Experience Campus As a Family
Family Weekend is a great time to visit campus, to enjoy some of the great activities available on campus and to explore the day-to-day of your student’s life.
We hope you are able to enjoy good quality time with your student, and we look forward to providing you with some education, fun and the opportunity to connect with other families, staff and faculty.
Register for Family Weekend Now!
*Additional events with space limits (like teaching kitchens, spin class, and yoga) will be available through the online registration portal as "add-ons" on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 12:00pm (CST).
Family Weekend Schedule
Friday
Welcome & Check-In
Check-In Window: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Stop by, or send your student, to pick up your registration materials, wristbands, and kick off your Family Weekend!
Schedule of Events
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Kickoff & Check-In, Northrop Auditorium
Refreshments, dirty soda bar, and a Family Expo featuring offices promoting their events across the weekend for you to enjoy!
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Bowling at Goldy's Gameroom | Coffman Memorial Union
Stop by during their open hours, bowl a few rounds at an affordable rate
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Office for Equity & Diversity Open House | Throughout Appleby Hall
Join the Office for Equity and Diversity for our Open House! Take a tour of our unit offices, meet our incredible staff, and learn more about the resources and support we offer. While you're here, make sure to grab an autumnal treat to kick off the season. We can't wait to welcome you into our spaces!
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Cookies & Connection: Alumni Association Open House, McNamara Alumni Center, 2nd Floor
The Alumni Association welcomes all Gopher Families stop by our Open House! Head up to the second floor of the McNamara Alumni Center to enjoy complimentary cookies and drinks with our team and fellow families, explore ways to get connected, and learn about the perks of a Family Membership. Plus- you'll have the chance to shop at the MN Alumni Market with an exclusive Family Weekend discount!
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm | *Medieval Calligraphy and Manuscript Workshop with Dr. Krista Sue-Lo Twu | 216 Pillsbury Drive, Room 135
*Pre-registration required
Write like a medieval scribe! The Center for Premodern Studies, in collaboration with the Book of the North project, invites you to a workshop with Dr. Krista Sue-Lo Twu, UMN Imagine Chair for Arts, Humanities, and Design. Participants will learn about the tools and techniques medieval scribes used to make manuscripts, learn a gothic blackletter script, and take home a personalized bookmark.
1:30 pm – 4:00 pm | The Friday Finish | Walter Library
Everybody’s working for the weekend!
Need to get caught up from the busy week? Need motivation to turn your Friday afternoon into a key part of your homework routine? Want the sunday scaries to be less scary? Come to Walter Library for a relaxed yet productive study time at the Friday Finish.
1:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Peer Tutoring & Academic Success Fair | Walter Library
Find out about the variety of FREE academic support services that are available to you—drop-in tutoring, academic coaching, research support and online videos and tutorials. Talk with tutors and representatives of these services from the East Bank, West Bank and St. Paul who are here to support your academic success. No registration required. Just drop by. Come solo or bring a friend.
1:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Walter Library Campus History Pop-Up Exhibit | Walter Library
Bring your family to Walter Library and explore a mini pop-up exhibit about the history and construction of the first “new” library on campus. Meet in the unique and historic Upton Room 102 on Friday 10/3 anytime from 1:30-4pm in room 102.
We will have architectural drawings, archival documents, old Gopher yearbooks and campus history! We will highlight materials from historic Gopher sports including images of the trophy for the big game – Minnesota vs. Michigan and the Little Brown Jug. All are welcome! Free! Show off your favorite study spot, the Toaster and the Wise Owl Coffee shop (open until 3pm).
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm | *Flintknapping Stone Tools: The Oldest Artform | Northrop Plaza (Outside)
*Pre-registration required
Join members of the Anthropology Department and students in Professor Gilbert Tostevin’s course, ANTH3008 Introduction to Flintknapping, for two hours to learn flintknapping, the creation of stone tools. The necessary stone and flintknapping tools, as well as safety equipment (goggles, gloves, and leather pads), are provided. Just show up in close-toed shoes, long pants, and a desire to try to outperform your Homo habilis ancestors!
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm (tours every 30 minutes) | *Dairy Production Facility Tours | St. Paul, Food Science & Nutirition Building
*Pre-registration required
Curious to learn more about the Dairy Production Facility on St. Paul campus? Register for a tour of the Dairy Production facility, on St. Paul Campus, in the Food Science & Nutrition Building to enjoy this unique behind-the-scenes opportunity!
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm | *Medieval Calligraphy and Manuscript Workshop with Dr. Krista Sue-Lo Twu | 216 Pillsbury Drive, Room 135
*Pre-registration required
Write like a medieval scribe! The Center for Premodern Studies, in collaboration with the Book of the North project, invites you to a workshop with Dr. Krista Sue-Lo Twu, UMN Imagine Chair for Arts, Humanities, and Design. Participants will learn about the tools and techniques medieval scribes used to make manuscripts, learn a gothic blackletter script, and take home a personalized bookmark.
