Brick City Weekend prepares to welcome thousands of visitors with a full lineup of entertainment, sports, and family events

Rochester, Florida – The energy on the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) campus is already starting to build as thousands of students, alumni, and families prepare to gather for one of the university’s most anticipated traditions — Brick City Homecoming and Family Weekend, happening October 17–19. The three-day celebration promises a packed schedule filled with entertainment, sports, art, and community spirit, drawing visitors from across the country to reconnect with the vibrant RIT community.

Event organizers say that enthusiasm for this year’s festivities is running especially high. Many of the weekend’s popular attractions, such as the New York Dueling Pianos and the Mount Hope Cemetery historical tours, have already reached capacity weeks ahead of time. Others, like the hands-on Build-A-Tiger workshop, have expanded their supply inventory to welcome more participants than ever before due to overwhelming demand.

“From comedian Craig Robinson to Emmy-winner Dan Povenmire, hockey, and family-friendly events, this year’s Brick City Weekend offers something for everyone,” said Lisa Stein, executive director for events and conferences at RIT. “It’s a fun and vibrant celebration that brings together the entire RIT community of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and families alike.”

Celebrity guests headline the weekend

This year’s lineup boasts some impressive names from the entertainment world. Craig Robinson, the multi-talented comedian, actor, and musician known for his role as Darryl Philbin on The Office, will take the stage on Friday, October 17, at the Gordon Field House and Activities Center. Robinson, who currently stars in and executive produces Peacock’s comedy series Killing It, is expected to draw a lively crowd eager for a night of laughter and music.

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The following day, the spotlight shifts to Dan Povenmire, an Emmy-winning animation veteran and the creative mind behind Disney’s Phineas and Ferb. Povenmire, who also voices the hilariously evil Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz, will headline the Student Government Speaker Series on Saturday, October 18, also at the Gordon Field House.

With more than 25 years of experience in animation, storyboarding, and writing, Povenmire’s career spans some of television’s most beloved animated series, including Family Guy, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Simpsons, Rocko’s Modern Life, and Hey Arnold! He has also amassed more than seven million followers on TikTok and Instagram, where he regularly shares creative insights and behind-the-scenes looks at his work.

Sports, art, and alumni reunions

Sports fans will have plenty to cheer about as RIT’s men’s hockey team faces off against Clarkson University on October 18 at the Blue Cross Arena in downtown Rochester. Meanwhile, the women’s hockey team will play a pair of free games against St. Lawrence University at the Gene Polisseni Center. Visitors attending the on-campus games should note that a new clear bag policy is now in effect, with backpacks no longer permitted inside the Polisseni Center.

For those looking for something more artistic and reflective, Friday will feature an engaging program at the University Gallery’s Vignelli Center for Design Studies, where attendees can join artist Keisha Scarville ’98 and student curator Chinenye Ozowalu, a fourth-year photographic and imaging arts major, for a conversation and gallery tour. Their exhibition, titled Call and Response, explores themes of memory, identity, and transformation through layers of body, time, and landscape. The exhibit will remain on display in the RIT Photo Alum Gallery on the first floor of Wallace Library through May 2026.

Another highlight of the weekend is the Golden Circle gathering, a special event honoring alumni who graduated in 1975 or earlier. Returning graduates will enjoy a light breakfast, a guided tour of RIT’s new SHED facility, and access to VIP parking and golf cart shuttles — a thoughtful way to welcome back those who helped shape the university’s history.

Planning ahead for a busy weekend

With attendance expected to reach several thousand, event coordinators are urging visitors to plan ahead and reserve their tickets early. While many events remain open, some have already sold out due to high demand. The full schedule, along with ticket reservations, can be found on the Brick City Weekend website.

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In addition, organizers are encouraging attendees to stay informed throughout the weekend by signing up for text alerts. By texting “BrickCity” to 888777, visitors can receive real-time updates on event changes, weather notifications, and other important announcements.

As the countdown to Brick City Weekend begins, the excitement on campus is unmistakable. From nostalgic reunions and thrilling hockey games to star-studded performances and meaningful artistic experiences, the event captures everything that makes the RIT community special — creativity, connection, and Tiger pride.

With so many opportunities to celebrate, laugh, and learn, this year’s Brick City Homecoming and Family Weekend is shaping up to be one of the most memorable yet. As Lisa Stein put it best, the weekend isn’t just an event — it’s a homecoming for everyone who’s ever called RIT home.