Family Weekend

October 20-22, 2023

We are excited to announce the date for Family Weekend 2023! We look forward to seeing you on campus October 20-22, 2023 for an action-packed weekend of events to enjoy with your family. Family Weekend is held each fall to give families the opportunity to spend time with their student, experience life at UC, and explore our city of Cincinnati. We have activities for all ages from 0 to 100! 

Football: During Family Weekend 2023, the Bearcats will take on Baylor University at Nippert Stadium. With UC joining the Big 12 Conference on July 1, excitement around Bearcats Football is at an all-time high. We are already seeing record-setting season ticket sales. UC Athletics will be allocating a limited group of tickets for Family Weekend guests. More information will be forthcoming on purchasing those tickets. We are exploring alternate options for families who are unable to secure tickets to the game and those will be announced prior to registration. 

FW football tix ad - 1

The 2023 schedule will be announced as soon as possible. In the meantime, feel free to review last year's schedule to get an idea of the types of events we feature at Family Weekend!


2022 Schedule of Events

Please note the schedule is subject to change. Rain locations are listed where applicable. Some events may be modified, relocated, or canceled in the event of rain or other inclement weather.

(*) Events with an asterisk require a separate ticket purchase, registration, or additional fee IN ADDITION to your Family Weekend registration fee. Please refer to event details for more information.

Dining Centers

Visit the UC Dining Centers all weekend for the discounted rate of $6.99 per person OR use your student's meal plan swipes.

Residence Halls

Say cheese! Visit your student's residence hall for a fun photo opportunity in the lobby!

6am-9pm

Campus Recreation Center Open Hours

Campus Recreation Center

Show your Family Weekend wristband at the door for access to Campus Recreation Center facilities, including the fitness floor, classes, hot tub, lap pool, and leisure pool. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Don't miss your chance to see why our recreation center is ranked #1 nationally!

8am-6pm

UC Bookstore Open Hours

Tangeman University Center, 3rd Floor

Students save 15% on all in-store purchases of apparel, gifts and supplies at the UC Bookstores! Show your Bearcats Pride with the latest styles from the store with the largest selection of UC apparel & gifts! Discount valid in all five store locations: TUC, DAAP, Medical Center, UC Blue Ash, and UC Clermont. UC ID required at checkout. Excludes course materials, Apple products, computer hardware and software, gift cards and purchases at campus convenience stores.

10am-5pm

Visit the DAAP Galleries

Meyers Gallery (Steger Student Life Center, Suite 2801)

The Paul Briol: Passed Foward (Selections from UC Art Collection) exhibit showcases works by photojournalist Paul Briol, documenting the built and natural environment during the early 20th century that continues to inform Cincinnati's sense of place, identity, and community.

Reed Gallery (College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, Suite 5275)

The New Tides exhibit highlights works concerned with the ebb and flow of social, political, and artistic trends and how these tropes and themes can return with differing focus and intensity.

11:30am-1:30pm

Dean Johnson's 22nd Annual Welcome Back BBQ

Lawn between Teacher's-Dyer and College of Law

You're invited to College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology Dean Larry Johnson's annual BBQ lunch event. Enjoy his famous homemade BBQ sauce and other delicious eats!

12-1pm

Bearcat Friday Pep Rally

UC MainStreet

Join UC Athletics, RallyCats, and the Bearcat Bands on UC MainStreet for Bearcat Friday! Get hyped for the game on Saturday!

1-4pm

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) Meet & Greet / Open House

CAPS Office - 225 Calhoun St.

Stop by to meet the staff at Counseling & Psychological Services, explore their facilities, and learn more about how they support Bearcat wellness everyday. Light refreshments will be served. Enter to win door prizes!

1-5pm

Family Weekend Check-In

UC MainStreet - Bearcat Plaza
(Rain location - Breezeway between Steger and Swift Hall)

Check in to receive your wristband (your pass to weekend events) and Family Weekend t-shirt. Grab some freebies and win prizes!