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm | Gender & Sexuality Center Happy Hour & Panel | Appleby Hall, room 27
Join the Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life for a dialogue with parents of queer children as they share their own journeys of parenting.
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | *Gopher Get-Together, Coffman Memorial Union, Campus Club
Celebrate the start of Family Weekend with tasty appetizers, desserts, games, connecting with other families, and live music from Suzy Plays Guitar at the Campus Club on the 4th floor of Coffman Union! Enjoy incredible panoramic views of downtown Minneapolis and the Mississippi River from the outdoor terrace while connecting with other UMN families. A card-only bar will also be available for drink purchases.
Cost: $15 per person (Optional add-on experience)
More events and details are being added regularly; check back prior to your arrival!
CBS (College of Biological Sciences)
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Molecular Cellular Biology Building Lobby
Connect with current students and members of the CBS Student Services team over cider and donuts at the CBS Open House. Additionally, learn about undergraduate research in CBS by touring an instructional lab and hearing from current students about their undergraduate research projects!
CDES (College of Design)
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm | 109 Rapson Hall
Join the College of Design for an open house with our staff and students there to welcome you including both our Assistant Dean and Dean of Students. A light snack will also be provided.
CEHD (College of Education and Human Development)
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm | 360 Education Sciences Bldg (56 East River Rd)
CEHD welcomes you to campus and hopes you will come by to meet some of the college staff and student ambassadors who are working to support your students in our college. Come see our Student Services office - and see our amazing riverview! Light refreshments will be served.
CFANS (College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences)
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Coffey Hall Rooms 120 & 125
Join the College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) for an Open House during Family Weekend! We will have a resource fair for families to browse while they enjoy charcuterie trays provided by CFANS Meat & Dairy Salesroom, options for tours of our amazing research facilities, and plenty of other CFANS related fun. We look forward to seeing you there!
CLA (College of Liberal Arts)
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm | 411 Bruininks Hall
Drop in to win some CLA prizes as you get a behind-the-scenes look at how CLA faculty and staff are working toward your student's success! At CLA's booths you can "Ask an Academic Advisor" or "Consult a Career Coach," plus "Share a Student's Success" on the pride board or on video.
CSE (College of Science and Engineering)
2:30 pm – 5:30 pm | Anderson Student Innovation Labs Tour & Reception, Lind Hall Courtyard
Join us for a tour of Anderson Student Innovation Labs and a reception in the Lind Hall Courtyard. This will be a great chance to learn more about the Anderson lab space, hear from some of our student organizations, and connect with the CSE community. Snacks and activities will be available, so younger family members are more than welcome to join!
Minnesota Carlson (Carlson School of Management)
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm | Nelson L-110 (Honeywell Auditorium)
2:00 pm – 2:10 pm: Brief Welcome from Assistant Dean, Nick Wallace and Introduction of Dr. Rand Park
2:10 pm – 2:30 pm: Mock Lecture from Senior Lecturer, Dr. Rand Park
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Tours of Hanson & Nelson Hall Led by Ambassadors
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Open house with light refreshments and mingling with staff
SoN (School of Nursing)
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Health Sciences Education Center (HSEC) 3-110
Join the Office of Student and Career Advancement Services (OSCAS) for a relaxed, fun-filled gathering designed to connect you with the UMN BSN community! Grab a slice of pizza or several as you build meaningful connections with BSN Peer Mentors and Ambassadors. Spend some time with us to get to know the BSN community and kick off the year!
Saturday
Scheduled Events
8:00 am – 11:00 am | Off Campus Safety Center Open House, Dinkytown
9:00 am – 10:00 am | *Spin Class, RecWell Cycling Studio
*Pre-registration required
9:00 am – 10:00 am | *Yoga, RecWell Multipurpose 1/2
*Pre-registration required
9:00 am – 11:00 am | Pickleball Open Play, RecWell North Gym
9:00am - 11:00am | Ski-U-Mania Tailgate, McNamara Alumni Center Plaza
Exclusive Gopher Family football field can koozies that snap onto your beverage like a snap bracelet to the first 500 who stop by with their wristband!
