Family Weekend

Package Key:    Gold Package  |    Silver Package  |    Buffs Package  |    Public

Open Rec      
6 a.m.-11:30 p.m. |   Rec Center 
Show your Family Weekend luggage tag at the Rec Center to get in for free and take advantage of the facilities. Make sure to pick up your luggage tag at the check-in and information tent first.

Ice Skating      
7:30-9:45 a.m. |   Rec Center Ice Rink
Take a spin on the only ice rink in Boulder during this open skating session. Skate rental is included for Family Weekend package holders. Show your Family Weekend luggage tag for access.

Campus Life: 150 Years of Human and More-Than-Human Relationships at CU Boulder Exhibition        
9 a.m.-5 p.m. |   Benson Earth Sciences, The Jerry Crail Johnson Earth Sciences and Map Library
Campus Life explores the shared history of humans and more-than-human inhabitants over the 150 years of CU Boulder, documenting their evolving relationship. The works exhibited illustrate how different forms of life coexist on campus through a diverse collection of visual media including historical maps, photographs, original watercolors and modern cartography that tracks current and past human-wildlife interactions. 

Check-in and Information Tent      
9 a.m-5 p.m. |   UMC South Terrace
Check in for Family Weekend, pick up your entry passes, t-shirt, giveaways and more.

Campus Tree Tour     
9:30-10:30 a.m. |   UMC Dalton Trumbo Fountain Court
CU Boulder has around 5,000 trees with 60 different species represented. Vince Aquino, Facilities Management Forestry Supervisor, will lead a tour pointing out unique characteristics and attributes of the campus trees, and their historical significance to the university. Come learn about our beloved trees and meet others in the Buffs family who are interested in trees! Space is limited for this tour and will be available first-come, first-served.

Off-Campus Living: Take Your Time Before You Sign      
9:30-10:30 a.m. |   UMC Glenn Miller West Ballroom
It's never too early to start your off-campus housing search in Boulder...or is it? The rental market in Boulder may not actually be what you think it is. Join CU's Off-Campus Life team to review the off-campus housing search, relevant timelines, dispel off-campus myths, dive into budgets, explore neighborhoods and learn about all of the incredible resources at your fingertips to ensure your student transitions into their new apartment or home seamlessly.

College of Communication, Media, Design & Information (CMDI) Open House        
9:30-11 a.m. |   CASE E330
Join the College of Communication, Media, Design and Information (CMDI) for an Open House event during Family Weekend. Representatives from each of our seven academic departments, several of our study away programs, our research centers and creative labs will be available for share information on how your students can get involved in numerous opportunities outside of their classes. Brief remarks by Founding Dean Lori Bergen and Assistant Dean for Student Success Alea Richmond-Akins will occur around 9:15 a.m. Coffee, tea and light refreshments will be provided.

Program in Exploratory Studies Family and Supporter Information Session         
10-10:30 a.m. |   UMC Aspen Rooms
Visit with the Program in Exploratory Studies (PES) to learn about how our students are being supported, resources on campus and how to stay connected with the university.

Family Weekend In-Person Coffee Hour      
10-11 a.m. |   UMC Glenn Miller Middle and East Ballrooms
Join the New Student & Family Programs team for an in-person Buff Family Coffee Hour! Have a cup of coffee and connect with other CU Boulder families. NSFP staff will also be present to answer any questions you have about campus life.

Leading Students to the Library: More than Books        
10-11 a.m. |   Norlin Library, E113
Join to learn more about the University Libraries! We’ll guide parents through library spaces and collections, share details about learning opportunities and offer multiple ways for students to connect with us for research consultations. We’ll also give you a sneak peek of community activities and supports that we offer.

CU Art Museum        
10 a.m.-4 p.m. |   Visual Arts Complex
Visit the CU Art Museum to view over 8,700 works of art. Current exhibits include Rhizome: Origins, CU Collects: Imagining a Creative Campus and Expressions of Identity in Ancient Greek Coins.

