Family Weekend

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Held each fall semester, Family Weekend offers opportunities for students and their loved ones to spend quality time together enjoying campus and community.

October 31–November 2, 2025

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

Faculty member lectures in a classroom
Attend classes
The Swinging Gates perform an a capella concert in Memorial Chapel
Concerts and exhibitions
A family eats and plays games together at a picnic table
Receptions and picnics
Fans of the Raiders in the stands at Andy Kerr Stadium
Sporting events
Two families greet one another and shake hands in downtown Hamilton
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:

On Campus

Family Weekend Dinner, Oak Drive Tent

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 Price Chopper Super Center 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 Colgate 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 Colgate Shuttle will take you to campus.

Employees who wish to carpool to campus on Friday can connect through the Rideshare Program.

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 Colgate 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 Colgate mobile app for specific stop times, routes, and policies.

Guests on campus may connect to the Colgate-Guest Wi-Fi network for free.

Colgate 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 Colgate University buildings or tents, but are allowed in outdoor spaces. 

Day passes to Colgate’s fitness and recreation facilities are available to guests during open hours.

Family members are welcome to tailgate as part of enjoying the athletics contests over Family Weekend.

Please review Colgate's Tailgating Policy

Visit Campus Safety at 88 Hamilton St., or call 315-228-7333 (non-emergency).