It is early autumn at the University of Delaware, and Blue Hens on UD’s main campus are enjoying the bustle of fall semester amid colorful foliage and crisp air. With the brilliant campus backdrop returns an annual tradition: the University of Delaware Parents and Family Weekend community celebration, this year being held Oct. 13-15.

“Parents [and Family] Weekend was excellent because we got to see how happy our son is as a Blue Hen!” said one parent after last year’s program. Blue Hen families report feeling more connected with the University, and enjoy taking advantage of unparalleled opportunities to engage as UD parents while spending time with their students.

“Family members are valued partners in our work to support student success,” said José-Luis Riera, interim vice president for student life. “Overwhelmingly, participants find that Parents and Family Weekend helps them learn more about everything that a UD student experience can include.”

Comedian Brian Regan will kick off the weekend with a comedy show at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, in the Bob Carpenter Center. Regan is the most featured comic in the history of Late Show with David Letterman and was the first to release a live comedy broadcast on Comedy Central. Limited tickets are still available on Ticketmaster.

Other headline events include:

Friday, Oct. 13

• Major Mania, inviting students and families to explore majors, minors and out-of-classroom educational experiences

• Blue Hen Leadership Program Parent and Family Reception, offering a meet and greet with participants of UD’s tiered student leadership certification program

Saturday, Oct. 14

• Do2Learn Maker Space Open House, offering interactive circuit-building and LEGO activities in a space that combines technology, toys, games and crafts into educational experiences

• Living on Campus Today and Beyond: Residence Life and Housing Open House, with staff on hand to answer questions about the once-in-a-lifetime community experience of living at UD

• Upper Division Housing Tours, featuring guided visits to residence halls that enhance students’ second and third years on campus

• Family Fest Indoor Tailgate with DJ music, entertainment and a delicious buffet with UDairy Creamery ice cream; online ticket sales have closed, but limited admission will be available at the door and students may use available meal plan points or Flex dollars at the door

• UD Football versus College of William and Mary; tickets on sale now on Ticketmaster

Sunday, Oct. 15

• University-style brunch at Pencader and Caesar Rodney Fresh Food Company dining halls; online ticket sales have closed, but limited admission will be available at the door   
  

Attendees may also enjoy movies, festivals, ice skating and more throughout the weekend, in addition to a 50 percent off clearance sale at UD Barnes & Noble Bookstore. Details on all events are available at udel.edu/parents/weekend.