CU Museum of Natural History        
10 a.m.-4 p.m. |   Henderson Building
The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History has five exhibition galleries; stop by to explore natural and human history through these engaging and interactive displays. Current exhibitions include Shaped by Colorado: 150 Years of Research and Creativity at CU Boulder, Unearthed: Ancient Life in Boulder Valley, Hoof Beats and A Family Tradition: Acoma pottery, CU and the Lewis family.

Architecture Tour    
10:30-11:30 a.m. |   Norlin Quad, in front of Old Main
Tour CU Boulder’s campus while learning more about the historical development of the architectural style, campus design principles and the current practice and future vision for the institution. Space is limited for this tour and will be available first-come, first-served.

History and Traditions Tour      
10:30-11:30 a.m. |   UMC South Terrace Tent
Explore campus while learning fun facts and history about CU Boulder on this student-led walking tour. Meet at the UMC South Terrace Tent.

Program in Exploratory Studies Family and Supporter Meet and Greet         
10:30-11:30 a.m. |   CASE, PES Lobby (2nd Floor, East Side)
Following the information session, the Program in Exploratory Studies will be hosting a meet and greet in the PES lobby where families and supporters can chat with Exploratory Studies staff and peer advisors over coffee and pastries.

Boosting Your Skills to Support Your Buff: Midsemester Check-in       
11 a.m.-12 p.m. |   UMC Glenn Miller West Ballroom
Join a discussion on how to further strengthen your skillset for supporting your student as they face difficult and mundane moments in college. This is a space for family members to process how your relationship with your student is growing and changing as they develop into adulthood. An overview of prevention and crisis campus resources will be provided.

School of Education Open House        
11 a.m.-1 p.m. |   MBE 193
The School of Education's advising office will be open to visitors! We will have coffee and tea and opportunities for families to learn about the programs their students are participating in, meet the team supporting them and see the spaces where they are taking their courses. We look forward to seeing you!

Introduction to Human Spaceflight       
12-1 p.m. |   UMC Glenn Miller East Ballroom

Engineering Connections Open House        
12-3 p.m. |   Williams Village North, Room 145
Join us during Family Weekend to learn more about your student’s experience in the College of Engineering & Applied Science! Engineering Connections' primary focus is first-year programming, however our events are open to all and families of engineering students in all years are welcome to connect with our staff, CEAS faculty and academic advisors representing a variety of engineering majors and programs. Enjoy light refreshments, ask questions and take a tour of Engineering Connections to see where we host weekly events, special programs and community-building experiences throughout the year.

Bouldering      
12-4 p.m. |   Rec Center Climbing Gym 
Drop in to the Climbing Gym at the Rec Center for free bouldering and route climbing terrain for all skill levels. Show your Family Weekend luggage tag for access. Participants must be 12 or older to enter the gym, and anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Make sure to pick up your luggage tag at the check-in and information tent first.

Sound Bath Meditation        
12:15-12:45 p.m. |   CU Art Museum, Contemplative Arts, Learning and Meditation (CALM) Center
Join us for a restorative sound bath meditation. Designed to relax your body and mind with healing music. The sound vibrations will help guide your consciousness toward a calm and peaceful state. All sessions begin promptly at 12:15 p.m. Please arrive a few minutes early if attending in person - doors to the meditation close at 12:15 p.m. 

Faculty Presentation: Topic TBD       
1:15-2:15 p.m. |   UMC Glenn Miller East Ballroom

Off-Campus Living: Take Your Time Before You Sign      
1:30-2:30 p.m. |   UMC Glenn Miller West Ballroom
It's never too early to start your off-campus housing search in Boulder...or is it? The rental market in Boulder may not actually be what you think it is. Join CU's Off-Campus Life team to review the off-campus housing search, relevant timelines, dispel off-campus myths, dive into budgets, explore neighborhoods and learn about all of the incredible resources at your fingertips to ensure your student transitions into their new apartment or home seamlessly.

