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
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!
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.
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).
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: 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
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