Friday, October 20, 2023 - Sunday, October 22, 2023
Register Now!
Registration open now through Friday, September 29, 2023, 5 p.m. CT! Keep scrolling for more information on a Family Weekend hotel block, cost and cancellation policy, and a look at last year’s schedule of events. More information and a 2023 schedule of events will be released later this summer.
This annual event welcomes the whole family to experience life as a Badger and features a variety of events both on and of-campus. Signature events in past years have included:
- Behind-the-scenes access to campus landmarks, such as a chance to step on Camp Randall Stadium field
- A special Chancellor’s reception with university leadership
- Badger Family Fest with the Wisconsin Union featuring food, fun, and family activities
- Family photo-ops with Bucky Badger
- Opportunities to sit in on UW classes
- Access to discounted Badger athletics events and Wisconsin Singers tickets
Programming will occur all weekend, with most signature events happening on Saturday. Please note that a home football game is not a part of Family Weekend due to limited ticket and hotel availability. If you are still interested in attending a Badger football game, you can search for remaining, single home game tickets here.
If you are in need of a Family Weekend registration fee waiver, please contact the Parent and Family Program at parent@uwmad.wisc.edu before registering for instructions.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
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When is Family Weekend 2023?
This annual, signature event will take place Friday, October 20, 2023 – Sunday, October 22, 2023. Programming will occur all weekend, with most signature events happening on Saturday.
What does Family Weekend cost?
Family Weekend is $25 per person up to four (4) people, and $10 for each additional person after four. Current UW-Madison students and guests age 12 and under are free.
This cost includes most events, activities and receptions throughout the weekend. You can also choose to purchase tickets to additional, a la carte events such as the Wisconsin Singers Show and discounted Badger athletics events. Registration for discounted Badger athletics tickets will open closer to Family Weekend, and registered participants will receive an email reminder beforehand.
If you are in need of a Family Weekend registration fee waiver, please contact the Parent and Family Program at parent@uwmad.wisc.edu before registering for instructions.
Is a football game part of Family Weekend?
No — we intentionally do not schedule Family Weekend during a home football game due to decreased hotel and parking options as well as programming limitations. We do partner with Wisconsin Athletics to offer tickets to select football games before general single-game tickets go on sale to the general public. Please note: these football games are on separate days and are separate events from Family Weekend. There is no additional programming on these days. More information on these football game day offerings for parents and families can be found here.
If you are still interested in attending a Badger football game, you can search for remaining, single home game tickets here.
Is financial assistance available for Family Weekend?
Yes! If you are in need of a Family Weekend registration fee waiver, please contact the Parent and Family Program at parent@uwmad.wisc.edu before registering for instructions.
Do we need to be registered for Family Weekend to attend events?
Yes, all events are reserved for Family Weekend participants. Registration opens on Tuesday, July 25 at 10 a.m. CT, and will remain open through Friday, September 29, 2023 at 5 p.m. CT on the Family Weekend homepage.
What are my hotel options for Family Weekend?
Hotels during Family Weekend may book up quickly. You can find rooms at a number of hotels in Madison and the surrounding areas through the Family Weekend hotel block here. If you have any questions regarding the UW Fall Family Weekend official hotel block, please email your questions to services@visitmadison.com. Office hours are Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT.
Please note that not all downtown and surrounding-area hotels choose to participate in the Family Weekend block, however. Because of this, some families choose to book their own accommodations beforehand or separate from our hotel block.
Will I miss anything if I can't book a hotel right on campus?
The Family Weekend hotel block includes many hotels at a variety of walking, commuting and driving distances from campus. While it may be easy to think that staying at a hotel further from campus means missing out on the full Family Weekend experience, we have found that is not the case! Hotels in the block that are further from campus tend to result in more affordable rates with the same or even expanded amenities than hotels closer to campus or downtown. Many families that stay at hotels “closer” to campus or downtown can still have anywhere from a 30-75 -minute walk/commute to some on-campus events, depending on which hotel they are at. A number of these families also choose to drive and park to Family Weekend events if the walking/commuting those distances is more than they are used to or comfortable with. In order to help with parking, some on-campus parking lots and ramps will be free during the Saturday and Sunday of Family Weekend, so families can have a shorter distance to commute between events no matter where they are staying. As we get closer to the event, we will send more information on parking and transportation options to and around campus.
What is the cancellation policy for Family Weekend?
