Friday, October 18th, 2024 to Sunday, October 20th, 2024
We are excited to welcome you back for Family Weekend 2024! This annual event welcomes the whole family to experience life as a Badger and features a variety of exciting events both on and off-campus. Check out this year’s schedule to see what Family Weekend at UW-Madison is all about!
On this Page
Family Weekend 2024 Schedule
We can’t wait for everyone to join us this year for Family Weekend 2024! Explore some of the events we have lined up, and stay tuned for updates as we get closer to the date. Be sure to check your email for the latest updates and event for Family Weekend along with instruction on how to access the UW Guide app where you will find the full weekend itinerary!
$ – Event requires an additional fee or purchased ticket
* – Event does not require an additional fee, but does require an advance RSVP for capacity reasons or is first come, first served
- FREE GUEST PASSES TO BAKKE RECREATION AND WELLBEING CENTER AND NICHOLAS RECREATION CENTER
Hours vary by facility – view here
1976 Observatory Dr., Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center
797 W Dayton St., Nicholas (The Nick) Recreation Center
Recreation & Wellbeing is offering FREE general access to Rec Well facilities for all Family Weekend participants. All participants must show their wristband to receive free access. Programs, services, and fees may apply for non-access related offerings. Additional details/requirements below.
Ages 18+: A photo ID with birthdate is required upon each entry. All attendees must check in at the Welcome Desk upon each visit.
Ages 17 and under: Youth must be accompanied by their guardian at all times. Accompanying youth is defined as being in the same activity area and under constant supervision. Youth are unable to participate in non-youth specific programming/services (group fitness classes, intramural sports, personal training, etc.). Youths in facility must abide by all facility and space policies. - OUTDOOR UW RENTALS – $
Monday-Friday: 2 – 6:30 P.M.
Saturday-Sunday: 11 A.M. – 6:30 P.M.
800 Langdon St, Memorial Union – Lower Level, Outdoor UW Office
With year-round rental equipment including snowshoes, ice skates, camping, and hiking gear, Outdoor UW has everything you and your family need to embark on your next outdoor adventure. Learn more here. Want 50% off your rentals from Outdoor UW all weekend long? Use Code FamWeekend50! -
UNIVERSITY BOOK STORE FAMILY SALE
711 State Street
Stock up on Badger gear! Use code FLFALL24 to save 20% on one gift or clothing item (exclusions apply). Visit the University Book Store—open Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. –5:30 p.m., and 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. - BABCOCK DAIRY STORE – $
Hours vary – view here
1605 Linden Dr.
Grab breakfast, lunch, a snack or some legendary, university-made Babcock ice cream at the Babcock Dairy Store and Deli. The Babcock Dairy Plant and Dairy Store produce signature dairy products for the University of Wisconsin – Madison and the surrounding community. Through this, they help support the University of Wisconsin Food Science Department’s mission of research, teaching and outreach. - ARBORETUM
Hours vary – view here
1207 Seminole Highway
Bird watch, soak in changing seasons through blooming wildflowers and fall colors, or tune in to the subtleties of winter ecology. There is always something to discover at the Arboretum. Use the trail map to locate particular ecological communities and gardens. To protect the wildlife and ecological communities, please stay on trails and do not bring pets or picnics. - HENRY VILAS ZOO
Open 9:30 A.M. – 5 P.M. daily; Select exhibits open at certain times
702 S Randall Ave.
The Henry Vilas Zoo is home to over 650 animals from all over the world and features over 115 species, 20 of which are considered endangered and vulnerable. - CHAZEN MUSEUM OF ART
Hours vary – view here
800 University Ave.
Visit the Chazen Museum of Art, located in the heart of the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. The museum is home to the second-largest collection of art in Wisconsin. - ALLEN CENTENNIAL GARDEN
Open dawn to dusk
620 Babcock Dr.
The Allen Centennial Garden is a free public garden on the grounds of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The grounds feature the Agricultural Dean’s House, a brick Queen Anne-style home built in 1896, and the home of the first four deans of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. - MADISON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM – $
Hours vary – view here
110 N. Hamilton St.
The Madison Children’s Museum is a museum for children in Madison, Wisconsin, that contains exhibits on the arts, sciences, history, culture, health, and civic engagement. - MADISON MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART (MMoCA)
Open Thursday – Sunday, Noon – 6 P.M.
