Held each fall semester, Family Weekend offers opportunities for students and their loved ones to spend quality time together enjoying campus and community.
About Family Weekend
Most Family Weekend events take place on Friday evening and throughout Saturday. Sunday is a day that families use for casual visiting amongst themselves.
There is no charge to attend Family Weekend, but we do ask families to register, which typically opens early in the fall semester. Some specific events do have a charge.
Typical Weekend Events
Attend classes
Concerts and exhibitions
Receptions and picnics
Sporting events
Explore Hamilton
Planning the Weekend: Oct. 31 - Nov, 2, 2025 You may find the following resources helpful for planning your visit.
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including those with disabilities, to engage fully. To request accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility to a specific event, please contact the specific organizer listed in the online calendar by Monday, October 7. Reach out to 315-228-4444 or familyweekend@colgate.edu with any questions.
Those planning travel may find the following resources helpful:
Friday, 5:30–7:30 p.m. | No charge for the meal; cash bar
Frank Dining Hall
Students get in with meal plan swipe; guests pay at the door (no charge for guests of students on the Premier Meal Plan).
Off Campus
There are a variety of dining establishments in the area; be sure to make reservations ahead or call ahead for hours of operation and space availability. In addition, the local on Rt. 12B just north of campus offers grab-and-go meal solutions as well as catering.
Parking on campus during Family Weekend is open to anyone; however, parking is limited, on a first-come, first-served basis. Whenever possible, please walk or take advantage of the free ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ Shuttle or walk. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Legal parking spots are marked with white lines. Parking on any roadway is prohibited. More information at Parking Guidelines.
In Hamilton, a limited number of parking spaces are available to Family Weekend guests in the Parry’s & Big Lots parking lot on Rt. 12B and the Eaton St. lot. The ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ Shuttle will take you to campus.
Employees who wish to carpool to campus on Friday can connect through the .
There is a charging station in the 113 Broad St. parking lot across from Huntington Gym available for use this weekend. See Campus Map for location.
The ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ Shuttle — our free shuttle service — is open to guests and members of the public as well as students and employees for navigating the campus and the Hamilton business district. Visit the Shuttle webpage or the ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ mobile app for specific stop times, routes, and policies.
¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ welcomes the service animals of our guests. Service animals must remain under the control of their handler and not cause a disruption to any event.
Please note that, per University policy, pets and emotional support or comfort animals are not allowed in ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ buildings or tents, but are allowed in outdoor spaces.
