Get in Touch With Us: 352-392-8396 | new-students@ufl.edu
Welcome to
Family Weekend
Always Orange, Forever Blue
Family Weekend is a highlight of a student college experience, giving families the opportunity to experience the Gator Nation! From lectures to student performances to athletic events, the campus is lively this time of year and we can’t wait to have you join your student on campus to see the place they call home.
Please explore our page and let us know if you have any questions by contacting us here.
Fall Family Weekend
September 12th - 15th, 2024
Registration is Closed!
*Closes September 3rd or until event reaches capacity!
About Family Weekend
PRICE BREAKDOWN
*More Details Coming Soon!*
$20: UF Students
- For your student to be able to attend all family weekend events.
$65: Non-UF Student Guests/Families
- For all non-uf student guests to attend all family weekend events.
$50: Pinning Ceremony (*Additional Registration Required*)
- For any registered Family Weekend UF Affiliated guests (Students, Alumni & Legacy Gators)
$Prices May Vary: Football Tickets (TICKETS SOLD SEPARATELY. *You do not need to purchase football tickets in order to attend family weekend*)
- Once you register, you will receive a confirmation with a link to our Family Weekend Ticket portal, where you can purchase up to 10 tickets per email.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN YOUR REGISTRATION?
- 1 Family Weekend t-shirt per registered guest/student
- 1 Clear Family Weekend Bag per registration
- Access to all planned Family Weekend events
- Any foods and drinks provided at all Family Weekend planned events
Football Tickets
*You do NOT need to purchase football tickets to attend the weekend’s tailgate.
You have 2 options:
1. Go Through Us
- Once you register for Family Weekend, you will receive an email (24/48 hours later) on where and how to purchase tickets through our family weekend ticket portal.
- If your student is a Student Season Ticket Pass holder:
- You will have to buy them a ticket for the game from our football ticket portal in order for you all to seat with one another in our block.
- In order for all family members and guests to sit next to one another during the game, please purchase all tickets under 1 (one) attendees’ email.
- Designating this “ticket captain” still leaves you with the ability, after tickets are purchased, to transfer individual tickets to the others in your party.
- Family Weekend tickets will be located in sections 47-53 and 318-322 and are available at a discounted price of $75 (with upgrades available based on availability at the time of purchase). If you want your student to sit with you, you will need to purchase a ticket for them within the Family Weekend sections, even if they are student season ticket holders. Student season tickets are restricted to student seating areas and will not grant access to the Family Weekend sections.
2. Purchase Through Athletics
- Sit with your students (in student section) by having your student use their season tickets to purchase up to 3 guest tickets.
- Or buy single game tickets. The game will be Saturday, September 14th, 2024: UF v. Texas A&M
Schedule - Fall 2024 Family Weekend
Thursday, September 12th
1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.| Early Check-In | Reitz Union Room 2355
To start the weekend off, we will have our early family weekend check-in located on the 2nd level of the Reitz Union. So, send your student or anyone else in your party, to pick up your package of materials, which will be filled with all the items needed for the weekend. This includes the printed schedule, a clear stadium approved tote, shirts, wristbands, and other Family Weekend related swag items!
This is the only event taking place on this day.
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
On Campus Events
- Bat Emergence
- Southwest Recreation Center
- Lake Wauburg
- Reitz Union Game Room
Off-Campus Events (Additional RSVP or Charges may apply)
- Kanapaha Botanical Garden | Weekly | 9 a.m. - 5/7 p.m.
- Trivia @ V Pizza & Sidecar | Thursdays | 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday, September 13th
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.| Check-In | Reitz Union Room 2355
To start the weekend off, we will have our early family weekend check-in located on the 2nd level of the Reitz Union. So, send your student or anyone else in your party, to pick up your package of materials, which will be filled with all the items needed for the weekend. This includes the printed schedule, a clear stadium approved tote, shirts, wristbands, and other Family Weekend related swag items!
While My Student is Sleeping
Events that happen at various times and locations that you can attend without your Gator, or "while they are sleeping".
