What is the registration timeline?

• Registration will open on Friday, June 6.

• The deadline for online registration is at midnight on Sunday, September 28. 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 Alumni Weekend events and is required to be served food and/or beverages. How much does Young Alumni Weekend cost?

• The cost is $95/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. We will refund your registration in full up until Friday, September 19. After that date, unfortunately we are unable to offer a refund. Email alumni@wlu.edu for assistance. 

Check-in and Day of Event Registration

• Check-in and registration opens Friday, October 3 from Noon until 5:30 p.m. in Leyburn Library and will be available again on Saturday in the Evans Hall Lobby from 9:00 a.m. until Noon.

We have secured a small block of rooms at the Wingate by Wyndham Hotel (use code FSFWLU25 to book a room) and the Hampton Inn (use code 5ST to book a room).

Here is a link to all local lodging options: Travelocity.com and Expedia.com are also great resources for real-time results.

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.

On-campus parking is encouraged in the parking deck behind the Duchossois Athletic and Recreation Center. Consult the campus map for more information.  

Complimentary shuttle vans will be available Friday and Saturday. Check back soon for a more detailed transportation schedule.  

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.  

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.