Changes may be made to your Family Weekend registration until Friday, September 29 at 5:00 p.m. CT.
Changes or cancellations of Family Weekend registrations must be submitted on or before Friday, September 29, 2023 at 5 p.m. CT in order to receive a refund for paid Family Weekend registrants, minus a cancellation fee of $1 per paid registrants to cover credit card costs. Please note that tickets to discounted Badger athletics games, the Wisconsin Singers shows, or any additionally ticketed events during that weekend are NONREFUNDABLE, no matter what date you cancel your Family Weekend registration
We are not able to guarantee refunds for Family Weekend registration changes or cancellations that are submitted after 5 p.m. CT on Friday, September 29, 2023.
To make changes, click the registration link in your confirmation email or contact Wisconsin Union Conference Management at either conferences@union.wisc.edu or 608-890-1077.
Who do I contact if I have a question?
Please contact the Parent and Family Program at 1-877-262-3977 or parent@uwmad.wisc.edu for any questions regarding Family Weekend!
A Trip Down Memory Lane – 2022 Family Weekend
Check out last year’s 2022 schedule below to get an idea of what types of events and programming you might find during Family Weekend. Please note that the schedule for 2023 is subject to change and may not include events below.
$ – Events with a $ required additional purchased tickets.
* – Events with an * are free with your Family Weekend registration, but we do ask that you RSVP due to space capacities and catering orders.
- ALL WEEKEND – FREE GUEST PASSES TO THE NICHOLAS RECREATION CENTER
Enjoy up to 3 free guest passes* each day of Family Weekend to the Nicholas Recreation Center (The Nick). Additional guests (beyond 3) can purchase a $10/person single entry pass. - 8 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. – EXPERIENCE WISCONSIN OPEN HOUSE & TOURS – Various locations around campus
If you have a prospective #FutureBadger in the family, this is the event for you! Sign up to join campus partners for the Experience Wisconsin Open House – a build-your-own-day visit program. - 8:50 A.M. – 3:15 P.M. – OPEN CLASSES – Classrooms across campus
Sit in on popular UW classes across campus and get a small taste of the world-class faculty and academics that your Badgers are experiencing. - 9 A.M. —7 PM. – CHECK-IN
We’ll get you checked in with your welcome bag, Family Weekend wristbands, and special Family Weekend discount that you can use at the University Book Store to grab any Badger items you might need for the weekend! - 10 A.M. —7 P.M. – SIFTING & RECKONING: UW-MADISON’S HISTORY OF EXCLUSION AND RESISTANCE – Chazen Museum of Art
For generations, UW–Madison students and staff have been committed to the “fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found,” a commitment to understanding the world and using that knowledge to improve the lives of people in Wisconsin and beyond. But the university has never stood separate from the nation’s currents of exclusion, or from its struggles for equality. Now, the university community has an unprecedented opportunity to learn from its own histories of discrimination and resistance, to sift and reckon with our past. The UW–Madison Public History Project presents Sifting & Reckoning: UW–Madison’s History of Exclusion and Resistance to the public through a collaborative partnership with the Chazen Museum of Art. The exhibition includes interactive opportunities for visitors to reflect upon and discuss the complicated histories presented. - 1 —4 P.M. – FAMILY FRIDAY IN ALUMNI PARK & ONE ALUMNI PLACE
Join us for yard games in Alumni Park, and a family-friendly scavenger hunt as part of the UW-Madison’s Family Weekend. Visit One Alumni Place — the alumni welcome center adjacent to the park — between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to pick up your scavenger hunt and enjoy family friendly activities, browse our visitor center to learn more about UW alumni, discoveries, and innovations. - 4 —8 PM. – MADISON NIGHT MARKET x SCIENCE ON THE SQUARE – Various businesses along State Street
Back for its fifth year, the ever-popular Science on the Square event is again fusing with the Madison Night Market to create a unique way to explore hands-on science activities while also supporting local businesses and vendors. - 6:30 – 8:30 P.M. – MOVIES AT THE MARQUEE: Wall-E (2008)
UNION SOUTH, 1308 WEST DAYTON ST. – MARQUEE THEATER
Join WUD Film at Union South for a family film movie screening! Free for students and accompanying family members with student ID (Wiscard). WUD Film will also show movies on Saturday, October 15 (see schedule below). - 7 P.M. – BADGER MEN’S HOCKEY GAME – $
KOHL CENTER – 601 W DAYTON ST.
