Parents and Family Weekend
Parents and Family Weekend 2026
Friday, October 2–Sunday, October 4, 2026
Join us for a memorable weekend filled with opportunities to connect with your student, engage with the Blue Hen community and enjoy some wonderful experiences!
Registration Now Closed
Registration for Parents and Family Weekend 2026 is now closed.
Please email families@udel.edu with any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Athletic Events
Tickets for Athletic Events must be purchased separately through the UD Athletics ticketing site.
- UD Football vs. Liberty, and Pre-Game Tailgate (SOLD OUT*)
- Football parking
- Men's Soccer vs. La Salle
- Women's Ice Hockey vs. Lindenwood
- An Evening of Bruce Springsteen's Greatest Hits, performed by The E Street Shuffle
- Season Opening Concert: Ziggy & Miles
Please email athletics-tix@udel.edu with any question regarding athletic events.
*General tickets are sold out, but a limited number of tickets are still available through the Parents and Family Weekend Package.
Delaware Art Museum
10 a.m.–4 p.m., Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Pkwy, Wilmington, DE
The Delaware Art Museum is a nationally recognized regional museum that connects people through art and experience. Founded in 1912 to honor illustrator Howard Pyle, the Museum now houses over 13,000 works, including the largest Pre-Raphaelite collection outside the U.K. and a growing contemporary art collection. Its campus features galleries, a six-acre sculpture garden, labyrinth, and event spaces—creating a dynamic center and vibrant cultural resource, offering exhibitions, classes, and community programs that reflect and engage the diverse Delaware community and beyond.
Located in Wilmington, the DelArt has served as a primary arts and cultural institution in Delaware for over 100 years. DelArt is an essential resource connecting, inspiring, and enriching people in the state and region through its collections, exhibitions, and programs. We look forward to welcoming the University of Delaware families during Parents Weekend and beyond.
Use Promo Code: UNIPARENT for 50% off for up to 5 tickets.
Winterthur Museum
10 a.m.–5 p.m., 5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE
Nestled in the heart of Delaware’s beautiful Brandywine Valley, Winterthur is an extraordinary museum, garden and library offering tours, exhibitions and engaging programs for all ages. We’re known for our unrivaled collection of decorative arts on display throughout Henry Francis du Pont’s former home and showcased in our modern galleries. The garden offers poetic color combinations that delight visitors with a year-round succession of blooms. Spend the day enjoying our famous 60-acre naturalistic garden and 1,000 acres of rolling hills, meadows and woodlands. Miles of well-marked paths and trails are yours to explore.
We’re pleased to offer UD families a special buy one, get one half off discount on general admission tickets for visits between September 30 and October 4, 2026. Go to Winterthur.org and click the Tickets link to purchase online. Use promo code UDFamilies. You can receive a maximum of five tickets at half price.
Longwood Gardens
10 a.m.–9 p.m., 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
Spanning more than 1,100 acres, Longwood Gardens showcases horticultural splendor, intricate fountain systems, architectural grandeur and so much more—all with conservation at the core of its mission. With spectacular displays and year-round dynamic beauty made possible by renowned horticultural expertise, Longwood Gardens is proud to be one of the most visited gardens in the country.
Use promo code UDPARENT for 20% off regular admission.
Military Connected Drop-In Hours for Parents and Family Weekend
2–4 p.m., Trabant University Center, Veteran and Military Connected Student Lounge, Room 157
We’re hosting open drop-in hours to connect with families and answer any questions you may have about VA and DoD education benefits, support services available at UD, and how we help military-connected students connect with one another and make the most of their benefits.
Faculty Lecture: How can AI improve education? AI, Writing, Assessment, and the Future of Writing Instruction
2:30–3:15 p.m., Purnell Hall
Included with Parents and Family Weekend Ticket
In this talk, Dr. Joshua Wilson will discuss current research on AI and writing assessment, showing that AI can score, respond to and support writing in increasingly sophisticated ways. He will argue that capability alone does not guarantee educational value; the future of writing instruction depends on whether AI tools are designed, validated and used to strengthen student judgment, feedback uptake, reasoning and revision rather than displace them.
