STUDENT AFFAIRS

• The Great Digital Adventure is back! Learn more about campus by creating a team and using your smartphones to scan a QR code and solve a series of puzzles that will take teams to the most interesting parts of campus. This activity is self-guided and can be done anytime during Family Weekend. All families who complete the adventure will be entered into a drawing and five families will receive a $100 gift card to the Campus Bookstore. Details on how to get started coming soon!

10:00 am – 6:00 pm - Family Weekend Hospitality Room (101 Wildcat Room, Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Dr.)

• Families should go to the Wildcat Room to connect with Family Engagement staff, pick up an “at a glance” schedule book, a coupon for the Evanston Farmer’s Market and enjoy some complimentary coffee, tea and water.

10:00 am – 11:30 am - Chicago Architecture Center Northwestern Tour (Meeting Location is outside Segal Visitors Center, 1841 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL) - SOLD OUT

• See Northwestern University through a new lens during Family Weekend! Join Chicago Architecture Center guides for a free walking tour of the Evanston campus, exploring more than 150 years of architectural history, from Collegiate Gothic landmarks to bold Brutalist buildings and contemporary designs. Along the way, discover the stories behind some of Northwestern’s most distinctive buildings and learn how the campus has evolved alongside the university. Tickets are limited to 4 per family and must be reserved on the Family Weekend Eventbrite. 

11:00 am – 12:00 pm - Faculty Lecture Series: Round 1 

Northwestern’s world-class faculty showcase their teaching expertise during various lectures for families. Lecture descriptions will be posted by early October.

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm - Faculty Lecture Series: Round 2 

Northwestern’s world-class faculty showcase their teaching expertise during various lectures for families. Lecture descriptions will be posted by early October.

Afternoon with the Undergraduate Schools

Bienen School of Music 

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

In lieu of formal programming, Bienen families are invited to observe student rehearsals at various times throughout the afternoon. Room locations will be added at a later date. .

• University Chorale, 2:00-3:20 pm
• Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra, 2:10 pm - 4:10pm 
• Symphonic Wind Ensemble, 2:10 pm - 4:10 pm  
• University Singers, 3:30 pm - 4:50 pm 
• Northwestern University Jazz Orchestra, 4:30 pm - 6:20 pm
• Bienen Contemporary/Early Vocal Ensemble 5:00 pm - 6:20 pm 
• Northwestern University Marching Band, 4:00 pm - 6:00pm 
  •   Check the online schedule or bit.ly/NU-FW for rain location if needed

McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm (205 Louis Room, Norris University Center) 

• McCormick family members are invited to this presentation and Q&A with Dr. Burghardt, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Engineering, and current engineering students.  

Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm (McCormick Foundation Center Forum, 1870 Campus Dr.) 

• A welcome from our Dean, and a brief showcase of student work, and time with advisers.

School of Communication

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm (Wirtz Center for Performing Arts, Room 102, Wallis Theatre,1949 Campus Drive) 

• Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Advising Lori Barcliff Baptista will speak briefly, and academic advisors will mingle with guests.

School of Education and Social Policy (SESP)

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm (2001 Sheridan Road, room 1205) 

• An open house and conversation with SESP faculty and advising team will take place in the SESP Student Affairs Office. Light refreshments will be served.

Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm (Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St.)

• Presentation and panel discussion on resources and opportunities for Weinberg students.  

4:30 pm –6:30 pm:  Family Weekend Happy Hour (Luna’s Pub & Grill & Kahn Plaza, Norris University Center)

• Kick-off Family Weekend in style! Join us at Luna’s for an afternoon of appetizers and beverages amongst friends. Mix and mingle with other Wildcat families in a casual atmosphere featuring live music! People of all ages can attend. Tickets can be purchased on the Family Weekend Eventbrite. They cost $5 each and include appetizers, and water or lemonade. Please note, all ticket sales are final; no refunds will be given. You must purchase a ticket for your Northwestern student as well. Alcoholic beverages for those guests 21 years of age and older may be purchased at the bar.   