Cheer on the Badger Men’s Hockey as they take on St. Cloud State during their home game opener for the 2022-23 season! Family Weekend participants receive an exclusive ticket discount ($12 reserved seating plus fees) when they pre-purchase online beginning 9/8 at 9:00 a.m., until 5:00 p.m. the day of the game (or while supplies last). Please call the UW Athletic Ticket Office with questions at 608-262-1440. - 7:30 P.M. – WISCONSIN SINGERS PERFORMANCE – $
MUSIC HALL, 925 BASCOM HALL
Purchase Tickets Here ($11/person)
Nationally-renowned as the very first collegiate pop music ensemble that features song, dance, and live instrumentals, Wisconsin Singers has been touring the country since 1967 with brand new productions every year, created to engage audience members of any age. Featuring the top talents from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Wisconsin Singers entertains more than 50,000 annually with stellar vocals, stunning choreography, and spectacular big band sound from the past forty years. Tickets will be available to purchase online until noon on the day of show. Remaining tickets may also be available at the door. The box office outside will open at 7 p.m. the night of the show. - 7:30 P.M. AND 10:00 P.M. – GARY GULMAN STAND-UP COMEDY SHOW – $
COMEDY ON STATE, 202 STATE ST.
With over 25 years in comedy, it’s no wonder the New York Times wrote, “Gary Gulman is finally being recognized as one of the country’s strongest comedians.” He has made countless television appearances as both a comedian and an actor and is one of only a handful of comedians to perform on every single late-night comedy program. - 10:00 P.M. – 12:00 A.M. – TERRIFYING TRIVIA: HALLOWEEN TRIVIA NIGHT
DEJOPE RESIDENCE HALL, 640 ELM DR. – MENDOTA ROOM
A spooky twist on a Wisconsin Late Night classic; come by and test your knowledge of all things Halloween. Movies, monsters, music, and fun facts… we have it all! Fun for the whole family! As always, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will win a great Wisconsin Late Night prize all in the Lake Mendota room.
- 6:15 A.M. – 1:45 P.M. – FARMERS’ MARKET: SATURDAY ON THE SQUARE
Experience the country’s largest producer-only farmers’ market and iconic Saturday on the Square. Bring your Family Weekend farmers’ market tote bag that you receive upon check-in to store any cheese curds, flowers, vegetables, fresh fruit, or other goods that you can’t resist bringing home (or giving to your Badger)! - 9:30 – 10:45 A.M. – CHANCELLOR’S WELCOME RECEPTION * – seating is first-come, first-served
Join us for a formal welcome to Family Weekend and the first time that our new UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin will be speaking directly to you – the parents and family members of current Badgers. Come enjoy coffee and pastries, a student jazz band performance, giveaways, photo-ops with Bucky Badger and a welcome from university leadership. Doors open at 9 a.m. and remarks begin at 10 a.m. Capacity of 400, an overflow seating room will be available to view a livestream of the Chancellor’s remarks. We ask that only families who expressed interest on the RSVP form attend due to space limitations. - 11 A.M. – 1 P.M. – 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!*Brat, chips, beverage and cookie; GF and vegan options available; Available to the first 2,000 attendees. - 1 –3 P.M. – CAMP RANDALL PHOTOS ON THE FIELD
Make a dream come true: step foot on the home turf of the Wisconsin Badgers football team. Take photos on the 50-yard line, by the goal post, and other areas on the field with your family. Come dressed for the weather, and please no food, beverages, or footballs on the field. - 1 – 4 P.M. – WISCONSIN SPECIALTY CHEESE WALK
Explore downtown retail businesses and shops in a new and authentic way — with Wisconsin cheese. In partnership with the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Fromagination, enjoy Wisconsin cheese samples and meet-and-greet opportunities with Wisconsin cheesemakers at participating downtown businesses. Participating businesses will also offer sales, specials, and featured items offered exclusively to Family Weekend participants. Please show your wristbands that you receive at check-in at participating locations. - 1-3 P.M. – UW-MADISON ARBORETUM FALL COLOR TOUR
1207 SEMINOLE HIGHWAY