- 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Donuts with the Dean
- 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | First Gen Mixer
- 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Housing Beyond Freshman Year
- 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | Hip Hop Fitness
LUNCH (Own Your Own) | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. | Teaching Kitchen Studio with Florida Fresh Dining (Additional Registration Required)
The first 30 people pre-registered per class, please join Florida Fresh Dining for a unique cooking class. The dining team is featuring local, fresh from Florida produce, and an array of seasonal selections. Eat and greet with the campus dietitian, executive chefs and hear a presentation about the future of dining at the University of Florida. #LoveWhereYouChomp
1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Craft-A-Gator (Additional Registration Required)
Create a lasting memory with your Gator! Join the Arts & Craft Center who is hosting “Craft-A-Gator”, a time to relax and paint a family keepsake with your student. Each registered guest may paint their own custom wood gator or choose to paint as a family.
1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., & 2:00 p.m. | Tradition Keeper Trail with UF Cicerones
Looking for the perfect photo with your Gator? Join the Florida Cicerones and Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow for the ultimate photo-op tour around campus. This 45-minute tour will take you to iconic places like the French Fries, Century Tower, and the Stadium.
While My Student is in Class
In this section you can attend lectures of your own with varying topics taught by UF professors from different departments and colleges! So as your Gator finishes up their Friday classes, come and take a class, or two, of your own.
Block 1 | 1:05 p.m. - 1:55 p.m.
• Amanda Janner, Psy. D. | Wired for Reward: Cravings, Compulsions, and Behavioral Addictions
• Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu, Alice Norsworthy & Prof. Joe Norsworthy | Careers in Hospitality Businesses - from AI to Space Tourism
• Prof. Kathryn McGill | Helping Your Student Manage Their Emotions While Learning Physics
• Gregory David & Alicia Steffy | First Year Florida: Showing Your Gator Spirt
Block 2 | 2:05 p.m. - 2:55 p.m.
• Amanda Janner, Psy. D. | Wired for Reward: Cravings, Compulsions, and Behavioral Addictions
• Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu, Alice Norsworthy & Prof. Joe Norsworthy | Careers in Hospitality Businesses - from AI to Space Tourism
• Prof. Kathryn McGill | Helping Your Student Manage Their Emotions While Learning Physics
• Dr. Gayle Evans | STEM Education as a Steppingstone to Career Success
1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. | Human Systems Engineering Lab/Driving Simulator (Additional Registration Required)
The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering invites engineering students and their families to join us for a tour of the Human Systems Engineering Lab. Here you can see firsthand research using a driving simulator that focuses on improving road safety for drivers and vulnerable road users in a wide variety of contexts including roadway design, smart infrastructure and messaging, distracted driving, and human-autonomous vehicle interaction. Space in the lab is limited, so pre-registration was required. Must be 16 & UP to participate.
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Resource Fair
Looking for ways to learn more about UF’s campus and the resources provided? During this time, you will be able to gain insight about various UF departments as they table for you to ask questions and learn more about their services. They will be able to provide you with information ranging from counseling services to student involvement and more. Visit all the tables and for a chance to win a prize! Fill up the "passport" located in your check-in folder with their initials to enter.
DINNER (Own Your Own) | 4:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Family Weekend Welcome (LOCATION CHANGE PLEASE CHECK EMAILS)
Serving as an official welcome for parents, families, and supporters! Here families will be able to mix and mingle with other Gator families. Snacks, inflatables, and various games will be offered. This family-filled event will set the tone for this spectacular weekend.
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. | Jump into Fun with Family Weekend & GatorNights (LOCATION CHANGE PLEASE CHECK EMAILS)
Family Weekend is bringing GatorNights to you! Join your student at the leading late-night program in the Southeast! Gator Nights offers the latest movies, arts and crafts, activities, and more with this one tailored for Family Weekend. Experience a night at the Reitz and play games, win prizes, enjoy refreshments, and more!
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
On Campus Events
- Bat Emergence
- Southwest Recreation Center
- Lake Wauburg
- Reitz Union Game Room
Off-Campus Events (Additional RSVP or Charges may apply)
- Kanapaha Botanical Garden | Weekly | 9 a.m. - 5/7 p.m.
Saturday, September 14TH
*More details coming soon!*
Doors Open 10:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Dale K Comedy Hyponotist
He has hypnotized over one million people worldwide; for one night only, you will get the chance to be hypnotized by Dale K "Almost Evil Comedy Hypnotist." Volunteers will take an exciting journey through their imagination experiencing the impossible and audience members will be shocked, amazed and consumed with laughter as they witness the unthinkable!