227 State St.
The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, formerly known as the Madison Art Center, is an independent, non-profit art museum located in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. MMoCA is dedicated to exhibiting, collecting, and preserving modern and contemporary art. - WISCONSIN SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Hours and location vary by event
The Wisconsin science festival is hosting a variety of fun science themed events on campus and the Madison area. For more information about featured events check out the Wisconsin Science Festival website. - SELF GUIDED FIRST NATIONS TOUR
6 A.M. – 6:30 P.M.
1001 Observatory Dr, Madison, WI 53706- South Hall on Bascom Hill
This is an all day and self guided event, the event hours are based on recommend walking times and current dusk to dawn hours. Mąįrakere is the primary tour in the Mapping Teejop series, featuring Bascom and Observatory Hill. As such, it is meant to expose, orient, and “ground” students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the Ho-Chunk and Native history and presence of the University of Wisconsin. As a land grant institution, the University of Wisconsin has a deep history and complex history with the Ho-Chunk Nation, a history that has often been deliberately erased, ignored, and overlooked. Begin outside South Hall, on Bascom Hill.
- 8:50 A.M. – 3:15 P.M. – OPEN CLASSES
See below for participating classrooms across campus
Sit in on popular UW classes across campus and get a small taste of the world-class academic experience that your Badgers are experiencing. If interested, please browse through out list of participating open classes here. Wristbands not required for this event. - 9 A.M., 10 A.M., 2 P.M., 3 P.M. – Babcock Dairy Tours
1605 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706- Babcock Dairy Store
Tour Babcock Dairy’s observation deck to learn about the making of campus’ famous ice cream and cheese! Tours are first-come, first-serve for up to 30 people, but the deck is open to the public during all store hours. Accessibility InformationThe accessible entrance to the Dairy Store is located in the basement of Babcock Hall. Please enter the doors to the left of our staircase entrance, go down the ramp and take a left. You’ll take another left before taking the elevator to the first floor. Head down the hallway, to your right and follow signs to the Dairy Store. If you have troubles accessing the Dairy Store on the day of the event, please call (608) 262-3045 for assistance. - 1 P.M. – 7 P.M. – CHECK-IN
800 Langdon St., Memorial Union – 2nd Floor, Main Lounge
We’ll get you checked in and set up for Family Weekend with the digital program and schedule of events, wristbands, maps, a welcome gift, and answer any remaining questions that you have. - 1 P.M. – 3 P.M. – CAREER SUCCESS FOR YOUR BADGER STUDENT
3rd Floor University Book Store – 711, State Street
Learn how your student can turn their degree from UW-Madison into a lifetime of career success. SuccessWorks is the career center for students in the College of Letters & Science, helping your student build their career skills, connect with alumni mentors, find internships, and launch successful careers after graduation. Come learn from SuccessWorks about all the ways your student can start their career development right now. Light snacks and refreshments provided. - 1 P.M. – 4 P.M – FAMILY FRIDAY IN ALUMNI PARK & ONE ALUMNI PLACE
724 Langdon St.
Join us for yard games in Alumni Park, and a family-friendly scavenger hunt. Visit One Alumni Place — the Wisconsin Alumni Association 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 the visitor center to learn more about UW alumni, discoveries, and innovations. - 2 P.M. – 5 P.M – OFF CAMPUS LIVING EXPLORATION
Locations Listed Below
Explore off campus living by taking tours of a variety of apartments around UW’s campus. Tours are available between 2-5pm. Stop in during these times to receive a tour and learn more about living off campus! Check this event out in Guidebook for a detailed description for each location.1. Grand Central – 1022 W Johnson St
*Head to the front entrance at either building when you arrive. There is limited metered street parking nearby, otherwise parking can be found in the Grainger Hall Garage.
2. X01 – 1001 University Ave
*Head to the front entrance at either building when you arrive. There is limited metered street parking nearby, otherwise parking can be found in the Grainger Hall Garage.
