Hawktoberfest
Homecoming & Family Weekend
October 17-18, 2025
The most fantastic fall festival you can imagine—all right here, down by the river.
Join us for traditions like the Great Bamboo Boat Race and Seahawks' Got Talent Showcase. ALL our students, alumni, faculty and staff are invited, so bring your friends and family along for the ride!
Registration will be live September 4
How to Register
Everyone is Invited!
Everyone who loves St. Mary’s College of Maryland should attend! Current students, alumni, faculty, and staff are natural participants and can bring anyone along for the party of the season: parents, family, friends—don't leave anyone behind!
ONE Primary Registrant per Group
Only one visitor needs to register per group—the primary registrant. During the registration process they will be asked to add their group members as guests.
Include Your Student
If your student is going to join you at a paid event or activity such as a River Cruise or HawktoberFEAST, add them as your guest to cover their fees.
$20
Family or Group
Any group of two or more attendees (including yourself)
$10
Solo Attendee
Single non-student attendee
$0
Solo Seahawk
Single student, 2025 alum, or volunteer
Registration will be live September 4
Local Hotels
Fairfield Inn by Marriott
22119 Three Notch Rd, Lexington Park, MD 20653 | (301) 863-0203
Book discounted Hawktoberfest rates at Fairfield.
Home2Suites by Hilton
46058 Valley Dr, Lexington Park, MD 20653 | (301) 866-1416
Book discounted Hawktoberfest rates at Home2Suites.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
22520 Three Notch Rd, Lexington Park, MD 20653 | (301) 863-1111
Book discounted Hawktoberfest rates at TownePlace.
Campus Transportation
Campus Shuttle & Trolley Service (Free)
Saturday | 10 a.m. -10 p.m. (including brief breaks in service for lunch, etc.)
Stay parked in one spot for the whole weekend and take our shuttle service to reach events and amenities.
Shuttle Stops: Daugherty-Palmer Commons Circle, Dodge Performing Arts Center, Jamie L. Roberts Stadium, Campus Center and James P. Muldoon River Center.
Dining
Daily Grind Cafe
Friday | 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday | 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Campus Center
Grab a coffee or smoothie and choose from a variety of packaged foods and basic home necessities.
Food Trucks
Saturday | 12 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
James P. Muldoon River Center & Jamie L. Roberts Stadium
Local vendors serving a variety of food will be available.
Campus Dining
Friday Dinner | 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday Brunch | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Saturday Dinner | 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
No Advance Sales - Swipe OneCard or Pay at the Register
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet from our award-winning campus caterer, Bon Appétit. Walk-up guests are welcome to attend, and students with a meal plan may use their OneCards for admission for themselves and their guests.
Campus Center J. Frank Raley Great Room
$18.55 (age 13+), $5.45 (age 3-12), Free (age 0-2)
HawktoberFEAST Dinner
Saturday | 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Preregistration Required - No On-site Sales Except for Food Trucks
Explore the region’s amazing and diverse cuisine. These crab and shrimp dinner options must be purchased in advance through the online registration. If you prefer indoor seating, you can eat at the Campus Center dining hall and pay on-site.
Kent Hall Lawn
- Option 1: Steamed Crab Dinner
- ½ dozen Maryland blue crabs, pasta salad, coleslaw, cookies and soda or water – $45/order
- Option 2: Steamed Shrimp Dinner
- One dozen medium/large peel ’n eat shrimp, pasta salad, coleslaw, cookies and soda or water - $25/order
- Option 3: Food Trucks
- Local vendors serving a variety of food will be available - Price Varies
Activity Highlights
Friday, October 17
PatioFest
Friday | 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Free Event for Registered Attendees with Wristband
Kick off Hawktoberfest weekend with PatioFest! Enjoy live music, seasonal mocktails, carnival games, festival artists and more to set the weekend’s festive, fall vibe. This new event is open to all students, families, alumni and community members joining us Friday.
Campus Center Patio
Saturday, October 18
Seahawk Memorial 5K
Saturday | 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. (Check-in opens onsite at 7 a.m.)
Preregistration Recommended - Fee Increases for Walk-ups
Weave through the beautiful trails of neighboring Historic St. Mary’s City on this inspiring 3.1-mile run (or 1.5-mile walk). Established over 20 years ago to honor the memory of student John R. Petruccelli, this event has grown into a heartwarming tradition that celebrates all SMCM community members who remain with us in spirit. Proceeds will benefit the SafeRide shuttle program, supporting student safety.
