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Homecoming Weekend 2026

From reconnecting with old friends and swapping legendary MHS stories to cheering on our teams and celebrating our rich traditions, Homecoming Weekend is where Spartan spirit shines brightest. This year, Milton Hershey School and the MHS Alumni Association (MHSAA) are teaming up to bring you the best of the classics along with fresh, can’t-miss experiences.

Bring out your brown and gold to cherish our Homecoming traditions all weekend long. Revisit campus to recall fond memories of youth, School, and Home with your fellow alumni!

Your Alma Mater is calling—will you answer?

Register Now!

Registration for Homecoming Weekend 2026 is open. Sign up now! 

For questions on your registration, or to request a paper form, please contact the MHSAA office at 717-520-2045 or Alumni Relations at 717-520-2034.

Schedule of Events

Thursday, September 17

Cuba in Hershey Lounge Party

Location: Dearden Alumni Campus, 109 McCorkel Rd., Hershey
Time: 6:30–10 p.m.

Kick off Homecoming Weekend with an unforgettable evening of great Cuban cuisine, incredible live music, and even better fellowship at the Purcell Friendship Hall & Garden.

Reconnect with fellow Spartans while enjoying authentic Cuban-inspired fare and live entertainment. Your admission includes a delicious buffet of authentic Cuban food and beverage tickets to help you celebrate the weekend in style.

Looking to relax? Visit our outdoor cigar lounge, where you’re welcome to bring your favorite cigars or purchase premium selections from our on-site mobile cigar vendor.

Best of all, every ticket purchased supports the Milton Hershey School Alumni Association’s programs that provide assistance and opportunities for alumni in need.

Tickets are $30 at the door.

Please bring a valid photo ID for age verification when purchasing alcoholic beverages.

Ticket Prices: $25 ($30 at the door)
Milton S. Hershey Cigar Package add-on (includes a MHSAA leather cigar pouch with cigar cutter and one cigar): $50

Friday, September 18

Homecoming Golf Tournament Check-In

Location: Deer Valley Golf Course, 101 Stoudt Rd., Hummelstown
Time: 7 a.m.

Tee off Homecoming Weekend at the MHSAA Alumni Golf Tournament! Open to alumni, honorary alumni, families, and friends, this exciting event is limited to 144 golfers and begins with a 7:50 a.m. shotgun start.

Your registration includes a continental breakfast, golf with cart, picnic lunch, contests, on-course games, prizes, and the return of the fan-favorite Golf Ball Drop for a chance to win exciting prizes.

Tee sponsorships are available for $50 for those who want to support the event and showcase their business or message.

Advanced registration is required. Tickets are $80. For questions or special considerations, contact Nick Stone ’98 at 717-421-1998.

Homecoming Check-In

Location: Founders Hall, 801 Spartan Ln., Hershey
Time: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Check in and pick up pre-ordered tickets for Homecoming events. Enjoy light refreshments and learn more about our Homecoming giveaway for alumni who update their information.

Visit the MHS Archives

Location: Kinderhaus, 635 Meadow Ln., Hershey
Time: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Visit the MHS Heritage Center at Kinderhaus to see exhibits, films, and publications from the School’s archives. The Archives are searching for letters and photos of alumni from their time as students. Help add to our archive and learn how your personal Milt story helps to add a page to the legacy of MHS! If you would like to view archives from your time at the School, make an appointment by contacting MHS School History at 717-520-3152.

Tour High Point Mansion

Location: High Point Mansion, 100 E Mansion Rd., Hershey
Time: 9 a.m.–11 a.m.

MHS invites you to visit the home of Milton and Catherine Hershey, recently restored to look just how it did when they lived there! See a collection of their belongings while having all of your questions answered by our experts from MHS School History.

Explore the Founders Hall Visitors Center

Location: Founders Hall, 801 Spartan Ln., Hershey
Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

The Founders Hall Visitors Center, located in the Rotunda of this historic building, uses technology, video displays, and interactive elements to explain the life and legacy of our School’s founders Milton and Catherine Hershey, and highlight the ways their vision still impacts the School today.

Campus Tour of ESL, AEE, and TL

Location: Campus Tour
Time: 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

Explore some of the programs MHS has to offer, including Agricultural and Environmental Education classroom spaces and Transitional Living buildings.

