Registration for General Event Passes
Registration for Family Weekend General Event Passes will open on Wednesday, August 26 at 6:30 PM EST! Please be sure you are signed up for the UC Family Portal! We can’t wait for you to experience UC and the city of Cincinnati at its brightest! Family Weekend registration is $20 per person. Each guest attending Family Weekend will need to be registered, including your student. Passes sell fast and Family Weekend does sell out. All sales are final and we are unable to process late registrations, so please register for your general event passes early!
Family Weekend
Family Weekend is held each fall to give you the opportunity to spend time with your student, experience life at UC, and explore our city of Cincinnati. We have activities for all ages from 0 to 100! This year, Family Weekend will be held October 9-11, 2026 during BLINK Festival of Light & Art – the nation’s largest immersive arts event. Exploring BLINK's interactive art installations across the city is completely free! Families can look forward to a dynamic, action-packed schedule that includes many of your favorite traditional Family Weekend events on campus. With Blink Cincinnati in town, we also look forward to this incredibly unique opportunity to showcase Cincinnati in a new light. Whether you engage with Family Weekend on-campus, off-campus, or both, we know you will have a memorable experience celebrating the UC journey with your student and building your family connections.
Premium Add On Events
Some events have a limited capacity and require an additional fee to purchase when you register for Family Weekend. All participants in add-on events must also be registered for UC Family Weekend. Secure your spot early as these events will sell out!
- Riverboat Brunch Cruise ($50 per person)
- Bearcats Canvas: UC-themed Painting Class with Soul Palette ($20 per person)
- Cincy Night Lights at the Roebling Event Center ($22 per person)
2026 Schedule of Events
The full schedule of events will be shared with exact dates and times as we get closer to this year's event - we are adding more events each week through October 9! We typically offer over 40 events throughout the weekend. Our events range from sporting events, musical entertainment, arts and crafts, Cincinnati attractions, and more. Each year we provide a mix of our traditional signature events like Bingo and Donuts with the Dean, and new events to keep the weekend exciting. Most events are included with your Family Weekend general event pass; however some of our add-on events, like our Riverboat Cruise, Bearcats Canvas, or Cincy Night Lights at the Roebling Event Center have an additional cost. All events are subject to changes as we finalize plans for this fall. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to campus!
College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) Self-Guided Audio Tour
Tour begins outside the DAAP Student Affairs Office (Aronoff 5470)
8am - 8pm
The QR code for the Self-Guided Audio Tour can be found outside the DAAP Student Affairs Office (Aronoff 5470). The programs within DAAP are ranked among the very best in both a world and national class. During the self-guided tour, you’ll see some of our labs, studios, and other spaces that help make DAAP a top-notch place to study. All you need is a smart phone to scan the QR code to begin the tour of DAAP’s facilities. Log onto the university guest wi-fi. Headphones are recommended.
Family Weekend Check-In
455 Steger Student Life Center, Parent & Family Programs Lobby
1 - 7pm
Check in to receive your Family Weekend materials and badges to access events. If you're one of the first 4,000 to check-in, you will also receive our 2026 Family Weekend t-shirt! Look for the signs on UC MainStreet to find your way to Check-in!
Off-Campus Housing Fair
Tangeman University Center, 3rd Floor Atrium
1 - 4pm
Explore off-campus housing options for next school year and resources all in one place! Students and families can meet housing providers, ask questions, grab giveaways, and learn more about living off campus or commuting to campus. Hosted by UC’s Off-Campus & Commuter Student Engagement team, this event is all about helping Bearcats feel connected, supported, and at home—wherever they live.
Bearcats Canvas with Soul Palette*
Arts & Sciences Hall, Room 53
3 - 4:30pm
Soul Palette art coaches will guide you in creating your UC-themed canvas masterpiece! Advance ticket purchase required.
MakerLab Family Fun
CECH Library MakerLab (Teachers-Dyer Complex 300)
Back by popular demand! Stop by for hands-on family fun! Enjoy crafts, coloring, and games!
Team Tune Trivia
Tangeman University Center, 400ABC
It will take every generation of the family to win this trivia game! Team Tune Trivia presents trivia across the decades (80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, and today)! May the most musical family win!
Family Game Night
Tangeman University Center, 3rd floor Atrium
6 - 10pm
Challenge your family to a little friendly competition with family game night. Take on your student or find a fellow Bearcat family to square off in your favorite family board games!
Family Bingo Night
Tangeman University Center, Great Hall
WIN BIG with Bearcats Bingo! Be first to get five in a row to win prizes! Don't miss this out of this popular event hosted by the Center for Student Involvement (CSI). Limited to the first 500 guests.
Coming soon: Academic College events!
Family Weekend Late Check-In
455 Steger Student Life Center, Parent & Family Programs Lobby
8am - 12pm
Check in to receive your Family Weekend materials and badges to access events. If you're one of the first 4,000 to check-in, you will also receive our 2026 Family Weekend t-shirt! Look for the signs on UC MainStreet to find your way to Check-in!
College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) Self-Guided Audio Tour
Tour begins outside the DAAP Student Affairs Office (Aronoff 5470)
8am - 8pm
The QR code for the Self-Guided Audio Tour can be found outside the DAAP Student Affairs Office (Aronoff 5470). The programs within DAAP are ranked among the very best in both a world and national class. During the self-guided tour, you’ll see some of our labs, studios, and other spaces that help make DAAP a top-notch place to study. All you need is a smart phone to scan the QR code to begin the tour of DAAP’s facilities. Log onto the university guest wi-fi. Headphones are recommended.
