UC Family
Weekend

• Friday - 6am-9pm
• Saturday - 8am-9pm
• Sunday - 10am-9pm

Show your wristband 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!

• Friday - 8am-6pm
• Saturday - 10am-4pm

Students can show their ID for 15%. so stock up on UC gear and goodies!

Visit UC's dining centers throughout Family Weekend for a discounted $7.99/person rate or use you may use your student's guest meal swipes.

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.

DAAP research and creative works are transdisciplinary in nature. At the intersection of our creative disciplines and science, DAAP provides significant examples of transdisciplinary research and creative work to redefine how we want to live/interact/augment our capabilities with others and our built environment. We celebrate technologies as systems to mediate our environment for improved experiences for humanity. The videos illustrate the DAAP faculty work under the capacity areas of Urban Systems, Health and Wellbeing, Digital Culture, Creative Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Living.

Get ready for your close up! The Bearcats Promise Career Studio is offering free, professional headshots to all family members and students. Drop-in anytime between 9am-3pm.

The Still Moving exhibition highlights the vast contributions and impact of immigrants and refugees across the greater Cincinnati region by showcasing the unique experiences and stories of ten community leaders who are drivers of innovation, growth, and creativity. The Who is American Today? group exhibition showcases video work created by high school students from different schools across the country exploring their relationship with being American.

The What Remains: A Contemporary Interpretation of Native American Earthworks in The Ohio Valley exhibit presents images of many of the roughly 1,000 surviving earthworks constructed between 500 BCE and 1750 CE by the Adena, Hopewell, and Ft. Ancient cultures – often collectively referred to as the "mound builders."

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

College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH) families are invited to start Family Weekend with us! Stop by anytime between 1-2 pm and meet our new Dean, school leaders, and Student Services Center staff over an informal, complimentary lunch. RSVP is highly encouraged, but not required.

Join us at the Health & Wellness Station to discover the exciting opportunities within the College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS). Learn about our programs and student experiences while participating in interactive mini-health demos led by our students and faculty. Stop by for hands-on activities, and the first 150 people will receive our exclusive health-related swag to take home. Whether you're curious about a career in health care or just want to explore our offerings, this is your chance to engage with the CAHS community in a fun and informative way!

Head to East Campus to the College of Nursing to meet the dean, faculty, staff, and students for an open house event. You'll enjoy light refreshments, nursing and virtual reality simulations, hand-washing stations, and more family fun!

Drop-in to see the nationally recognized Oesper Collections in the History of Chemistry, one of the world's largest curated collections of scientific artifacts, books, journals, photos, and prints related to the history of chemistry. On display, you’ll find an exhibit highlighting trailblazing women in chemistry, a period room of an 1890s chemist’s lab, rare books dating back to the 16^th century, and unique treasures like our portrait of Marie Curie signed to the students of the University of Cincinnati. Librarians will be available to discuss the collection. Enter Rieveschl (6th floor) from the Zimmer Rooftop on the side nearest the Old Chem Building construction. Take the stairs down one floor to the 5th floor and you will be right by the entrance to the Oesper Collections.

Join us in a game of Twister on the climbing wall. This classic game has been transformed into a fun activity on the climbing wall that requires great listening and problem-solving skills. Open climbing option also available. Note: Children must be at least 5 years old or fit into a climbing harness to climb. Anyone under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign a waiver and they must be present for the duration of their visit. You will need your Family Weekend wristband and photo ID to enter the CRC.

Test your skills with fun lawn games, including cornhole, and get in some practice before it really counts when you tailgate on Saturday.

Check in to receive your Family Weekend materials to access events. If you're one of the first 5,000 to check-in, you will also receive our 2024 t-shirt!

Drop by to meet Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs Jaime Windeler and faculty and staff as they welcome students and their families to campus. Enjoy grab-and-go refreshments and capture the weekend with photo opportunities!

Soul Palette art coaches will guide you in creating your UC-themed canvas masterpiece! Advance ticket purchase required.

This event is limited to students in TAP and their families.

Compete with other Bearcat families to sink each other's canoes using just water buckets and become Family Weekend champs! This is a special free event for Family Weekend, so come out with your Bearcat to compete ship-to-ship. Note: All participants must be 12 or older and willing to get wet! You will need your Family Weekend wristband and photo ID to enter the CRC.