3. The James – 432 W Gorham St
* For parking, there is street parking near the community as well as the State Street Campus Garage on Frances Street and the State Street Parking Ramp on Lake Street.4. Lucky Apartments – 777 University Avenue
5. The Regent Apartments – 1402 Regent Street
- 2 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. (Tours will be given on the half hour) – GREEN FUND TOURS
Bus Shelter at the Corner of Dayton and East Campus Mall
Learn about student-initiated Green Fund projects that address the environmental footprint, social impact, and operating costs of UW facilities by walking around campus to see these projects in-person! Meeting at the bus shelter at the corner of Dayton and East Campus Mall, this 20 minute walking tour will touch-on solar bus shelters, bird-friendly glass, organic land management, sustainable dining efforts, energy efficiency measures and much more in just a few short blocks of campus. - 3 P.M. – 5 P.M. (Tours will be given on the half hour) – TOUR THE DESIGN INNOVATION LAB at WENDT
215 N Randall Ave, Wendt Commons – Main Floor
Come visit the Design Innovation Lab – a community of designers and builders at UW-Madison within the College of Engineering. These facilities include 25,000 ft of shop and flex space with a wide range of rapid prototyping equipment, made possible by a donation from the Grainger Foundation. Largely student run, the DI Lab strives to empower students by creating a community immersed in emerging technologies, focused on creating innovative products. Students can build anything here – from micro to macro and from virtual to the physical. Twenty-minute tours will occur on the half hour. Wristbands not required for this event. - 4 P.M.- CURATOR CONVERSATION: NORDIC UTOPIA? With Ethelene Whitmire
750 University Avenue – Chazen Museum of Art
Join the Chazen Museum of Art with Ethelene Whitmire, co-curator of the exhibition ‘Nordic Utopia’African Americans in the 20th Century. Space is limited, so secure your place today with this link and join us for an afternoon of discover and dialogue at Chazen Museum of Art. Some standing and walking is required for this program. Please let us know if you request any accommodations. - 5-8 P.M.- FREE ART FRIDAY with WHEELHOUSE STUDIOS
800 Langdon St, Memorial Union – Lower Level, Festival Room
Join Wheelhouse Studios for Free Art Friday and create your own pin-back button! We’ll be in the Festival Room of Memorial Union on Friday, October 18 with all the supplies and instruction you need. - 5-6:30 P.M.- RED and WHITE BADGER TRIVIA
750 University Avenue Madison, WI 53706 – Chazen Café
Join us for a fun-filled UW-Madison themed trivia night at the Chazen Café during Family Weekend on Friday, October 18th! Test your knowledge of local history and pop culture, campus landmarks, and Badger pride in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Prizes, refreshments, and friendly competition await—bring your family and friends to see who knows Madison best! Teams of 2-5 people are welcome, only one team member needs to register for all! Winning team members will receive prizes! Generous support for this event is provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program. Chazen Café purchase is required to participate. - 5:15 P.M.-6:30 P.M.- OPEN SKATE with RECWELL
1976 Observatory Drive, Madison WI 53706- Bakke Recreation and Wellbeing Center
Come visit us at the Sub-Zero Ice Center at the Bakke Recreation and Wellbeing Center. Open hockey, freestyle figure, and public skate are all offered. Make sure you protect your head! Bring your own helmet or rent one from us at the Rink Services desk. Skates will be provided for free. - 6 P.M.-8:30 P.M.- WUD PRESENTS: APOLLO 13 (1995)
1308 W Dayton St, Madison WI 53706- Marquee Cinema
Join us for a free viewing of Apollo 13 in Union South’s Marquee Cinema located on the second floor. All are welcome and seating is first-come first serve. - 6 P.M.-8 P.M.- WSUM TOURS
333 East Campus Mall, Suite 4100 Madison, WI 53715
Come tour WSUM the campus radio station on Friday October 18th and Saturday October 19th any time from 6pm-8pm. Tours will be happening at 333 East Campus Mall on the 4th floor. Please feel free to call the station in case you need any help getting let up or finding your way! 608-261-9786 - 7 P.M.-9 P.M.- SALSA LESSONS with BAM (Sold Out)
800 Langdon St, Memorial Union – Old Madison, 3rd Floor
Join BAM for a night of salsa dancing. The first 45 minutes will consist of salsa lessons and the remaining time will be open dance. This event has a maximum of 50 participants and RSVP is required. RSVPs will become available early October. - 7 P.M. – BADGER WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL VS. OREGON
1450 Monroe St, UW Field House
Cheer on the Badger Women’s Volleyball team as they take on Oregon University! For tickets and questions feel free to visit the UW Athletic Ticket Office or at 608-262-1440. - 7 P.M. – WISCONSIN MEN’S HOCKEY VS. OHIO STATE –
601 W. Dayton Street, The Kohl Center
Cheer on the Badger Men’s Hockey team as they take on Ohio State! Family Weekend participants receive an exclusive ticket discount when they purchase online, until 5:00 p.m. the day of the game or while supplies last ($19 general admission). To purchase tickets, click here . There’s an eight (8) ticket limit for this event. Please call the UW Athletic Ticket Office with questions at 608-262-1440. - 9 P.M.- 11 P.M.- WUD PRESENTS: PROMARE (2019)
1308 W Dayton St, Madison WI 53706- Marquee Cinema
Join us for a free viewing of Promare in Union South’s Marquee Cinema located on the second floor. All are welcome and seating is first-come first serve. - 9 P.M.- 12 A.M. – PUMPKIN PAINTING
640 Elm Drive, Dejope Residence Hall: Lake Mendota Room
It’s time to pumpkin-spice up your weekend! Join us and pick out a cute little pumpkin to paint and take home with you.
