This yearly celebration is packed with activities and events designed to bring families together for unforgettable moments. Whether you're a proud parent, a curious sibling, or a loving grandparent, there’s something special for everyone to enjoy. While it fully kicks off on Saturday with a Family Weekend Brunch, there will be a few events happening on Friday October 2nd if you're in town!
Additional events will be added in the coming weeks.
2026 Event Schedule
Friday, October 2nd
Bulldog Tailgate
5:00 - 7:00 PM | Behind the DECC, where the "I Love Duluth" sign is
A pre-game tailgate held prior to the men's hockey home opener; there will be food and a cash bar!
UMD Men's Hockey vs Long Island University
7:00 PM | Amsoil Arena
A link will be provided to purchase discounted tickets to the UMD Men's Hockey game. If current UMD students have purchased student tickets, they are only valid for the student section; if the student wants to sit with their family a reserved ticket would need to be purchased. Link to come, tickets go on sale in September.
Saturday, October 3rd 2026
Family Weekend Brunch!
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Kirby Ballroom | $26 per person
Join Chancellor Nies for a brunch at the heart of UMD! Guests will take in the beautiful sights of UMD & Lake Superior while mingling and meeting other Bulldog families. Each ticket includes breakfast and a complimentary ticket to tour the Glensheen Mansion.
Rock Climbing at UMD!
1:30 - 2:30 PM | RSOP Rock Wall
Come check out UMD's rock climbing wall!
UMD Men's Hockey vs Long Island University
6:00 PM | Amsoil Arena
A link will be provided to purchase discounted tickets to the UMD Men's Hockey game. If current UMD students have purchased student tickets, they are only valid for the student section; if the student wants to sit with their family a reserved ticket would need to be purchased. Link to come, tickets go on sale in September.
Macbeth, by William Shakespeare; adapted by SarahLynn Brown
7:30 PM | Marshall Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
This adaptation of Macbeth, rooted in Shakespeare’s classic poetry, will explore fresh perspectives and find resonance with the present moment. With an energetic, fast-paced narrative, this story is both refuge and reckoning, embracing the bonds of kinship, the wonder of mysticism, and the haunted beauty of a homeland that is fiercely worth the fight.
Tickets available via https://tickets.umn.edu/umdcahss or in person at the Marshall Performing Arts Center Box Office. $20 for adults / $15 seniors and non-UMD students/$10 UMD students
Sunday, October 4th 2026
Fall Family Day at Glensheen
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Glensheen Mansion
Celebrate the season at Glensheen’s Fall Family Day, a seasonal family event filled with hands-on activities, crafts, nature discoveries, and outdoor games throughout the estate grounds. Families can enjoy pumpkin bowling, sack races, giant lawn games, mini pumpkin painting, and leaf crown creation, or take part in a Hidden Creatures Hunt and Fall Adventure Passport. Food trucks, face painting, and other creative activities will also be available throughout the day.
Admission: Youth 17 and under are free, $8 grounds admission for adults Please note: Admission to this event does not include access to the mansion. You can register in-person or online at z.umn.edu/fallfamilyday
Women's Soccer vs Minnesota State Mankato
12:00 PM | Malosky Stadium
Macbeth, by William Shakespeare; adapted by SarahLynn Brown
2:00 PM | Marshall Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
This adaptation of Macbeth, rooted in Shakespeare’s classic poetry, will explore fresh perspectives and find resonance with the present moment. With an energetic, fast-paced narrative, this story is both refuge and reckoning, embracing the bonds of kinship, the wonder of mysticism, and the haunted beauty of a homeland that is fiercely worth the fight.
Tickets available via https://tickets.umn.edu/umdcahss or in person at the Marshall Performing Arts Center Box Office. $20 for adults / $15 seniors and non-UMD students/$10 UMD students