Family Weekend
- Family Weekend Schedule
- What to Expect
- Family Weekend FAQ

Planning to join us for Family Weekend? Register now and start planning your trip!
Take a look at our lineup of events for Family Weekend! Schedule is subject to change. Locations for each will be provided in our Family Weekned program, which all guests will receive upon check-in.
Friday, October 16, 2026
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| 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Explore Geisel: A Self-Guided Library Experience Drop by Geisel Library to explore UC San Diego’s most iconic landmark and the intellectual heart of campus. Grab a self-guided tour map at the “Meet Spot”, just inside Geisel’s front entrance, and wander at your own pace and uncover the library’s best‑kept secrets. The self-guided tour takes approximately 20-25 minutes to complete and includes 5 points of interest. You’re welcome to enjoy the panoramic views from floors 4–8, but please be mindful that these are designated quiet (floors 4–7) and silent (floor 8) study areas. Don’t forget to capture a photo in your favorite spot and share it with us on social media (@ucsdlibrary). Also offered Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m and Sunday from 10 a.m. - noon. |
| 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Cool Off at Geisel Find us at the “Meet Spot” just inside Geisel’s main entrance to enjoy a cold beverage and a sweet treat (while supplies last!) and get the inside scoop on what the Library offers, learn more about Library Associates and discover how the Library is best suited to support student success on campus. |
| 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Black Resource Center Open House Stop by the Black Resource Center Open House to meet our staff, explore our space and learn about the programs, services and community resources available to support students throughout their UC San Diego journey. |
| 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Student Art Exhibit: Colorful Candids The student union hosts rotating exhibitions of student art in Price Center, providing student artists opportunities to showcase their work and allowing other students to explore and experience visual art created by peers. Stop the “Colorful Candids” exhibit to check out student photography on display. |
| 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Supporting Students In Distress College brings exciting opportunities as well as inevitable challenges. Families play an important role in supporting students while fostering independence. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to recognize when a student may be struggling, respond in ways that encourage resilience and help-seeking and understand how Case Management Services partners with students and campus resources to provide coordinated support. |
| 11 a.m. - Noon | Supporting Your Student Through Challenges: A Family Guide to Navigating Collegiate Concerns College brings exciting opportunities as well as inevitable challenges. Families play an important role in supporting students while fostering independence. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to recognize when a student may be struggling, respond in ways that encourage resilience and help-seeking and understand how Case Management Services partners with students and campus resources to provide coordinated support. |
| 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | SPACES Open House The Student Promoted Access Center for Education and Services (SPACES) is a student-initiated, student-run resource center where UC San Diego students collaborate to advance educational equity and social justice across campus, in San Diego and in communities across California. We provide free, accessible programming and events to promote access, retention and community for students and community members. Join us for free food, a center showcase, a preview of our incoming programming for this academic year and opportunity drawings throughout the day! |
| 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Office of Innovation and Commercialization Open House Drop by to tour the Office of Innovation and Commercialization and learn about the student entrepreneurial programs and UC San Diego ventures who are developing startups from research to impact. Also offered Saturday. |
| 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Center for Student Involvement Open House Come meet professional and student staff at the Center for Student Involvement's (CSI) Open House and check out our new front desk! |
| 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Career Center Open House and Info Session Stop by the Career Center to learn how UC San Diego supports students as they explore career paths, prepare for internships and jobs, build professional skills and plan for life after graduation. Families will have the opportunity to visit the Career Center space and attend an informational presentation highlighting the Center’s services, programs and resources for students. The informational presentation is one hour long and will be offered at 11:30 a.m. and again 1:00 p.m. |
| Noon - 2 p.m. | APIMEDA Programs and Services Open House Stop by the Asian Pacific Islander Middle Eastern Desi American (APIMEDA) Programs and Services Office to meet the staff, learn about events and programs and explore the space. This casual open house does not include a formal presentation or agenda; families are welcome to drop in at any time during the scheduled window. |