- 6:15 A.M. – 1 P.M. – FARMERS’ MARKET: SATURDAY ON THE SQUARE
Capitol Square, Downtown Madison
Experience the country’s largest producer-only farmers’ market and iconic Saturday on the Square. Bring a tote bag to store any cheese curds, flowers, vegetables, fresh fruit, or other goods that you can’t resist bringing home (or giving to your Badger)! - 9:00 A.M. – 2 P.M. – CHECK-IN
800 Langdon St, Memorial Union – 2nd Floor, Main Lounge
We’ll get you checked in for Family Weekend with the digital program and schedule of events, wristbands, maps, a welcome gift, and answer any questions that you have. - 9 A.M., 10 A.M., 11 A.M., 1 P.M., 2 P.M., and 3 P.M. – WISCONSIN STATE CAPITOL TOURS
2 E Main St- Information Desk on the First Floor
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. - 9:30 A.M. – 10:45 A.M. – CHANCELLOR’S WELCOME RECEPTION – *
In-person event: 800 Langdon St, Memorial Union – 4th Floor, Great Hall
Streaming/overflow seating: 800 Langdon St, Memorial Union – 1st Floor, Der Rathskeller
Join us for a formal welcome to Family Weekend from our UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin. She will be speaking directly to you – the parents and family members of current Badgers. Come enjoy coffee and pastries, a jazz band performance, photo-ops with Bucky Badger, and more. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and remarks begin at 10:15 a.m. Capacity of 400, seating is first-come, first-served. Remarks will be streamed to Der Rathskeller. - 11 A.M. – 2 P.M. – BADGER FAMILY FEST
800 Langdon St, Memorial Union Terrace
Meet and mingle with other UW-Madison families at this spirited event on the iconic Memorial Union Terrace. Enjoy live music, a free cookout lunch, photo-ops on the iconic Big Terrace chairs, Bucky Badger and Booky appearances, activities from Wheelhouse Studios and more! First-come, first-served, food available for the first 2,000 attendees. Lunch includes brat (GF and vegan options available), chips, beverage and Babcock ice cream. - 11 A.M. – BADGER FOOTBALL WATCH PARTY
800 Langdon St, Memorial Union- 1st Floor, Rathskeller
Come cheer on the UW-Madison football team for their away game against Northwestern in the Rathskeller at 11. This event is weather dependent. - 1 P.M. – 3P.M. – FALL COLOR GARDEN TOUR
1207 Seminole Hwy, Madison, WI 53711- UW Arboretum
Join David Stevens, garden curator, for a vibrant stroll through Longenecker Horticultural Gardens, where he will highlight sensational seasonal colors and share the science behind this natural phenomenon. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center. - 1 P.M. – 4 P.M. – WISCONSIN SPECIALTY CHEESE WALK
Participating businesses along State Street – See map at check-in
Explore downtown retail businesses and shops in a new and authentic way — with Wisconsin cheese. In partnership with 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. - 2 P.M. & 3 P.M. – Babcock Dairy Tours
1605 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706- Babcock Dairy Store
Tour Babcock Dairy’s observation deck to learn about the making of campus’ famous ice cream and cheese! Tours are first-come, first-serve for up to 30 people, but the deck is open to the public during all store hours. Accessibility InformationThe accessible entrance to the Dairy Store is located in the basement of Babcock Hall. Please enter the doors to the left of our staircase entrance, go down the ramp and take a left. You’ll take another left before taking the elevator to the first floor. Head down the hallway, to your right and follow signs to the Dairy Store. If you have troubles accessing the Dairy Store on the day of the event, please call (608) 262-3045 for assistance. - 2 P.M. – 5 P.M – OFF CAMPUS LIVING EXPLORATION
Locations Listed Below
Explore off campus living by taking tours of a variety of apartments around UW’s campus. Tours are available between 2-5pm. Stop in during these times to receive a tour and learn more about living off campus! Check this event out in Guidebook for a detailed description for each location.1. Grand Central – 1022 W Johnson St
*Head to the front entrance at either building when you arrive. There is limited metered street parking nearby, otherwise parking can be found in the Grainger Hall Garage.