Donuts with the Dean of Students Office
Steger 5th Floor (outside Dean of Students Office, Suite 555)
Join us to enjoy some of Cincinnati's favorite donuts and coffee while you hang out with Dean of Students Shaka Sydnor and the team from UC's Dean of Students Office. The DOS team serves as the primary student advocates for our campus and delivers timely support through a variety of programs, including crisis management, conflict resolution, and emergency response.
Bearcat Bolt
Sigma Sigma Commons
Earn your bumper sticker and participate in our .5K run (yes, that says point five). See who can dash through Sigma Sigma the fastest (or the slowest!). Sure to bring laughs to the whole family!
Residence Hall Socials
Various Residence Hall Lobbies & Commuter Student Lounge (6th floor Steger)
3pm
Come hang out with fellow families and get to know your Bearcat's community.
Family Game Night
Tangeman University Center, 3rd floor Atrium
6 - 10pm
Challenge your family to a little friendly competition with family game night. Take on your student or find a fellow Bearcat family to square off in your favorite family board games!
Cincy Night Lights at the Roebling Event Center*
Roebling Event Center, 140 Marian Spencer Wy, Cincinnati, OH 45202
6:30 - 8pm, 8:30-10pm
Join us downtown in the heart of Cincinnati for an unforgettable evening where music, celebration, and the beauty of the riverfront come together. At this premium add-on event, we will offer a place to launch your BLINK experience. Enjoy delicious bites, a cash bar, music, glow accessories, a photobooth, and scenic views during the largest festival of light and art in the nation. Advance ticket purchase required.
Coming soon:
- Academic College events
- Afternoon Party on Sigma Sigma
College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) Self-Guided Audio Tour
Tour begins outside the DAAP Student Affairs Office (Aronoff 5470)
8am - 8pm
The QR code for the Self-Guided Audio Tour can be found outside the DAAP Student Affairs Office (Aronoff 5470). The programs within DAAP are ranked among the very best in both a world and national class. During the self-guided tour, you’ll see some of our labs, studios, and other spaces that help make DAAP a top-notch place to study. All you need is a smart phone to scan the QR code to begin the tour of DAAP’s facilities. Log onto the university guest wi-fi. Headphones are recommended.
Riverboat Brunch Cruise*
BB Riverboats (101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY, 41071)
10am-1pm
A Family Weekend tradition! Join us for brunch and breathtaking city views from the Belle of Cincinnati! Advance ticket purchase required. Riverboat guests will not receive tickets. Arrive at BB Riverboats from 10-11am to board. The boat sails at 11am, so do not be late. We will return by 1pm.
Bearcats Canvas with Soul Palette*
Arts & Sciences Hall, Room 53
12 - 1:30pm
Soul Palette art coaches will guide you in creating your UC-themed canvas masterpiece! Advance ticket purchase required.
Volleyball vs. Iowa State
Fifth Third Arena
1pm
Cheer on the Bearcats as they take on Iowa State in Volleyball!
BLINK Cincinnati
Various Locations
October 8-11, 7 - 11pm nightly
Arts Wave Cincinnati is hosting BLINK 2026 throughout the city of Cincinnati! This event is free to everyone. Explore 35 city blocks of illuminated art in a one-of-a-kind experience. Wear your glowing gear and dress for the weather! Don't miss it - plan your BLINK experience today!
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden*
3400 Vine Street
Cincinnati is home to the #1 zoo in the country! The Cincinnati Zoo has over 400 animal species and 3,000 plant species. During your visit, don't miss local celebrity hippos Fiona and Fritz.
Campus Recreation Center Open Hours
Campus Recreation Center
- Friday - 6am-9pm
- Saturday - 8am-9pm
- Sunday - 10am-9pm
Registered families can show their nametag and photo ID for access to the Campus Recreation Center's facilities, including the track, cardio and weight equipment, group fitness classes, swimming pools, climbing wall, and more! Guests will have to sign a waiver. If any family members are under 18 years old, please review our Minors Policy for facility expectations listed under the “general facility rules & regulations” section. Interested in joining for a group fitness class? Check out the schedule and sign-up on the app for classes throughout Family Weekend!
Dining Centers
Marketpointe, CenterCourt, and On the Green Dining Centers
Visit UC's dining centers throughout Family Weekend for a discounted rate or use your student's guest meal swipes.
UC Bookstore Open Hours
Tangeman University Center, 2nd and 3rd Floor
- Friday 8am-5pm
- Saturday 10am-4pm
Students can show their UC ID for 15% off, so stock up on UC gear and goodies!
RecRe Locker Activities
Various Locations
Over 15 RecRe lockers across campus and in residence halls are stocked with outdoor activities and games your family can enjoy during your time on campus. The 3rd Floor TUC locker has disc golf discs available, which can be used at the nearby Burnet Woods 18-hole disc golf course. Simply scan the QR code on the set of lockers containing the item you want to rent. On your first use, you'll need to create an account, but after that, it’s simple! Just scan and go.
Bearcat Family Football Days
Bearcat Family Football Days will be held September 5, 12, and 26. These events have now sold out. We hope you can join us next year!
