Every community has its traditions that they're emotionally committed to and insist are the highlight of the year, and for Berry that would be Mountain Day Weekend. On this weekend in early October, alumni and current students come together for the best weekend of the year! Campus comes alive with traditions, some of which originated with Berry's founder, Martha Berry. Whether you've celebrated Mountain Day for years or are brand new to it, nothing compares to it. Here's a list of ten activities and events that every alum and current student would tell you not to miss on Mountain Day.
Coming Home for Mountain Day:
10 Ways to Celebrate
1:
Hike to the Berry reservoir!
New this year, the hike to the reservoir is a fresh Mountain Day Weekend tradition in the making and a fun way to enjoy the history and natural beauty of Berry College. Led by Joe Dunagan (76C), the hike begins at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. This 2.5-mile round-trip trek offers one of the best ways to take in our beautiful campus surrounded by the colors of fall. All participants should park in the gravel lot by the Old Mill.
2:
So. Many. Reunions!
Mountain Day Weekend is a big reunion weekend for many Berry alumni. This year, Berry is celebrating the milestone reunion classes of 1976C, 1976A, 1986C, 2001C and 2016C, along with a Mega Reunion Celebration for high school, academy and college alumni from class years ending in 1 and 6. The weekend also includes athletic reunion events and student organization and program gatherings. It is a wonderful time to swap stories, reconnect with old friends, revisit favorite places and make a few new Mountain Day memories.
3:
Outdoor movie!
Ford looks like it's straight out of a movie, so why not add to the magic and watch a movie on its lawn? Students, family, and alumni can all bring lawn chairs and blankets to watch a movie as one big Berry community on Friday, Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. The movie choice is The Greatest Showman going along with our Marthapalooza theme!
4:
Sporting Events!
Mountain Day Weekend is a great time to cheer on our Viking athletes and show up for teams competing throughout the weekend. This year's schedule includes women's soccer versus Centre College on Friday, Oct. 2, at 5 p.m.; volleyball versus Centre College on Friday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m.; men's soccer versus Centre College on Friday, Oct. 2, at 7:30 p.m.; and volleyball versus Sewanee on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m and Maryville College at 4:30 p.m. Some athletic events also feature reunion gatherings for that sport, so be sure to check the full Mountain Day schedule for details at alwaysberry.com/mountainday.
5:
Mountain Day Olympics!
Mountain Day Olympics adds a little friendly competition to the weekend, with residence halls, faculty and staff joining in for field day fun. Mountain Day Olympics will take place on Friday, Oct. 2, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Our faculty and staff will compete alongside the students of Berry in field day events for bragging rights and spirit awards. Our version of the Olympics will be in the horseshoe between the Moon and Laughlin buildings. Note: if there is rain, it will be moved to the Ford Gym.
6:
Oak Hill and The Martha Berry Museum!
Berry College is a dream for all the history buffs out there! On Mountain Day weekend Oak Hill (Martha Berry's home) and the Martha Berry Museum will be open on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Here you can see where Martha Berry lived and read about the school's history and the big historical names that supported Martha, including Theodore Roosevelt. Martha Berry is remembered by her inspirational work and passion towards creating the Berry community and a good community for learning, and the museum will give you a perfect glimpse of Martha's story and work.
7:
Berry College Theatre Company takes the stage!
Tickets are $10 to see our theatre put on Marc Camoletti's "Boeing Boeing." This show follows lothario Bernard, who has three different fiancées and is attempting to keep them away from each other. Unfortunately, no secret that big can stay undercover for that long, and he gets caught when all three of them show up in his apartment. It's a fun way to enjoy the arts on campus and cheer on the students who have been rehearsing all semester. Performances are Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 4, at 2 p.m.
8:
The Grand March!
The Grand March takes place on Mountain Campus at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, as students carry on the century-old tradition of walking down the hill in 2-4-8-16 formation and donating pennies equal to their age to the Save a Student fund. Created to honor Martha Berry's birthday, it remains one of Berry's most beloved traditions and a favorite way to feel part of the college's living history.
9:
Marthapalooza!
Marthapalooza brings the birthday-bash energy to Clara Bowl on Saturday, Oct. 3, with a few ways to join the fun. Families can stop by Marthapalooza Family Hour from 3 to 4 p.m. for $5 carnival rides, face painting and more for children ages 5-12 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Berry alumni can enjoy Alumni Hour from 7 to 8 p.m. for $15, which includes carnival rides plus one drink and snack option. Then Marthapalooza keeps the party going from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., with free admission for Berry students and $25 admission for guests accompanied by a Berry student and young alumni from the classes of 2022-26. A current college ID and event wristband are required, and credit card payment is the only accepted form of payment.
10:
Mountain Day Worship and Memorial Service!
Wrap up Mountain Day Weekend in the College Chapel at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, with a worship service that offers a quiet, meaningful close to the weekend. The service will include music from Berry Singers, followed by the Daughter's of Berry's memorial service honoring Martha Berry. Together, it's a reflective way to pause, remember Berry's beginnings and carry the spirit of the weekend home.
Don't miss a thing!
Ask anyone who has been part of the Berry community, and they will tell you Mountain Day Weekend is a favorite for a reason. It brings together the traditions alumni remember, the campus beauty that feels like home and the new memories made each year through events like Marthapalooza, tours and reunions. Whether you are returning after many years or experiencing Mountain Day for the first time, it is a meaningful way to reconnect with Berry and be part of the community that makes this weekend so special.