8:30 pm – 10:00 pm - Video Music Bingo (Louis Room, Norris University Center)

• Whether you’re reliving your MTV era, discovering a new favorite artist, or celebrating the soundtrack of your life, Video Music Bingo is an easy, interactive night out that’s just as much about the shared family experience as it is about winning! The event is free for families and up to 300 people can be accommodated. Drop in and out when you'd like and as space opens up at a table!

8:00 pm – 10:00 pm - Dearborn Observatory (2131 Tech Drive) 

• Families are invited to drop in and tour the Observatory free of charge. Weather permitting, you will be able to view the night sky with our historic Dearborn Telescope.

6:00 am – 10:00 pm - Complimentary Access to the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion (2311 Campus Dr.) 

12:00 pm – 8:00 pm - Block Museum of Art (40 Arts Circle Drive)  

• Visit Northwestern’s campus art museum! The Block is an engine that drives questioning, experimentation, and collaboration across fields of study, with visual arts at the center. The Block is always free and open to all. For more information, please visit www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu.  

12:00 pm – 10:30 pm - Visit the Norris Game Room (Norris University Center)   

• Visit the Game Room in the underground of Norris University Center for some family fun! The Norris Game Room has six Brunswick Gold Crown billiards tables, and a variety of video games on Xbox One, Playstation 4, and the Nintendo Switch, as well as several board games and a foosball table. All activities are free for NU Families.  

4:30 pm – 6:30 pm - Northwestern University Black Alumni Association (NUBAA) Prayer Walk & Social (The Black House, 1914 Sheridan Rd.) 

• Come pray for all our students! Families are invited to join NUBAA at the Black House for conversation and connection. Praise and worship + Meet and Greet will start at 4:30 pm, and the Prayer Walk will step off at 5 pm. Light refreshments will follow. All are welcome! If you have any questions, please direct them to nubaa@alum.northwestern.edu. We look forward to connecting with you then! 

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm - Family Bisque Painting (Room TBD, Norris University Center) - SOLD OUT

• Celebrate Family Weekend through creativity! Join Artica Studios for a free bisque painting event. Participants may choose a bowl or a mug to create a piece of functional ceramics unique to you! All underglazes, supplies, and firing will be included. Your piece will be completed once it is fired in the studio. Please allow 1-2 weeks for your piece to be completed. Once ready, all participants will be notified via email for pick up in Artica Studios at Norris. Space is limited to 25 people per session (7:00 pm, 8:00 pm or 9:00 pm) and you must reserve your spot in the Family Weekend Eventbrite.

• The Great Digital Adventure is back! Learn more about campus by creating a team and using your smartphones to scan a QR code and solve a series of puzzles that will take teams to the most interesting parts of campus. This activity is self-guided and can be done anytime during Family Weekend. All families who complete the adventure will be entered into a drawing and five families will receive a $100 gift card to the Campus Bookstore. Details on how to get started coming soon!

• See Northwestern University through a new lens during Family Weekend! Join Chicago Architecture Center guides for a free walking tour of the Evanston campus, exploring more than 150 years of architectural history, from Collegiate Gothic landmarks to bold Brutalist buildings and contemporary designs. Along the way, discover the stories behind some of Northwestern’s most distinctive buildings and learn how the campus has evolved alongside the university. Tickets are limited to 4 per family and must be reserved on the Family Weekend Eventbrite. 

6:45 pm – 8:15 pm - Acapalooza Show #1

9:00 pm – 10:30 pm - Acapalooza Show #2

• Join Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM) and Family Engagement for a night of incredible a cappella performances! Enjoy music from Northwestern’s premier a cappella groups while learning about NUDM 2026’s life-changing primary and secondary beneficiaries.   
• Please Note: There will be two separate shows, one at 6:45 pm and another performance at 9:00 pm. These times may be adjusted once the time of the football game is announced. Each performance costs $12 (plus processing fees), which is donated to NUDM and will feature half of Northwestern’s a cappella groups.   
• Groups performing at these shows will be announced by October 9 when ticket sales go live. Please check back for more information. Please note, all ticket sales are final; no refunds will be given. Northwestern students must also have a paid ticket if they wish to watch the performance and are not performing.

