Family Weekend frequently asked questions
Can I get a refund for my canceled registration?
In most cases, yes, you can cancel your reservation through September 29, 2023. A 5% cancellation fee will be charged. However, to prevent fraudulent Family Weekend registrations, if you purchase football tickets, we will not be able to provide a refund for your Family Weekend registration, at any time.
After September 29, we will not be able to provide any refunds. If you decide not to join us for Family Weekend after that date or after you have purchased football tickets, you are welcome to sell your Family Weekend packages to another family and contact our office at families@colorado.edu or 303-492-4431 to swap the names affiliated with the packages.
Charges & refunds for all events will appear on a bank statement as: UNIV OF COLORADO EVENTS.
If you or your family feel sick, please stay home. We will follow all public health guidelines that the University and the city of Boulder have in place at the time of Family Weekend. Please contact our office in the event of illness or a family emergency before Family Weekend at families@colorado.edu.
What is included in each of the Family Weekend packages?
- Buffs Package: Includes a t-shirt, clear game day bag and access to all Family Weekend events Thursday-Sunday. This excludes the Pre-Stampede Reception and Lunch on the Lawn
- Silver Package: Includes a t-shirt, clear game day bag, access to all Family Weekend events Thursday-Sunday and tickets to Lunch on the Lawn. This excludes the Pre-Stampede Reception
- Gold Package: Includes a t-shirt, clear game day bag, access to Family Weekend events Thursday-Sunday and tickets to Lunch on the Lawn and the Pre-Stampede Reception
All packages include t-shirt, a clear game day bag and swag. The Buffalo Family Stampede 5K Fun Run & Walk and the football game require additional purchases.
Do I need to purchase a Family Weekend package for my CU student?
Yes, you will need to purchase a Family Weekend student package for each student who will be participating in Family Weekend. All student packages are the same price, but please purchase the same package type—Buffs, Silver, or Gold—to match yours so that you and your student can attend the same events.
Do I need to register my small child?
No, we do not require babies or children under 5 years old to be registered to attend Family Weekend. However, if they do want a t-shirt and swag, they will need to be registered as a guest with a Gold, Silver, or Buffs package. We offer Youth Large as our smallest t-shirt size.
When does registration close?
Packages are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will remain open until packages are sold out. If packages are still available, we will allow on-site registration at Family Weekend.
Please note that football tickets may sell out before Family Weekend packages do. If you are interested in purchasing football tickets, we recommend completing your Family Weekend registration as soon as possible.
Why does Family Weekend cost money?
The weekend is carefully planned to provide the best possible experience for CU students and their families! The package costs were developed to include giveaway item such as t-shirts, clear game day bags, family calendars, buttons, and decals, along with all other event logistical needs such as space reservations, tenting, catering costs, and parking. We understand that the cost of these events can sometimes be an obstacle for families. In this case, we recommend participating in what you are able to and spending valuable time with your Buff!
Can you provide me with tips about lodging?
There are numerous hotels and lodging options in Boulder. However, they do fill up, so don’t wait to make your reservations! The Boulder Hotel and Motel Association and the Visit Boulder, CO website can provide helpful information about potential lodging options. If you plan to rent a car or use public transportation you might also consider staying in Louisville, Broomfield, Westminster, Superior, Longmont, or even Denver.
Can I catch an RTD bus from Denver International Airport to Boulder?
Yes, Route AB goes from DIA to Boulder and stops at several locations in Boulder, including the CU campus. See the RTD SkyRide website for more information, including current pick-up locations at DIA.
You can call the CU Environmental Center at 303-492-8308 for additional campus bus information, other transportation options and help getting around Boulder. You can also visit the RTD site for local bus options.
What will the weather be like during Family Weekend?
You may have heard that Colorado averages 300 days of sunshine a year, and while the weather is often beautiful here, it can still be unpredictable, of course. The average high in Boulder in mid-October is in the mid-60s, with lows in the upper 30s. We sometimes get snow in October, so we recommend packing layers so that you'll be comfortable no matter the weather.
If you bring an umbrella with you, please note that umbrellas are not permitted inside Folsom Field.
