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 Soccer vs. St. Cloud State
6:00 PM | Malosky Stadium
Discounted tickets available for purchase at umdbulldogs.com/family
Planetarium Show: Adventure to the Edge of the Universe
7:00-8:00 PM | Planetarium
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.
Discounted tickets available for purchase at umdbulldogs.com/family
Saturday, October 3rd 2026
UMD Flute Day!
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Weber Music Hall
Music Concert featuring guest artist ensemble as part of the UMD Flute Day. Concert will be at 4:00 PM.
Register for Flute Day here! (concert does not require registration).
Donuts with Dean Reed
9:00 AM | Engineering Commons Area 1st floor
Come enjoy donuts with SCSE Dean Reed!
Stomp Rockets with SCSE
9:00 - 10:00 AM | Ordean Court (weather permitting)
Casual, family friendly event to stop by to make paper rockets to launch!
Cookies with LSBE
9:30-11:30 AM | LSBE Atrium
Come enjoy cookies, coffee, and learn about LSBE programs!
Stop by the Management Studies table in LSBE to meet faculty and explore how our programs prepare students for the changing world of business. Learn more about effective leadership, AI in business, and managing people and work, as well as the majors, minors, and courses available to students.
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.
SOLD OUT
DIY Wooden Wall Hangings
12:00-2:00 PM | Library
Philosophical Dungeons & Dragons!
1:00 - 2:30 PM | AB Anderson (ABAH) 303
Philosophically themed Dungeons & Dragons one-shot games, for 4-6 players, using a special mechanic we have developed that provides rules for running philosophical dispute as a kind of "combat".
No previous table-top gaming experience necessary! Beginners welcome!
Rock Climbing at UMD!
Yoga
2:00-3:00 PM | Sports and Health Center 153
Join Ruby Engel, a 200-hour yoga teacher, for a restorative yoga practice designed to help you slow down, relax, and reset. This class is open to all levels!
Planetarium Show: Spooky Space
2:00-3:00 PM | Planetarium
Family Weekend Carnival
2:00 - 4:00 PM | Griggs Beach
This event is free for UMD families! There will be a bounce house with chalk and bubbles nearby, paint and sip (dirty sodas), cotton candy & popcorn, outdoor games like bags as well as sand volleyball.
Locations will be Griggs Beach (bounce house & outdoor games), LSH Lobby (popcorn and cotton candy + board games), and Griggs EF2 conference room (paint and sip)
If you're interested in participating in the Paint & Sip (Dirty Sodas) event, please fill out this Google Form!
Disclaimer: The bounce house is available only for children 11 and under with a weight limit of 250lbs.
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.
Discounted tickets available for purchase at umdbulldogs.com/family
Floats & Fun!
6:00 - 8:00 PM | Kirby Student Center Lounge
Enjoy games and root beer floats in the UMD Kirby Lounge. Hosted by Kirby Student Center - Bulldog Beginnings, Dining Services, and Coca-Cola. (Root beer floats available while supplies last).
Planetarium Show: Unveiling the Invisible Universe
7:00 - 8:00 PM | Planetarium
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: UMD Students and 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
Discounted tickets available for purchase at umdbulldogs.com/family
Neighbor to Neighbor (Community Service Sunday)
2:00 - 4:00 PM | Ordean Court
Join us for this year's Homecoming Service Project! Help clean-up our neighborhood and assist with yard work for some of our neighbors in need on Sunday, October 4th from 2-4pm.
Meet in Ordean Court for check-in and supplies. Groups will then be sent to assigned clean-up areas. Please dress for the weather and wear closed toe shoes.
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