Honors Open House
3–5 p.m., Hullihen Hall, Suite 210
Come by to meet the Dean and honors staff with snacks and giveaways.
International Coffee Hour
4–6 p.m., Trabant University Center, Concourse
Begin your weekend with CGPS and all of your friends! Grab a free cup of coffee as you meet and mingle with students and scholars from around the world. Domestic or international, all are welcome to attend! Come alone or with friends. This is a fun, informal drop-in event—no registration is required.
International Coffee Hour is UD's premier venue for meeting fellow students, scholars, families and friends from around the world. Join us every Friday during the fall and spring semesters from 4–6 p.m.
Parents and Family Weekend Pre-Game Tailgate (SOLD OUT*)
4–7 p.m., Hen House
Join us in The Hen House for a pregame tailgate with food, games, giveaways and more, starting at 4 p.m. All attendees, including UD students, need a tailgate ticket to attend the pregame tailgate in The Hen House. Please be sure to purchase a ticket to the tailgate for ALL members of your party planning to attend, including children and UD students.
*General tickets are sold out, but a limited number are still available through the Parents and Family Weekend Package.
Hillel Shabbat Dinner
5–8 p.m.
Celebrate Shabbat with student-led services at 5 p.m. and kosher dinner at 6 p.m. Attend one or both parts of the evening.
Vita Nova: 30th Anniversary Tasting Experience (SOLD OUT)
5:45–8:30 p.m., Vita Nova, 17 W. Main Street
Vita Nova is celebrating 30 years of hands-on hospitality education and excellence with its 30th Anniversary Tasting Experience, a six-course dinner highlighting favorite dishes from over the years. The cost is $75 per person, plus $25 for an optional wine pairing. Dinner will start promptly at 6 p.m., but guests may arrive at 5:45 p.m. Please note any food allergies and dietary restrictions with your RSVP.
University of Delaware Football vs. Liberty (SOLD OUT*)
7–10 p.m., Delaware Stadium
Join us at Delaware Stadium to watch Delaware Football take on conference rival Liberty! Come experience the fun, excitement and traditions of Delaware Football.
Parents who want to sit with their students at the game should either select end zone seating and reserve a complimentary ticket for their student, while availability remains, or purchase a ticket for their student if sitting in sideline sections of the stadium.
*General seating is sold out, but a limited number of tickets are still available through the Parents and Family Weekend Package.
Movie on The Green
9–10 p.m., Central Green
Included with Parents and Family Weekend Ticket
Relax under the stars and enjoy "A Minecraft Movie" on the Central Green! Bring your own chair or blanket and settle in with fellow Blue Hen families and students. A limited number of chairs will be available on-site, but guests are encouraged to bring their own for the best experience.
Get Up and Move: Prez Run & Walk
8:30–9:30 a.m., Whitney Athletics Center (by the Go Hens sign)
Included with Parents and Family Weekend Ticket
Join UD President Dr. Laura Carlson on a special Parents and Family Weekend run and walk! The event will start at the Go Hens sign by the Whitney Athletic Center at 8:30 a.m.
The group will complete three loops around the Athletics Complex going through the Delaware Stadium. The distance is about three miles and all paces are welcome. The run will then conclude with a short opportunity to speak with Dr. Carlson and enjoy some refreshments.
Hillel Saturday Brunch
10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Enjoy a brunch with bagels, lox and more. Connect with other families and learn about UD’s Jewish community.
Success Brews Here
10 a.m.–12 p.m., Central Green
Included with Parents and Family Weekend Ticket
Start your morning with coffee, conversation and connections! Join faculty from each of the colleges and staff from the Academic Coaching and Tutoring office for a relaxed meet-and-mingle. Families and students can ask questions, learn about academic support resources and connect with the people dedicated to student success while enjoying coffee and a light breakfast.
