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Family Weekend 2024

Family Weekend 2024

We look forward to inviting you back to Evanston for Family Weekend which will take place Friday, November 8 – Sunday, November 10, 2024! Registration for Family Weekend and ticket ordering will open on Friday, September 20 on this page. The Family Engagement Office will send an email to the Parent and Family Email list when it is live. In the meantime, please check out the the tentative program schedule below which is subject to change.  

The Family Weekend Signature Events section are events sponsored by Family Engagement and may require you to purchase a ticket. You must also purchase a ticket for your Northwestern student for these events. We will continue to add new University activities and events to the Other Things to Do section of the schedule throughout the fall. If you have any questions regarding Family Weekend 2024 please email family@northwestern.edu. We hope you will plan to join us for three purple-proud days this fall at Northwestern University. Go’ Cats! 


 

Friday, November 8

Family Weekend Signature Events (11/8)

All day - The Great Game Digital Adventure: Northwestern Edition
  • Families have asked for more interactive activities to do with their students during Family Weekend. You asked, we listened! Learn more about campus by creating a team and playing The Great Game Digital Adventure. Families can participate by using their smartphones to scan a QR code and solve a series of puzzles that will take teams to the most interesting parts of campus. All families who complete the adventure will be entered into a drawing for a $500 gift card at Norris Bookstore. This activity is self-guided and can be done anytime during Family Weekend. More details on how to participate will follow.   

10:00 am6:00 pm - Family Weekend Hospitality Room (101 Wildcat Room, Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Dr.)

  • Families can stop by to connect with Family Engagement staff, pick up an “at a glance” schedule book, collect a coupon for the bookstore and enjoy some complimentary coffee, tea and water. The first 1,000 families to arrive will also receive a small NU-branded gift (one per family)! 

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 (11/8-/10), this benefit extends to up to three 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. 


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 and locations are TBD. 

1:30 pm – 2:30 pmFaculty Lecture Series: Round 2 

  • Northwestern’s world-class faculty showcase their teaching expertise during various lectures for families. Lecture descriptions and locations are TBD.

Afternoon with the Undergraduate Schools

Bienen School of Music Rehearsals

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm         

  • Families are invited to observe student rehearsals at various times throughout the afternoon. Details TBD. 

McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

3:00 pm – 4:00 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

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (McCormick Foundation Center Forum, 1870 Campus Dr.) 

  • A welcome from our Dean and a brief showcase of student and faculty work.

School of Communication

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Wirtz Center for Performing Arts, Room 201, 1949 Campus Dr.) 

  • 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)

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Annenberg Hall, Room 123, Student Advising Office, 2120 Campus Dr.) 

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

Weinberg School of Arts and Sciences

3:00 pm – 4:00 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 featuring the Jolly Ringwalds Band (Double Clutch Brewing Company, 2121 Ashland Ave, Evanston) 

  • Kick-off Family Weekend in style! Join us at Evanston's own Double Clutch Brewing Company for an afternoon of appetizers and beverages amongst friends. Mix and mingle with other Wildcat families in a casual atmosphere featuring live music by the Jolly Ringwalds! Tickets cost $5 each and include admission to the venue, appetizers, and soft drinks. 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. Parking near Double Clutch is limited, so we recommend you arrive early or consider taking a ride share. Transportation from campus will not be provided. Registration for Family Weekend (and ticket ordering) goes live on Friday, September 20. 

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm -  Northwestern Volleyball vs. Penn State (Welsh-Ryan Arena)  

  • Show your Purple Pride and pack Welsh-Ryan Arena as the Wildcats take on Penn State. Free volleyball tickets, sponsored by Family Engagement, are available for family members. NU students attend the game for free with their Wildcard. Registration for Family Weekend (and ticket ordering) goes live on Friday, September 20. Mark your calendars & Go ‘Cats!  


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

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

9:00 pm – 10:30 pm - Chris Carter the Mentalist & Hypnotist (McCormick Auditorium, Norris University Center)

  • A Northwestern tradition returns. Chris Carter has performed for Wildcat Welcome and Homecoming Week audiences dating back at least 10 years. Chris will have audience members write very specific numbers and statements on a card, and blindfolded, will be able to identify the numbers and statements on the cards while engaging with the people who wrote with them. He shows the most impressive card tricks, uses the power of suggestion to influence the senses of audience members, and can even identify the special code on your dollar bill without seeing it. Enjoy this free event and leave wondering, “how on earth did he do that?” Sponsored by Student Organizations & Activities. 

Other Activities & Events (11/8)

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

  •  More information and class schedules included under “Additional Info". 

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. Exhibitions on view include Federico Solmi: The Great Farce, Dissident Sisters: Bev Grant and Feminist Activism, 1968–72, and The Block Collects 2024 which will highlight new works of art in the collection including the 2023-2024 Student Acquisition. The Block is always free and open to all. For more information, please visit www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu. 

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm - Northwestern University Black Alumni Association (NUBAA) Family Weekend Social (The Black House, 1914 Sheridan Rd.) 