MHSAA Picnic

Location: Deer Valley Golf Course, 101 Stoudt Rd., Hummelstown
Time: 12:30 p.m.

Not a golfer? No problem! All alumni, family, friends, MHS retirees, and MHS employees are invited to the MHSAA Picnic for food, fun, and fellowship. The mouthwatering menu will feature hamburgers, hot sausages, a condiment bar, fresh salad, baked beans, grilled peppers and onions, brownies, and non-alcoholic beverages. Plus, there will be exciting raffles, and the thrilling Golf Ball Drop, where you’ll have the chance to win fantastic prizes!

Advanced registration is required.

Discover MHS Project Market

Location: MHS Project Market, 260 Ivanhoe Ln., Hershey
Time: 1–4 p.m.

Opened in 1995 as part of the Agricultural and Environmental Education program, the MHS Project Market offers a space for students to learn agricultural skills and to sell produce, plants, Spartan Ice Cream, and other products to the community. Alumni are invited to stop by MHS Project Market and support the work our students are creating! Please note that MHS Project Market is a cashless facility.

Spartan Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Location: Founders Hall Auditorium, 801 Spartan Ln., Hershey
Time: 2:15–3:15 p.m.

MHS created the Spartan Hall of Fame to recognize noteworthy accomplishments of the MHS family in the areas of athletics and visual and performing arts. Join us on Friday, Sept. 18, at 2:15 p.m. to honor our 2026 inductees who serve as an inspiration for current MHS students.

Honorary Member Chapter Induction

Location: Founders Hall Heritage Room, 801 Spartan Ln., Hershey
Time: 4–5 p.m.

Please join us for a special reception honoring the newest inductees into our chapter as honorary members. This meaningful event celebrates individuals whose exceptional support and dedication have made a lasting impact on the MHS mission and our community. Enjoy an evening of recognition, connection, and appreciation as we welcome these distinguished honorees into our alumni family.

55+ Golden Reunion

Location: High Point Mansion, 100 E Mansion Rd., Hershey
Time: 5–7 p.m.

For classes of 1971 and prior, get ready for a night of socializing and camaraderie with your fellow graduates at the home of Milton and Catherine Hershey. Celebrate your time at your home and school at this gorgeous reception.

Advanced registration is required for this event.

Women’s Wine Social

Location: Hershey Gardens Rose Garden Pavilion, 130 Hotel Rd., Hershey
Time: 5–7 p.m.

Join us for a special gathering honoring the women of MHS and celebrating achievement, connection, and support. Alumni, educators, and staff will come together to connect with their Milt sisters, build new relationships, and celebrate the shared experiences that unite generations of Hershey women.

The event will include letters of encouragement to current female students, a featured alumna discussing being a woman in modern society and balancing life and career, recognition of our founders’ legacy, and a celebration of 50 years of female enrollment at MHS.

Milton’s Casino Royale

Location: Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr., Hershey
Time: 7–11 p.m.

Get ready for an evening packed with high-energy fun, great music, and unforgettable fellowship as we transform the night into the ultimate Spartan casino experience! Try your luck at classic casino games just for fun, dance the night away to the incredible sounds of Funktion, and enter for your chance to win prizes throughout the evening.

Whether you’re testing your poker face, hitting the blackjack table, or simply enjoying the company of fellow Spartans, Casino Night is the perfect way to celebrate Homecoming.

Your admission includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, casino gaming, live entertainment, and a cash bar.

Ticket Prices

  • General Admission: $30
  • Lifetime Member: $25*
  • Young Alumni (Classes of 2020–2025): $15*
  • Late Entry (after 9:00 p.m.): $15

Lifetime Member and Young Alumni pricing is limited to two tickets per person.

Saturday, September 19

Homecoming Check-In

Location: Founders Hall, 801 Spartan Ln., Hershey
Time: 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Check in and pick up pre-ordered tickets for Homecoming events. Enjoy light refreshments and learn more about our Homecoming giveaway for alumni who update their information.

MHSAA Annual Business Meeting Breakfast

Location: Founders Hall Dining Room, 801 Spartan Ln., Hershey
Time: 9–10:30 a.m.