Historic St. Mary’s City - $10 (age 13+), $5 (age 0-12), Free (age 0-2) | $20 for Walk-ups
St. Mary's River Cruises
Saturday | Multiple cruises from 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Preregistration Required - No On-site Sales
Take in the breathtaking view of the St. Mary’s River on a relaxing, scenic cruise aboard the Chelsea Lane Tyler. Local food trucks will be available by the River Center from 12 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Please note that the 5 p.m. cruise runs overlaps with the HawktoberFEAST Dinner, so plan accordingly.
Waterfront Pier - $25 (age 13+), $10 (age 0-12)
Art Gallery Exhibition
Saturday | 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Free Event for Registered Attendees with Wristband
Visit the Boyden Gallery for the exhibit Sharing our Common Humanity from Common Ground (the first 38), featuring Nicole Stewart’s portraits of descendants of Historic Sotterley (formerly the Sotterley Plantation) in Hollywood, MD. The exhibit offers an opportunity to learn more about the history of St. Mary’s County and the ways in which that history is commemorated/remembered.
Montgomery Hall Boyden Gallery
Waterfront Fall Festival
Saturday | 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Free Event for Registered Attendees with Wristband
Bring the young and young-at-heart for this riverside fall festival. With food trucks, carnival games, pumpkin painting, face painting, lawn games and a fall-themed photo wall, there is something fun for everyone.
James P. Muldoon River Center
Great Bamboo Boat Race
Saturday | 4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. (Construction begins at 12 p.m.)
Preregistration Required to Race
Gather your team of family and friends (up to six members) to construct, and eventually race, a boat made entirely of bamboo and other provided materials. Family, student and employee teams are highly encouraged! Gift cards to the Campus Store of $300, $200 and $100 will be awarded to the top three teams.
James P. Muldoon River Center
Seahawks’ Got Talent Showcase
Saturday | 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Free Event for Registered Attendees with Wristband
Cap off the day with entertainment from a variety of the College’s talented student performers in the College’s state-of-the-art performing arts center.
Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center Concert Hall
Athletic Events
Friday, October 17
Hall of Fame Reception
Friday | 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Preregistration Required - No On-site Sales
Celebrate the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2025 as we honor Khalid Balogun ’25, Earl Dean, Sean Healey ’92, Juwan Kearson ’20, Lauriann (Parker) O’Malley ’13 and Tori Poffenberger ’17. Guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails before the Induction Ceremony. Registered and invited guests are encouraged to check in at Daugherty-Palmer Commons before the reception.
Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center Recital Hall - $40/attendee
Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Friday | 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Free Event for Registered Attendees with Wristband
Celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of this year’s talented honorees, Khalid Balogun ’25, Earl Dean, Sean Healey ’92, Juwan Kearson ’20, Lauriann (Parker) O’Malley ’13 and Tori Poffenberger ’17. While the preceding reception requires advance registration and payment, the ceremony itself is free and open to the public.
Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center Concert Hall
Saturday, October 18
Alumni Reunion Games
Saturday | Various Times
Preregistration Recommended for Alumni Athletes
Free Event for Registered Attendees with Wristband
Alumni athletes from baseball, lacrosse and swimming are encouraged to participate in their reunion game, or just come for the fun! Families and friends are welcome to attend.
Various Locations
- Lacrosse | (Women’s) 9:30 a.m. | Jamie L. Roberts Stadium Turf Field
- Lacrosse | (Men’s) 10:30 a.m. | Jamie L. Roberts Stadium Turf Field
- Baseball | 11 a.m. | Hawk’s Nest
- Swimming | 1 p.m. | Michael P. O’Brien ARC Aquatics Center
Varsity Homecoming Games
Saturday | Various Times and Locations
Free Event for Registered Attendees with Wristband
Make some noise for the Seahawks as they take on these homecoming opponents.
Various Locations
- Sailing | 9:45 a.m. (Atlantic Coast Tournament) | Teddy Turner Waterfront
- Tennis | 10 a.m. (Seahawk Open) | Somerset Tennis Complex
- Volleyball | 12 p.m. vs Cedar Crest College | Michael P. O’Brien ARC Arena
- Field Hockey | 1 p.m. vs Cedar Crest College | Jamie L. Roberts Stadium
- Men’s Soccer | 3 p.m. vs Cairn University | Jamie L. Roberts Stadium
- Volleyball | 4 p.m. vs Eastern University | Michael P. O’Brien ARC Arena
- Women’s Soccer | 5:30 p.m. vs Cairn University | Jamie L. Roberts Stadium
"My son and I have been wanting to attend for 4 years! We wanted to enjoy the campus. It's beautiful. The previous three years he was always traveling with the cross country team, but we made it happen this year - his senior year. It was worth the wait! We had the best time reflecting upon his first campus tour when he was in high school. He showed me all the nooks and crannies and his favorite spots at SMCM. Thank you!"