Take Care Street Fair        
1:30-4 p.m. |   UMC Fountain and Arcade
Come hang out, move, create, get resources and take care of yourself at the Take Care Street Fair! This Family Weekend event brings campus partners together for an afternoon of fun and interactive activities for students, parents and family members. Challenge yourself with fitness and mobility activities, get a flu shot, make some art, play games and pick up tips and resources to help you feel your best—now and all year long.

Faculty Presentation: The Psychology of Emerging Adulthood: Stuck In Between       
2:30-3:30 p.m. |   UMC Glenn Miller East Ballroom
Join Dr. Chelsea Pierotti, Associate Teaching Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, for an exclusive Family Weekend presentation about the unique developmental stage of college students: Emerging Adulthood.

Pre-Stampede Family Reception    
4:30-6:30 p.m. |   Koenig Alumni Center
Join New Student & Family Programs for our annual Pre-Stampede Reception. Mix and mingle with other families, CU administrators and staff over heavy appetizers and a cash bar. Families can walk, take the bus or get on the Spirit Shuttle from Koenig to Pearl Street in time for the Stampede.

Ice Skating      
5:30-6:30 p.m. |   Rec Center Ice Rink
Take a spin on the only ice rink in Boulder during this open skating session. Skate rental is included for Family Weekend package holders. Show your Family Weekend luggage tag for access.

Shine on Norlin Light Show        
6-9 p.m. |   Norlin Quad
This large-scale light show projection on the west face of Norlin Library provides a stunning visual storytelling experience to celebrate CU Boulder’s 150th anniversary. Through student artwork, historic imagery, video, music, research, innovation, performances and creative storytelling, the installation highlights the people, moments, discoveries and traditions that have shaped the university over the past 150 years while looking boldly toward its future. The light show happens nightly throughout October, every hour on the hour for 10 minutes, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Black and Gold Buffs Skate       
7-8 p.m. |   Rec Center Ice Rink
Kick off Family Weekend and show your CU pride at our Black and Gold Skate. Wear your best CU attire and come skate...you may even be able to skate with everyone's favorite mascot, Chip! Show your Family Weekend luggage tag for access.

Fiske Planetarium Show: Stars & Galaxies        
7-8 p.m. |   Fiske Planetarium
Many civilizations have looked at the night sky and envisioned constellations to tell stories important to their culture. We can use the planetarium to look at some common patterns of stars in the night sky tonight so that you can find them on your own! However, in the blackness between those stars, there are an unimaginable number of distant wonders. We are located around just one star of many in an entire galaxy called the Milky Way. And if we look even further, we find billions of other galaxies out there in the universe, each holding billions of stars. Join us in this live talk to explore other galaxies and get a sense for the size of our universe! Tickets: $12 general admission and FREE for CU students showing a current Buff OneCard (students must come to the Box Office at least 24 hours in advance to get your ticket with your Buff OneCard). Tickets must be purchased in advance and picked up at least 30 minutes in advance of showtime. 

Haunted Legends: Ghost Tour       
7-8 p.m. |   UMC South Terrace Tent
Fan of the supernatural and the unusual? Uncover stories of restless phantoms and unexplained phenomena as you wander haunted locations on campus with other families. Are you brave enough to join us? (Content advisory: This event is recommended for ages 13 and up.)

Pearl Street Stampede        
7-8 p.m. |   Pearl Street
Cheer on the CU football team at the Pearl Street Stampede, the kickoff celebration for CU home football games for more than a decade. Take photos with Chip the Buffalo and the Spirit Squad, enjoy live music from the Golden Buffalo Marching Band and soak up the pre-game excitement of downtown Boulder. The Stampede begins on the 1300 block of Pearl Street and moves west along the Pearl Street Mall.