| Noon - 3 p.m. | Signed, Sealed Delivered: Mail Made Easy with the Trove Mail and ship with ease at The Trove on Library Walk. Visit our table to learn about mailing services on campus. |
| Noon - 3 p.m. | Student Veterans Resource Center Open House The Student Veterans Resource Center's (SVRC) mission is to foster the success of our military-connected students, including veterans, active service members, their families, ROTC participants and other affiliated individuals. Working closely with both campus and community partners, we are dedicated to supporting students' academic, personal and professional growth. Come by and visit the SVRC! |
| Noon - 3 p.m. | Triton Transfer Hub Open House Visit the Triton Transfer Hub to discover the resources, services, and community support available to help transfer students thrive at UC San Diego. |
| Noon - 3 p.m. | University Credit Union Open House Stop by UC San Diego’s official financial institution partner to learn about all the services University Credit Union offers, including banking, educational workshops, and financial guidance. |
| Noon - 8 p.m. | Omni Intelligent Exhibit at the Mandeville Art Gallery Omni Intelligent is a group exhibition that explores the intertwined and interdependent relationships between non-human and human entities as artificial intelligence becomes an integrated part of contemporary life. The artworks suggest a departure from anthropocentrism towards a more complex, fluid and expansive understanding of intelligence, existence, consciousness and the self. Spanning a wide range of mediums — including scent, painting, sculpture, film, holography, game design and ceramics — the exhibition offers the visitor a full sensory experience that speaks to the profound shifts unfolding during this pivotal moment. |
| Noon - 8 p.m. | Ping Pong, Pool and Karaoke! Join us for some family fun at the newly renovated Price Center Gameroom. Drop in for karaoke, pool, ping pong, duckpin bowling and more — and grab your souvenir playing cards (while supplies last)! Also offered Saturday. |
| 1 - 3 p.m. | Cross-Cultural Center Open House Join us at the Cross-Cultural Center (CCC) for an exciting open house welcoming families and students to our vibrant community. Discover the rich legacy and mission of the CCC, where social justice education thrives and all communities come together. Hear firsthand insights from our dedicated student interns and learn about exciting opportunities to get involved with affiliated student organizations. Enjoy interactive activities including guided tours of our space, creative crafting sessions, and meaningful conversations with student leaders who are passionate about connecting with others and creating change on campus. Whether you’re new or returning, this is the perfect chance to connect, explore, and become part of the CCC community! |
| 1 - 3 p.m. | Women’s Center Open House Stop by the Women's Center to tour the space and learn more about the work the center does. |
| 1 - 4 p.m. | The Zone Open House Come explore The Zone, a lounge designed to promote healthy, balanced living to UC San Diego students. Daily programs and workshops encourage students to connect with each other, build wellness skills, relax and de-stress. Learn about The Zone and how to help your student find their place at UC San Diego. |
| 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. | Campus Tour Familiarize yourself with campus by joining us for a 60-minute student-led walking tour of campus. Also offered at 2:30 p.m. |
| 2 - 4 p.m. | Greetings from Geisel: Postcard Making Send a note to family members and loved ones who couldn’t make it to San Diego for the Family Weekend. Grab a postcard that features our Digital Collections, or design your own “Greetings from Geisel” masterpiece. Pens and markers are provided, and we’ll cover the postage. Find the decoration station near the “Meet Spot”, just inside Geisel’s main entrance. |
| 4 - 6 p.m. | Arts and Humanities Night of Research and Creative Activities The Zone Open House Be inspired by the ideas shaping tomorrow at the UC San Diego School of Arts and Humanities Night of Research and Creative Activities. Meet the faculty and students behind innovative research, creative projects and interdisciplinary collaborations through engaging presentations, interactive exhibits, performances and film screenings. Among the evening's highlights will be a preview of the School's Futures Studies initiative, inviting audiences to consider how the arts and humanities can help navigate the profound social, cultural and technological changes of the next 20 years. Free and open to all, this signature annual event offers an unforgettable evening of creativity, curiosity and conversation. |
| 6:30 - 9 p.m. | Starlight Cinema: Remember the Titans Enjoy an evening under the stars on Sun God Lawn with a screening of Remember the Titans. Snacks and refreshments will be available. Limited chair seating available. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or seat cushions to sit on. |
Saturday, October 17, 2026 |
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| 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Getting your Passport: What's Needed? Stop by for a helpful overview of the passport application process, including the various documents needed and the different payment options available. |