Stop by the MakerLab in the CECH Library for activities for all ages, including a Bearcat button-making station, storytime, crafts, and games for all ages.

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

Stop by for a refreshing treat in between evening events. Show your Family Weekend wristband for a Kona shaved ice, a frozen dessert with a soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. Flavored syrup is poured over the ice, resulting in a mouthwatering treat. With Kona Ice, you can put on your own flavors at our patented FlavorWave. 

WIN BIG with Bearcats 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 popular event hosted by the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) and the Residence Hall Association (RHA). Limited to the first 500 guests.

Visit any dining center for a culinary showdown! Each center will feature a signature dish from its own executive chef inspired by their hometown! Chef Eric Munoz will feature Iberico pork tacos at On-the-Green. Chef Joe Lutz will feature philly cheesesteaks at MarketPointe. Chef Jeremy Pogan will feature Detroit-style pizza at CenterCourt. You may use student guest meal swipes to enter or pay the discounted weekend rate of $7.99 at the door.

Soul Palette art coaches will guide you in creating your UC-themed canvas masterpiece! Advance ticket purchase required.

 Join us for a UC take on the classic game show, Family Feud! Teams of five will face off to answer the questions before getting three strikes. Bring the whole family for a chance to win prizes! This event is sponsored by UC Enrollment Management.

Join us for a dessert bar and meet UC's Vice Provost for Student Affairs Nicole Mayo, EdD. If you're heading to our evening events, feel free to grab some treats before you head over!

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! Enjoy light refreshments and snacks. Beer and wine may be purchased (credit cards only). Sponsored by the UC Bookstore. This event is limited to the first 200 guests.

 Join us for a UC take on the classic game show, Family Feud! Teams of five will face off to answer the questions before getting three strikes. Bring the whole family for a chance to win prizes! This event is sponsored by UC Enrollment Management.

Soul Palette art coaches will guide you in creating your UC-themed canvas masterpiece! Advance ticket purchase required.

Check out UC's "GRID" tailgate music, marching band, the CATwalk, food for purchase, and more prior to kickoff.

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.

DAAP research and creative works are transdisciplinary in nature. At the intersection of our creative disciplines and science, DAAP provides significant examples of transdisciplinary research and creative work to redefine how we want to live/interact/augment our capabilities with others and our built environment. We celebrate technologies as systems to mediate our environment for improved experiences for humanity. The videos illustrate the DAAP faculty work under the capacity areas of Urban Systems, Health and Wellbeing, Digital Culture, Creative Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Living.

Join us for Morning Cycle to celebrate Family Weekend! Whether it's an endurance climb or a series of short intervals, indoor cycling classes are designed to add a great cardiovascular challenge to anyone's weekly workouts. Instructors choose the course each ride takes, motivating you to reach your goals along the way. All levels are welcome! Register for this class through IMLeagues. If you do not have an IMLeagues account, creating one is simple. For information on how to create an account and register for a class, visit our website. Note: Cross-training shoes with flat bottoms, towels, and water bottles are highly encouraged. You will need your Family Weekend wristband and photo ID to enter the CRC.

Enjoy light refreshments and meet UC President Neville Pinto.

Join us to enjoy some of Cincinnati's favorite donuts and coffee while you hang out with Interim Dean of Students Daniel Cummins 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.

Join the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) and CEAS Tribunal for an open house and engineering organization showcase (Baldwin, 6th floor)! You will have the chance to meet college leadership and talk to faculty, staff, and students about their experience and making the most of your time at UC. Visit the student organization showcase (top of UC MainStreet) to explore 15+ engineering organizations who will be hosting yard games, giving out swag, and sharing info on how to get involved as an engineering Bearcat!

Join CEAS engineering students and GE Next Engineers Program staff for a fun, engaging opportunity for families to build awareness about what engineers do through an engineering design challenge. Families will be tasked with building a structure out of playing cards that can hold the most weight as possible! Students and families from all colleges are welcome!

