2026 Family Weekend Schedule

Friday, September 25, 2026

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Registration and Check-In, McKinnon Hall, Moseley Student Center
Check in and grab your student’s schedule for Saturday morning’s Academic Connections, tickets for pre-registered events, Family Weekend t-shirts, LEGO “E”, pocket guides, and other useful information. Don’t forget to grab a “proud” Ƶ sticker!

12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Driving Range Open Hours, Harden Clubhouse, South Campus
Enjoy the use of our driving range throughout the day. Range balls in small, medium, and large buckets can be purchased from the golf ball dispenser located on the front porch of Harden Clubhouse.

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Ƶ Experiences+ Office Hours
Learn more about the Ƶ Experiences and other offices and hear about the exciting opportunities available to your students. Participating offices include:
Student Professional Development Center (First Floor of Moseley Center)
Kernodle Center for Civic Life (Moseley Center 232)
Undergraduate Research (Powell 108H)
Center for Leadership (Moseley Center 230)
Office of Student Involvement (Moseley Center 205)
Center for Race, Ethnicity, & Diversity Education (CREDE) (Moseley Center 221)
Student Government (Moseley Center 213)
Gender & LGBTQIA Center (Moseley Center 209)

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Study Away Fair, Great Hall, Sato Commons
Discover the world of possibilities for your student! Families and students can learn about global opportunities, connect with program representatives, and start planning their adventure abroad.

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Muslim Life at Ƶ Lunch, Numen Lumen Pavilion 201
Students and families are invited to join Muslim Life at Ƶ for a catered lunch. Connect with other Muslim families, Imam Shane Atkinson, Muslim faculty and staff, and student leaders from Ƶ Muslim Society.

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Hidden Gems Walking Tour (Pre-Registration Required)
Join a student tour guide to see hidden gems around Ƶ’s campus! These spots are not on your typical campus tour. Distance is approximately 1.5 miles, so wear comfortable shoes. The tour will end at Alumni Gym, right where you need to be for Convocation! Meet at the Inman Ƶ Building.

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Family Entrepreneurship Forum, Sankey Hall 308 (Pre-Registration Required)
Join internationally acclaimed family enterprise advisor Joe Astrachan and some of the world’s leading family business and entrepreneurship scholars for an interactive forum on creating opportunity, navigating change, and building lasting success across generations. Featuring a keynote address and two rounds of participant-selected roundtable discussions, this program offers practical insights into entrepreneurship, succession, governance, family offices, and next-generation leadership for business-owning, entrepreneurial, and enterprising families. for additional information.

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Family Weekend Jummah Prayer Service, Numen Lumen Pavilion 210
Jummah Prayers for students and families hosted by Muslim Life at Ƶ.

1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Ƶ Campus Bike Tour (Pre-Registration Required)
Join the Ƶ Outdoors staff for a bike ride tour of our beautiful campus. Space is extremely limited so advance registration is required. Bikes and helmets are provided. Meet at the ELOA Office (Room 106) in the Koury Athletic Center.

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fall Convocation with David Brooks, Alumni Gym (Pre-Registration Required)
A bestselling author and longtime New York Times columnist, David Brooksis a leading observer of American culture, politics and civic life. He serves as a staff writer at The Atlantic, a commentator on “PBS NewsHour” and a senior fellow at Yale University’s Jackson School of Global Affairs. Over decades in journalism, his columns have become some of the most widely read in the nation, offering insight into political dynamics, social trends and the challenges facing modern democracy.

Tickets are $15 per person and are general admission. Beginning on Aug. 25, students may use their Phoenix Card to request one complimentary ticket for themselves from the Center for the Arts Box Office or through the Ƶ Tickets website.

5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Loy Farm & EcoVillage Open House
Loy Farm features a solar farm and the Ƶ Environmental Center, which includes the responsible design studio, forest classroom, and agricultural farm. Stop by to learn about the sustainability initiatives taking place at Loy Farm and try some hot peppers grown right on site! While entry into the EcoVillage houses is not permitted, guests are welcome to walk around the neighborhood. A student will also be available to answer questions about EcoVillage Living Learning Community, and there is signage near each house that highlights key sustainability features. Located at 2635 W. Front St. in Burlington, the farm is a short walk, bike ride or drive from main campus along the greenway path.

5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Downtown Burlington Bike Tour (Pre-Registration Required)
Join the Ƶ Outdoors staff for a bike ride down the Greenway to downtown Burlington. The total mileage for the ride is approximately 9 miles. Space is extremely limited so advance registration is required. Bikes and helmets are provided. Meet at the ELOA Office (Room 106) in the Koury Athletic Center.

5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Phoenix 4th Friday, Downtown Burlington
Gather with the local community as we celebrate Ƶ’s long-standing partnership with Alamance County. Local food trucks, games, and activities will be available, and come enjoy the live entertainment.

