What is the registration timeline?

• Registration will open Summer 2026.

• The deadline for online registration is at midnight on Sunday, September 13. Day-of registration will be available Friday and Saturday.  

• We kindly encourage pre-registration so we can plan for the best experience possible. Your name tag becomes your admission ticket for all Festival events and is required to be served food and/or beverages.

How much does Five-Star-Festival cost?

• The cost is $145/pp

What’s included in the price?

• All-inclusive of food and beverage, entertainment, activities, favor, and shuttle service.

• Items not included: hotel fee, transportation costs to and from Lexington.

I’m interested in attending, but the cost is a challenge. Are there alternative options available?

• We understand that costs can be a concern. If you're facing financial barriers, please reach out us at alumni@wlu.edu. We may have options available to ensure you can participate in Five-Star Festival. Your presence is important to us, and we want to help make it possible for you to join the celebration.

Can I cancel my registration refund?

• Yes. Email alumni@wlu.edu for assistance. 

Check-in and Day of Event Registration

• Check-in and registration opens Friday, September 18 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. in Elrod Commons and will be available again on Saturday from 9 a.m. until Noon. 

• We encourage you to secure your lodging as soon as possible to guarantee a preferred place to stay. 

• Hampton Inn | 540.600.3410 | Code: F26 | (Rooms must be reserved by 8/18/2026) 

• Wingate by Wyndham | 540.464.8100 | Code: W&L Five-Star Festival (Rooms must be reserved by 8/20/2026) 

• Booking sites such as Expedia and Travelocity provide real-time availability, or you can explore local options here.  

Dress for most of the weekend is informal or business casual; however, most class members will wear jackets and ties for the Friday evening activities (class photo, Celebration of Life, reception at Lee House). All other times golf shirts, sweaters, button-downs and slacks are appropriate. Your spouses and guests should dress accordingly. We encourage dressing in layers, and packing a jacket and/or raincoat. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended, high-heels can be tricky on the brick sidewalks and/or the grass.

Will there be shuttles available?

• Yes! Information coming soon! 

Where do I park? 

• Parking is available in the W&L parking garage located adjacent to the Duchossois Athletic and Recreation Center.  

Consult the campus map for more information.   

Where can I charge my electric vehicle while on campus? 

• Level 2 Charging: For quicker charging, head to the top deck of the University Parking Garage for access to two Level 2 Chargers. When entering from the Warner Drive ramp, they are just to the left. Instructions for charging, including downloading the (free but required) EV+ app, are posted directly on the chargers. Chargers are available to anyone visiting campus, but there are preferential rates and conditions for W&L community members. To benefit, you must register directly with Public Safety Technology Manager Alex Pritt in addition to downloading the app.  

• Level 1 Charging: If you literally have all night, you can charge more leisurely at the Level 1 charger in the Corral Parking Lot, just below the Hillel House. This is free to use and there is no app required. 

• Additional charging is available in town at the Sheetz gas station at 600 E. Nelson Street where you will find multiple Tesla superchargers. 

We know better than to predict a forecast—things change very quickly here in the Shenandoah Valley, especially in the fall! Check the weather before you leave home. There may be activities under tents, being outside you may want to pack a jacket for the cooler nights and/or rainy weather. 

We’re pleased to provide a variety of dining options during Five-Star Festival, whether catered meals or in our dining facilities. Throughout the weekend, there will be various receptions and lunches, culminating in a closing dinner on Saturday night.  

What if I have dietary restrictions?

The W&L Culinary Team takes great care to provide healthy, balanced eating options for our event weekends. We are committed to helping guests with their dietary needs. Each menu signage lists common allergens and traits so you can find the best options for you; whether you have food allergies, health conditions, religious restrictions, or simply need guidance or assistance with your food selections. We do our best to menu in a way that can fit most diets and common restrictions. We take every precaution to check ingredient information and to ensure that cross-contamination of ingredients does not occur. It is important to note, we do not have allergen-free facilities or serving lines.   

Contact the Office of Alumni Engagement with questions.

Our goal is to make Five-Star Festival accessible to all attendees and ensure that everyone feels welcome and comfortable. Alumni requiring assistance should contact alumni@wlu.edu to make prior arrangements.  

Who should I contact if I see or experience a security concern on campus during Five-Star Festival?

• If in doubt, dial 911. W&L Public Safety will be notified immediately, along with local emergency respondents. Otherwise, you may contact W&L Public Safety for assistance, 540-458-8999.

Who do I contact in case of a medical emergency?

• Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital is within a mile of campus if you need medical attention during the weekend. Please call W&L Public Safety for assistance, 540-458-8999.

Who should I contact about lost items during or after Five-Star Festival?

• During Reunion, articles found on-campus can be turned in at the Hotchkiss Alumni House, where they will be held until Monday morning. At this time, all unclaimed items will be brought to Public Safety and held for 30 days. If you believe you have left something behind after leaving the campus, please call W&L Public Safety directly, 540-458-8999.

Pets are welcome on the grounds as long as they are leashed. Visitors to campus using service animals may use all public facilities with the exception of any restricted areas. As with all animals on campus, the owner assumes all responsibility for cleaning up after, and any damage caused by the animal. Please read the full policy here.  

How can I access the campus wireless network?

• 48-Hour Self-Service Wireless Access. Visitors and guests may connect on their own to the WLU wireless network by completing this form to obtain immediate access for a 48-hour period.

Will athletic facilities be open?

• Alumni and their guests may have access to the fitness center and/or the natatorium to swim over Alumni Weekend. Stop by the W&L Fitness Center desk located in the Duchossois Athletic and Recreation Center for a day-pass and to complete a waiver.

Who should I contact about lost items during or after Five-Star Festival?

• During Reunion, articles found on-campus can be turned in at the Hotchkiss Alumni House, where they will be held until Monday morning. At this time, all unclaimed items will be brought to Public Safety and held for 30 days. If you believe you have left something behind after leaving the campus, please call W&L Public Safety directly, 540-458-8999.