- Anonymous 2024 Feedback
Our Campus
We invite you to take a walk along the brick path, toss a disc along our treasured frisbee golf course or find a nice spot in the shade to read a book or take a nap. Just keep an eye out for some of our resident stars, like Meatball the tabby cat, turtles, geese, squirrels and, of course, our eponymous seahawks.
Waterfront Recreation (Free)
Friday | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Enjoy kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding and sunbathing on the St. Mary’s River. Photo ID is required to check out the recreational equipment.
Athletics & Recreation Center (Free)
Friday | 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Take advantage of the weight room, climbing wall, sports equipment and swimming pool at the Michael P. O’Brien Athletics & Recreation Center. Photo ID is required to check out the sports equipment.
Campus Store ($)
Friday | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Alumni can save 20% on all SMCM logo gear in the Campus Store on the first floor of the Campus Center.
Check out last year!
FAQs
Who is invited to Hawktoberfest?
All SMCM supporters!
This includes students, their family members and friends, alumni, employees and community members.
Why do I need to register?
To get an event wristband.
Every registered attendee (including current students) will receive an event wristband, which provides access to Hawktoberfest events and activities. Registration also ensures we have your contact information so we can share important updates and notify you of any changes. Anyone without a wristband may be turned away from certain programs, and we don’t want to do that, so please register.
Do students need to register?
Yes. All attendees, including current students, must register.
Hawktoberfest events and activities, especially those with additional costs like the 5K, river cruises and HawktoberFEAST dinner, are not covered by student tuition or fees. Current students whose families cannot attend are encouraged to register as a “Solo Seahawk,” which waives the registration fee.
When is the online registration deadline?
11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, October 6, 2025
If I miss the online registration deadline, can I still attend?
Yes, on-site registration is available, but will be more expensive.
Walk-up attendees can purchase an event wristband and join most events and activities. However, prices will be higher than for preregistered guests, and some ticketed events may sell out. We strongly recommend registering online by midnight on October 6, 2025.
How can I tell if my registration is successful?
Check your email.
If you register online or over the phone, you will immediately receive an email confirmation with a unique link you can use to update your registration until the deadline. If you do not receive a confirmation email, your registration may not have gone through. If you have questions, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumnioffice@smcm.edu.
Can I edit my registration?
Yes, find your confirmation email to find the appropriate link.
You may add events or guests, or remove unpaid events, at any time before the registration deadline by clicking the unique “edit” link included in your confirmation email.
What is the refund policy?
The registration fee is not refundable, however:
- Full refunds (excluding the non-refundable registration fee) are available for requests submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, October 6.
- Requests made between October 7 and October 11 will receive a 50% refund, excluding the registration fee.
- Refunds will not be issued for requests made after October 11.
To request a refund, email the Office of Alumni Relations at alumnioffice@smcm.edu.
How might inclement weather impact the event?
It depends on the severity.
In rare cases, such as hurricanes, the entire event may be canceled. More commonly, Hawktoberfest continues rain or shine, although some events may be adjusted. Any updates will be emailed to registered guests and posted on this site as soon as possible.
Are pets allowed?
In most cases, no.
For the safety and comfort of our community, pets are not allowed at Hawktoberfest. We understand that pets are part of the family, but we ask that you leave them at home. Guests who require an assistance animal should bring the necessary documentation to Daugherty-Palmer Commons (DPC) upon arrival.
Additional Questions?
- For registration and refund questions, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumnioffice@smcm.edu or (240) 895-4280.
- For general questions, contact the Office of Events and Conferences at events@smcm.edu or (240) 895-2021.
Our Neighbor, HSMC
Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC) is a National Historic Landmark and one of Southern Maryland’s leading tourism attractions. The outdoor living history museum commemorates the fourth permanent English settlement in North America, Maryland’s first city and for sixty-one years, its colonial capital. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs—and your imagination.
The Maryland Dove is a rebuilt 17th-century coastal trading vessel. Classed as a pinnace, it evokes the original Dove -- the smaller of two ships that made the voyage to Maryland in 1634. It's worth noting that The Maryland Dove is captained by none other than SMCM alumna, Angela (Wilt) Laaro '15!
Registration will be live September 4