Join the Center for Community Engagement and your fellow families in cleaning up our community for our littlest Bearcats. Students can even earn an EXTRA hour of community service when you join them in participating. Volunteers will be cleaning up and mulching the Arlitt PlayScape, a natural play space located on campus provides children attending Arlitt Child Development Center with a safe place to reconnect with nature. Time in nature has been found to have positive impacts on children’s growth, including motor, cognitive, and emotional development. All materials will be provided. We encourage you to dress for the weather and bring a water bottle.

Join the Graduate College to celebrate Family Weekend with games, music, and food! While you're here, take the opportunity to mingle, network, and learn more about helpful offices around campus. We are excited to celebrate the Graduate College family! RSVP is required on GetInvolvedUC. Families of graduate students are welcome.

Join us for Family Weekend brunch in the MarketPointe dining center. You may use student guest meal swipes to enter or pay the discounted weekend rate of $7.99 at the door.

Soul Palette art coaches will guide you in creating your UC-themed canvas masterpiece! Advance ticket purchase required. This painting session will be geared torwards our younger Bearcat fans (ages 12 and under). Family member or guardian must accompany painters at all times. Family members and guardians do not have to register for the event unless they wish to also paint a canvas with their young painter.

Screenprint your own patch! Readymade designs and prepped fabric will be available in the DAAP Printmaking Lab for a quick, easy way to decorate your bags, jackets, and jeans. Aided by Alyssa Baker, our talented DAAP Printmaking student staff, participants will walk away with a complete patch of their choosing ready to be sewn on at home!

This event is limited to students in TAP and their families.

The Still Moving exhibition highlights the vast contributions and impact of immigrants and refugees across the greater Cincinnati region by showcasing the unique experiences and stories of ten community leaders who are drivers of innovation, growth, and creativity. The Who is American Today? group exhibition showcases video work created by high school students from different schools across the country exploring their relationship with being American.

The What Remains: A Contemporary Interpretation of Native American Earthworks in The Ohio Valley exhibit presents images of many of the roughly 1,000 surviving earthworks constructed between 500 BCE and 1750 CE by the Adena, Hopewell, and Ft. Ancient cultures – often collectively referred to as the "mound builders."

Wear BLACK to cheer on the Bearcats as they take on Houston at Nippert Stadium! Tickets required. UC has a clear bag policy for Nippert Stadium.

Visit our beautiful Commuter Student Lounge in Steger Student Life Center (6th floor). Hang out during the game, grab some fun Cincinnati-themed snacks and get to know our staff. All are welcome - commuters and residential students and their families. Additionally, the Commuter Student Lounge looks into Nippert Stadium. Stop by for some food and a peek at the game day excitement!

Join us in a game of Twister on the climbing wall. This classic game has been transformed into a fun activity on the climbing wall that requires great listening and problem-solving skills. Open climbing option also available. Note: Children must be at least 5 years old or fit into a climbing harness to climb. Anyone under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign a waiver and they must be present for the duration of their visit.

Join us for a modern day scavenger hunt around campus! You'll need your smartphone and UC knowledge!  Start at the Family Weekend Hub in Steger just off UC MainStreet by Tangeman University Center. You have 15 locations and one hour to make it happen! All finishers receive a prize and are entered to win a two-night hotel stay at the historic Hilton Netherland Cincinnati Plaze hotel. The first family to finish also wins the grand prize valued at over $100!

Join us for a screening of "Pitch Perfect." In this popular film, a feisty college student gives her school's a cappella group a much-needed makeover by adding some modern hits into the mix during the run-up to a big competition. During the movie, participate in our optional BINGO game to win prizes!

Join H20 Church for a round of pickleball. Pickleball is a paddle sport that anyone can play and provides a great way to exercise and socialize with friends! Its also easy to learn if you have never played before!

Chill out with College of Arts & Sciences Dean and chemist James Mack, PhD, as he demonstrates how to make ice cream using chemistry! Several audience members will get the chance to taste his recipe. Following the demonstration, Cincinnati favorite Graeters Ice Cream will be shared while supplies last. Students and families from all colleges are welcome.

Join us for Family Fun Fest! We have activities for the whole family to celebrate your time together, including crafts (string nail art, cookie decorating, and more), life-size games, caricatures, balloon animals, and tasty treats. This event is co-sponsored with Resident Education & Development.