8:00 pm – 10:00 pm - Dearborn Observatory (2131 Tech Drive) 

• Families are invited to drop in and tour the Observatory free of charge. Weather permitting, you will be able to view the night sky with our historic Dearborn Telescope.

Time TBD - Campus Tours led by Family Ambassadors (Leaves from Norris West Lobby) 

• Family Ambassadors will lead a campus walking tour, which will leave from the Norris West Lobby next to the main doors.

Northwestern Football vs. Rutgers University (Ryan Football Field) 

The Northwestern Wildcats will battle the Rutgers Scarlet Knights for an exciting Big Ten matchup. Gametime is currently TBD and may not be announced by the NCAA until 10 days before the game. If you want your student to sit with you at the game, you must buy them a ticket. Students can claim a free ticket to the game to stand in the student section, but those are not guaranteed. For more information on the student claims process, check out the Athletics website.

The original block of Family Weekend tickets is sold out. If you are still interested in purchasing tickets, Athletics asks that you fill out the form below to let them know how many game tickets you would like to purchase for Family Weekend, and they will contact you as soon as they have more information. Athletics will continue to honor the $75 Family Weekend ticket price but please understand that tax and Ticketmaster fees will be added on to your final cost.

For any issues or questions about game tickets, parking or season tickets, please email newryanfield@northwestern.edu or call (888) 467-8775. Go 'Cats!

7:30 am – 1:00 pm - Evanston Farmer’s Market – NU Spirit Day! (University Place & Oak Avenue, behind the Hilton Garden Inn)

• Pick up your complimentary coupon from the Family Weekend Hospitality Room and shop with more than 70 vendors. 

11:00 am – 12:15 pm - Walking Tour of Downtown Evanston Murals (Starting location provided upon registration)

• Did you know that Evanston is home to over 35 extraordinary street art murals painted by world-renowned artists? If you want to see them up close and get the scoop about how they came to be, take a break from campus and join Art Encounter, the non-profit in charge, for this special guided tour to learn all about the public artworks that have transformed Downtown Evanston over the past eight years. Hear behind-the scenes stories about the artists, the artworks, and how the murals are made.  For more information and registration, go to Art Encounter- Downtown Evanston Mural Tour.

11:00 am – 5:00 pm - Visit the Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan Ave Chicago, IL) 

• Northwestern undergraduates always enjoy free access to the museum when they present their Wildcard. During Family Weekend, only on Saturday, October 24, this benefit extends to up to two guests who will be allowed free entry when they visit either the Michigan Ave or Modern Wing ticketing counter with a Wildcard-wielding undergraduate! Information about visitor policies, special exhibits and more available at: artic.edu This program is supported by the Division of Student Affairs and managed by Student Organizations & Activities.  

12:00 pm – 5:00 pm - Block Museum of Art (40 Arts Circle Drive)  

• Visit Northwestern’s campus art museum! The Block is an engine that drives questioning, experimentation, and collaboration across fields of study, with visual arts at the center. The Block is always free and open to all. For more information, please visit www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu.  

12:00 pm – 10:30 pm - Visit the Norris Game Room (Norris University Center)   

• Visit the Game Room in the underground of Norris University Center for some family fun! The Norris Game Room has six Brunswick Gold Crown billiards tables, and a variety of video games on Xbox One, Playstation 4, and the Nintendo Switch, as well as several board games and a foosball table. All activities are free for NU Families.  