11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Later Gator Check-In | Reitz Union, Terrace
Family members will check into Fall Family Weekend outside at the Reitz Union Tabling Area. All families will receive a Fall Family Weekend bag with the appropriate number of wristbands, swag items, vouchers, and schedules. There will be a Help Desk for questions about missing items, registration needs, and any other concerns.
12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Family Tailgate
Prior to attending the UF v. Texas Aggies football game, families and students will have
access to the Family Tailgate for food and fun! All guests must be wearing their Fall Family Weekend wristbands for access to catering, seating, TVs, and any other entertainment during the tailgate.
Families will be responsible for finding parking on their own for this event. Football tickets will be found in the Florida Gators app.
3:30 p.m. | Gator Football: Florida Gators V. Texas A&M Aggies
Sport your Gator Spirit and family weekend attire, with pride as our Florida Gators play the fighting Texas Aggies in the Swamp! Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early to watch the pregame show!
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
On Campus Events
- Bat Emergence
- Southwest Recreation Center
- Lake Wauburg
Off-Campus Events (Additional RSVP or Charges may apply)
- Kanapaha Botanical Garden | Weekly | 9 a.m. - 5/7 p.m.
- UF Family Fishing Day | Saturday | 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Haile Farmers Market | Saturdays | 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Ranger led tours of devils Millhopper | Saturday | 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Sunday, September 15th
*More details coming soon!*
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Bye-Bye Breakfast
Before saying goodbye to your Gator, wrap up your Fall Family Weekend experience with an all you can eat breakfast buffet at one of our on-campus dinning locations. Please use Meal Vouchers located in your check-in packet for free entry.
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Pinning Ceremony (Additional Registration Required)
Come and enjoy a classy brunch dressed in your Gator Best! This Fall Family Weekend exclusive event is a reception where you get to pin your legacy gator and celebrate their accomplishments.
Attire: Gator Best/Brunch Formal
Frequently Asked Questions
Tips to help you to plan your Family Weekend trip!
Fall Family Weekend: Late July to Early August!
Spring Family Weekend: Early to Mid-January!
Housing is completely up to you! There are no specific hotels reserved for Family Weekend, so plan accordingly. Whether you get a hotel, motel, or Airbnb, you may want to book early to ensure you get you a place to stay for the most bang for your buck!
P.S. Don't be afraid to book outside of Gainesville, Ocala and Waldo are great too!
Parking is difficult on campus and so we try to ensure that you have a place to park when you are on campus while parking restrictions are in place.
When parking on Thursday (during Fall FW only) and Friday before 4:30 p.m., we will have parking passes at check-in upon request.
Parking passes are only needed between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Thursday (during Fall FW only) and Friday.
After 4:30 p.m. and over the weekend, most parking restrictions are lifted! So, no parking passes will be offered or required.
Fall Family Weekend: Gameday parking rules apply! Please use the Parking - Football - Florida Gators website to plan your Saturday parking accordingly.
Spring Family Weekend: Please use the Parking - All-Sports - Florida Gators website to plan your Game Day Transportation.
If you need to remove any registered guests from your registration (before registration closes or) before the weekend starts, you are able to go back into the registration system and delete guests on your end.
If you need to cancel a registration (at least a week) before the weekend starts, feel free to give our office an email or call (email: new-students@ufl.edu or 352-392-8396) and we can perform any action needed on our end and initiate that refund process.
If adding to a registration, you will pay the total of added guests/events at check-in.
If you need to subtract from or cancel any registered guests or registration the week or day of the weekend, please give our office an email or call (email: new-students@ufl.edu or 352-392-8396) OR see us at the FW Help Desk, located outside of Check-in, and we can discuss the possibility of a refund.
If adding to a registration the day of, please do so at the FW Help Desk.
Refunds initiated by the registration close date, will be given a full refund.
- Please email us at new-students@ufl.edu with your students UFID to start the process.
Refunds asked for after the registration close day, the week of or day of the weekend, will be provided on a case-by-case basis.
All refunds will be initiated AFTER the weekend concludes.