Student Wellbeing Open House
10 a.m.–2 p.m., Warner Hall, Room 101
Included with Parents and Family Weekend Ticket
Whether your student is new to UD, gearing up to graduate or somewhere in between, you may be wondering, "Is this normal?" "What can I expect when my student comes home for break or after graduation?" or "How do I help my student thrive?" Stop by the Wellbeing Center at Warner Hall to meet Student Wellbeing professional staff, ask questions, engage in lively discussion with other families and explore services.
Delaware Art Museum
10 a.m.–4 p.m., Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Pkwy, Wilmington, DE
The Delaware Art Museum is a nationally recognized regional museum that connects people through art and experience. Founded in 1912 to honor illustrator Howard Pyle, the Museum now houses over 13,000 works, including the largest Pre-Raphaelite collection outside the U.K. and a growing contemporary art collection. Its campus features galleries, a six-acre sculpture garden, labyrinth, and event spaces—creating a dynamic center and vibrant cultural resource, offering exhibitions, classes, and community programs that reflect and engage the diverse Delaware community and beyond.
Located in Wilmington, the DelArt has served as a primary arts and cultural institution in Delaware for over 100 years. DelArt is an essential resource connecting, inspiring, and enriching people in the state and region through its collections, exhibitions, and programs. We look forward to welcoming the University of Delaware families during Parents Weekend and beyond.
Use Promo Code: UNIPARENT for 50% off for up to 5 tickets.
Winterthur Museum
10 a.m.–5 p.m., 5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE
Nestled in the heart of Delaware’s beautiful Brandywine Valley, Winterthur is an extraordinary museum, garden and library offering tours, exhibitions and engaging programs for all ages. We’re known for our unrivaled collection of decorative arts on display throughout Henry Francis du Pont’s former home and showcased in our modern galleries. The garden offers poetic color combinations that delight visitors with a year-round succession of blooms. Spend the day enjoying our famous 60-acre naturalistic garden and 1,000 acres of rolling hills, meadows and woodlands. Miles of well-marked paths and trails are yours to explore.
We’re pleased to offer UD families a special buy one, get one half off discount on general admission tickets for visits between September 30 and October 4, 2026. Go to Winterthur.org and click the Tickets link to purchase online. Use promo code UDFamilies. You can receive a maximum of five tickets at half price.
Longwood Gardens
10 a.m.–9 p.m., 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
Spanning more than 1,100 acres, Longwood Gardens showcases horticultural splendor, intricate fountain systems, architectural grandeur and so much more—all with conservation at the core of its mission. With spectacular displays and year-round dynamic beauty made possible by renowned horticultural expertise, Longwood Gardens is proud to be one of the most visited gardens in the country.
Use promo code UDPARENT for 20% off regular admission.
Residence Life & Housing Meet and Greet
10:30 a.m.–12 p.m., Eliphet W. Gilbert Hall, 310 Haines St.
Included with Parents and Family Weekend Ticket
Students and their families are invited to an informal gathering to ask questions of the Residence Life & Housing team. Bring your questions about living in the residence halls and learn about the on-campus housing process for the 2027–28 academic year.
YChromes Performance
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., UD Barnes & Noble Bookstore, 83 E. Main Street
UD's premier all-male a cappella group will perform music from their previous and upcoming concerts LIVE at Barnes & Noble on Main Street.
UDairy Creamery Experience (SOLD OUT)
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., UDairy Creamery, 535 S. College Ave.
Join us to learn about UD's dairy herd and milking process, how our milk travels to our production facility and how it's used to make cheese and ice cream. You'll get to visit the Genuardi Food Innovation Lab to sample cheese and see where our students work and learn. We'll end our tour by walking over to say hello to our Holstein cows. You'll leave with a coupon to redeem at our Flagship or Café locations to enjoy a small scoop of ice cream before you leave campus.
