Community invited to celebrate Homecoming weekend with Nipissing University

North Bay, ON - Community members are invited to show their Lakers pride as Nipissing University celebrates Homecoming 2026, a weekend packed with free sporting events, alumni gatherings, family activities, and community celebrations on September 18-19, 2026.

“Each year, we look forward to bringing together alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members to reconnect, rediscover, and celebrate what it means to be part of the Lakers community,” said Laurel Muldoon, President of the Nipissing University Alumni Advisory Board (NUAAB). “With activities taking place both on campus and throughout the city, there is something for everyone to enjoy.  We hope to see the community dressed in blue and green for a fun-filled weekend of connection.”

Festivities begin Friday, September 18 at 5 p.m. when the Lakers men’s lacrosse team takes on the Guelph Gryphons at Nipissing Field. Following the game, alumni can head to Gateway City Brewery for an Alumni Pub Night starting at 7 p.m.

Celebrations continue on Saturday, September 19 at 11 a.m. with a Homecoming kick-off at the Tipi by the library, followed by an afternoon of family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy a KidsZone, barbecue, and Lakers soccer matchups versus the Carleton Ravens. Later on, the Lakers men’s and women’s volleyball teams will play the Humber Hawks at the R.J. Surtees Student Athletics Centre.

Community members can also bring their Lakers pride to Memorial Gardens to cheer on the Lakers women’s hockey team as they face off against the TMU Bold at 4 p.m., followed by the men’s team at 7 p.m. against the Ottawa Gee Gees.

Extending the celebration beyond campus, the Nipissing University Alumni Advisory Board is supporting several community events throughout the weekend, including the North Bay Farmer’s Market Fall Fair, and complimentary rides on the Heritage Railway and Carousel at the North Bay Waterfront.

“Homecoming highlights the strong partnerships and shared pride that connect the University with the wider community,” said Steven Smits, Manager of Alumni and Advancement at Nipissing University. “We are grateful to the many organizations, volunteers, alumni and supporters who help make Homecoming a fun and welcoming weekend for everyone.”

All events are free to attend.  

For more information on Homecoming Weekend, registration, and a detailed schedule of events, please visit www.nipissingu.ca/homecoming.

Media Contact

Carly Johnston
Communications Officer
Nipissing University
(705) 474-3450 ext. 4035
communications@nipissingu.ca