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Dancing in the Landscape, Global Neighborhood & Sato Commons
Sponsored by the Department of Performing Arts, Dancing in the Landscape is a site-specific dance performance featuring original and experimental choreography by faculty, guest artists and students. Please join us for this production that explores and highlights beautiful places on Ƶ’s campus.

5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Ƶ Wind Ensemble Concert, “The Natural World,” McCrary Theater
Through powerful and evocative works, “The Natural World” explores the beauty of wild places, wild things, and the urgent need to protect them. Featuring compositions by Rossana Galante, Viet Cuong, Stephen Lias, and Gala Flagello, this concert highlights the resilience and fragility of nature through music. This inspiring performance encourages reflection on our planet’s future.

5:30 p.m.
Family Weekend Shabbat/B’nai Mitzvah of the Sklut Hillel Center (Pre-Registration Required)
Join us as we welcome Shabbat and celebrate the 13th anniversary of the Sklut Hillel Center together. We’ll gather under the Pavilion in the backyard of the Sklut Hillel Center for remarks, Shabbat blessings, light refreshments, and the chance to schmooze and mingle. This celebration is open to all – bring your friends and family.

7:30 p.m.
The Music Department Faculty Concert, Whitley Auditorium
Faculty artists invite Ƶ families and friends to a mixed program for voice, piano, percussion, wind, brass, and strings. This program has become a much-anticipated Family Weekend event since it began in 1999.

8:00 p.m.
SUBCinema, Turner Theatre, Schar Hall
Come and enjoy a screening of Finding Nemo in Turner Theatre! Popcorn, candy, and soda is available for family and friends.

8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Dessert Night, Residential Neighborhoods
Come and enjoy a dessert night at your student’s Residential Neighborhood. Whether your student lives in Historic, Global, Colonnades, or East, join Residence Life during this fun evening event! Grab some ice cream from your neighborhood commons (LaRose Commons in Historic, Sato Commons in Global, Staley Lobby in Colonnades, or East Commons Forum in East) and then enjoy your time in the neighborhood!

8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Family Game Night, Moseley Student Center
Join us for some fun with Family Game Night! There will be chances to win at games like Bingo, as well as casino games like Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Poker and more! Leave your money at home – you’ll be given chips to play with at the door and have a chance to win great prizes!

Saturday, September 26, 2026

7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Pickleball Open Hours, South Gym
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just want to try out the sport that everyone’s talking about, come play pickleball indoors, no matter the weather! Equipment is provided or you can bring your own paddle.

8:00 a.m. –2:00 p.m.
Check-in and Registration, McKinnon Hall, Moseley Student Center
Join us to check-in if you couldn’t make it on Friday. Pick up your t-shirt, LEGO “E”, campus maps, and pocket guides!

8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Coffee with the President
Join Dr. Connie L. Book, university president, and other Ƶ families for coffee and a continental breakfast to kick start your Saturday.

9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Driving Range Open Hours, Harden Clubhouse, South Campus
Enjoy the use of our driving range throughout the day. Range balls in small, medium, and large buckets can be purchased from the golf ball dispenser located on the front porch of Harden Clubhouse.

9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
University Update, Alumni Gym
Dr. Connie L. Book, university president, will welcome families and provide a university update.

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Academic Connections
Enjoy informal conversations with your student’s professors and learn more about classes at Ƶ. Professors will be available to discuss learning goals and objectives, major assignments, and general information about courses. Meeting locations are printed on your student’s guide that is available at check-in.

10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
History of Ƶ Panel, Great Hall, Sato Commons
This fireside chat will feature special guests who will recount Ƶ’s journey through the years, and the stories that have shaped our institution and defined our traditions. Though this session is designed for Grandparents, any Ƶ family member may attend to hear from these incredible storytellers! At the conclusion, golf cart transportation to the Ƶ Campus Story Tour will be provided.

10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Oak Originals, Beside Lake Mary Nell
Come shop from some of Ƶ’s best student entrepreneurs. Oak Originals is an initiative that focuses on creative ventures with a community of students who have products and services to sell. It offers the opportunity for students to bring their ideas to market through pop-up stores like this one.

11:00 a.m. – 11:45a.m.
For Grandparents: ƵCampus Story Tour, Ƶ Express bus stop at Inman Ƶ Welcome Center (Pre-Registration Required)
Join us for a special campus bus tour just for grandparents. Get an insider’s view of the university and enjoy the beauty of the campus, which is a designated botanical garden and a member of the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta. Buses will depart from and return tothe Ƶ Express bus stop at Inman Ƶ Welcome Center and will make an additional stop at Schar Center for those who wish to join the Phoenix Fan Fest.

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Phoenix Fan Fest Tailgate, Schar Center Concourse (Pre-Registration Required)
Get ready for game day against Maine at our Fan Fest Tailgate! Enjoy a delicious buffet of food, lawn games, musical entertainment, caricature artists, photo booths, exciting giveaways, and much more! Fan Fest is the perfect place to celebrate, show your school spirit, and build excitement before kickoff. Come and join the fun!