Get an inside scoop on the Milton Hershey School Alumni Association (MHSAA) and MHS. Join MHSAA leaders and MHS senior leadership for breakfast to learn about the Association’s business activities and upcoming plans for our School. This is your opportunity to ask questions and share ideas!

Welcome Home at Dearden Alumni House

Location: Dearden Alumni Campus, 109 McCorkel Rd., Hershey
Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Stop by the Dearden Alumni Campus, where you can relive cherished memories and reconnect with the past. Our campus offers a self-guided tour of the Dearden House Museum, featuring a nostalgic glimpse into student home life from the mid-to-late 1950s and 1960s. Explore a replica of Mr. Bill Dearden’s office, wander through the Camelot Room display, and enjoy our impressive collection of yearbooks dating back to 1935.

While you’re here, take a moment to stroll through the Friendship Garden, where the names of all graduates are lovingly engraved in stone. Don’t forget to capture a special moment with the MHS Ring sculpture. Light refreshments will be served, so come, relax, and reminisce with us.

Step into the Heart of an Elementary Division Student Home

Location: Current Student Home
Time: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Join us for a warm and personal experience inside one of our current student homes, where our houseparents will open their doors and hearts to share what life is like for our youngest Spartans. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of their vibrant student home, hear stories that bring the Elementary Division to life, and get a behind-the-scenes reminder of the nurturing environment that shapes our students’ daily lives. Whether you are reminiscing or discovering something new, this is a chance to reconnect with the MHS mission in a truly heartwarming way. Light MHS-style refreshments will be served, and meaningful conversations are encouraged! Proceeds from this event will directly benefit MHS student programming.

Explore the Founders Hall Visitors Center

Location: Founders Hall, 801 Spartan Ln., Hershey
Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

The Founders Hall Visitors Center, located in the Rotunda of this historic building, uses technology, video displays, and interactive elements to explain the life and legacy of our School’s founders Milton and Catherine Hershey, and highlight the ways their vision still impacts the School today.

Spartan Career Connections

Location: Founders Hall, 801 Spartan Ln., Hershey
Time: 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Take the next step in your career with engaging TED-style talks, interactive discussions, and practical advice from successful MHS alumni. Explore topics including AI and job applications, resumes, interviewing, professional dress, entrepreneurship, and military careers.

Whether you’re starting your career, making a change, or growing professionally, you’ll gain valuable insights, make meaningful connections, and expand your network.

Your next opportunity could begin with one conversation.

Shop at MHS Project Market

Location: MHS Project Market, 260 Ivanhoe Ln., Hershey
Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

On your way to the Homecoming Football Game, stop by the student-run MHS Project Market to shop a wide selection of campus-grown vegetables, herbs, and more. Additionally, student-made gifts and Spartan Ice Cream are available for sale. Please note that MHS Project Market is a cashless facility.

Homecoming Pre-Game Picnic

Location: MHS Ice Rink, 655 Brooke Dr., Hershey
Time: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Kick off the afternoon at the MHSAA Pre-Game Tailgate Picnic, hosted by the Milton Hershey School Alumni Association and our MHSAA Chapters! Enjoy great food, reconnect with fellow Spartans, browse and shop unique MHSAA and chapter merchandise, and soak up the Homecoming spirit before the day’s festivities begin.

Homecoming Football Game

Location: Henry Hershey Field, 635 Brooke Dr., Hershey
Time: 1:30 p.m.

Wear your Spartan gear and cheer on our student-athletes during the Homecoming Football Game vs. Middletown High School. The game begins at 1:30 p.m. 

MHS Lifer Photo & Class Photos

Location: The Great American Hall, Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr., Hershey
Time: 5:45–6 p.m., 9–9:40 p.m.

All reunion classes, as well as Alumni enrolled at MHS during first grade or earlier, are invited to gather for group photos at the Homecoming Banquet. Please check in at the event registration desk by 5 p.m. and enter the Great American Hall. Some classes will take photos before the banquet, and some after – please refer to the schedule below.

