University of Rochester

Headliners, programs, and events announced for Meliora Weekend 2026

More than 10,000 people are expected to gather across University of Rochester campuses for Meliora Weekend, URochester’s signature celebration combining reunion, homecoming, and family weekend, October 1–4. With nearly 300 events over four days, the weekend offers something for everyone—from thought-provoking lectures and performances to Yellowjacket athletics, family activities, and opportunities to reconnect and make new memories.

Headliners include PBS News Hour co-anchor Amna Nawaz; New York Times bestselling author and journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin; actor, author, humorist, and woodworker Nick Offerman; and Grammy Award-winning contemporary chamber ensemble Alarm Will Sound, which was founded at Eastman School of Music 25 years ago.

“The Rochester experience has always been built on curiosity and a commitment to excellence,” says Tom Farrell ’88, ’90W (MS), senior vice president for University Advancement. “Meliora Weekend brings those values to life by welcoming our community back together to learn, to celebrate the University community, have fun, and to reconnect with former classmates and friends.”

Guests can also look forward to the return of the Meliora Village, the heart of the weekend’s festivities, on River Campus Friday through Saturday, and the Eastman School of Music block party on Gibbs Street on Friday. Featuring local food and craft beverages, games, student performances, and family-friendly activities, both spots offer something for every generation. This year’s Village experience will be energized by a live performance from Rochester’s Fleetwood Mac tribute band The Seven Wonders.

Research and academic lectures, along with open houses, will take place across all campuses all weekend, with School of Medicine & Dentistry and School of Nursing academic programming predominantly taking place on Friday. Additionally, admission costs are waived at the Memorial Art Gallery throughout the weekend.

Amna Nawaz is an Emmy, Peabody, and Cronkite award-winning journalist who currently serves as co-anchor and co-managing editor of the PBS News Hour. Her reporting ranges from politics and foreign affairs to immigration and education, to culture and sports. She has anchored the show from the US southern border, Israel after the October 7 attacks, and Kyiv, Ukraine, during its war with Russia. Nawaz has interviewed presidents and heads of state, White House officials and lawmakers, professional athletes and musicians, and citizens around the world in the communities they call home.

Nawaz is a passionate advocate for trust in the media and offers a compelling look at the state of truth, credibility, and journalism in today’s rapidly evolving information landscape. Drawing on her extensive experience reporting on stories across the country and around the world, Nawaz explores the rise of misinformation and disinformation, the challenges they present for society, and their impact on politics, business, and public discourse. She offers thoughtful insights into the forces shaping today’s information environment and the enduring value of trust and credibility in public life.