Sommers-Bausch Observatory Open House        
7-9 p.m. |   Sommers-Bausch Observatory
Sommers-Bausch Observatory has been exploring the night sky since 1953. Come see our twin 20” telescopes and let us show you the universe! This open house is FREE and everyone is welcome. Sessions typically last 1-2 hours, depending upon the weather and the quality of the night. Bilingual (English/Spanish) assistance is available. If you're not sure if we'll be open, call us on Friday night 15 minutes before scheduled time for an observing status at 303-492-2020. 

Fiske Planetarium Show: Classic Rock - Dome of Legends        
8:30-9:30 p.m. |   Fiske Planetarium
Journey through time and space with the legends of the early classic rock era. Featuring the iconic sounds of Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Aerosmith, ZZ Top, Deep Purple, The Rolling Stones, Van Halen and more. This laser and liquid sky experience transforms the dome into a cosmic concert. From soaring riffs to interstellar visuals, this show is a mind-bending tribute to the music that has shaped generations. Tickets: $12 adult general admission, $8 student general admission. Tickets must be purchased in advance and picked up at least 30 minutes in advance of showtime. 

Fiske Planetarium Show: Dark Side of the Moon Laser Spectacular        
10-11 p.m. |   Fiske Planetarium
Experience the Dark Side of the Moon like never before! This one of a kind laser show can only be seen here at Fiske Planetarium. Join us as we take you on a journey through the universe to the beat of the greatest album of all time. Soar through the cosmos as the eye popping lasers and booming guitar riffs take you on a journey. This is not your parents laser show! Tickets: $12 adult general admission, $8 student general admission. Tickets must be purchased in advance and picked up at least 30 minutes in advance of showtime. 

Package Key:    Gold Package  |    Silver Package  |    Buffs Package  |    Public

Check-in and Information Tent      
9 a.m-4 p.m. |   UMC South Terrace
Check in for Family Weekend, pick up your entry passes, t-shirt, giveaways and more.

Open Rec      
9 a.m.-11 p.m. |   Rec Center 
Show your Family Weekend luggage tag at the Rec Center to get in for free and take advantage of the facilities. Make sure to pick up your luggage tag at the check-in and information tent first. You will need to use the north-side entrance to access the facility on gameday.

CU Art Museum        
10 a.m.-4 p.m. |   Visual Arts Complex
Visit the CU Art Museum to view over 8,700 works of art. Current exhibits include Rhizome: Origins, CU Collects: Imagining a Creative Campus and Expressions of Identity in Ancient Greek Coins.

CU Museum of Natural History        
10 a.m.-4 p.m. |   Henderson Building
The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History has five exhibition galleries; stop by to explore natural and human history through these engaging and interactive displays. Current exhibitions include Shaped by Colorado: 150 Years of Research and Creativity at CU Boulder, Unearthed: Ancient Life in Boulder Valley, Hoof Beats and A Family Tradition: Acoma pottery, CU and the Lewis family.

Ice Skating      
10:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. |   Rec Center Ice Rink
Take a spin on the only ice rink in Boulder during this open skating session. Skate rental is included for Family Weekend package holders. Show your Family Weekend luggage tag for access.

Bouldering      
12-4 p.m. |   Rec Center Climbing Gym 
Drop in to the Climbing Gym at the Rec Center for free bouldering and route climbing terrain for all skill levels. Show your Family Weekend luggage tag for access. Participants must be 12 or older to enter the gym, and anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Make sure to pick up your luggage tag at the check-in and information tent first.

Shine on Norlin Light Show        
6-9 p.m. |   Norlin Quad
This large-scale light show projection on the west face of Norlin Library provides a stunning visual storytelling experience to celebrate CU Boulder’s 150th anniversary. Through student artwork, historic imagery, video, music, research, innovation, performances and creative storytelling, the installation highlights the people, moments, discoveries and traditions that have shaped the university over the past 150 years while looking boldly toward its future. The light show happens nightly throughout October, every hour on the hour for 10 minutes, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Ice Skating      
7:45-10 p.m. |   Rec Center Ice Rink
Take a spin on the only ice rink in Boulder during this open skating session. Skate rental is included for Family Weekend package holders. Show your Family Weekend luggage tag for access.

