Back to Babson Alumni Weekend: A Comprehensive Guide

Babson College's Alumni Weekend, also known as "Back to Babson," is a cherished tradition that unites alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends in a vibrant celebration of the college and its community. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what to expect during the Alumni Weekend, incorporating details from past events and offering suggestions for exploring the surrounding Boston area. While specific dates and activities may vary each year, this information will help you plan and make the most of your visit. We're eager to welcome families to campus and plans are underway for Family and Friends Weekend at Back to Babson 2025, October 3-4.

A Celebration of Community and Pride

Back to Babson is more than just a reunion; it's a celebration of the entire Babson community. It’s a celebration of Babson and the people who make our community so special. The weekend is filled with inspiring conversations, nostalgic moments, heartfelt reunions, and family fun. Attendees share a sense of pride in Babson's accomplishments, including its esteemed alumni network and high college rankings. Babson was bursting with excitement October 3-4 and we’re so grateful to the many alumni, parents, and friends who were part of it. From inspiring conversations and nostalgic moments to heartfelt reunions and family fun, the weekend was filled with lasting memories and a shared sense of pride as we celebrated our #1 alumni network and #2 best college rankings!

Together Under the Tent: A Central Gathering Point

A favorite College tradition, Back to Babson brings alumni, students, parents, faculty/staff, and friends “Together Under the Tent” for Reunion, Homecoming, and Family Weekend. This phrase encapsulates the spirit of the event, emphasizing the unity and camaraderie that define the Babson experience. The tent serves as a central gathering point for many activities, fostering a sense of community and providing a space for attendees to connect and reconnect.

Family and Friends Weekend

We're eager to welcome families to campus and plans are underway for Family and Friends Weekend at Back to Babson 2025, October 3-4. This aspect of the Alumni Weekend focuses on providing engaging activities for families, ensuring that attendees of all ages can enjoy the festivities.

Exploring Boston: Beyond the Babson Campus

While the Alumni Weekend offers a plethora of on-campus activities, taking some time to explore the surrounding Boston area can enhance your experience. Boston boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions, offering something for everyone.

Historical Landmarks

The Freedom Trail: This 2.5-mile stretch hosts 16 sites about the Revolutionary War. A walk along the Freedom Trail provides a tangible connection to the nation's founding. You could take a costumed guided tour or download a map and follow your own itinerary. If you have limited time, concentrate on those sites in and immediately around the North End, which also is Boston’s Little Italy.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace: In the heart of downtown Boston, and along the Freedom Trail, is Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The original Faneuil Hall dates to 1742 and the marketplace now encompasses the North Market, Quincy Market, and South Market buildings. Customers enjoy unique, locally loved, and nationally recognized shops while indulging in the worldwide cuisine at our restaurants, pubs, and in the world-famous Quincy Market Colonnade. The cobblestone promenades are filled with the music and jaw-dropping routines of world-renowned street performers and musicians.

Parks and Recreation

Boston Public Garden: This Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park, famous for its Swan Boats, has more than 600 varieties of trees and an ever-changing array of flowers. It is America’s first public garden. Boston Public Garden is the groomed and formal younger cousin to the more casual and boisterous Boston Common. This green and flowering oasis in the heart of a great metropolis has become a Boston icon.
Fenway Park: There’s nothing quite like visiting Fenway Park, one of America’s most beloved baseball parks since it opened in 1912. You might want to swing by and visit the Green Monster on one of the 50-minute tours offered daily.

Cultural Institutions

Museum of Fine Arts (MFA): Boston’s oldest, largest, and best-known art institution, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) houses one of the world’s most comprehensive art collections and is renowned for its Impressionist paintings, Asian and Egyptian collections, and early American art.
New England Aquarium: Want to see sea lions smile and penguins play? Head to the New England Aquarium, one of Boston’s perpetually popular family attractions. Once inside, you’ll find yourself immersed in a watery world, where you can wave your flippers at cavorting sea lions and press your nose right up against the glass of the poisonous fish tank-if you dare!
Museum of Science: Spend a couple of hours or the whole day at this hands-on museum that has something exciting for everyone. Touch a lizard, watch chickens hatching, see lightning being created and enjoy hundreds of other exhibits, where you can’t help but learn something new about science and technology. Hold onto the edge of your seat at the IMAX movie theater (not included with museum admission).

Neighborhoods and Unique Experiences

North End (Boston's Little Italy): This Italian neighborhood, Boston’s oldest, is known for its wonderful restaurants and historic sights. Walk the cobblestone streets to take in the architecture and aromas of delicious food, and visit Paul Revere’s house and the Old North Church while you’re in the neighborhood.
Newbury Street: Boston’s most enchanting street. Eight blocks filled with salons, boutiques, and fabulous dining. Newbury Street shows an individuality and uniqueness that is lacking in so many other commercial districts. Broad sidewalks, storefronts that extend into the sidewalk, and street vendors all encourage a wide mix of people to traverse the street. Ultimately, Newbury Street embodies a rich urban and retail environment not often found in American cities. It is a destination certainly worth your further examination.
Cambridge (Harvard and MIT): Home to two of the most prestigious universities in the country, Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Cambridge also offers stunning architecture and incredible diversity of restaurants and shopping that attracts a mix of students, locals, and sightseers.
Boston Duck Tours: Hop aboard Boston’s original and world-famous Boston Duck Tours and enjoy a fully narrated, historic tour of Boston in a World War II-style amphibious vehicle that travels on land and water. You’ll be greeted by one of its legendary ConDUCKtors, who’ll be narrating your tour. You’ll cruise by all the places that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of firsts. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, it’s time for a Big Splash as your ConDUCKtor drives the DUCK right into the Charles River for breathtaking views of Boston and Cambridge. See what makes this Boston’s most popular tour.

Practical Information

Accommodation: Room rates vary depending on night of stay. It's advisable to book accommodations well in advance, as hotels in the area tend to fill up quickly during the Alumni Weekend.
Questions?: For any inquiries regarding the Alumni Weekend, don't hesitate to reach out to the organizers. We're excited to bring the Babson community together for some amazing events.

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