2-3:30pm

Painting with a Twist: UC-Themed Painting (Session 1)*

Zimmer Hall 414

Soul Palette art coaches will guide you in creating your UC-themed canvas masterpiece! Advance ticket purchase required. Select Painting with a Twist Session 1 add-on (one ticket per guest) when registering for Family Weekend. $20 per person. Space is limited.

2-5pm

Ice Cream Social hosted by Resident Education & Development (RED)

UC MainStreet near TUC
(Rain location - Breezeway between Steger and Swift Hall)

Meet your student's residence hall team. Have you tried the UC flavor of Graeter's ice cream yet -- Boldly Bearcat? Grab some tasty treats from Graeter's, play some games, and learn more about campus living! 

2-5pm

Latinx Heritage Month Kick-Off with EPS

Ethnic Programs & Services (Steger 555)

Bring your Bearcat and join EPS in celebrating the start of Latinx Heritage Month with some light refreshments. Latinx Heritage Month is nationally-recognized from September 15-October 15 and acknowledges the achievements of Latinx Americans. UC will be celebrating all month long with educational programming and cultural programming to bring awareness to and embrace the diversity of our UC students.

2-5pm

Discover Your Bearcat's Resources

Various Locations

You're invited to visit campus offices and resources to learn more about support and engagement opportunities for your student.

2-6pm

Climbing Wall

Campus Recreation Center

Drop in anytime to try out our Campus Recreation Center's climbing wall! Staff will be available to help you get started. Guests under 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

3:30-4:30pm

Transition & Access Program (TAP) Family Social & Karaoke

Teachers-Dyer Courtyard
Rain location - 628 Teachers Dyer Complex

All are invited to join family members of students participating in UC's TAP program to kick off Family Weekend with karaoke in the courtyard!

4-6pm

Black Family Welcome

African American Cultural & Resource Center (60 W. Charlton)

Habari Gani! Join us at the African American Cultural & Resource Center (AACRC) to meet center staff, connect with other families, and enjoy light refreshments, line dancing, games, and family photos. Discover why the AACRC is a treasured community and educational space at UC. All are welcome!

4:30-6pm

Painting with a Twist: UC-Themed Painting (Session 2)*

Zimmer Hall 414

Soul Palette art coaches will guide you in creating your UC-themed canvas masterpiece! Advance ticket purchase required. Select Painting with a Twist Session 2 add-on (one ticket per guest) when registering for Family Weekend. $20 per person. Space is limited.

5-7pm

Family Weekend BBQ

Sheakley Lawn
(Rain location - Campus Recreation Center Breezeway)

Students and families from all colleges and majors are invited to join us for a family BBQ! Join Parent & Family Programs, university staff, and College of Arts & Sciences Dean Margaret Hanson to enjoy local-favorite Alabama Que's famous pulled pork, turkey tips, home-cooked veggies, and more! All are welcome to attend!

5-7pm

Bearcat Lawn Games with the Student Wellness Center

Sheakley Lawn
(Rain location - Campus Recreation Center Lobby

Join the Student Wellness Center for life size lawn games and fun during the BBQ!

6pm

Women's Volleyball vs. Miami (OH)

Fifth Third Arena

Cheer on the Bearcats as they take on the Miami Redhawks!

7:30-10pm

Bearcats Cosmic BINGO

Tangeman University Center Great Hall

Join us for a delicious dessert buffet and WIN BIG with *COSMIC* glow BINGO! Be first to get five in a row and win UC apparel, gear, and other cool swag! Don't miss this out of this world event! This event is hosted by Student Activities & Leadership Development (SALD) and Programs & Activities Council (PAC). Limited to the first 400 guests.

7:30pm

CCM Orchestra and Choirs: Hope, Fate, Triumph*

CCM Corbett Auditorium

The CCM Philharmonia opens its season in Corbett Auditorium with Nkeiru Okoye's Voices Shouting Out, written in response to 9/11. Then CCM choirs join the orchestra for Brahms’ Schicksalslied and Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68. Tickets required.