This experience is recommended for anyone 10 and older. Please note: Elevators are available in Townsend Hall, but participants should be able to walk approximately 0.2 miles during the tour.
Meet Alumni Author Becky Gould Baeurle (UD'88)
12–2 p.m., UD Barnes & Noble Bookstore, UDairy Creamery Café, 83 E. Main Street
Meet alumni author Becky Gould Baeurle (UD ’88) and pick up a signed copy of her debut novel, Six Weeks of Love & Larceny, starring a UD grad who worked at The Review and now writes a lifestyle column at The Philadelphia Inquirer. It’s the first in The Secrets Trilogy, a witty, heart-pounding series that tests the limits of trust, the boundaries of love and the bonds of sisterhood in the face of deception and danger. The journey continues in Twelve Weeks of Love & Loss, followed by Sixteen Weeks of Love & Lies. Pull up a chair—these characters have a story to tell.
Farmers Market
12–3 p.m., South Green
Browse a festive outdoor market sponsored by Dining Services and Orientation & Transition Programs featuring local vendors, fresh food for purchase, music and handmade goods.
Second Annual Fall Fest
12–3 p.m., South Green
Included with Parents and Family Weekend Ticket
Join us for our second annual Fall Fest during Parents and Family Weekend! Enjoy an afternoon of family-friendly fun with inflatables, carnival games, a photo booth, pumpkin painting and more. This year's Fall Fest will take place alongside our Farmers Market, sponsored by Dining Services, featuring local vendors, fresh food for purchase, music and handmade goods.
UDairy Creamery Experience (SOLD OUT)
1–2 p.m., UDairy Creamery, 535 S. College Ave.
Join us to learn about UD's dairy herd and milking process, how our milk travels to our production facility and how it's used to make cheese and ice cream. You'll get to visit the Genuardi Food Innovation Lab to sample cheese and see where our students work and learn. We'll end our tour by walking over to say hello to our Holstein cows. You'll leave with a coupon to redeem at our Flagship or Café locations to enjoy a small scoop of ice cream before you leave campus.
This experience is recommended for anyone 10 and older. Please note: Elevators are available in Townsend Hall, but participants should be able to walk approximately 0.2 miles during the tour.
Ice Hockey vs. Lindenwood
2–4 p.m., Fred Rust Ice Arena
Join us for our 2026 Home Opener as we take on Lindenwood!
Music on Main
4–7 p.m., Main Street
Join us for a vibrant evening on Main Street filled with live music, local craft vendors and downtown dining! Stroll downtown as talented musicians set the soundtrack and artisans showcase unique handmade goods. From shopping one-of-a-kind treasures to enjoying your favorite local restaurants, this event is the perfect way to celebrate community, creativity and small-town charm. Bring your friends, family and neighbors and experience the best of Main Street—where music, makers and memories come together.
Parent & Family Weekend Gameshow: ThinkFast® (SOLD OUT)
6–7:15 p.m., Trabant University Center, Multipurpose Rooms
Included with Parents and Family Weekend Ticket
ThinkFast® is the premier interactive game show that has been redefining college entertainment since 1995. With more than 700 bookings annually, ThinkFast® is the ultimate centerpiece for orientations, family weekends and educational campus activities.
ThinkFast® transforms the entire audience into active contestants. Using state-of-the-art wireless controllers equipped with LED displays, participants compete in teams in a high-energy, immersive trivia experience.
An Evening of Bruce Springsteen's Greatest Hits Performed by The E Street Shuffle
8–10 p.m., Bob Carpenter Center
Hailing from Bruce Springsteen's own stomping grounds of Asbury Park, New Jersey, The E Street Shuffle delivers a high-energy celebration of The Boss's greatest songs. Join us at the Bob Carpenter Center for a night of unforgettable music featuring "Born to Run," "Dancing in the Dark," "Thunder Road," "Glory Days" and more.
Brunch in the Dining Halls
10 a.m.–12 p.m., Pencader or Caesar Rodney Dining Hall
End a wonderful weekend with a delicious brunch in one of UD's Dining Halls!