| 10 - 11 a.m. | Inside Student Health and Well-Being (SHW): What Every Triton Family Should Know Join leaders from across the Student Health and Well-being (SHW) cluster, including Student Health Services (SHS), Health Promotion Services (HPS) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for conversations and tours of the new SHW building in the heart of campus. This session will help demystify the services available to students, explain how the new space makes accessing care even easier and offer guidance on how families can support their Tritons from afar. |
| 10 - 11 a.m. | Meet the New Disability Resource Center Curious about the disability community at UC San Diego? Join us for a conversational session exploring the new Disability Resource Hub and the broader disability ecosystem on campus. Learn how the Hub complements the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD), discover opportunities for disability community, culture, and belonging and explore disability accommodations and campus resources. We'll also share the story behind the Hub's creation and leave plenty of time for questions and conversation. |
| 10 a.m. - Noon | Design Lab Tours Join us for a guided tour of the Design and Innovation Building. Tours run 25 minutes with a 5 minute buffer between groups, so drop in at any point! |
| 10 a.m. - Noon | Fallen Star Tours Join the Stuart Collection for tours of “Fallen Star” (Do Ho Suh), one of UC San Diego's most iconic artworks! |
| 10 a.m. - Noon | Meet the Dean: School of Social Sciences Showcase Join fellow Triton parent and Dean of the UC San Diego School of Social Sciences Carol Padden for a special Meet the Dean reception. At 10:30 a.m., Dean Padden will share how the School is advancing innovative research, transformative teaching and student success initiatives that enrich the Triton experience. Guests will also have the opportunity to learn about select departments and programs through informal conversations with faculty and staff. This event offers families a chance to explore the breadth of the social sciences at UC San Diego and discover how students are preparing to make an impact in the world. |
| 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Get Rec'd with Outback Adventures UC San Diego Recreation and Outback Adventures invites families to take a flight on the Zipline or face the ultimate challenge with the Leap of Faith. Sessions run in 30-minute blocks, with start times from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Please note the following requirements for participation:
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| 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Picture Perfect: Professional Family Portraits Capture the moment with a free family portrait taken by our professional portrait photographer. Don't forget to wear your UC San Diego gear! Need some Triton Gear? Head to the Bookstore! |
| 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Explore Geisel: A Self-Guided Library Experience Drop by Geisel Library to explore UC San Diego’s most iconic landmark and the intellectual heart of campus. Grab a self-guided tour map at the “Meet Spot”, just inside Geisel’s front entrance, and wander at your own pace and uncover the library’s best‑kept secrets. The self-guided tour takes approximately 20-25 minutes to complete and includes 5 points of interest. You’re welcome to enjoy the panoramic views from floors 4–8, but please be mindful that these are designated quiet (floors 4–7) and silent (floor 8) study areas. Don’t forget to capture a photo in your favorite spot and share it with us on social media (@ucsdlibrary). Also offered Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-noon. |
| 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Experience Engineering Join us for Experience Engineering, the Jacobs School of Engineering’s featured event for UC San Diego Family Weekend. Families are invited to explore hands-on student projects, meet with engineering leadership including Dean Al Pisano, and engage with the vibrant community of student organizations and researchers. This event showcases the innovation and excellence that make the Jacobs School one of the top 10 engineering institutions in the nation. |
| 10:30 a.m. - Noon | Past and Present: A History Department Meetup Come visit the History Department to meet members of the faculty and staff, tour the Undergraduate History Lounge and visit with members of the Undergraduate History Network! Some light snacks will be provided. |
| 11 a.m. - Noon | Creating a Culture of Care: Support from your Student’s Dean of Student Affairs The college system at UC San Diego provides individualized services for students that support their well-being and academic success. Join us to learn about support available through the Dean of Student Affairs at your student’s college, how to connect your student with their Dean and how Deans partner with families to support their students’ success. |
| 11 a.m. - Noon | Study Abroad: Add Adventure to Your Academics Learn about UC San Diego's study abroad opportunities and how your student can add a global experience to their college academic journey. |
| 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Get Involved! Ask a Student Panel Hear from a group of student leaders and involved members on campus on how they got involved and found community. Bring some of your own questions to be answered! |
| 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Money Concepts for Young Adults Financial expertise can be hard to come by. Luckily, UC San Diego has partnered with University Credit Union (UCU) to provide students with convenient banking as well as financial education and guidance. Join UCU for a financial education workshop to learn key financial concepts, how to set clear financial goals, and how to create a plan to achieve them. The workshop will cover an introduction to saving, budgeting and money management, as well as how to build credit and how to set and achieve financial goals. Also offered at 1:30 p.m. |
