Welcome Badger Parent and Families

Badger Family Fest

Meet and mingle with other UW-Madison families at this spirited event on the iconic Memorial Union Terrace. Enjoy music, a free cookout lunch, photo-ops on the iconic Big Terrace chairs, yard games, activities from Wheelhouse Studios and more!

First-come, first-served, food available for the first 1,500 attendees. Lunch includes brats, chips, beverage and Babcock ice cream. Gluten free and vegan options are available!

1. Wheelhouse Studios

11 A.M. – 2 P.M.

Unleash your creativity with Wheelhouse Studio and craft your very own UW-Madison custom-made swag! Dive into the fun of designing personalized friendship bracelets and so much more. Whether you’re looking to make a colorful accessory for yourself or a heartfelt gift for a friend, we’ve got all the materials and inspiration you need.

2. Caricaturist and Tattoo Artist

11 A.M. – 2 P.M.

Swing by to choose your favorite design and get ready to shine with vibrant spray-on tattoos! If you’re instead in search of the perfect souvenir from Family Weekend, take a moment to sit for a quick sketch by a professional caricature artist. You’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind keepsake that will bring joy for years to come.

3. Photos with Bucky

11:30 A.M. – 12 P.M.

Don’t miss your chance to strike a pose with UW-Madison’s infamous mascot and capture a memory you’ll cherish forever. Whether you’re showing off your Badger pride or just want a fun photo op, Bucky’s ready to make it unforgettable.

4. Food

11 A.M.

Come hungry and grab lunch on us! First-come, first-served, with food available for the first 2,000 attendees. Enjoy a classic Wisconsin meal featuring a brat (with gluten-free and vegan options available), chips, a and refreshing beverage.

5. Ice Cream

11 A.M.

To top off your Badger Family Fest with some of the best ice cream around—Babcock Dairy Ice Cream! Indulge in a scoop of our renowned, creamy ice cream that’s been a UW-Madison favorite for generations. Do keep in mind that the Ice Cream is first-come, first-served for the first 2,000 guests. 

6. Self-Guided Alumni Tours

11 A.M. – 2 P.M.

Enjoy the exhibitions in alumni park: a park to call home and a place where alumni stories are created and shared. Alumni, students, parents, community members, and all Badgers are invited to enjoy this campus landmark.

7. Live Music

11 A.M. – 2 P.M.

Terrace Stage

Charanga Agozá, a musical ensemble based in Madison, Wisconsin, was formed in 2009. The group plays charanga, a dance oriented musical genre that originated in Cuba at the turn of the twentieth century and peaked in the 1950s. Charangas also became popular in New York City during the early days of the salsa movement in the 60s and 70s. Musical styles featured in Charanga Agozá’s repertoire include danzón, cha cha chá, mambo, Afro-Rican rhythms, and modern day salsa played charanga-style.

8. Game Watch

11 A.M.

Rathskeller, Memorial Union

Don’t miss out on cheering for our away Badgers as they shred the field at Northwestern! Enjoy a fun afternoon of football with your student, filled with memories, fun, and more.