2. X01 – 1001 University Ave
*Head to the front entrance at either building when you arrive. There is limited metered street parking nearby, otherwise parking can be found in the Grainger Hall Garage.
3. The James – 432 W Gorham St
* For parking, there is street parking near the community as well as the State Street Campus Garage on Frances Street and the State Street Parking Ramp on Lake Street.4. Lucky Apartments – 777 University Avenue
5. The Regent Apartments – 1402 Regent Street
- 4 P.M. – 6 P.M. – CAMP RANDALL PHOTOS ON THE FIELD
1440 Monroe St. – Enter by Gate 1 and Bucky’s Locker room, Camp Randall
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. - 6 P.M.-7:15 P.M.- OPEN SKATE with RECWELL
1976 Observatory Drive, Madison WI 53706- Bakke Recreation and Wellbeing Center
Come visit us at the Sub-Zero Ice Center at the Bakke Recreation and Wellbeing Center. Open hockey, freestyle figure, and public skate are all offered. Make sure you protect your head! Bring your own helmet or rent one from us at the Rink Services desk. Skates will be provided for free. - 6 P.M.-8 P.M.- WSUM TOURS
333 East Campus Mall, Suite 4100 Madison, WI 53715
Come tour WSUM the campus radio station on Friday October 18th and Saturday October 19th any time from 6pm-8pm. Tours will be happening at 333 East Campus Mall on the 4th floor. Please feel free to call the station in case you need any help getting let up or finding your way! 608-261-9786 - 6 P.M. – WISCONSIN MEN’S HOCKEY VS. OHIO STATE –
601 W. Dayton Street, The Kohl Center
Cheer on the Badger Men’s Hockey team as they take on Ohio State! Family Weekend participants receive an exclusive ticket discount when they purchase online, until 5:00 p.m. the day of the game or while supplies last ($19 general admission). To purchase tickets, click here . There’s an eight (8) ticket limit for this event. Please call the UW Athletic Ticket Office with questions at 608-262-1440. - 6:30 P.M.-8:30 P.M.- WUD PRESENTS: PROMARE (2019)
1308 W Dayton St, Madison WI 53706- Marquee Cinema
Join us for a free viewing of Promare in Union South’s Marquee Cinema located on the second floor. All are welcome and seating is first-come first serve. - 6:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. – BADGER FAMILY BINGO – * First come, First Serve Seats 180
800 Langdon St, Memorial Union – 4th Floor, Great Hall
Whether you’re with grandma, dad, your roommates, or yourself, all are welcome at this friendly, competitive Badger Spirit Bingo night. - 7 P.M.- 10 P.M. – LIVE MUSIC PRESENTED by WUD MUSIC
800 Langdon St., Memorial Union Terrace
Come and Check out Sydney Rose (w/Croix Du Nord) at the Terrace! - 7 P.M. – WISCONSIN MEN’S SOCCER GAME VS. OHIO STATE –
750 Walnut St, McClimon Track/Soccer Complex
Cheer on the Badger Men’s Soccer team as they take on Ohio State! All regular-season and exhibition home games at the McClimon Memorial Soccer Complex will feature free admission. - 7:30 P.M. – WISCONSIN SINGERS 56TH SHOW [SOLD OUT]
800 Langdon St, Memorial Union – Shannon Hall
Tickets will be available for purchase through Thursday, October 17th. 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 shows each 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. The box office outside will open at 7 p.m. the night of the show. If you purchase tickets for this event they will be sent to you by email from the Wisconsin Singers that you will show at the door. - 9 P.M.- WUD PRESENTS: APOLLO 13 (1995)
1308 W Dayton St, Madison WI 53706- Marquee Cinema
Join us for a free viewing of Apollo 13 in Union South’s Marquee Cinema located on the second floor. All are welcome and seating is first-come first serve. - 9 P.M.- 12 A.M. – FAMILY GAME NIGHT: TRICK-OR-TRIVIA!
