By Blake Jackson
The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Martin-Gatton CAFE) is preparing for Roundup 2026, a weeklong celebration highlighting the college’s traditions, community and future.
According to Grace Sowards, Agriculture Communications Specialist at the University of Kentucky, this year’s activities will coincide with UK Homecoming and conclude with the Roundup tailgate on October 10, 2026, when the Kentucky Wildcats take on Louisiana State University.
“Roundup is a celebration of the people, traditions and relationships that have shaped our college across generations,” said Laura Stephenson, Vice President for Land-Grant Engagement and Dean of Martin-Gatton CAFE.
“We are excited to welcome alumni and friends home, introduce future Wildcats to our community and share the tremendous momentum across our college," Stephenson added.
The schedule begins Wednesday, October 7, 2026, with the Fall Festival and Build a Better Burger Contest from 4-7 p.m. on the Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building lawn. Students, faculty and staff can participate in fall activities, including pumpkin painting, while watching students compete in the burger contest.
On Thursday, October 8, 2026, prospective students and families can attend the Future Wildcat Roundup from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The event will provide information about academic programs and student life. Later that afternoon, Martin-Gatton CAFE will host Connect for the Future for prospective transfer students, followed by the Connect Tailgate.
Friday, October 9, 2026, will feature several alumni gatherings. Former student ambassadors can attend the Ambassador Reunion at Mirror Twin Brewing, while Animal and Food Sciences alumni will meet at the E.S. Good Barn.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Conservation and Management alumni, faculty and friends will gather at the MGAS front patio.
The week will conclude Saturday, October 10, 2026, with the Roundup Tailgate on the MGAS lawn. Alumni, students, faculty, and staff will gather to support the Wildcats during their matchup with LSU.
More information about Roundup 2026 is available through Martin-Gatton CAFE, with questions directed to McKenna.Hulette@uky.edu.
Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky
Categories: Kentucky, Business, Education, General