Bicentennial Celebration Events
The yearlong celebration of Trinity’s Bicentennial kicks off on May 5, 2023. Gather your campus memories and get ready to make new ones—and prepare to open the door to Trinity’s third century.
Bicentennial Kickoff
Friday, May 5, 2023
The campus community caps off Honors Day 2023 by launching the Bicentennial! Carnival games and traditional fair food, branded Bicentennial giveaways, a cornhole tournament and lawn games, music by student and local bands, and a fireworks finale will make this an event to remember. Check out a recap of the event!
Charter Day 2023
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Did you know that a Charter Day tree planting tradition dates back to the late 19th century? What’s old is new again on May 16, as we celebrate Charter Day with a ceremonial tree planting and the Connecticut State Capitol flies the Trinity flag. Join President Berger-Sweeney and Banty for a lemonade toast. Wear your Trinity gear with pride and post your toast photos on social media, hashtag #Trin200. Watch a recap of the day, and read about our designation as an arboretum.
Alumni Bicentennial Celebration
Friday–Sunday, June 9–11, 2023
Calling all alumni! Return to campus for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration over the course of our traditional Reunion Weekend. Reconnect with classmates, and find friends from cultural houses, athletic teams, fraternities and sororities, academic groups, and student clubs; renew Trinity wedding vows in the Chapel; find your name in your first-year Matriculation book; immerse yourself in Trinity’s past, present, and future through exhibits, presentations by distinguished alumni, and the first Bicentennial symposium; enjoy musical performances and dancing; and join in the biggest birthday bash ever—cake and fireworks included! See the schedule.
Newly added: Friday night “Trinity Live!” on the Main Quad features performances by The Nields (David Chalfant ’90, Katryna Nields Chalfant ’91, and David Hower ’89) and Latanya Farrell P’23. New panels have been confirmed: “Women in Law,” “The Art and Business of Film and TV” featuring 2021 Academy Award-winner Will McCormack ’96, and author talks with Charity Elder ’00 and Joanna Scott ’82. Renew your wedding vows in the Chapel, see your matriculation book, and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Aloe Blacc will be headline performer at the Bantam Birthday Bash on Saturday night! REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Bicentennial Concerts and Picnic
Wednesday, July 12
Celebrate the first event of the 1823 Series—Bicentennial events that are free and open to the public! The Bicentennial Carillon Concert and Picnic, beginning at 6 p.m., will feature an organ recital inside the Chapel by Christopher Houlihan, John Rose College Organist-and-Directorship Distinguished Chair of Chapel Music and Artist-in-Residence. An outdoor live performance by Ellen Dickinson, College Carillonneur, will follow and include Fanfare 1823, which was commissioned in honor of Trinity’s Bicentennial celebration. A free public picnic will be offered in connection with the concert beginning at 7 p.m.; RSVP is required to reserve a meal.
Part of the annual Summer Carillon Concert Series, a Hartford tradition since 1949, the series features national and international guest artists and the music of the 49-bell Plumb Memorial Carillon, one of approximately 200 such instruments in North America. Listeners are welcome every Wednesday evening in July, and invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and food to enjoy an outdoor concert.
- 6:00 p.m. Organ recital inside the Chapel
- 7:00 p.m. Picnic available; RSVP required to reserve food.
Outdoor carillon concert
Cinestudio—Six Decades of Movies at Trinity
Since 1970, Cinestudio has been an integral part of Trinity’s campus life. Part of the free and open 1823 Series, Cinestudio presents a curated series of iconic films that each represent a decade since its founding, as selected by alumni, students, faculty, and staff.
September 10, 2023
THE GODFATHER (1972)
October 1, 2023
BACK TO THE FUTURE (1985)
November 5, 2023
PULP FICTION (1994)
December 3, 2023
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (2005)
February 4, 2024
PARASITE (2019)
March 3, 2024
EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE (2022)
April 7, 2024
LAWRENCE OF ARABIA IN 70MM (1962)
Bicentennial Fall Weekend
Friday–Sunday, October 13–15, 2023
All are invited to an autumnal celebration that combines the traditions of Homecoming and the kinship of Family Weekend. Cheer on the Bantams as our teams meet rivals on the playing field. Join the fall athletics reception when we celebrate our football, women’s and men’s soccer, volleyball, and field hockey teams. Connect with classmates and friends to swap memories at a favorite campus spot or attend any of an array of events with your student. Both family-friendly offerings and a performing arts selection are in the works. More details are forthcoming.
1823 Athletic Contests and Receptions
Join us as we rally behind Trinity College’s exceptional student-athletes as they compete and commemorate a legacy of sportsmanship on our historic campus. As part of the 1823 Series—Bicentennial events that are free and open to all—each varsity team will designate one game throughout the year and host a reception in honor of the Bicentennial. So, don your finest blue and gold attire and prepare to proudly cheer on the Bantams.
September 9, 2023
Men’s and Women’s Cross Country
Location: Wickham Park
Time: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
October 1, 2023
Men’s and Women’s Rowing
Location: Friends of Trinity Boathouse
Time: 7:30 a.m.–noon
October 14, 2023
Football, Women’s Soccer, Men’s Soccer, Volleyball, Field Hockey
Location: the green space between Robin L. Sheppard Field and Murren Family Field/DiBenedetto Stadium
Time: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
December 9, 2023
Men’s Basketball and Men’s Ice Hockey
Location: Memorial Field House
Time: 6:00–9:00 p.m.
February 3, 2024
Women’s Basketball, Women’s Ice Hockey, Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving, Men’s and Women’s Squash, Wrestling
Location: Memorial Field House
Time: 6:00–9:00 p.m.
April 13, 2024
Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Men’s Lacrosse, Baseball
Location: the green space between Robin L. Sheppard Field and Murren Family Field/DiBenedetto Stadium
Time: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
April 20, 2024
Women’s Lacrosse, Men’s Track and Field, Women’s Track and Field
Location: the green space between Robin L. Sheppard Field and Murren Family Field/DiBenedetto Stadium
Time: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Bicentennial Symposia
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Tuesday, November 14, 2023
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Wednesday, February 28, 2024
The Bicentennial Symposia are designed by faculty, staff, students, and alumni to create intergenerational reflection and dialogue about our history, our identity, and our future. Attend in person or watch keynote talks online.
Regional Bicentennial Symposia and Events
Join us for events in cities around the country. Dates and locations to be announced.
Bicentennial Gala
Saturday, May 11, 2024
The closing gala at the Connecticut Convention Center will honor the Trinity–Hartford connection and raise funds for financial aid.
1823 Series: Free Public Concert with Plena Libre
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Enjoy music from the Grammy-nominated Plena Libre, mixing traditional Puerto Rican rhythms with modern Afro-Caribbean influences. Get ready to dance!