770 W Dayton St, Gordon Dining and Event Center, Upper Level
A spooky twist on a WLN classic; come by and test your knowledge of all things Halloween! Movies, monsters, music, and fun facts… bring the whole fam to compete in the spookiest trivia you’ve ever been to!
- 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 their Restaurant Finder tool here, or find tips in the Visit Madison’s Visitors Guide.
- 10 A.M.- 12:00 P.M. – CHECK-IN
800 Langdon St., Memorial Union – 4th Floor, Great Hall
If you missed check-in earlier in the weekend and still want to pick up your welcome gift, this is the final place to do so. Stop by on your way out of town and say ‘bye!’ - 10:30 – 11:00 A.M. & 11:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. – THE PEOPLE’S FARM TOUR
3016 Lake Mendota Dr, – People’s Farm Plot
Formerly known as FH King, the People’s Farm, are a student organization at UW-Madison focused on sustainable agriculture. At the core of their club is a strong community. They pride themselves in the love and attention that they give to their food grown as well as their efforts to create spaces of inclusion. All the food they grow given back to the community for free; locality, community, and good food for all is the center of their mission. If their mission interests you, we highly encourage you attend a tour to learn about The People’s Farm and their mission of developing the relationship between land, food, and community on the UW-Madison campus. The tour will begin at the farms main entrance. Please refer to our Guidebook app for more precise instructions. Interested in learning more about the People’s Farm and want to know what they are up to? Check them out on instagram @thepeoplesfarm.uw and to visit their website at https://www.the-peoples-farm.com/. - 10 A.M.- 11:00 A.M. – ZUMBA (Sold Out)
797 W Dayton St., Nicholas Recreation Center – 4th Floor, Elevation Studio
RSVP Required – Join us for a Latin-based workout that integrates dance and exercise while moving to international beats. Come feel the music, join the fun, and forget you’re working out! No dance experience required. - 10 A.M. – 12 P.M. – PAINTING AND PASTRIES WITH WHEELHOUSE STUDIOS (Sold Out)
800 Langdon St., Memorial Union – 4th Floor, Great Hall
RSVP Required – Join us for coffee, pastries and watercolor Bucky! All ages welcomed. No experience necessary. Mat board included - 10 A.M. – 12 P.M. – SUNDAY STROLL
800 Langdon St, Memorial Union – Lower Level, Outdoor UW Office and Great Hall 4th Floor
Stop by the Great Hall for cider and trail mix before enjoying a self-guided Sunday Stroll on the LakeShore Nature Preserve‚ a historic walking path along the shore of Lake Mendota. An interpretive self-guided map available at the Outdoor UW office 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. - 12 P.M. – WISCONSIN WOMEN’S SOCCER GAME VS. MARYLAND –
750 Walnut St, McClimon Track/Soccer Complex
Cheer on the Badger Women’s Soccer team as they take on University of Maryland! All regular-season and exhibition home games at the McClimon Memorial Soccer Complex will feature free admission.
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Where can I park? Campus parking and transportation Information
Many campus lots are free on the weekends. View the campus parking map and take note of the lots in green as these will free**. Please note that event parking***, including volleyball and hockey, can impact lot availability including green lots. Please check posted signage at each lot before parking.
The interactive campus map shows public parking locations, as well as information on bus stops (and real-time schedule info), B-cycle kiosk locations, and more. Click on the P for Public parking to see how many spots are available in each lot. Most of these lots you will have to pay for.
Additionally, the visitor parking availability page has a live count of parking available in campus gated lots.
Many Family Weekend activities are within a short walk of one another. The free campus buses—80 and 84 (daytime), and 80, 81, and 82 (nighttime)—circulate throughout campus each day, allowing you to hop on and off near different events. Look for the blue bus-stop signs around campus.
Please note: parking availability and access is subject to change. Please be aware of all signs and notices posted at parking locations and follow all displayed parking regulations.
Downtown Madison City Lots
The City of Madison also has a number of lots near campus. View a map.
Accessible Parking
Accessible stalls are within many lots on campus. UW–Madison Transportation Services outlines DOT Accessible parking. Please note, by law, we cannot reserve accessible stalls as they are all on a first-come, first-served basis. With any lot, please obey the posted signage and notices.
Building Accessibility
View a comprehensive list of accessibility information by building.
Additional Questions
Contact UW–Madison Transportation Services or Campus Information at 608-263-2400.
What are my hotel options for Family Weekend?