Coast Day
10 a.m.–3 p.m., Hugh R. Sharp Campus, 1044 College Drive, Lewes, DE
Coast Day is the annual flagship event celebrating the teaching, research and outreach of the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment at the University of Delaware. Learn how UD students, faculty, staff and community partners are improving our understanding of the environment and serving coastal communities.
Now in its 50th year, Coast Day draws attendees to UD's Lewes campus to explore cutting-edge science through hands-on activities, live demonstrations, lab and ship tours, and more. Coast Day also includes live performances, a diverse food court and a range of experiences for all ages.
Delaware Art Museum
10 a.m.–4 p.m., Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Pkwy, Wilmington, DE
The Delaware Art Museum is a nationally recognized regional museum that connects people through art and experience. Founded in 1912 to honor illustrator Howard Pyle, the Museum now houses over 13,000 works, including the largest Pre-Raphaelite collection outside the U.K. and a growing contemporary art collection. Its campus features galleries, a six-acre sculpture garden, labyrinth, and event spaces—creating a dynamic center and vibrant cultural resource, offering exhibitions, classes, and community programs that reflect and engage the diverse Delaware community and beyond.
Located in Wilmington, the DelArt has served as a primary arts and cultural institution in Delaware for over 100 years. DelArt is an essential resource connecting, inspiring, and enriching people in the state and region through its collections, exhibitions, and programs. We look forward to welcoming the University of Delaware families during Parents Weekend and beyond.
Use Promo Code: UNIPARENT for 50% off for up to 5 tickets.
Winterthur Museum
10 a.m.–5 p.m., 5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE
Nestled in the heart of Delaware’s beautiful Brandywine Valley, Winterthur is an extraordinary museum, garden and library offering tours, exhibitions and engaging programs for all ages. We’re known for our unrivaled collection of decorative arts on display throughout Henry Francis du Pont’s former home and showcased in our modern galleries. The garden offers poetic color combinations that delight visitors with a year-round succession of blooms. Spend the day enjoying our famous 60-acre naturalistic garden and 1,000 acres of rolling hills, meadows and woodlands. Miles of well-marked paths and trails are yours to explore.
We’re pleased to offer UD families a special buy one, get one half off discount on general admission tickets for visits between September 30 and October 4, 2026. Go to Winterthur.org and click the Tickets link to purchase online. Use promo code UDFamilies. You can receive a maximum of five tickets at half price.
Longwood Gardens
10 a.m.–9 p.m., 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
Spanning more than 1,100 acres, Longwood Gardens showcases horticultural splendor, intricate fountain systems, architectural grandeur and so much more—all with conservation at the core of its mission. With spectacular displays and year-round dynamic beauty made possible by renowned horticultural expertise, Longwood Gardens is proud to be one of the most visited gardens in the country.
Use promo code UDPARENT for 20% off regular admission.
Ice Hockey vs. Lindenwood
1–3 p.m., Fred Rust Ice Arena
Join us for our 2026 Home Opener as we take on Lindenwood!
Season Opening Concert: Ziggy & Miles
3–5 p.m., Roselle Center for the Arts, Gore Recital Hall
Launch the 2026–27 Master Players season with Australia's internationally acclaimed guitar duo, Ziggy & Miles, making their Delaware debut. Praised for their "deeply considered musicianship, immaculate care and superlative technique," these award-winning brothers from Melbourne captivate audiences with extraordinary artistry and remarkable musical chemistry. Winners of numerous international competitions and the 2024–25 Musicians-in-Residence at Harvard University's Dumbarton Oaks, Ziggy & Miles promise an unforgettable event showcasing the beauty and brilliance of the classical guitar.
The full schedule is also available to view on the UD Events calendar.
Parents and Family Weekend
Parents and Family Weekend is an annual event where we invite families and guests of current undergraduate students to enjoy a weekend of Blue Hen spirited activities!
