further interact with Homecoming 2023 from afar…Let’s go Firebirds! Proceeds benefit student athletes.
Alumni & Family Brunch: featuring President John Swallow’s state of the College and ‘Light that Travels’
9:30 a.m., Todd Wehr Center Jockey Rooms Cost: $25 per person (children ages 5 and under eat free) — Reserve your spot Join fellow Carthaginians for a fun, high-energy brunch featuring breakfast stations, mimosas, and a Bloody Mary bar. President Swallow will share recent news, his vision for its bright and strong future, and inspiration for our new Light that Travels campaign. This is an annual event families won’t want to miss. There will be free swag for everyone and a drawing for two Carthage prize bags with mugs, t-shirts, and more.
Carthage WLAX Reunion Tent
11 a.m.-2 p.m., No ticket required Join former and current Carthage Women’s Lacrosse Team members for reminiscing and fun! Stop by the South Upper Lot tent to gather with alumni, players, and parents, and to meet the coaching staff. We look forward to celebrating our shared legacy!
Ember’s Biergarten
11 a.m.-3 p.m., South Upper Lot No ticket required The Biergarten will offer beer and soda for purchase. A variety of food trucks will be available. Additional alcoholic beverages can be purchased at the football game concession stand.
TAU SIGMA CHI 70TH REUNION
10 a.m.-Noon Pregame Gathering, Casa Capri | 5-8 p.m. Celebration Event, Parkway Chateau Cost: $20 per person before Sept. 3, $25 per person after if space is available — Register now Tau Sigma Chi are reuniting and celebrating the 70th anniversary of their fraternity. There will be a Pregame Gathering at Casa Capri and a Celebration Event at Parkway Chateau. The first 70 Turtles or Doves to register will receive a free 70th Anniversary etched whiskey glass. Room blocks are available. If you have questions about this event, contact Randy Divito ’77 at rdivito53018@yahoo.com or call 414-708-3445.
Forever Red Tailgate Party: Featuring food trucks
11 a.m., South Upper lot No ticket required The Carthage spirit comes alive at the Forever Red Tailgate! Gather with classmates, family, and friends to enjoy food and beverages available for purchase from local food trucks.
Homecoming Parade
11 a.m., Campus Drive No ticket required Join Ember and Carthage’s very own 1968 Firebird convertible on a parade route that features entries by reunion groups, the Alumni Council, student organizations, sororities, fraternities, music, and more.
Ross Room Celebration
11:30 a.m., Lentz Hall Rm 234 No ticket required Join fellow Carthage historians in celebration of the newly dedicated Ross Room. Share your historic Carthage memories with alumni and faculty. Refreshments available.
H. F. Johnson gallery of art presents: ‘Polychromatic’
1-4 p.m., H. F. Johnson Gallery of Art No charge — Open to public “Polychromatic” is an exhibition of mixed-media objects celebrating a calamitous and piebald application of color.
‘Light in, light out’ student photography exhibition
Ehrler Hospitality Center, A. F. Siebert Chapel No charge — Open to public “Light In, Light Out” is a student photography exhibition that explores visual themes related to light, mental health, and wellness. Just as photography relies on light to create a message, it also gives out light to share a message — “Humans are beings that soak in light to find support and give off light to share themselves with others.”
Football Game vs Elmhurst University
1 p.m., Art Keller Field Visit our Athletics ticket site to purchase tickets Cheer on the Firebirds in the Homecoming game! The half-time show includes the announcement of Homecoming Court and performances from the Carthage Spirit squad.
‘Carrie: The Musical’
3 p.m., Wartburg Theatre Cost: Adults $14, Seniors (55+) $10, Students $8 — Get tickets Carrie White is a teenage outcast who longs to fit in. At school, she’s bullied by the popular crowd and virtually invisible to everyone else. At home, she’s dominated by her loving, but cruelly controlling mother. What none of them know is that Carrie’s just discovered she’s got a special power, and if pushed too far, she’s not afraid to use it. This play contains content that may not be suitable for children.
Class of ʼ73 Reunion
5 p.m., Todd Wehr Center 128s Cost: $35 per person — Register now The 50th reunion marks a meaningful milestone for the Class of 1973! Reconnect and share memories with classmates from near and far over dinner and drinks. Tickets include dinner and cocktails.
150th Anniversary Band Reunion
5:30 p.m., H. F. Johnson Recital Hall Cost: $25 per person — Register now We are welcoming back band members from all years to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the formation of the Band in 1873! Tickets include dinner and Band Anniversary swag!
Esports Firebird Viewing
6 p.m., Esports Arena, Todd Wehr Center No ticket required Join the stream! Did you know Carthage has its own Esports Arena? Cheer on our esports athletes as they stream.
Homecoming Concert
7:30 p.m., A. F. Siebert Chapel No ticket required The Alumni Band, Wind Orchestra, and Carthage Choir will perform at this year’s Homecoming Concert celebrating 150 years of Carthage Band.
Sunday, Oct. 1
Homecoming & Family Weekend Worship
10 a.m., A. F. Siebert Chapel No ticket required Alumni, families, and friends are invited to to worship in the Christian tradition.
H. F. Johnson gallery of art presents: ‘Polychromatic’
10 a.m.-1 p.m., H. F. Johnson Gallery of Art No charge — Open to public “Polychromatic” is an exhibition of mixed-media objects celebrating a calamitous and piebald application of color.
Homecoming & Family Weekend WORSHIP: RECEPTION
10:45 a.m., A. F. Siebert Chapel Lobby No ticket required Alumni, families, and friends are invited to a light brunch in the lobby of A.F. Siebert Chapel following worship.
celebration of life for pastor Kara Baylor
11:15 a.m., A. F. Siebert Chapel No ticket required Alumni, families, and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Campus Pastor Kara Baylor, who passed away on May 25. People of all faiths are welcome.
‘Light in, light out’ student photography exhibition
Ehrler Hospitality Center, A. F. Siebert Chapel No charge — Open to public “Light In, Light Out” is a student photography exhibition that explores visual themes related to light, mental health, and wellness. Just as photography relies on light to create a message, it also gives out light to share a message — “Humans are beings that soak in light to find support and give off light to share themselves with others.”
‘Carrie: The Musical’
3 p.m., Wartburg Theatre Cost: Adults $14, Seniors (55+) $10, Students $8 — Get tickets Carrie White is a teenage outcast who longs to fit in. At school, she’s bullied by the popular crowd and virtually invisible to everyone else. At home, she’s dominated by her loving, but cruelly controlling mother. What none of them know is that Carrie’s just discovered she’s got a special power, and if pushed too far, she’s not afraid to use it. This play contains content that may not be suitable for children.
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