A Weekend of Wins: Miami University Family Weekend Recap

October 22, 2026 | Sadie VanNatter

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Miami University Family Weekend, Oct. 16-18: a weekend of wins for the RedHawks. Not only did we win the company of so many friends and families, but the extra Love and Honor helped our RedHawks deliver in this weekend’s sporting events.

From athletics to comedy to music, here’s a look back at everything that made the weekend special.

Thursday: Opening Night

A group of hockey players in red and white uniforms gather near the bench during a game, with spectators and officials visible in the background.

The weekend started early, and the RedHawks wasted no time. Miami Hockey played their home opener against Robert Morris, pulling out a win, 7-1 in front of a sold-out crowd. Highlights included two goals each from Ilia Morozov and Kocha Delic.

Soccer continued the trend, edging out Ohio University for a legendary Battle of the Bricks win, 1-0. The RedHawks dominated in the second half with Averie Bierker scoring the game-winning goal.

A group of people on a sports field hold up glowing lanterns, standing in formation under evening light.

Simultaneously, Miami Athletics hosted the annual Light the Night walk to help raise awareness for the fight against cancer.

Friday: Something for Everyone

Friday started on the ice with the noon skate, a pickleball tournament at the Recreation Center, and a silent auction at Armstrong Student Center.

The action then moved to the pool, where the men’s and women’s swim teams faced Cincinnati. This was the home opener for Miami Swim and Dive, highlights including wins in both men’s and women’s 1,000-yard freestyle and 100-yard backstroke. The men pulled out a win, and the women ultimately lost in a tight battle.

A swimmer in a competitive pool executes a freestyle stroke, with lane dividers visible and another swimmer in the background.

That night, the Miami University Performing Arts Series and Miami Activities and Programming welcomed Nick Offerman. Known for his role on “Parks and Recreation” (among other things), Offerman connected with the audience through comedy, but also through song, getting everyone to sing along to a Parks and Recreation favorite, “5,000 Candles in the Wind (Bye Bye Li’l Sebastian)”, and even bringing out flashlights in the audience to sway along.

Saturday: Game Day

A large group of people, including a mascot in red and white stripes, enthusiastically raise their arms while dancing on a brick patio outside a white building. — Family Weekend Boot Camp at Lewis Place.

Saturday started with a sweat. At 10 a.m., RedHawks and their families gathered at the president’s house, Lewis Place, for M.O.V.E Bootcamp, a high-energy workout to wake up before game day.

Two football players in red uniforms embrace on the field during a game, with spectators and stadium structures visible in the background.

Before the bootcamp could even finish, families began heading to Millett for the start of the football tailgate. Parking opened at 10:30 a.m.

By 1 p.m., a university favorite band, Friend of a Friend, had the crowd warmed up with a concert.

A football quarterback in a red jersey prepares to throw the ball while being surrounded by players on the field during a game.

At 3:30 p.m., the RedHawks kicked off against Akron and cruised to a 34-14 win. Rodney Nelson paved the way with 142 rushing yards and two touchdowns, thus bringing their record to 4-3.

All Weekend Long

Between the games, there was plenty more to do:

Traditions Walk: a guided campus tour led by the Miami University Student Foundation, highlighting historic and cultural spots tied to Miami’s unique traditions.
Stars and Stripes Symphony Orchestra Concert: a festive concert celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. It also marks the 50th anniversary of Aaron Copland’s 1976 residency at Miami University, when he conducted the university orchestra himself.
Oxford Farmers Market: presented by Miami Activities and Programming (MAP). Local goods and fresh finds from nearby vendors.
Yoga in the Park: in the Uptown Pavilion, a free, all-levels yoga class to bring some calm to a hectic weekend.
Apple Butter Festival: the 61st annual Apple Butter Festival held in Hueston Woods State Park with historic tours, entertainment, and traditional apple butter preparation.
Family Weekend Food Truck Fest: hosted by MAP. Cincinnati food trucks, entertainment, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

The full list of activities can be found here.

Until Next Year

From the roar of a sold-out hockey crowd to a sea of flashlights glowing for Li’l Sebastian, this Family Weekend was full of moments that only happen in Oxford. Families who traveled from near and far got to see their RedHawks in the place they call home, cheering them on, trying their traditions, and making memories along the way.

The scoreboards will fade, but the feeling of a campus full of proud families won’t. Thank you to everyone who made the trip to Oxford and filled Miami University Family Weekend with love. We’ll see you next year, RedHawks!

Campus Life