8am-8pm

Family Weekend Hospitality Suite Open

Steger 630

Stop by, ask questions, grab water or snacks, and take a bathroom break!

8am-9pm

Campus Recreation Center Open Hours

Campus Recreation Center

Show your Family Weekend wristband at the door for access to Campus Recreation Center facilities, including the fitness floor, classes, hot tub, lap pool, and leisure pool. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Don't miss your chance to see why our recreation center is ranked #1 nationally!

9am-12pm

Family Weekend Check-In

Schneider Quad
(Rain location - Zimmer Hall lobby)

Check in to receive your wristband (your pass to weekend events) and Family Weekend t-shirt. Grab some freebies and win prizes!

9am-12pm

Donuts with the Deans

Schneider Quad
(Rain location - Zimmer Hall lobby)

You've never seen a donut wall like this! Enjoy Cincinnati's favorite donuts and coffee and learn about how we support your Bearcat! Meet campus administrators, including:

  • Associate Dean of Students Daniel Cummins
  • Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences Margaret Hanson
  • Vice Provost of Enrollment Management Jack Miner

9am-12pm

Family Fun Day & Pre-game Tailgate

Schneider Quad
(Rain location - Zimmer Hall lobby and classrooms)

Don't miss this signature Family Weekend event! All kinds of fun and activities for family members of all ages, including life-size games, caricatures, inflatables, rock painting, sidewalk chalk, face painting, tattoos, prizes, cotton candy, popcorn, and more!

Sponsored by UC Enrollment Management. Additional events and activities hosted by Gen-1, Money Management team, Fraternity & Sorority Life, Bearcats Pantry, and more!

9am-12pm

CEAS Fall Fest

Top of UC MainStreet between Steger and TUC
(Rain location - Zimmer Hall lobby and classrooms)

The College for Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) Tribunal presents a showcase of student organizations, fun activities, informational booths, and demos of student projects! Students and families from all colleges welcome!

9am-12pm

Bus Transportation to Paul Brown Stadium

University Circle

Free bus transportation to Paul Brown Stadium for the football game is offered for registered Family Weekend guests on a first-come, first-served basis. The buses will run in a loop between University Circle and Paul Brown Stadium between 9am-12pm and will resume service back to campus after the game. You must be wearing your Family Weekend wristband displayed to board. The bus will drop guests as close to Paul Brown as possible.

10am-4pm

UC Bookstore Open Hours

Tangeman University Center, 3rd Floor

Students save 15% on all in-store purchases of apparel, gifts and supplies at the UC Bookstores! Show your Bearcats Pride with the latest styles from the store with the largest selection of UC apparel & gifts! Discount valid in all five store locations: TUC, DAAP, Medical Center, UC Blue Ash, and UC Clermont. UC ID required at checkout. Excludes course materials, Apple products, computer hardware and software, gift cards and purchases at campus convenience stores. 

12pm

UC Football vs. Miami University

Paycor Stadium (formerly known as Paul Brown Stadium)

Cheer on the Bearcats as they take on the Miami Redhawks in the Battle for the Victory Bell. Discounted tickets through UC Athletics are now sold out. You may join the regular ticket waitlist by contacting UC Athletics at 513-556-2287. Tickets may also be available through Miami University.

2-6pm

Climbing Wall

Campus Recreation Center

Drop in anytime to try out our Campus Recreation Center's climbing wall! Staff will be available to help you get started. Guests under 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

2:30-5pm

Bus Transportation from Paul Brown Stadium to UC

Intersection Central Avenue and Pete Rose Way

Free bus transportation to UC from Paul Brown Stadium is offered for registered Family Weekend guests on a first-come, first-served basis. The buses will pickup downtown at the intersection of Central Avenue and Pete Rose Way. You must be wearing your Family Weekend wristband displayed to board. Look for the Family Weekend flags and red umbrella to board. Note: Due to traffic and road closures in downtown due to several local events this weekend, we will communicate any changes via email to registered guests.