  • Join NUBAA at the Black House for a couple hours of conversation and connection with NUBAA members and fellow parents. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome! If you have any questions, please direct them to nubaa@alum.northwestern.edu. We look forward to connecting with you then! 

Additional Information (11/8)

Visit the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion

Northwestern parents and families are invited to enjoy complimentary access to Henry Crown and all Group Exercise classes throughout Family Weekend. Join us and see how Northwestern Recreation can elevate your student’s university experience!  

Hours: 

  • Friday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm 

Group Exercise Class Schedule

Friday
Friday Class Schedule
TIME CLASS INSTRUCTOR LOCATION
9:00-10:00 am Aqua Fitness Dee Pool
Noon-1:00 pm Total-Body Strength Anthony Studio 1AB
5:30-6:30 pm Mindful Yoga Katherine Studio 2

Saturday, November 9

Family Weekend Signature Events (11/9)

All day - The Great Game Digital Adventure: Northwestern Edition

  • Families have asked for more interactive activities to do with their students during Family Weekend. You asked, we listened! Learn more about campus by creating a team and playing The Great Digital Adventure. Families can participate by using their smartphone to scan a QR code and solve a series of puzzles that will take teams to the most interesting parts of campus. All families who complete the adventure will be entered into a drawing for a $500 gift card at Norris Bookstore. This activity is self-guided and can be done anytime during Family Weekend. More details on how to participate will follow.  

9:00 am – 1:00 pm - Family Weekend Hospitality Room (101 Wildcat Room, Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Dr.) 

  • Families can stop by to connect with Family Engagement staff, pick up an “at a glance” schedule book, collect a coupon for the bookstore and enjoy some complimentary coffee, tea and water. Also, pick up a small NU-branded gift while supplies last. 

9:30 am – 10:30 am - Exploring Study Abroad (McCormick Auditorium, Norris University Center)

  • Northwestern students participate in study abroad programs around the world. The Global Learning Office will provide insight into the process and possibilities of studying abroad. 

10:00 am – 11:15 am - Campus Tours led by Family Ambassadors (Leave from The Rock, near Harris Hall) 

  • Family Ambassadors will lead campus-walking tours which leave at 10:00 am. 

10:45 am – 11:30 am Campus Resource Sessions Round 1 (Norris University Center)

Career Services for Northwestern Students (Northwestern Room 202, Norris University Center)  

  • 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. 

Undergraduate Research Information Session (Wildcat Room 101, Norris University Center)

  • The Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research will explain how students can get involved in research.  At Northwestern, research occurs in all fields and schools from the [expected] labs to the creative arts and journalism.  Come learn the process of getting into a lab and/or developing your own project.  We have extensive resources and funding for both. 

Office of Fellowships Session (Lake Room 203, Norris University Center) 

  • 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. 

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 (11/8-/10), this benefit extends to up to three 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. 


11:45 pm – 12:30 pm Campus Resource Sessions Round 2 (Norris University Center)

Career Services for Northwestern Students (Northwestern Room 202, Norris University Center)  

  • 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. 

Undergraduate Research Information Session (Wildcat Room 101, Norris University Center)

  • The Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research will explain how students can get involved in research.  At Northwestern, research occurs in all fields and schools from the [expected] labs to the creative arts and journalism.  Come learn the process of getting into a lab and/or developing your own project.  We have extensive resources and funding for both. 

Office of Fellowships Session (Lake Room 203, Norris University Center) 

  • 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. 

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm - Fraternity & Sorority Life Panel Presentation (Northwestern Room 202, Norris University Center) 

  • Families are invited to a presentation provided by the Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) 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. 

1:30 pm – 2:45 pm - Campus Tours led by Family Ambassadors (Leave from The Rock, near Harris Hall)

  •  Family Ambassadors will lead campus-walking tours which leave at 1:30 pm. 

3:00 pm – 4:45 pm -  Northwestern Dance Groups’ Showcase & Lesson (McCormick Auditorium, Norris University Center) 

  • Join us for a free and engaging Dance Showcase featuring several of Northwestern’s student dance groups. Each group will perform a 15-minute set, showcasing a range of dance styles and creativity. After the performances, stick around for a 45-minute dance lesson, where families and students can join in and learn some new moves together. The dance lessons will take place in Wildcat Room 101 in Norris Center around 4 pm. No tickets needed. 

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm - The Second City @ Northwestern University (Cahn Auditorium)  

  • The Second City is a world-renowned improv and sketch comedy theatre and training center, operating in Chicago and Toronto for over 60 years, and coming soon to Brooklyn! Their Alumni include folks like Gilda Radner, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Keegan-Michael Key, Amber Ruffin and Northwestern alumnus Stephen Colbert... and the list goes on! The show will feature custom scenes inspired by life at Northwestern, as well as improv comedy and some Second City classics. The show is rated PG-13. Tickets cost $20 each, must be purchased in advance and are limited. Northwestern students must purchase a ticket as well. Registration for Family Weekend (and ticket ordering) goes live on Friday, September 20. Please note, the same Second City show will be performed at 7pm and 9:30pm. 