Join David Stevens, garden curator, for a stroll through Longenecker Horticultural Gardens highlighting sensational seasonal colors and exploring the science behind this natural phenomenon. Tours take place except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center - 1 P.M., 2 P.M., AND 3 P.M. – WISCONSIN STATE CAPITOL TOURS
2 EAST MAIN STREET
Visit the Wisconsin State Capitol, an architectural marvel. These tours, which last 45 to 55 minutes, start at the information desk, located at the center of the rotunda as you walk in. - 3 P.M. – BADGER FOOTBALL VS. MICHIGAN STATE WATCH PARTY
Watch the Wisconsin football team take on the Michigan State Spartans alongside other Badger faithful at the Union South Sett (First Floor) or Memorial Union Rathskeller (First Floor). - 6 – 8:15 P.M. – MOVIES AT THE MARQUEE: Back to the Future (1985)
UNION SOUTH, 1308 WEST DAYTON ST. – MARQUEE THEATER
Join WUD Film at Union South for a family film movie screening! Free for students and accompanying family members with student ID (Wiscard). WUD Film will be playing Back to the Future from 6- 8:15 PM and Wall-E from 9- 11 PM. - 7 P.M. – GAME SHOW NETWORK PRESENTS FAMILY TRIVIA NIGHT
Live from L.A. – the Game Show Network is coming to Family Weekend! Team up with your family to test your knowledge and win prizes in this epic game night. - 7 P.M. – BADGER MEN’S HOCKEY GAME – $
KOHL CENTER – 601 W DAYTON STREET
Cheer on the Badger Men’s Hockey as they take on St. Cloud State during their home game opener for the 2022-23 season! Family Weekend participants receive an exclusive ticket discount ($12 reserved seating plus fees) when they pre-purchase online beginning 9/8 at 9:00 a.m., until 5:00 p.m. the day of the game (or while supplies last). Please call the UW Athletic Ticket Office with questions at 608-262-1440. - 7:30 P.M. and 10 P.M. – GARY GULMAN STAND-UP COMEDY SHOW – $
COMEDY ON STATE, 202 STATE ST.
With over 25 years in comedy, it’s no wonder the New York Times wrote, “Gary Gulman is finally being recognized as one of the country’s strongest comedians.” He has made countless television appearances as both a comedian and an actor and is one of only a handful of comedians to perform on every single late-night comedy program. - 9 – 11 P.M. – MOVIES AT THE MARQUEE: Wall-E (2008)
UNION SOUTH, 1308 WEST DAYTON ST. – MARQUEE THEATER
Join WUD Film at Union South for a family film movie screening! Free for students and accompanying family members with student ID (Wiscard). WUD Film will be playing Back to the Future from 6- 8:15 PM and Wall-E from 9- 11 PM. - 9:00 P.M. – 12:00 A.M. – FAMILY FEUD
GORDON DINING AND EVENTS HALL, 770 W DAYTON – 2ND FLOOR
What better way to spend Family weekend than playing Family Feud? Join Wisconsin Late Night for a night full of laughs and fun as you and your team/family try to win it all. As always, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will win a great Wisconsin Late Night prize all on the 2nd floor of Gordon Dining and Event Center.
- ALL MORNING – BRUNCH AROUND – $
Restaurants across the city of Madison
Ask your Badger for their favorite brunch recommendation around Madison, or discover a new favorite together! For local favorites and insider tips, check out Visit Madison’s Visitors Guide. - 10 A.M. – 12 P.M. – PAINTING AND PASTRIES *
Join us for coffee, pastries and art project supplies to inspire your own watercolor painting! Pick up your supplies and treats to enjoy on your own anywhere around the union or on your way out of town, OR get started on your works of art right away in the Festival Room next to Wheelhouse Studios. Capacity of 70 individuals. - 10 A.M. – 12 P.M. – SUNDAY STROLL*
Stop by the Outdoor UW office for cider and trail mix before enjoying a Sunday Stroll on the Lake Shore Nature Preserve‚ a historic walking path along the shore of Lake Mendota. An interpretive self-guided map will help families navigate and enjoy the natural landscape and history around them, as well as allow participants to take the morning on their own schedule. Event will go on rain or shine! Come dressed for the weather. - NOON — BADGER VOLLEYBALL VS. MICHIGAN
UW FIELD HOUSE, 1450 MONROE ST.
Purchase Tickets Here Cheer on the Badger Volleyball team as they take on Michigan! Family Weekend participants can purchase up to 6 tickets for $20 each. All fees will be waived. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Please call the UW Athletic Ticket Office with questions at 608-262-1440. - 1 P.M. – UW MADISON ARBORETUM NATURE WALK
Learn about Arboretum land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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