3-6pm

Photo Scavenger Hunts

Meet at Schneider Quad to Begin
(Rain location - Steger 630/Family Weekend Hosptality Suite)

Select from several scavenger hunt options -- or do them all! Find and visit designated spots around UC! Photograph your family with each spot to win prizes! 

5-6:30pm

Painting with a Twist: UC-Themed Painting (Session 3)*

CRC Hall Room 3220

Soul Palette art coaches will guide you in creating your UC-themed canvas masterpiece! Advance ticket purchase required. Select Painting with a Twist Session 3 add-on (one ticket per guest) when registering for Family Weekend. $20 per person. Space is limited.

7:30-9pm

Painting with a Twist: UC-Themed Painting (Session 4)*

CRC Hall Room 3220

Soul Palette art coaches will guide you in creating your UC-themed canvas masterpiece! Advance ticket purchase required. Select Painting with a Twist Session 4 add-on (one ticket per guest) when registering for Family Weekend. $20 per person. Space is limited.

8pm (Doors Open at 7pm)

Bearcats Movie Night at Nippert: "The Dark Knight"

Dinner and a movie, anyone? Bring a blanket and take a seat in Nippert Stadium (or find a spot on the turf) for this signature Family Weekend event. We're screening "The Dark Knight" on the HD video scoreboard in celebration of National Batman Day! Grab dinner with free stadium concessions while supplies last provided by UC's Resident Education & Development and Residence Hall Association (RHA)

  • Wear your best Batman or Bruce Wayne outfit to win a prize!
  • Join early for Batman-themed games!

8am

Campus Fun Run (2 or 4 mile options)

Meet at Bearcat Statue near Baseball Field

Join UC staff for a morning run or walk. All are welcome! Every participant gets a prize!

9-11am

Family Weekend Hospitality Suite Open

Steger 630

Stop by, ask questions, grab water and snacks, and take a bathroom break.

9am-12pm (Must board by 10am)

Jazz Brunch Riverboat Cruise*

BB Riverboats (101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071)

A Family Weekend tradition! Join us for live jazz, brunch, and breathtaking views of Cincinnati from the River Queen! Advance ticket purchase required. Select the Riverboat Cruise add-on (one ticket per guest) when registering for Family Weekend. $48 per person. Space is limited. Riverboat guests will not need tickets. This event is held rain or shine.

10am-5pm

Visit the DAAP Galleries

Meyers Gallery (Steger Student Life Center, Suite 2801)

The Paul Briol: Passed Foward (Selections from UC Art Collection) exhibit showcases works by photojournalist Paul Briol, documenting the built and natural environment during the early 20th century that continues to inform Cincinnati's sense of place, identity, and community.

Reed Gallery (College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, Suite 5275)

The New Tides exhibit highlights works concerned with the ebb and flow of social, political, and artistic trends and how these tropes and themes can return with differing focus and intensity.

10am-9pm

Campus Recreation Center Open Hours

Campus Recreation Center

Show your Family Weekend wristband at the door for access to Campus Recreation Center facilities, including the fitness floor, classes, hot tub, lap pool, and leisure pool. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Don't miss your chance to see why our recreation center is ranked #1 nationally!

10:30am

H20 Sunday Service

Probasco Auditorium

All are welcome to join H20 Church for their Sunday morning services!

11am-1pm

Family Weekend Brunch with Hillel

Rose Warner Hillel House (2615 Clifton Ave.)

Bring the whole family to Cincinnati Hillel for Family Weekend brunch, coffee, and mingling on Sunday! Learn more about Hillel at UC. Please RSVP to attend to ann@hillelcincinnati.org.

12-4pm

UC Bookstore Open Hours

Tangeman University Center, 3rd Floor

Students save 15% on all in-store purchases of apparel, gifts and supplies at the UC Bookstores! Show your Bearcats Pride with the latest styles from the store with the largest selection of UC apparel & gifts! Discount valid in all five store locations: TUC, DAAP, Medical Center, UC Blue Ash, and UC Clermont. UC ID required at checkout. Excludes course materials, Apple products, computer hardware and software, gift cards and purchases at campus convenience stores. 

