EagleEye

Open House Options Abound at Mary Washington This Fall 2026

Fall might be the perfect time for a family field trip to Fredericksburg, particularly for high school students.

That’s according to Northern Virginia Magazine, which noted “If you’ve only whizzed by Fredericksburg while heading down I-95, it’s time for a little field trip. The ‘burg comes alive on the weekends: Stroll down Caroline Street, in the heart of historic downtown, past shops with enticing window dressing… While things are oriented around the town’s historic charm, evenings in Fredericksburg often turn buoyant. That’s because it’s a college town — home of the University of Mary Washington.”

The University of Mary Washington has plenty planned this fall, from weekday campus tours and info sessions to weekend open houses, starting Saturday, Sept. 26. Students and families attending an open house learn about academics, athletics, student life and more. Sign up for a weekday campus visit or weekend Open House at Mary Washington.

“Stepping onto a college campus and taking in all that it has to offer can help solidify a college decision,” said UMW Dean of Admissions and Associate Vice President Melissa Yakabouski. “You get a taste of life on campus, including dining options, an introduction to the academic environment and the faculty who will be your mentors, and quick meetings with the classmates who will become your friends. Plus, there’s plenty of time to explore a thriving downtown that’s walkable from campus.”

Additional fall open houses happen on Saturday, Oct. 17, with an afternoon of city festivities in Fredericksburg for Quack-toberfest in Riverfront Park, and Sunday, Nov. 8, with an option to catch the matinee performance of Dear Evan Hansen at the Klein Theatre. All Open House and campus tours are free to attend, with registration required, and lunch options available to purchase in the on-campus dining hall or downtown.

New this year are Twilight Tours on Wednesday, Sept. 23, and Tuesday, Oct. 27.These evening info sessions offer a student-led campus tour and evening cheering on the Eagles under the lights at the Battleground Athletic Complex. All regular-season UMW home games are free to attend.

Read more about Open House Options at Mary Washington This Fall 2026.