Come back to campus. Connect with your Hawkeye. 
Be part of the Family Weekend tradition. 

Family Weekend is an annual Hawkeye tradition that brings families and supporters together on campus each fall to experience the University of Iowa alongside their student(s). Whether it's your first Family Weekend or one of many, it's a chance to reconnect, make memories, and get a glimpse of what makes the Hawkeye experience so special. The weekend is open to all supporters of our students—parents, grandparents, siblings, family friends, all are welcome!

From campus traditions and family-friendly activities to exploring Iowa City and cheering on the Hawkeyes, we hope the weekend offers something for everyone. Register today and experience the energy, pride, and sense of community that makes Iowa feel like home. 

Join us September 18-20 for Family Weekend 2026! 

Registration is required to attend and will be available Tuesday, June 9 through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 11. There is a $55.00 registration fee per family, not per guest. Registration fee waivers are available upon request for families of students with financial need, as demonstrated by their financial aid package.  

Below, you'll find this year's schedule, commonly asked questions, exclusive Hawkeye Family apparel options through our pop-up shop, helpful resources, and more. Our goal is to make sure you have all the information you need to ensure a stress-free and fun weekend on campus!

Stay Connected  

To ensure you stay in the loop on all things Hawkeye Family, including updates about our upcoming Family Weekend, subscribe to our monthly Iowa Parent and Family News email by having your student add your information to their MyUI account:
(MyUI > Student Information > Parent Email). 

Family Weekend Registration

Registration is required to attend. 
In order to register, guests must have a connection to a currently enrolled Hawkeye and will need the student's HawkID. Additional information can be found on our registration page. 

Registration Fee Assistance

If your student is eligible for a Federal Pell Grant or low-income (SAI of $0), your family may qualify for a fee waiver for Family Weekend. If you are eligible and want to be reviewed, email ui-parents@uiowa.edu before registering and include your student's HawkID and date of birth. Those who register first, without the unique code, will not be able to be refunded, despite eligibility.  
NOTE: the fee waiver only covers the base rate for Family Weekend. Families who wish to purchase tickets for any add-on events will still pay for those tickets along with any additional costs associated with the weekend. 

Family Weekend 2026 Schedule

Thursday, September 17
  • Hawkeye Family Social, sponsored by University of Iowa Center for Advancement (UICA) — 6:30–8:30 p.m.
    Big Grove Brewery
    1225 S. Gilbert Street, Iowa City
    • Arriving to campus before Friday? Local to the Iowa City or surrounding areas? Get your weekend started early and join us for a casual evening at Big Grove Brewery. Appetizers and soft drinks provided. Full food and drink menu available for purchase on your own. Advance RSVP is encouraged and will be sent via email to all registered families. 
    • Parking at Big Grove is limited. Customer parking can be found in the parking lot and the lot adjacent to Riverfront Crossing Apartments. Additional parking is available on the street and at Riverfront Crossings Park. Find a full parking map here.