Families can watch this page or visit the Blue Hen Family Hub for up-to-date information.
Information about Athletic-sponsored events can be found on the Blue Hen Athletics website.
You can register for events by purchasing a Parents and Family Weekend Ticket on the Blue Hen Family Hub. The ticket will give you access to several events.
For Athletic-sponsored events, such as the Football Game and Tailgate, you will need to purchase tickets on the Athletic ticketing website.
Please note there are no waitlists for Parents and Family Weekend events.
General weekend questions can be directed to families@udel.edu. Questions about Parents and Family Weekend Tailgate can be directed to athletic-tix@udel.edu or call 302-831-2257.
Tickets for both the tailgate and football game can be purchased on the Athletics ticketing website.
For the Delaware vs. Liberty football game, families will need to purchase an extra ticket for their student when they are checking out to ensure their student is able to sit with them.
Free student tickets are only available in the student section.
For more game day information visit Athletics Gameday website or reach out to the ticketing office at athletics-tix@udel.edu or call 302-831-2257.
Check in at the event's location.
NO REFUND POLICY
All Parents and Family Weekend ticket purchases are final. We do not offer refunds on any purchased tickets. Once a transaction has been completed, it cannot be undone. Please review your order carefully before submitting your payment.
If you have any questions about Parents and Family Weekend events before making a purchase, please contact families@udel.edu.
Thank you for your understanding.
There will be UD photographers at many of the weekend’s events. By attending Parents and Family Weekend events, you grant the University of Delaware permission to publish or display photographic or video images of you. Images may be used in any promotional material, publications or other applications.
Families should reserve their hotel rooms as soon as possible since reservations fill up quickly. You can find a list of local hotels through Campus Travel.
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the availability of any hotel rooms.
Attire for the weekend is casual. We recommend comfortable clothes and shoes along with layers to stay warm. The average temperature during October can range from mid 40s to high 60s.
Families can park for free over the weekend from Friday at 5 p.m. to Sunday at 5 p.m. in lots and garages around campus.
Note: Purchasing a parking pass is required to park on South Campus during the football game. Passes can be purchased ahead of time on the Athletics ticketing website.
University of Delaware shuttles will be available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Families can expect the dates for Parents and Family Weekend to be announced on the Blue Hen Family Hub and Delaware Athletics website at the beginning of the spring semester.
Families can email questions about Parents and Family Weekend to families@udel.edu. Please allow 1–2 business days for a response.
For questions about ticketed events, please email athletic-tix@udel.edu.
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Parking on campus will be free throughout Parents and Family Weekend. Parking maps can be found here. We recommend parking your vehicle near the bulk of your activities and traveling on foot when possible.
Courtyard Marriott Newark at UD
Laird Campus, Newark, DE
302-737-0900
Hyatt Place Newark Delaware
94 East Main Street, Building 1000, Newark, DE
302-266-2000
(5-minute walk to Main Campus)
Embassy Suites Newark
654 S. College Ave, Newark, DE
302-368-8000 or 800-Embassy
(20-minute walk to Main Campus)
Homewood Suites by Hilton
640 S. College Ave, Newark, DE
302-453-9700 or 800-Embassy
(20-minute walk to Main Campus)
Spring Hill Suites by Marriott Newark Downtown
402 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE
302-273-1000
(10-minute walk to Main Campus)
Find other lodging within a 15-minute drive of campus.
Hotels in the area tend to fill up quickly; make your reservation early!
Accommodations are available through Disability Support Services (DSS) for individuals with disabilities to ensure accessibility to University classes and programs. Contact DSS by calling 302-831-4643 or email dssoffice@udel.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation.
Things to do Around Campus
- Hike the trails in White Clay Creek State Park or Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area
- Shop local on Main Street
- Treat yourself at UDairy Creamery
- Explore the University of Delaware Museums
- Take in the city views from the Newark Reservoir
- Engage with history at the Newark History Museum
VIRTUAL TOUR
Get in the spirit
UD ATHLETICS