2-3:30pm

Gen-1 Induction & Academic Awards Ceremony

African American Cultural & Resource Center

Family members of students in the Gen-1 program are invited to join us for the official induction of Cohort 15 followed by our academic awards ceremony. Light refreshments will be served. Gen-1 students will receive additional information directly from program staff.

5:45pm

Nosh with the Edge House

Edge House (3007 Clifton Ave.)

Join the Edge House for their weekly dinner/church event!

6-8pm

Hazing Prevention Week Keynote Speaker

TBD

The fraternity and sorority communities from across Ohio are proud to host Kathleen Wiant, mother of Collin Wiant, to share her story and talk with our communities about how to prevent hazing. Chapters will be viewing the keynote in classrooms across campus and participating in discussions. Feel free to join your student and engage in conversation about how they are contributing to a safe and healthy UC community. 

7pm

CCM Jazz: Music of Thad Jones*

CCM Corbett Auditorium

Thad Jones’ big band music embodies the height of sophistication, the depths of hard driving swing, the relentless groove of the blues and the beauty of a compositional style like no other. Join the CCM Jazz Orchestra for an evening in Corbett Auditorium celebrating the swinging music of this American jazz master. Tickets required.

All Weekend

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (3400 Vine St.)

Enjoy DISCOUNTED tickets to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden just for guests of UC Family Weekend! Don't miss your chance to meet Cincy's most famous animals -- Lucille the Bearcat and Fiona the Hippo (and her new sibling!). You may purchase discount tickets for $16 adults, $10 children/seniors. Parking is not included. Discount tickets can be redeemed anytime September 16-18.

Findlay Market (1801 Race St.)

Visit Cincinnati's oldest public market and premier food destination. Findlay Market is a great spot to grab food and drinks before stopping by the City Flea or football game. Listen to live music, browse our vibrant and bustling market, or stock your Bearcat's fridge with local groceries. All students receive 10% off at Market Center when they show their Bearcat Card during Family Weekend. 

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (Downtown Cincinnati)

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is America’s largest Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is held on 2nd and 3rd Streets, between Elm and Walnut in downtown Zinzinnati. There are many public and private parking garages downtown within walking distance of the festival site. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati showcases the rich German heritage of Southwest Ohio, as well as tasty samples of German-style music, food and beer. First held in 1976, the event has grown to be America's largest Oktoberfest with more than 700,000 people attending each year.

Hamilton (Aronoff Center)

The renowned musical "Hamilton" is coming to Cincinnati! Tickets are now sale for five different showings during Family Weekend. The musical tells the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton through hip-hop, jazz and R&B. It has won numerous awards, including a  Tony, Grammy and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. 

ArtWorks Murals Self-Guided Tour (Various Locations)

Take a walk (or ride the streetcar) and enjoy over 180 public art installations around the city. With over 40 in the downtown area alone, this is a great place to start your masterpiece tour. View the map of murals here.  ArtWorks provides a public art program that enriches our region while providing job opportunities to youth apprentices and professional artists.

Saturday, September 17

Hudepohl 14K/7K Brewery Run

The Hudepohl 14K/7K Brewery Run kicks off Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Munich. The Hudepohl 14K (named after the iconic Cincinnati-brewed beer) and shorter 7K start and end along Cincinnati’s riverfront. Along the course, you’ll pass by many of the historic brewery sites of early Cincinnati and follow the routes that the horse-drawn carts took to bring the beer from the breweries to the riverboats that would take the beer throughout the country.

City Flea (10am-4pm, Washington Park)

Visit Cincinnati's original, curated, urban flea market that takes place once a month at Washington Park and various other locations through out the year. Vendors range from vintage dealers to artisan pizza makers to plant studios. You'll find something for everyone!

Family Weekend in the News

Take a Peek into Family Weekend!