Midwest Dueling Pianos is an interactive musical comedy experience that will have you singing, shouting, dancing, and laughing. You make the song requests, and they perform! This duo can actually perform many of your favorite Rock, R&B, and Rap songs on the piano! You may even end up performing with the musicians by the end of the night! Cash bar will be available. 

Gustav Mahler’s colossal “Resurrection Symphony” explores themes of life and death, tragedy and triumph. This epic work creates a symphonic universe for the audience — from the tragic opening march, through pastoral dances and gentle songs to a final tableau of trumpet calls, percussive thunderbolts and the hymn of resurrection. Features the CCM Philharmonia, CCM Chamber Choir, CCM Chorale, UC Choruses, Music Director and Conductor Mark Gibson, and alumni guest artists Amanda Woodbury (soprano) and Kayleigh Decker (mezzo-soprano). Discounted Family Weekend tickets are $10 each. Limit 6. Use code UCFAMILY to apply the discounted rate when purchasing tickets.

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.

DAAP research and creative works are transdisciplinary in nature. At the intersection of our creative disciplines and science, DAAP provides significant examples of transdisciplinary research and creative work to redefine how we want to live/interact/augment our capabilities with others and our built environment. We celebrate technologies as systems to mediate our environment for improved experiences for humanity. The videos illustrate the DAAP faculty work under the capacity areas of Urban Systems, Health and Wellbeing, Digital Culture, Creative Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Living.

A Family Weekend tradition! Join us for live jazz, 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. 

The Still Moving exhibition highlights the vast contributions and impact of immigrants and refugees across the greater Cincinnati region by showcasing the unique experiences and stories of ten community leaders who are drivers of innovation, growth, and creativity. The Who is American Today? group exhibition showcases video work created by high school students from different schools across the country exploring their relationship with being American.

The What Remains: A Contemporary Interpretation of Native American Earthworks in The Ohio Valley exhibit presents images of many of the roughly 1,000 surviving earthworks constructed between 500 BCE and 1750 CE by the Adena, Hopewell, and Ft. Ancient cultures – often collectively referred to as the "mound builders."

Join us to cheer on the Bearcats at the "Play for 3" game, which remembers and honors Allyson Sidloski, former UC women's soccer student-athlete.

Families of students in the Gen-1 program are invited to celebrate as students are officially inducted into the program with their cohort.

Get ready to dance off both of your shoes as the CCM Jazz Orchestra turns out for a good old good time with the hits from the great dance bands! Jump, jive and wail to the classic big band hits of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Harry James and many more! Features the CCM Jazz Orchestra and Music Director Scott Belck. Discounted Family Weekend tickets are $10 each. Limit 6. Use code UCFAMILY to apply the discounted rate when purchasing tickets.

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. Use code "UCFamily" for $5 off adult admission and $2 off child or senior admission during Family Weekend.

In the wake of hip hop’s 50th anniversary, the Cincinnati Art Museum is hosting a groundbreaking exhibition exploring the genre’s extraordinary influence on contemporary society over the past two decades. Free for members. Adults: $12 in-person, $10 online. College students and children 6-17: $8 in-person, $6 online. Children 5 and under: free.

America’s Oktoberfest returns to downtown Cincinnati from September 19-22, 2024. First held in 1976, the nation’s largest Oktoberfest grew even bigger as a record 808,300 attendees celebrated the rich German heritage of Southwest Ohio last year. Admission is free.

Lads and lassies, gather around for a weekend of Celtic charm at the Ohio Renaissance Festival. Experience the vibrant traditions, indulge in authentic cuisine such as haggis, and let the haunting melodies of bagpipes transport you to the scenic Highlands. The Gaelic spirit will come alive as you explore the customs and history of the Celtic people in an immersive and engaging setting. Adults: $32-38. Children 5-12: $10-12.

City Flea is Cincinnati's original curated, urban flea market that takes place once a month at Washington Park. Vendors sell all sorts of unique, creative, and interesting products from apparel to art to food. 

Cheer on the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark. Reds team photo giveaway, while supplies last. Tickets start at $15.

Cheer on the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark for Fan Appreciation Day. Reds bowling shirt giveaway, while supplies last. Tickets start at $17.