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm - BMSA Art Talks! (Block Museum of Art, 40 Arts Circle Drive)

• Get to know the Block Museum and what's on view through the eyes of our students. Led by undergraduate members of the Block Museum Student Associate program, these talks offer an introduction to the museum, a close look at selected works on view, and a chance to hear how students engage with art as part of their Northwestern experience. These drop-in, discussion-based talks are free and open to all. No registration required — just meet us in the Block Museum lobby. 

Time TBD - Drop in for Kitty Kart Hour at the Norris Game Room! (Norris Underground) 

• Enjoy some lighthearted Mario Kart fun — perfect for families, friends, and casual racers of all ages. No registration is needed, just show up, grab a controller, and get ready to race! 1st place racers will receive a small prize. Prizes available while supplies last. Please note: Spots are limited as we have two Nintendo Switch consoles available. Participants will rotate in throughout the hour. 

• The Great Digital Adventure is back! Learn more about campus by creating a team and using your smartphones to scan a QR code and solve a series of puzzles that will take teams to the most interesting parts of campus. This activity is self-guided and can be done anytime during Family Weekend. All families who complete the adventure will be entered into a drawing and five families will receive a $100 gift card to the Campus Bookstore. Details on how to get started coming soon!

8:00 am – 11:00 am - Family Weekend Jazz Brunch (Luna’s Pub & Grill, Norris University Center)

Wrap up your Family Weekend with great food and the sounds of live jazz at Luna's Family Weekend Jazz Brunch!

Join us for a relaxed and delicious morning featuring a brunch menu crafted by Luna's chefs, complete with savory favorites, sweet treats, fresh coffee, juice, and more. Enjoy live jazz throughout your meal while spending quality time with your Wildcat and family. 

Choose from one of three seating times:

• 8:00 a.m.
• 9:00 a.m.
• 10:00 a.m.

9:00 am - Donut 5K (Southern End of Northwestern Lakefill)

• A Family Weekend tradition has returned! The Donut 5K is a typical 5K with a twist as every donut you eat takes time off your run! It’s a fun way to combine everyone’s love of donuts with friendly competition while raising money for the Triathlon Club. Registration is coming soon!   

10:00 am - 11:00 am – Campus Resource Sessions Round 1 (Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Dr.)

Career Services for Northwestern Students (Location TBD)  

• Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) will offer an overview of the career resources available to your student including career counseling and advising services, internships and summer experiences, and the post-graduation success of our students. Come learn about how Northwestern prepares its students for life after graduation.  

Engaging Across Difference via the Litowitz Center (Location TBD) 

• Recognizing the importance of effective communication in today's polarized discourse, the Litowitz Center for Enlightened Disagreement promotes skills and mindsets for connecting meaningfully across difference. In partnership with the Division of Student Affairs, the Center offers a year-long, co-curricular program through which undergraduates can earn a certificate in enlightened disagreement sponsored by the Kellogg School of Management. Students who earn the certificate and wish to advance the Litowitz Center’s mission can pursue paid leadership experience as undergraduate fellows. Join representatives of the Litowitz Center for an overview of offerings and an interactive introduction to enlightened disagreement. 

Fraternity & Sorority Life Panel Presentation (Location TBD) 

• Families are invited to a presentation provided by the Fraternity & Sorority Life staff that will overview the values of our community, benefits of membership, and pathways to joining across our four councils: the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and the Panhellenic Association (PHA). Families will also have a chance to ask questions and engage with a panel of upper-class student leaders within the FSL community about their experiences. 

Global Learning (McCormick Auditorium, Norris University Center)  

• Explore how study abroad can complement the student experience at Northwestern. The Global Learning Office will provide insight into the process and possibilities of studying abroad, highlighting academic, practicum, and language immersion opportunities. 

Office of Fellowships Session (Location TBD)

• The Office of Fellowships helps students find and apply for external sources of funding to do many different things, including research, internships, language study, and tuition support, with international options available for all opportunities.  