| 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Office of Innovation and Commercialization Open House Drop by to tour the Office of Innovation and Commercialization and learn about the student entrepreneurial programs and UC San Diego ventures who are developing startups from research to impact. Also offered Friday. |
| 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Makers Market Our annual Makers Market will feature artists and craftspeople from across San Diego sharing their work with the UC San Diego community. Stop by to browse, meet local makers, and take home something handmade while supporting independent artists. We'll also be offering free hands-on craft activities throughout the weekend, making it a fun event for the whole family. Also offered Sunday. |
| Noon - 1:30 p.m. | Student Retention and Success Luncheon: Hosted by OASIS/Summer Bridge UC San Diego’s Student Retention and Success efforts — including programs housed in the Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services (OASIS) such as Summer Bridge, TRIO SSS, Hope Scholars, and others across campus — empower students who are the first in their families to attend college, come from historically underserved communities or are navigating unique transitions through high-impact support and mentorship. Join us for lunch and take part in meaningful conversations with staff, student leaders and fellow families about student success and belonging. |
| Noon - 4 p.m. | Bead There, Made That: Make and Take with the Craft and Glass Center Learn about what the Craft and Glass Centers offer to students on campus while making a one of a kind beaded keychain with our staff members! |
| Noon - 8 p.m. | Ping Pong, Pool and Karaoke! Join us for some family fun at the newly renovated Price Center Gameroom. Drop in for karaoke, pool, ping pong, duckpin bowling and more — and grab your souvenir playing cards (while supplies last)! |
| 1 - 2 p.m. | Basic Needs: Off-Campus Housing 101 Learn how UC San Diego supports students as they navigate the transition to off-campus housing. This presentation will provide an overview of resources available to help students through the off-campus housing process, including the official UC San Diego Off-Campus Housing website and tools designed to support students in their housing search. |
| 1 - 2 p.m. | Student Research Showcase Discover how UC San Diego students are tackling real-world questions through hands-on research. Meet undergraduate researchers from across disciplines and hear about the projects they’re passionate about. |
| 1 - 2:30 p.m. | School of Physical Sciences Open House Come explore all that the School of Physical Sciences has to offer. Meet faculty, staff and student organization leaders, learn about research and academic opportunities, and discover resources that help students thrive at UC San Diego. Dean Christine Hrycyna will provide brief welcome remarks and tips for student success at approximately 1:20 p.m. |
| 1 - 2:30 p.m. | Taller: El Arte de Comadrear Con Tu Estudiante Acompáñenos a reflexionar cómo fortalecer destrezas de comunicación y la relación con su estudiante universitario. Tocaremos temas sobre los cambios emocionales, sociales y académicos que enfrentan los estudiantes durante la universidad. Habrá espacio para dialogar sobre estrategias efectivas para comunicarse con su hijo/a universitario/a. Escucharemos directamente de estudiantes actuales sobre sus experiencias Finalmente reflexionaremos sobre estilos personales de comunicación y cómo adaptarlos para apoyar a su estudiante. |
| 1:15 - 2 p.m. | Beyond the Classroom: Serve, Learn and Lead with Alternative Breaks Alternative Breaks connects students with communities through ethical, educational service trips focused on social justice. Participants develop leadership skills, cultural humility and a deeper understanding of systemic issues while contributing to real-world change. Join us to explore what's ahead for the 2025-2026 Alternative Breaks program. |
| 1:30 - 3 p.m. | Money Concepts for Young Adults Financial expertise can be hard to come by. Luckily, UC San Diego has partnered with University Credit Union (UCU) to provide students with convenient banking as well as financial education and guidance. Join UCU for a financial education workshop to learn key financial concepts, how to set clear financial goals, and how to create a plan to achieve them. The workshop will cover an introduction to saving, budgeting and money management, as well as how to build credit and how to set and achieve financial goals. Also offered at 11 a.m. |
| 2 - 4 p.m. | Motion to Impress: Speech and Debate Showcase Get ready for quick thinking, strong arguments, and plenty of Triton talent! Join UC San Diego’s Speech and Debate Team for an engaging showcase featuring an abbreviated mock debate and a showcase of speech events. After the showcase, guests will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more from student competitors and the team’s head coach about the world of competitive speech and debate. |