10:30 am & 11:30 am | *M Food Co. Family Teaching Kitchens, Pioneer Hall Dining Center
*Pre-registration required
10:30 am – 2:00 pm | M Food Co. Tailgate Brunch, All Dining Halls
Students can use a guest swipe or guests can pay at the door for $15.40 all-you-care-to-eat
11:00 am Kickoff | Home Football Game vs. University of Michigan, Huntington Bank Stadium
Special rate family tickets sold separately in partnership with Athletics
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Bowling at Goldy's Gameroom | Coffman Memorial Union
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Gopher Games, Coffman Memorial Union, The Whole
- Get ready for a Saturday of Gopher fun! Join us in the Whole Music Club, located on the basement floor of Coffman Memorial Union. Come enjoy:
- Tasty Treats: A selection of gourmet popcorn flavors from the local alumni owned business Remix Popcorn & Delights.
- Fun for the Whole Family: Carnival games, Gopher spirit activities, and interactive game show fun for all ages, with chances to win exciting prizes.
- Complimentary Drinks: An array of Coca-Cola beverages will be available for all to enjoy!
- Don’t miss the chance to compete, connect, and show off your Maroon & Gold spirit!
- Get ready for a Saturday of Gopher fun! Join us in the Whole Music Club, located on the basement floor of Coffman Memorial Union. Come enjoy:
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Boots & Boogie | Coffman Memorial Union, Great Hall
Kick up your heels and learn to line dance with a live instructor on stage! No experience necessary, just bring your boots and your best moves. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm | Bingo, CMU Theatre
More events and details are being added regularly—check back prior to your arrival!
Sunday
10:00 am – 11:00 am | Morning with the First Gen Center, Beacon Room
10:30 am – 2:00 pm | M Food Co. Brunch, All Dining Halls
Students can use a guest swipe or guests can pay at the door for $15.40 all-you-care-to-eat
11:00 am – 12:30 pm | Game On Gophers, Esports Lounge, RecWell
11:00 am – 1:00 pm | PAWS (Pets Away Worry & Stress), Multipurpose 1/2, RecWell
More events and details are being added regularly—check back prior to your arrival!
Weekend Discounts
A variety of discounts and promotions are available across campus with your registration, and by showing your wristband.
- Athletics
- Special rate family tickets to home football game vs University of Michigan
- Bell Museum & Planetarium
- Half price admission
- Bookstore
- Coinciding with a new product launch in store
- Stop in to participate in a unique prize giveaway they'll be offering!
- Minnesota Alumni Market
- 15% discount on products, all from alumni owned businesses
- Parking & Transportation Services
- Friday: $1 per hour voucher
- University Recreation & Wellness Center
- Free access to use the facility all weekend long
Family Weekend FAQs
What You Can Expect
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.
Athletic Events
Special Rate Family Tickets Now Available!
Take advantage of discounted ticket offers for select Gopher Athletics events during Family Weekend! Discounted tickets are available for the following matchups:
Volleyball vs. Northwestern (Thurs, 10/1) – Purchase Volleyball Tickets
Soccer vs. Maryland (Fri, 10/2) – Purchase Soccer Tickets
Football vs. Michigan (Sat, 10/3) – Purchase Football Tickets
For game specific information (stripe out maps, gameday timeline, FAQ's, etc.) please visit: https://gophersports.com/sports/2026/7/1/minnesota-vs-michigan
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].
Travel Plans and Hotel Reservations
We have arranged for blocks of hotel rooms for attendees at both the Courtyard Marriott and Graduate Hotel. Information about the hotel blocks were sent to users in Gopher Family Connection on July 30, 2026. Within 24 hours, the hotel blocks filled.
Please know that vacancies do open up closer to Family Weekend as plans change for families and cancel their hotel reservations. Thank you for your patience!
Everyone is Welcome
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.
Check-in With Your Student
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.
Parking
Vouchers, provided by Parking & Transportation services, for $1/hour parking in ramps for Friday, October 2, 2026 will be emailed to the "family contact email address" provided when your family registered. This email will be sent at 6:00am on Friday morning, along with the events for the entire day. We will also have printed copies of this voucher available upon request during check-in at Northrop from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.
There are several options available when it comes to parking on campus:
Here is a link to Parking & Transportation's website with information about public parking.
Your student may also have recommendations, but here are some of the ramps and garages we encourage you to consider as you plan your visit:
- Friday:
- University Avenue Ramp
- East River Road Garage
- Washington Avenue ramp
- 4th Street Ramp
- 21st Avenue Ramp
- Saturday:
- University Avenue ramp
- Closest but will have higher rates due to Football game
- Oak Street Ramp
- Close to stadium but will have higher rates due to Football game
- 21st Avenue Ramp
- On West Bank, then take campus connector, light rail or metro transit to East bank
- Otherwise parking near where your student lives and walking, or taking the campus connector to McNamara for the tailgate
- More information about game day parking can be found on Parking's website
- University Avenue ramp
- Sunday:
- Washington Avenue parking ramp
- Closest to Rec Center
- Washington Avenue parking ramp