Smart strategies for stretching dollars (Location TBD) 

• Join this session to empower yourself to maximize your dollars with strategies around budgeting, saving, managing debt, accessing resources, and building positive financial habits. We’ll share practical tips and also help you discover where you can find additional support. This session is hosted by U.S. Bank and is geared towards students and their families. 

11:00 am – 12:30 pm - Chicago Architecture Center Northwestern Tour (Meeting Location is outside Segal Visitors Center, 1841 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL) - SOLD OUT

• See Northwestern University through a new lens during Family Weekend! Join Chicago Architecture Center guides for a free walking tour of the Evanston campus, exploring more than 150 years of architectural history, from Collegiate Gothic landmarks to bold Brutalist buildings and contemporary designs. Along the way, discover the stories behind some of Northwestern’s most distinctive buildings and learn how the campus has evolved alongside the university. Tickets are limited to 4 per family and must be reserved on the Family Weekend Eventbrite. 

11:15 am - 12:15 pm – Campus Resource Sessions Round 2 (Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Dr.)

Career Services for Northwestern Students (Location TBD)  

• Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) will offer an overview of the career resources available to your student including career counseling and advising services, internships and summer experiences, and the post-graduation success of our students. Come learn about how Northwestern prepares its students for life after graduation.  

Engaging Across Difference via the Litowitz Center (Location TBD) 

• Recognizing the importance of effective communication in today's polarized discourse, the Litowitz Center for Enlightened Disagreement promotes skills and mindsets for connecting meaningfully across difference. In partnership with the Division of Student Affairs, the Center offers a year-long, co-curricular program through which undergraduates can earn a certificate in enlightened disagreement sponsored by the Kellogg School of Management. Students who earn the certificate and wish to advance the Litowitz Center’s mission can pursue paid leadership experience as undergraduate fellows. Join representatives of the Litowitz Center for an overview of offerings and an interactive introduction to enlightened disagreement. 

Fraternity & Sorority Life Panel Presentation (Location TBD) 

• Families are invited to a presentation provided by the Fraternity & Sorority Life staff that will overview the values of our community, benefits of membership, and pathways to joining across our four councils: the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and the Panhellenic Association (PHA). Families will also have a chance to ask questions and engage with a panel of upper-class student leaders within the FSL community about their experiences. 

Global Learning (McCormick Auditorium, Norris University Center)  

• Explore how study abroad can complement the student experience at Northwestern. The Global Learning Office will provide insight into the process and possibilities of studying abroad, highlighting academic, practicum, and language immersion opportunities. 

Office of Fellowships Session (Location TBD)

• The Office of Fellowships helps students find and apply for external sources of funding to do many different things, including research, internships, language study, and tuition support, with international options available for all opportunities.  

Smart strategies for stretching dollars (Location TBD) 

• Join this session to empower yourself to maximize your dollars with strategies around budgeting, saving, managing debt, accessing resources, and building positive financial habits. We’ll share practical tips and also help you discover where you can find additional support. This session is hosted by U.S. Bank and is geared towards students and their families. 

8:00 am – 10:00 pm - Complimentary Access to the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion (2311 Campus Dr.) 

12:00 pm – 5:00 pm - Block Museum of Art (40 Arts Circle Drive)  

• Visit Northwestern’s campus art museum! The Block is an engine that drives questioning, experimentation, and collaboration across fields of study, with visual arts at the center. The Block is always free and open to all. For more information, please visit www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu.  

2:30 pm – 10:30 pm - Visit the Norris Game Room (Norris University Center)   

• Visit the Game Room in the underground of Norris University Center for some family fun! The Norris Game Room has six Brunswick Gold Crown billiards tables, and a variety of video games on Xbox One, Playstation 4, and the Nintendo Switch, as well as several board games and a foosball table. All activities are free for NU Families.

• Some families choose to stay at hotels in downtown Chicago but for a list of area hotels, check out this site. Please note that we do not reserve blocks of rooms for Family Weekend or offer any hotel discounts. We provide this list to help you with your planning, but Northwestern University does not endorse any of the hotels included on it.