ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø

Family Weekend

Held each fall semester, Family Weekend gives students and their loved ones opportunities to spend quality time together while enjoying campus and community.

September 18-19, 2026

Most Family Weekend events take place on Friday evening and throughout Saturday. Sunday is a day that families use for casual visiting amongst themselves.

Family Weekend is free to attend, but we ask families to register, which typically opens early in the fall semester. Some specific events do have a charge.

A Conversation with Barack Obama

44th President of the United States
September 18, at 6:30 p.m.

About President Obama’s conversation

Weekend Schedule

Friday, September 18
  • 5:00 p.m. – Field Hockey vs. Lafayette | Tyler’s Field
  • 6:00 p.m. – Volleyball vs. Navy | Cotterell Court
  • 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Global Leaders Speaker Series | Sanford Field House
  • 8:00-9:30 p.m. – Family Weekend Dinner | Whitnall Field Tent

This dinner is for all families and students. The annual dinner is catered by Ray Brothers BBQ.

Saturday, September 19
  • 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. – Food Truck Lunch | Maroon Council Lot
    • Guests are invited to purchase lunch from a variety of food trucks.
  • 1:00 p.m. – Football Game vs. Cornell | Andy Kerr Stadium
    • Football tickets must be purchased; digital tickets will be emailed by 10/31.
  • 1:00 p.m. – Women’s Soccer vs. Lafayette | Beyer-Small Field
  • 3:00 p.m. – Volleyball vs. Loyola | Cotterell Court
Sunday, September 20
  • Noon – Field Hockey vs. Rutgers | Tyler’s Field
  • 3:00 p.m. – Women’s Ice Hockey vs. St. Lawrence | Class of 1965 Arena
President Barack Obama

Typical Weekend Events

Faculty member lectures in a classroom
Attend classes
The Swinging Gates perform an a capella concert in Memorial Chapel
Concerts and exhibitions
A family eats and plays games together at a picnic table
Receptions and picnics
Fans of the Raiders in the stands at Andy Kerr Stadium
Sporting events
Two families greet one another and shake hands in downtown Hamilton
Explore Hamilton

Planning the Weekend

You may find the following resources helpful for planning your visit.

Accessibility Resources

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including those with disabilities, to engage fully. To request accommodations or for inquiries about accessibility to a specific event, please contact familyweekend@colgate.edu with any questions.

Travel and Lodging

Those planning travel may find the following resources helpful:

Meals/Dining Information

On Campus

Family Weekend Dinner

Friday, 5:30–7 p.m.

Food Truck Lunch

Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Frank Dining Hall

Students get in with a meal plan swipe; guests pay at the door (no charge for guests of students on the Premier Meal Plan). 

Off Campus

There are a variety of dining establishments in the area; be sure to make reservations ahead or call ahead for hours of operation and space availability. In addition, the local  on Rt. 12B just north of campus offers grab-and-go meal solutions as well as catering.

Parking

Parking on campus during Family Weekend is open to anyone; however, parking is limited, on a first-come, first-served basis. Whenever possible, please walk or take advantage of the free ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Shuttle or walk. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Legal parking spots are marked with white lines. Parking on any roadway is prohibited. More information at Parking Guidelines.

In Hamilton, a limited number of parking spaces are available to Family Weekend guests in the Parry’s & Big Lots parking lot on Rt. 12B and the Eaton St. lot. The ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Shuttle will take you to campus.

Employees who wish to carpool to campus on Friday can connect through the .

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

There is a charging station in the 113 Broad St. parking lot across from Huntington Gym available for use this weekend. See Campus Map for location.

Getting Around – ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Shuttle

The ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Shuttle — our free shuttle service — is open to guests and members of the public as well as students and employees for navigating the campus and the Hamilton business district. Visit the Shuttle webpage for specific stop times, routes, and policies.

Wireless Access on Campus

Guests on campus may connect to the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø-Guest Wi-Fi network for free.

Service Animals and Pets

ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø welcomes the service animals of our guests. Service animals must remain under the control of their handler and not cause a disruption to any event.

Please note that, per University policy, pets and emotional support or comfort animals are not allowed in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø buildings or tents, but are allowed in outdoor spaces. 

Fitness and Recreation

Day passes to ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø’s fitness and recreation facilities are available to guests during open hours.

Tailgating

Family members are welcome to tailgate as part of enjoying the athletics contests over Family Weekend.

Lost & Found

Visit Campus Safety at 88 Hamilton St., or call 315-228-7333 (non-emergency).

Scenes from Family Weekend