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

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

9:30 pm – 11:00 pm - The Second City @ Northwestern University (Cahn Auditorium) 

  • The Second City is a world-renowned improv and sketch comedy theatre and training center, operating in Chicago and Toronto for over 60 years, and coming soon to Brooklyn! Their Alumni include folks like Gilda Radner, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Keegan-Michael Key, Amber Ruffin and Northwestern alumnus Stephen Colbert... and the list goes on! The show will feature custom scenes inspired by life at Northwestern, as well as improv comedy and some Second City classics. The show is rated PG-13. Tickets cost $20 each, must be purchased in advance and are limited. Northwestern students must purchase a ticket as well. Registration for Family Weekend (and ticket ordering) goes live on Friday, September 20. Please note, the same Second City show will be performed at 7pm and 9:30pm. 

Other Activities & Events (11/9)

8:00 am – 9:00 pm - Complimentary Access to the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion (2311 Campus Dr.)

  •  More information and class schedules included under “Additional Info". 

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. Exhibitions on view include Federico Solmi: The Great Farce, Dissident Sisters: Bev Grant and Feminist Activism, 1968–72, and The Block Collects 2024 which will highlight new works of art in the collection including the 2023-2024 Student Acquisition. Take part in a “Gallery Talk” at 12:30 pm. The Block is always free and open to all. For more information, please visit www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu. 

Additional Information (11/9)

Visit the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion 

Northwestern parents and families are invited to enjoy complimentary access to Henry Crown and all Group Exercise classes throughout Family Weekend. Join us and see how Northwestern Recreation can elevate your student’s university experience!  

Hours: 

  • Saturday: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm 

Group Exercise Class Schedule

Saturday
Saturday Class Schedule
TIME CLASS INSTRUCTOR LOCATION
9:00-9:45 am Cycle Express Tina-Marie Spin Studio
9:30-10:30 am BODYPUMP™ Elah Studio 1AB
11:00 am-Noon Vinyasa Flow Yoga Donna Studio 2

Sunday, November 10

Family Weekend Signature Events (11/10)

All day - The Great Game Digital Adventure: Northwestern Edition

  • Families have asked for more interactive activities to do with their students during Family Weekend. You asked, we listened! Learn more about campus by creating a team and playing The Great Game Digital Adventure. Families can participate by using their smartphones to scan a QR code and solve a series of puzzles that will take teams to the most interesting parts of campus. All families who complete the adventure will be entered into a drawing for a $500 gift card at Norris Bookstore. This activity is self-guided and can be done anytime during Family Weekend. More details on how to participate will follow.   

9:00 am – 10:30 am - Acapalooza Brunch (Louis Room, Norris University Center) 

  • Join Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM) and Family Engagement for a cappella music and brunch! Hear Northwestern’s incredible a cappella groups perform while helping to raise money for NUDM's primary beneficiary, Chicago HOPES for Kids and secondary beneficiary, the Evanston Community Foundation. 

    Tickets are required and cost $20 each which includes breakfast and bottomless mimosas. $10 from the sale of every ticket will be donated to NUDM. Gluten free, vegetarian and vegan food options will be available. Tickets must be purchased in advance and space is limited. Your Northwestern student must also have a paid ticket if they wish to attend. Registration for Family Weekend (and ticket ordering) goes live on Friday, September 20. 


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 (11/8-/10), this benefit extends to up to three 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. 


11:30 am – 1:00 pm - Acapalooza Brunch (Louis Room, Norris University Center) 

  • Join Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM) and Family Engagement for a cappella music and brunch! Hear Northwestern’s incredible a cappella groups perform while helping to raise money for NUDM's primary beneficiary, Chicago HOPES for Kids and secondary beneficiary, the Evanston Community Foundation. 

    Tickets are required and cost $20 each which includes breakfast and bottomless mimosas. $10 from the sale of every ticket will be donated to NUDM. Gluten free, vegetarian and vegan food options will be available. Tickets must be purchased in advance and space is limited. Your Northwestern student must also have a paid ticket if they wish to attend. Registration for Family Weekend (and ticket ordering) goes live on Friday, September 20. 

Other Activities & Events (11/10)

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

  •  More information and class schedules included under “Additional Info". 

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. Exhibitions on view include Federico Solmi: The Great Farce, Dissident Sisters: Bev Grant and Feminist Activism, 1968–72, and The Block Collects 2024 which will highlight new works of art in the collection including the 2023-2024 Student Acquisition. The Block is always free and open to all. For more information, please visit www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu. 

Additional Information (11/10)

Visit the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion 

Northwestern parents and families are invited to enjoy complimentary access to Henry Crown and all Group Exercise classes throughout Family Weekend. Join us and see how Northwestern Recreation can elevate your student’s university experience!  

Hours: 

  • Sunday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm 

Group Exercise Class Schedule

Sunday
Sunday Class Schedule
TIME CLASS INSTRUCTOR LOCATION
11:00 amNoon Hatha Yoga Katherine G Studio 2
Noon1:00 pm BODYPUMP™ Rachelle Studio 1AB
2:00–3:00 pm Zumba® Symphony Studio 1AB
 

Questions about Family Weekend?

Hotels

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.