| 2 - 5 p.m. | Suraj Israni Center for Cinematic Arts Fellows Forum Discover the next generation of cinematic storytelling at the Suraj Israni Center for Cinematic Arts Fellowship Forum, an annual showcase of bold films, innovative research and creative experimentation from UC San Diego fellows. Experience an engaging afternoon of film screenings, artist talks and panel discussions that offer an inside look at the creative process and the ideas driving contemporary cinema. Featuring work by students, faculty and alumni from across disciplines, the Forum celebrates the power of film to spark dialogue, expand perspectives and inspire new ways of seeing the world. Free and open to the public, this signature event invites filmmakers, scholars, artists and the broader community to connect through the art of cinema. |
| 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | El Foro: Alumbrando el camino hacia el apoyo y éxito estudiantil Venga a descubrir cómo El Foro de Enseñanza y Aprendizaje en UC San Diego empodera a cada Tritón a través de experiencias de aprendizaje transformadoras dentro y fuera del aula. Desde tutoría entre pares y tutoría de contenido hasta actividades de aprendizaje experiencial como pasantías académicas, El Foro se dedica a promover el éxito estudiantil a lo largo de su trayectoria universitaria y más allá. |
| 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | The Commons: Lighting the Way to Student Support and Success Discover how the Teaching and Learning Commons at UC San Diego empowers every Triton through transformative learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. From peer-to-peer mentoring and content tutoring to experiential learning activities like academic internships, The Commons is dedicated to advancing student success throughout their university journey and beyond. Light refreshments will be provided. |
| 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. | Triton Fam-Fest Join King Triton, the pep band and the cheer squad on RIMAC Field — just steps from both the soccer and basketball games — for an afternoon of games, sign-making, and serious school spirit. Try your hand at cornhole and basketball pop-a-shot, grab some popcorn and pretzels, and make a sign in your college's colors as we see which college can bring the most Triton pride. Remarks from our Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs begin at 5 p.m., followed by the presentation of this year's Family Story Award. Everyone will leave with a concessions voucher to use at the game of their choice — so grab your gear and get ready to rally! |
| 7 - 9 p.m. | Men’s Soccer Game vs. Cal State Bakersfield Root for the Tritons as we take on University of Hawai'i‘i at Mānoa. Your Family Weekend registration includes a free ticket to the game! |
| 7 - 9 p.m. | Men’s Basketball Exhibition Game vs. USC Join us for an exciting night of Triton basketball as we face USC in exhibition play. Your Family Weekend registration includes a free ticket to one of our athletics games! |
Sunday, October 18, 2026
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| 9 - 11 a.m. | Breakfast Bites at Birch Start your last morning of Family Weekend at Birch Aquarium at Scripps — ranked one of the best aquariums in the country and one of UC San Diego's most beloved campus treasures. Join fellow Triton families for light breakfast bites on Birch's oceanview patio, then wander through the kelp forest, say hello to the penguins and get face-to-face with sea dragons and leopard sharks as you explore the aquarium at your own pace. Birch aquarium is the public window into Scripps Institution of Oceanography, one of the world's leading centers for ocean and climate research — which means every tank, every exhibit and every discovery on display connects back to the incredible research happening right here at UC San Diego. There is no formal program, and admission to the aquarium is included for the first 400 guests. Please note that the aquarium will be open to the public during this time, so parking may be limited. Check the UC San Diego Guides app for detailed parking and shuttle information. Students who purchase an annual Birch Aquarium membership during Family Weekend get two free guest tickets to use anytime! |
| 10 a.m. - Noon | Explore Geisel: A Self-Guided Library Experience Drop by Geisel Library to explore UC San Diego’s most iconic landmark and the intellectual heart of campus. Grab a self-guided tour map at the “Meet Spot”, just inside Geisel’s front entrance, and wander at your own pace and uncover the library’s best‑kept secrets. The self-guided tour takes approximately 20-25 minutes to complete and includes 5 points of interest. You’re welcome to enjoy the panoramic views from floors 4–8, but please be mindful that these are designated quiet (floors 4–7) and silent (floor 8) study areas. Don’t forget to capture a photo in your favorite spot and share it with us on social media (@ucsdlibrary). Also offered Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m and Saturday 10 a.m. - 6p.m. |
| 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Makers Market Our annual Makers Market will feature artists and craftspeople from across San Diego sharing their work with the UC San Diego community. Stop by to browse, meet local makers, and take home something handmade while supporting independent artists. We'll also be offering free hands-on craft activities throughout the weekend, making it a fun event for the whole family. Also offered Sunday. Also offered Saturday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. |

Family Weekend is made possible in part through the generous support of University Credit Union, UC San Diego’s official financial institution partner. In addition to day-to-day banking services, UCU offers Tritons and their families access to financial education, one-on-one guidance and a full-service Banking Hub conveniently located in Price Center East.