Friday, September 18
  • Iowa Women's Volleyball vs. Texas Tech — 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. ($)
    Xtream Arena
    200 E. 9th Street, Coralville
    • Before you check in for Family Weekend, head to Coralville (~10 minutes from campus) and cheer on the Iowa women's volleyball team as they face Texas Tech in the opening match of the Kwik Star Klassic, an annual Big Ten tournament, hosted by Iowa.
    • Tickets for this match are sold separately and not included within your Family Weekend package. An exclusive, discounted ticket link will be sent via email to all registered families. 
  • Family Weekend Check-In — 1:00–6:00 p.m. 
    Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) Main Lounge
    125 N. Madison Street, Iowa City 
    • Check in, grab your materials for the weekend, and stay awhile! Enjoy snacks, activities, a photo booth, and connect with fellow Hawkeye families. A limited selection of Family Weekend apparel will also be available for purchase from our pop-up shop, while supplies lasts. If you placed an apparel order in advance and selected on campus pick up, we'll have it ready for you! 
  • Choose Your Hawkeye Adventure — 2:00–5:00 p.m.
    Various campus locations 
    • Make the afternoon your own! Choose from a variety of experiences happening across campus, including tours, open houses, informational sessions, and more. Pick the opportunities that interest your family most and create your own Hawkeye adventure as you explore, discover, and experience campus together. 
    • Specific events will be added closer to Family Weekend and sent via email to all registered families.
  • Iowa Women’s Soccer vs. Illinois — 5:00–7:00 p.m.
    Iowa Soccer Complex
    2665 Prairie Meadow Drive, Iowa City  
    • Support the Hawkeye Women Rise campaign and help cheer the Iowa women's soccer team to victory in this Big Ten matchup against the University of Illinois. This event is free to attend and open to all. 
  • Iowa Women's Field Hockey vs. Indiana — 5:00–7:00 p.m.
    Grant Field
    2601 Prairie Meadow Drive, Iowa City 
    • See the women's field hockey team in action during this Big Ten battle. This game is part of the Gold Out Games initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to raising funds for children battling brain cancer. Show your support by wearing your best Iowa gold! This event is free to attend and open to all. 
  • Friday Night Concert Series — 6:30–9:00 p.m.
    Pedestrian (Ped) Mall Stage
    210 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City 
    • Catch one of the last weekly summer live music events presented by Summer of the Arts. Grab a bite to eat, explore the downtown Iowa City area, and enjoy the sounds of local musicians and bands. This event is free and open to all.  
  • Hawkeye Family Trivia — 8:30–10:00 p.m.
    Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) Main Lounge
    125 N. Madison Street, Iowa City 
    • If you've ever visited Iowa City, chances are you've heard of Christopher's Bar Exam, a trivia program ran by UI alums, Chris and Andrew. An Iowa City staple as they're known for hosting engaging, high-energy weekly trivia nights around Iowa City. Test your Hawkeye knowledge and see if your family has what it takes to finish among the top. Prizes and popcorn will be available. 
    • Doors will open at 8:00 p.m. — early arrival encouraged as the event will start promptly at 8:30 p.m. 
  • Hawkeye Family Game Night — 8:30–10:00 p.m.
    Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) Hawkeye Room
    125 N. Madison Street, Iowa City
    • Looking for a more casual chance to gather with your family, catch up, and enjoy some friendly (or not so friendly) family competition? This event is for you. Grab one of our many games from Catan and Monopoly to Catch Phrase and Uno, we'll have wide variety for you to choose from. You'll also have access to our HawkeyEsports Arcade. 
  • Yasmin Williams Live Performance – 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. ($)
    Hancher Auditorium
    141 E. Park Road, Iowa City 
    • If you've never been to a performance in Hancher, Iowa's hub for creativity and creative practice on campus, in the community, and across the arts field, now's your chance! Let your mind unwind and enjoy the sounds of fingerpicked guitarist, Yasmin Williams.
    • Tickets for this performance are sold separately and not included within your Family Weekend package. More info and tickets here.

Saturday, September 19
  • Iowa City Farmer’s Market — 7:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
    Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp
    415 E. Washington Street, Iowa City
    • Details coming soon. 
  • Outdoor Yoga Class & Coffee — 8:00–9:00 a.m.
    Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) River Terrace
    125 N. Madison Street, Iowa City 
    • Take a moment to stretch, recharge, and enjoy a peaceful morning together before another full day of Family Weekend fun. In partnership with the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center (CRWC), join us for an outdoor yoga session overlooking the Iowa River. 
  • Iowa Hawkeyes vs. University of Northern Iowa Panthers Football Game — 3:00 p.m. Kickoff ($)
    Kinnick Stadium
    825 Stadium Drive, Iowa City 
    • Details coming soon.
  • FilmScene in the Park: Pixar's WALL·E — 7:00–9:30 p.m.
    Chauncey Swan Park
    405 E. Washington Street, Iowa City
    • FilmScene in the Park is a free, outdoor cinema series hosted in downtown Iowa City. Run by the nonprofit arthouse cinema FilmScene, it runs annually from May to October. 
    • Seating is first-come-first-served with movies beginning at sunset (approx. 7:15 p.m.). Show your Hawkeye Family wristband to redeem a FREE popcorn. Additional concessions will be available for purchase. 
  • Gameday Activities — Ongoing
    Surrounding Kinnick Stadium/Melrose Avenue
    825 Stadium Drive, Iowa City 
    • Details coming soon. 
    • Game watch locations: Field Day Brewery, Big Grove Brewery, Joe’s Place (and many other options downtown Iowa City/surrounding areas!)
  • Hawkeye Village Tailgate Experience — Time TBD ($)
    Duane Banks Field
    960 Evashevski Drive, Iowa City
  • Iowa City Northside Outside — 6:00–8:00 p.m.
    North Linn Street, Iowa City 
  • Iowa Women's Volleyball vs. West Florida — 6:00–8:00 p.m. ($)
    Xtream Arena
    200 E. 9th Street, Coralville
    • Unable to make it to Friday's kickoff of the Kwik Star Klassic? You're in luck! This is the second of 3 tournament matches you can catch this weekend. 
    • Tickets for this match are sold separately and not included within your Family Weekend package. An exclusive, discounted ticket link will be sent via email to all registered families. 
  • B-I-N-G-O! Night — 8:00–10:00 p.m. 
    Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) Main Lounge
    125 N. Madison Street, Iowa City
    • Details coming soon. 
    • Doors open at 7:30 p.m. — early arrival encouraged

