Welcome to fall: Griff Weekend

By: Brendan Hammond, Contributing Writer

Griffs, get ready for a beloved Canisius campus tradition: Griff Weekend! With the start of fall, a fun tradition returns to campus as alumni recount stories from their time on campus while current students enjoy the cool, crisp weather of September in Buffalo.

The festivities span Friday night to Sunday morning. The highlight of the weekend is, of course, “Fall Fest”, which will be on Saturday from 4–7:30 p.m. in the Bart Mitchell Quad. The event is free to attend and will feature carnival games, food trucks and more! 

Another activity this weekend is “Fall in the Forest” at Forest Lawn. Our neighbors across the street have invited us for some festivities among the drop–dead gorgeous fall foliage. The event is free, but associated activities may have a cost. Visitors can enjoy festive fall treats, hayrides, guided tours of this historic Buffalo gem and local artisans and vendors. Be sure to check out the Canisius University vendor table to receive a free, exclusive merch item! 

Other events this weekend include: the Wehle Business School Alumni Association Reception in Grupp on Friday, Women’s Volleyball against Sacred Heart on Friday and Fairfield on Saturday, the C–Block Pep Rally outside the Koessler Athletic Center (KAC) on Saturday, the Blue and Gold Bash in the Dining Hall on Saturday, John Cassidy's Comedy Magic Show in the Montante Cultural Center on Saturday and Mass in Christ the King Chapel on Sunday. 

Registration is encouraged but not required. Locations, times, registration information and the full itinerary of events can be found by navigating to the “Griff Weekend 2026” event page in GriffConnect. Whether you are cheering on the Griffs, exploring Forest Lawn, enjoying Fall Fest or simply spending time with the Canisius community, Griff Weekend offers plenty of ways to get involved. It is a beloved campus tradition and the perfect way to welcome the fall season at Canisius!