Fall Festival
Villanova University | Nov. 13-15, 2026
Fall Festival is the largest student-run Special Olympics event in the world, bringing together more than 1,200 athletes and coaches for a three-day celebration of competition, dedication, and community support powered by more than 3,000 volunteers.
Everything You Need to Know
Fall Festival Event Information
Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s Fall Festival will take place at Villanova University for the 38th year from November 13-15, 2026. This year, the event theme is still a surprise, but will be announced soon.
We will welcome more than 1,700 coaches, athletes and Unified Partners representing 43 county programs from across the state. Participants will compete in bocce, flag football, long-distance running/walking, powerlifting, soccer, and volleyball.
More than 3,500 volunteers from the Villanova student body and the surrounding community are expected to participate in the event this year, serving in numerous capacities including officials, athlete escorts, and award presenters.
Event Schedule
Discover the full three-day schedule of events for Fall Festival at Villanova University.
Results
See the latest results from Fall Festival.
Volunteer
More than 3,500 volunteers support Fall Festival.
Can we count on you?
Webinar
Watch a pre-recorded webinar with important event details and logistics.
Delegation Handbook
Comprehensive Fall Festival information can be found in this Head of Delegation Handbook.
Donate
All athletes are able to participate free of charge thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fall Festival?
Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s Fall Festival at Villanova University is a three-day competition hosted and organized by Villanova University students and is the largest annual student-run Special Olympics event in the world.
Fall Festival brings together more than 1,200 athletes and coaches. Competition in bocce, flag football, long distance running/walking, powerlifting, soccer, and volleyball highlight the weekend. Weeks of hard work and dedication in training is rewarded as athletes are cheered on and supported during competition by more than 3,000 enthusiastic volunteers.
For even more information, visit Villanova Special Olympics’ website here!
How do I volunteer?
To register as a volunteer:
• Click Here to visit our Online Portal, where you can register as a volunteer. After answering a few questions, you’ll be taken to your Volunteer Zone.
• Click on “Event Signup” to register for the job of your choice at Fall Festival!
Looking to register a group for an event? Click on the “Do More with Special Olympics” button to sign up to be a group lead, where you’ll have the ability to manage and register your group for an upcoming volunteer opportunity.
If you have any questions about volunteering or how to sign up, please reach out to us at volunteer@specialolympicspa.org.
What is the Unified Fall Festival Torch Run?
The Fall Festival Torch Run for Special Olympics Pennsylvania is a segmented non-competitive run (approx. 26 miles in total) with 19 segments ranging from a ½ mile to 3 ½ miles. The Unified Fall Festival Torch Run will kick off at the Courtyard Marriott South (Navy Yard) before weaving its way throughout South and Downtown Philadelphia and into University City/West Philadelphia to the Philadelphia Art Museum. After traversing nearly 13 miles of the city, the run heads West via MLK Boulevard/West River Drive into Bala Cynwyd and through the heart of the Main Line to Villanova.
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