Sunday, September 20
  • Outdoor Yoga Class & Coffee — 8:00–9:00 a.m.
    Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) River Terrace
    125 N. Madison Street, Iowa City 
    • Start your last day in Iowa City with some movement and a beautiful view! Join us for an outdoor yoga session overlooking the Iowa River. 
  • Exclusive Sunday Brunch Experience — 8:30–9:30 a.m. or 10:00–11:00 a.m. ($)
    Big Grove Brewery
    1225 S. Gilbert Street, Iowa City
    • Details coming soon. 
    • Tickets for this event are sold separately and not included within your Family Weekend package. A ticket link will be sent via email to all registered families. 
  • Hawkeye Family Professional Photos — 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
    Pentacrest (east side, facing downtown)
    21 N. Clinton Street, Iowa City 
    • Details coming soon.
  • Dance Marathon Brunch — 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ($)
    Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) Main Lounge
    125 N. Madison Street, Iowa City
    • Details coming soon. 
  • Iowa Women’s Field Hockey vs. Indiana — 12:00–2:00 p.m.
    Grant Field
    2601 Prairie Meadow Drive, Iowa City
    • Details coming soon.
  • Iowa Women’s Volleyball vs. Central Michigan — 1:00–3:00 p.m. ($)
    Xtream Arena
    200 E. 9th Street, Coralville
    • Celebrate the women's volleyball team as they compete in their final match of the Kwik Star Klassic tournament. 
    • Tickets for this match are sold separately and not included within your Family Weekend package. An exclusive, discounted ticket link will be sent via email to all registered families. 
  • ALOK: Eat Pray Leave Tour — 7:30 p.m. ($)
    The Englert
    221 E. Washington Street, Iowa City
    • The Englert is a cultural cornerstone of Iowa City, known for live performance and community-oriented events.
      Built in 1912, it's Iowa City's last historic theatre and something we hope all students and families can experience.
      See ALOK, an internationally acclaimed poet, comedian, public speaker, and actor while they're in Iowa City.
    • Tickets for this event are sold separately and not included within your Family Weekend package. Find more information and tickets here.

Family Weekend 2026 Overview Webinar

Looking for more information? 
Not sure how to understand the program schedule? We've got you covered. 
Check out our recording from the Family Weekend Overview webinar, hosted on Aug. 13, 2026.  

Hawkeye Family and Family Weekend Pop-Up Shop

We've partnered with Underground Printing in downtown Iowa City for a pop-up shop, filled with exclusive Hawkeye Family and Family Weekend apparel. 
Order before Sept. 1 for free on campus pick up during Family Weekend. Shipping available for an additional charge. 

Frequently Asked Questions and Resources

If you have a question, chances are someone else has had the same one! Check out some of our most commonly asked questions, helpful resources, and tips as you plan your visit to Iowa City.  

Check back in a few days as we are actively working on adding to that section of our site!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the $55 registration fee include?

You may be wondering "why do I need to register to visit my Hawkeye?" By registering for Family Weekend and paying the $55 registration fee (per family, not per guest), you'll get:

  • Access to all Family Weekend programming and events. Without registering, you will not be able to attend many of the events outlined on the schedule
  • A Hawkeye Family "swag bag" filled with Iowa goodies, including a Downtown Iowa City Hawkeye Pass. This card is given exclusively to Family Weekend attendees and gets you a variety of discounts and specials in our downtown district. New deals are continuously added and there is no expiration date. Leave the card with your Hawkeye so they can take advantage of ongoing deals!
  • 3 meal tickets, valid at any of our main on-campus Market Places (Catlett, Burge, or Hillcrest) during Family Weekend. If your student has a current meal plan, they will not need a ticket and can use a meal swipe. If you need more than 3 tickets, you can add them on within registration or purchase them at the door, weekend of
  • Exclusive discount ticket links for some events that are ticketed, such as women's volleyball games
  • Opportunity for early access to purchase tickets to the Iowa Hawkeyes Family Weekend football game at Kinnick Stadium. Historically, we have had an "early bird" registration deadline of July 1. Families who registered before this date were provided access to the Sept. 19 game two weeks before the general public
  • Tailored communication from the Parent and Family Program leading up to Family Weekend. Our goal is to eliminate the stress of trying to figure it all out on your own, allowing you to truly unwind and soak in the weekend with your Hawkeye!

