Family Weekend

Programming will begin at 12:00pm on Friday and will wrap-up by 1:00pm on Sunday.

Consider what works best for your family as you plan your attendance. Some families choose to come for the entire weekend, while others may pop in for a quick visit. Whether you attend all or one of our events offered, we are excited to have you join us on campus.

Keep in mind that the U of M is a large campus, and visitors will do a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes and appropriate layers for outside activities are essential.

We will have Special Rate Family Tickets available to purchase for the home football game during Family Weekend.

More information to come as the schedule and kickoff times are determined.

Here is some information many have found helpful in previous years:

• If your student has season tickets:
  • They can sit in the student section while your family sits in your purchased seats.
  • If you’d rather sit together, your student can transfer their ticket to a friend and you can buy them a seat with your group (students cannot bring guests into the student section).
  • Football tickets are purchased separately from Family Weekend registration.

Ticket Questions? Connect with the Gopher Ticket Sales & Service Office at [email protected] or call 1-800-U-GOPHER.

Questions about Family Weekend? Please contact Gopher Family Engagement at [email protected].

Hotel blocks for Family Weekend tend to fill quickly; even as we continue to add rooms each year. Thank you for your patience!

Family Weekend is not only for families of first-year students and it’s definitely not just for parents. All families, extended families, grade school siblings and supporters are welcome to join us!

Keep in mind that the U of M is a large campus, and visitors will do a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes and appropriate layers for outside activities are essential.

Students are typically eager for a visit from home by this time in the semester. They may be tired, overwhelmed, or stressed and in need of some family time. By late September, students are generally settled in and have a regular routine. Ask them to take you to their favorite study spot or explore a nearby restaurant they've been wanting to try.

Make sure to discuss your student’s schedule for the weekend in advance. Classes are still in session on Friday and your student may have study group or student group activities already on their calendar.

Last year, 2025, ALL of the following events were included with registration:

• FRIDAY
  • Kickoff at Northrop
    • Check in
    • Refreshments
    • Fun activities with a variety of offices from across campus
  • Events hosted by each college for their students and families
  • Event hosted by Gender & Sexuality Center
  • Open Houses and Tours at Northrop Auditorium, Walter Library, Weisman Art Museum and more
  • An Evening with the Northrop Organ and Greg Zelek
• SATURDAY
  • Donuts & Coffee with UMPD at Dinkytown Safety Center
  • "Gopher Games" carnival style event in Coffman Great Hall
  • Pickleball at RecWell
  • Bowling at Goldy's Gameroom
  • Bingo at Coffman Theater
• SUNDAY
  • Energizing with Esports event at Esports Lab in RecWell
  • PAWS (Pet Away Worry & Stress) therapy animals at RecWell
• Promotions and Discounts with Family Weekend wristband
  • Free access to use University Recreation & Wellness Center ALL WEEKEND LONG (must have your wristband for free entry!)
  • BOGO tickets to Bell Museum
  • 15% discount to MN Alumni Market at their pop up at Ski-U-Mania pre-game event
  • Discounted play at University Golf Course