We understand that some families may already have lodging plans for Family Weekend. However, if you have not made lodging accommodations yet, we welcome you to consider making accommodations through our Family Weekend 2024 hotel block. Our hotel block opens Tuesday, July 23 at 11 a.m. CT. and closes on September 26 at 11:59 p.m. CT. We understand if you would like to book outside of our hotel block, and recommend you make sure any booking is refundable in case your plans change.
When is Family Weekend 2024?
This annual, signature event will take place Friday, October 18, 2024 – Sunday, October 20, 2024.
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.
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. For more information on our Football pre-sale for Badger Parents and Family members visit https://parent.wisc.edu/parent-events/football-game-days/.
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.
Do we need to be registered for Family Weekend to attend events?
Yes, all events are reserved for Family Weekend participants. Our registration link will be available on the Family Weekend homepage from Tuesday, July 23 at 11 a.m. CT. until Monday, September 30, 5 p.m. CT.
Do we need to attend all three Family Weekend days?
We designed Family Weekend to be an a-la-carte event where guests and family members are able to pick and choose the events they are most interested in attending. We encourage you to come to our signature events such as the Chancellor’s Welcome Reception, Badger Family Fest, Photoshoots at Camp Randall, and many more which will be taking place on Saturday, October 19th, 2024. If you are interested in learning more about what is typically offered at Family Weekend, feel free to sift through our 2023 Family Weekend Schedule below.
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.
What is the cancellation policy for Family Weekend?
Changes or cancellations of Family Weekend registrations must be submitted on or before Monday, September 30, 2024 at 5:00 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. We are not able to guarantee refunds for Family Weekend registration changes or cancellations that are submitted after 5:00 p.m. CT on Monday, September 30, 2024.
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.
To make changes, click the registration link in your confirmation email or contact Wisconsin Union Conference Management at either conferences@union.wisc.edu or 608-262-6696.
When will I have access to purchase add-on event tickets?
Wisconsin Singers tickets are available to purchase when you are registering for Family Weekend. If you were not able to sign up for Wisconsin Signer tickets but are interested, please reach out to us at conferences@union.wisc.edu or call 608-262-6696. More information on add-on events will be released later by email to registered Family Weekend participants. Discounted hockey tickets for Oct. 18th & 19th can be found in our Family Weekend 2024 Schedule line up above.
How do I buy add-on Wisconsin Singers Tickets?
When will the Hockey game times be announced?
The Oct. 18th and 19th Hockey game times are determined by UW-Madison Athletics and TV networks streaming the game. We will not know game times until they are disclosed to the public. If you would like to keep an eye on the updates for the game time please visit the 2024-25 Men’s Hockey Schedule.
Who do I contact if I have a question?
Please contact the Parent and Family Program at 608-262-3977 or parent@uwmad.wisc.edu for any questions regarding Family Weekend events and programming. If you have question with your Family Weekend registration or hotel block please contact conferences@union.wisc.edu or call 608-890-1077.
Registration
Registration opens Tuesday July 23, 2024 at 11 a.m. CT. Registration will close Monday, September 30, 2024, 5 p.m. CT.
If you have issues with submitting your registration or need to make changes to your registration, contact conferences@union.wisc.edu or (608) 262-6696.
For all other questions reach out to parent@uwmad.wisc.edu or call 1-877-262-3977.
Pricing
$25 per person up to four (4) people; $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.
**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.
You can also choose to purchase add-on tickets to additional, a-la-carte events, such as the Wisconsin Singers Show and discounted Badger athletics events. More information on these will be shared in future communications.
Hotel Block
Our hotel block opens Tuesday, July 23 at 11 a.m. CT. on our Family Weekend webpage and closes on September 26 at 11:59 p.m. CT.
We understand that some families may already have lodging plans for Family Weekend. However, if you have not made lodging accommodations yet, we welcome you to consider making accommodations through our Family Weekend 2024 hotel block.
To receive discounted hotel rates for the 2024 UW Family Weekend, you must book through our official online system. Reservations will not be accepted directly through the hotels.
Need to modify or cancel your reservation?
- Please do not contact the hotel directly unless it is within 72 hours of your arrival.
- To modify or cancel an existing reservation, please refer to the “Request for Change” link provided at the bottom of your confirmation email. If you need your confirmation resent, please contact services@visitmadison.com.
If you have any questions about the hotel block, please email services@visitmadison.com for assistance.