What information will I need for registration?

When registering, you'll need to have your student's HawkID along with a credit card for payment. We ask for some basic contact information, estimated arrival to campus, and total number of guests in your party (including your student). If you have multiple current students, only one HawkID will be needed to register. 

What else is there to do around Iowa City?

Exploring Iowa City

Make sure to visit downtown Iowa City on your visit to campus. Visit the Downtown Iowa City website for more information about events happening in Iowa City.

Campus recreation centers

Looking to utilize campus recreational facilities and equipment? Access passes can be purchased for $6 per person when completing your Family Weekend registration and will be picked up at check-in on Friday or Saturday. Pass can be used at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, the Field House, and the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Center.

Outdoor opportunities

Looking to escape downtown Iowa City and explore scenic Iowa? Then check out two exciting University locations located about 15 minutes outside of Iowa City. The Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) is a 485-acre natural area that includes 14 trails all along Coralville Lake and Lake Macbride State Park. MNRA is also home to the Iowa Raptor Project and we encourage you to visit for a self-guided tour to explore their preservation efforts and to say hello to their 17 unreleasable birds of prey. 

Performing arts

Although our fall programming is focused on Iowa athletics and student traditions, we also know that you may want to attend one of the many performances happening on campus during Family Weekend. For a complete schedule of events during Family Weekend, check out the Performing Arts at Iowa calendar here. 

Campus museums

Throughout the weekend, make sure to check out our Campus Museums.

  • UI Stanley Museum of Art Tour
    160 W Burlington St, Iowa City, IA 52242
    The University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art welcomes families to discover and enjoy extraordinary works of art, explore new ideas, and cultivate new insights into history, culture, and the act of creation. Self-guided tour booklets and scavenger hunts are always available at the front desk; guided tours are also available when scheduled online (here) at least one month in advance. We hope you leave the Stanley with a sense of excitement and wonder, curious to learn more about art and culture. Open 10am-4:30pm Friday and Saturday, 12:00 pm-4:30pm Sunday
  • UI Museum of Natural History
    17 N Clinton St, Iowa City, IA 52242
    Explore the magical gallery spaces of a museum that has been part of the Hawkeye experience for more than 170 years. Journey through 500 million years of our state’s geological, cultural, and ecological history in Iowa Hall where you will meet our famous museum mascot, Rusty the Giant Sloth (#SelfieWithRusty), and find our gift shop. Next, make your way up to Bird and Mammal Halls to find the real hidden treasures including the Laysan Island Cyclorama and “the whale”. Be sure to follow the museums on IG to keep up with programming and special events for students and families @pentacrest.museums. Open 10am-5pm Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday.
  • Old Capitol Museum
    17 N Clinton St, Iowa City, IA 52242
    The Golden Old Capitol is the heart of our beautiful campus in downtown Iowa City. The museum features history of our National Historic Landmark which served as Iowa's first state capitol from 1846-1857 and the University of Iowa's founding building. Be sure to visit the changing exhibits on the ground floor, too. A rite of passage for all Hawkeyes, a visit to the Old Capitol Museum is a must and a souvenir from our gift shop is a treat. Be sure to follow the museums on IG to keep up with programming and special events for students and families @pentacrest.museums. Open 10am-5pm Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday.

Dining

For meals on your own, make sure to check out one of Iowa City’s vibrant restaurants, or you can check out one of our Market Places (Catlett, Burge, and Hillcrest) and IMU dining options. Registrants of Family Weekend can find a coupon in the program they received at check-in for lunch at one of our market places!

Places of worship

There are many local places of worship near campus. Here are a few that have reached out and shared their service information: 

  • St. Paul's Lutheran Chapel - The Lutheran Curch - Missouri Synd

    404 E. Jefferson St., Iowa City, IA 

    Sunday services is at 9:00 AM

  • Newman Catholic Student Center

    104 E. Jefferson St., Iowa City, IA

    Sunday services at 9:00 AM and 11:00AM. Following both masses, there will be a free pancake breakfast with a free-will donation that benefits their weekly "Wake Up Wednesday" Brunch for students.