Family Weekend Tailgate     
TBD |   Norlin Quad
Join us for a tailgate with fun for the entire family, including inflatables, a DJ, a visit from special CU guests, lawn games, food and drinks!

CU vs. Utah Football        
TBD |   Folsom Field
Cheer on the Buffs football team against Utah. Tickets required.

Package Key:    Gold Package  |    Silver Package  |    Buffs Package  |    Public

Buff Family Stampede 5K Fun Run      
9-10:30 a.m. |   Norlin Quad
Join us for the annual Buff Family Stampede 5K Fun Run through CU Boulder's beautiful campus! Registration is required; on-site registration is $20. This is a fun run, so walking, skipping and jogging are all welcome. We will not have an official timer.

Open Rec      
9 a.m.-11 p.m. |   Rec Center 
Show your Family Weekend luggage tag at the Rec Center to get in for free and take advantage of the facilities.

Buffs Family Yoga      
9:30-10:30 a.m. |   Main Campus Rec Center, Studio 2
Join us for morning yoga with one of CU Boulder’s Rec Center yoga instructors. We will have a limited number of yoga mats available; feel free to bring your own mat if you have one.

Buffs Family Sendoff Brunch     
9:30-12 p.m. |   Norlin Quad
Enjoy a delicious brunch with your family to celebrate the conclusion of Family Weekend.

Ice Skating      
11:45 a.m.-2 p.m. |   Rec Center Ice Rink
Take a spin on the only ice rink in Boulder during this open skating session. Skate rental is included for Family Weekend package holders. Show your Family Weekend luggage tag for access.

Bouldering      
12-4 p.m. |   Rec Center Climbing Gym 
Drop in to the Climbing Gym at the Rec Center for free bouldering and route climbing terrain for all skill levels. Show your Family Weekend luggage tag for access. Participants must be 12 or older to enter the gym, and anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Make sure to pick up your luggage tag at the check-in and information tent first.

Campus Life: 150 Years of Human and More-Than-Human Relationships at CU Boulder Exhibition        
12-8 p.m. |   Benson Earth Sciences, The Jerry Crail Johnson Earth Sciences and Map Library
Campus Life explores the shared history of humans and more-than-human inhabitants over the 150 years of CU Boulder, documenting their evolving relationship. The works exhibited illustrate how different forms of life coexist on campus through a diverse collection of visual media including historical maps, photographs, original watercolors and modern cartography that tracks current and past human-wildlife interactions. 

Fiske Planetarium Show: One Sky        
2:30-3:30 p.m. |   Fiske Planetarium
What stars and planets are visible in the night sky tonight? Join us for an introduction to the night sky, the stars, and constellations. Then we’ll lift off of the Earth to take a tour of the solar system and learn about the other planets that orbit our own star, the Sun. We'll also touch on some of the thousands of planets that have been discovered around other stars in the night sky. Tickets: $12 adult general admission, $8 student general admission. Tickets must be purchased in advance and picked up at least 30 minutes in advance of showtime. 

Shine on Norlin Light Show        
6-9 p.m. |   Norlin Quad
This large-scale light show projection on the west face of Norlin Library provides a stunning visual storytelling experience to celebrate CU Boulder’s 150th anniversary. Through student artwork, historic imagery, video, music, research, innovation, performances and creative storytelling, the installation highlights the people, moments, discoveries and traditions that have shaped the university over the past 150 years while looking boldly toward its future. The light show happens nightly throughout October, every hour on the hour for 10 minutes, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Ice Skating      
7:45-10 p.m. |   Rec Center Ice Rink
Take a spin on the only ice rink in Boulder during this open skating session. Skate rental is included for Family Weekend package holders. Show your Family Weekend luggage tag for access.