Before Banquet:

  • 5:45 p.m. – Golden Alumni (55+ Reunion Years)
  • 5:50 p.m. – Gold Reunion (Class of 1976)
  • 5:55 p.m. – Class of 1981
  • 6 p.m. – Class of 1986

After Banquet:

  • 9 p.m. – Lifers
  • 9:05 p.m. – Class of 1991
  • 9:10 p.m. – Class of 1996
  • 9:15 p.m. – Brown Reunion (Class of 2001)
  • 9:20 p.m. – Class of 2006
  • 9:25 p.m. – Class of 2011
  • 9:30 p.m. – Class of 2016
  • 9:35 p.m. – White Reunion (Class of 2021)
  • 9:40 p.m. – Class of 2026

MHS Annual Homecoming Banquet

Location: The Great American Hall, Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr., Hershey
Time: 6:30–9 p.m.

Adults only. Attire for the banquet is MHS Sunday Best.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening celebrating Spartan pride and tradition at the Homecoming Banquet. We’ll shine a spotlight on our 2026 Alumna of the Year—Maria Trinh Kraus ’89—and hear inspiring words from MHS President Peter. G. Gurt ’85. The night will also include the exciting reveal of the MHSAA Homecoming Raffle winners.

Reminder: If you register for tickets, they can be picked up at Homecoming Check-In on Friday or Saturday at Founders Hall or the banquet check-in area near The Great American Hall at Hershey Lodge, 4:30–6:30 p.m. on Saturday. No one will be admitted without a ticket; doors will close at 6:30 p.m.

Ticket policies:
• Limit of two tickets per MHSAA member.
• Membership must be valid to receive tickets, no additional charge.
• You must register for tickets in advance; they are not automatically provided.

Following the Homecoming Banquet:
Attend the Homecoming Banquet After Party for a night that’s anything but ordinary—where alumni gather to reconnect, recollect, and dance to the music of our wonderful DJ. Light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available.

In addition, enjoy other lively post-banquet receptions, including class reunion celebrations and an honorary member welcome. Room assignments will be posted on electronic signs at Hershey Lodge.

Sunday, September 20

Graveside Memorial Service

Location: Hershey Cemetery, one mile north of Hershey on Route 743 (Laudermilch Road)
Time: 9 a.m.

Join fellow Spartans as we gather to honor the enduring legacy of Milton and Catherine Hershey during a special Graveside Memorial Service at the beautifully redesigned Hershey Cemetery. Experience an inspiring morning of reflection featuring scripture, music, and remarks from special guest speakers as we celebrate the vision, generosity, and lasting impact of the founders who made Milton Hershey School possible.

Due to limited parking at the Hershey Cemetery, we are offering a shuttle to take guests from Catherine Hall to the site of the service at the Hershey Cemetery. If you choose to utilize the shuttle, you may park your vehicle in the Catherine Hall parking garage. You do not need to register for the shuttle. The shuttle will depart from the rear of Catherine Hall, by the parking garage, at 8:30 a.m. and again at 8:45 a.m.

Alumni Chapel Service

Location: Founders Hall Auditorium, 801 Spartan Ln., Hershey
Time: 10 a.m.

Please join us for the Chapel Service in the Founders Hall Auditorium. Seating is open but limited.

Memorial Grove Service

Location: Alumni Memorial Grove
Time: 11:15 a.m.

MHSAA will host its annual service to memorialize alumni who have passed away since the last Memorial Grove Service gathering. All members of the Association, and their guests, are encouraged to join us for this solemn and moving remembrance.

Sunday Lunch

Location: Founders Hall Dining Room, 801 Spartan Ln., Hershey
Time: 12:30–1:30 p.m.

Wrap up Homecoming Weekend by joining fellow Spartans for our Closing Luncheon in Founders Hall. Enjoy a delicious meal, reconnect with friends, and celebrate another memorable Homecoming before heading home. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit the MHSAA Chapters and the Milton Hershey School Student Government Association, helping support future programs and initiatives.

Advanced registration is required. Tickets are $10.

Milton Hershey School provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities at special events sponsored by the School. Questions about the accessibility of programs and events, and requests for accommodations at School-sponsored events, should be directed to Central Monitoring 717-520-2647 at least 72 hours (3 days) prior to the event. Please note that the School does not provide wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

MHS Campus

Campus Locations

Find links and addresses to many popular MHS locations.

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View Photos of Homecoming 2025

See photos from events that took place over Homecoming Weekend in 2025.

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Get Involved

By getting involved and assisting current students and recent graduates, your efforts will support the mission of our founders for years to come.

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