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Acorn Talks
Recipients of major teaching awards and other distinguished faculty and staff will teach these mini-classes. A full list of session topics, descriptions and locations will be available on the Family Weekend website in September.

12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Legacy Family Meet & Greet, Gill Room, Schar Center
Do you have a current Ƶ student and an Ƶ alum in your family? We have a new event just for you! Get excited to meet other legacy families and students, relive memories through the yearbooks, get some special treats, and enjoy your Fan Fest Tailgate buffet lunch in a special location before the football game.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Dancing in the Landscape, Global Neighborhood & Sato Commons
Rain Location (if necessary): Koury Business Center, Room 101
Sponsored by the Department of Performing Arts, Dancing in the Landscape is a site-specific dance performance featuring original and experimental choreography by faculty, guest artists and students. Please join us for this production that explores and highlights beautiful places on Ƶ’s campus.

2:00 p.m.
Football Game, Rhodes Stadium(Pre-Registration Required)
Cheer on the Phoenix as they take on a fellow CAA member, the University of Maine Bears.

NOTE: Tickets for the football game are final sale; no returns or exchanges. Beginning on Aug. 25, students may use their Phoenix Card for a complimentary ticket in the student section or General Admission areas.

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Odyssey Scholar Program and First-Generation Family Reception, LaRose Student Commons
Families of our Odyssey Scholar Program and First-Generation students are invited to attend a reception to meet one another, connect with local alumni, and spend time with their student! Light snacks and drinks will be available.

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Instant Laughter Improv Comedy Show #1, Yeager Recital Hall, Center for the Arts (Pre-Registration Required)
Ƶ’s comic improv troupe, Instant Laughter, takes the stage performing scenes and sketches based on audience suggestions.

6:30 p.m.– 7:45 p.m.
ROCKapella Show #1, Alumni Gym (Pre-Registration Required)
You and your family will be in for a treat as Ƶ’s acapella groups “rock the house!”

7:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m.
Instant Laughter Improv Comedy Show #2, Yeager Recital Hall, Center for the Arts (Pre-Registration Required)
Ƶ’s comic improv troupe, Instant Laughter, takes the stage performing scenes and sketches based on audience suggestions.

8:00 p.m.
SUBCinema, Turner Theatre, Schar Hall
Come and enjoy a screening of Finding Nemoin Turner Theatre! Popcorn, candy, and soda is available for family and friends.

8:30 p.m.– 9:45 p.m.
ROCKapella Show #2, Alumni Gym (Pre-Registration Required)
You and your family will be in for a treat as Ƶ’s acapella groups “rock the house!”

8:30 p.m.– 9:30 p.m.
Instant Laughter Improv Comedy Show #3, Yeager Recital Hall, Center for the Arts (Pre-Registration Required)
Ƶ’s comic improv troupe, Instant Laughter, takes the stage performing scenes and sketches based on audience suggestions.

10:30 p.m.
SUBCinema, Turner Theatre, Schar Hall
Come and enjoy a screening of Finding Nemoin Turner Theatre! Popcorn, candy, and soda is available for family and friends.

Sunday, September 27, 2026

We encourage you to use this day to spend time with your student! Enjoy a leisurely brunch in a dining hall, have your student take you on a campus tour of their favorite spots, use our campus recreation facilities, or simply catch up in your student’s neighborhood!

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Family Hospitality Suite, Martin Alumni Center
Need to pick up your T-Shirt? Want more information about campus, programs, and events? Need a place to relax with a cup of coffee? Come visit the Office of Parent Engagement staff at our Hospitality Suite for anything you may need before you depart campus.

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Pickleball Open Hours, South Gym
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just want to try out the sport that everyone’s talking about, come play pickleball indoors, no matter the weather! Equipment is provided or you can bring your own paddle.

10:00 a.m.
Family Weekend Protestant Worship and Brunch, Numen Lumen Pavilion
Protestant worship for students and families, followed by a light brunch.

10:00 a.m.
Catholic Mass, Alumni Gym
Ƶ Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM) invites students and families to Mass.

11:00 a.m.
Catholic Campus Ministry Brunch, Koury West Lawn outside of Alumni Gym (Pre-Registration Required)
All students and families are invited to join Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM) for a catered brunch. Connect with other Catholic families along with Father Peter Tremblay, CCM staff, and student leaders.

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Jewish Life/Hillel Bagel Brunch, McKinnon Hall (Pre-Registration Required)
Join us for bagels, shmear, remarks, and time to schmooze with fellow families. Be a part of this annual tradition and enjoy a fun, delicious way to close out Family Weekend.

1:00 p.m.
Women’s Soccer Game, Rudd Field
Be loud and help the Phoenix knock off the Hofstra Pride!