Friday-Sunday, April 11-13, 2025
We hope you and your Longhorn enjoy celebrating campus life and all that UT has to offer. The weekend schedule is divided into two sections:
- Celebrating Campus includes Family Weekend events and Additional Activities On and Around the Forty Acres
- Celebrating The Arts & Nature includes UT galleries, museums, tours, student exhibits, and wildflowers
Please keep checking back for more activities and events.
Registration Information
Registration is open from Monday, March 3 until Sunday, April 6, 11:59 p.m., (CT) Go here to register.
Contact Texas Parents
Email: TexasParents@austin.utexas.edu
Phone: 512-471-2353
Website: http://www.TexasParents.org
Family Weekend 2025 Schedule of Events
All Celebrating Campus and Additional Activities On and Around the Forty Acres are complimentary unless denoted by $. Schedule is subject to change and is listed chronologically.
Recreational Sports Access
Friday, April 11 | RecSports facilities
Check website for hours of operation
Enjoy complimentary access to Gregory Gym and all other RecSports facilities* by showing your Family Weekend lanyard at entry.
*Family Weekend access includes facilities only. It does not include access to additional services or programs such as towels or fitness classes.
Breakfast and a Book $
Friday April 11 | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Shirley Bird Perry Ballroom, Texas Union
Kick-off Family Weekend enjoying a breakfast buffet (menu below) while meeting other families and hearing from a variety of University speakers including Raj Raghunathan, the Sam Barshop Centennial Professor in Marketing Administration in the McCombs School of Business. Speakers will cover topics on gearing up for spring finals, what to expect when your college student moves back for the summer and student happiness and well-being. Thanks to UT Austin’s Tower Fellows Program, each attendee at the breakfast will receive a copy of Dr. Raghunathan’s book, “If You’re So Smart, Why Aren’t You Happy?” Cost to attend the event is $5 per person. Limited seating.
Breakfast Buffet Menu: Scrambled eggs, diced breakfast potatoes, bacon, seasonal fruit salad and danish. For Vegetarian/Vegan guests: Sweet potato and kale breakfast tacos, fresh fruit and yogurt parfait. And of course, coffee!
The Frank Denius Family University of Texas Athletics Hall of Fame Open House
Friday, April 11 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.| Gate 16, North End Zone of Darrel K Royal Memorial Stadium
Enjoy walking through the storied history of the country’s finest athletic program. Achievements of UT Austin student-athletes, coaches, administrators and donor are celebrated with more than 400 trophies decorating the facility. The Wall of Great Moments showcases moments of burnt orange pride, and a visual timeline tells the story of UT’s beloved mascot, Bevo.
UFCU University Branch Welcome Stop
Friday, April 11 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | 2244 Guadalupe Street (next door to the Co-op)
UFCU Gregory Gym Branch Welcome Stop
Friday, April 11 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | 2101 Speedway (inside Gregory Gym)
With two easy-access branches, you’re invited to stop by to pick up a gift, a Longhorn Debit Card, and to learn more about how UFCU has served the UT community for the past 88 years!
Texas One Stop Open House
Friday, April 11 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Main Building (MAI) 1, (Ground Floor of UT Tower)
Located in the heart of campus, stop by and learn how Texas One Stop (TOS) supports students’ financial aid, student billing, registration, and student record needs throughout the academic year. Present your Family Weekend lanyard to receive a special Family Weekend give-away!
UT Outpost Open House
Friday, April 11 | 10 a.m.- Noon | 2609 University Avenue (UA9) Suite 3.108
Stop by for a tour of UT Outpost, the campus food pantry and career closet. Learn more about the mission of this valuable campus resource and how students are served by fellow students at the UT Outpost. UT will be competing against other SEC schools in a food drive competition from April 1–17 so take this opportunity to help us win for a second year in a row! Encourage your student to bring a canned good or any other non-perishable food item to donate while you are here and help us win the SEC Food Fight.
Office of the Student Ombuds Open House
Friday, April 11 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Student Services Building (SSB), Room G1.404
Enjoy light refreshments while learning how the Office of the Student Ombuds is in place to listen to student concerns in a safe setting. Students can confidentially discuss a wide range of topics with the staff who help students identify options to seek resolution.
College of Natural Sciences (CNS) Open House
Friday, April 11| 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Welch Hall (WEL)
Families are invited to explore the largest research symposium on the Forty Acres, featuring over 300 undergraduate research posters and honors thesis presentations from all CNS departments. This come-and-go event highlights the innovation, curiosity, and discoveries within the college. Families can learn more about academic programs and student support services. Families with students enrolled in CNS can pick up exclusive CNS Parent swag.
UT Libraries Open House
Friday, April 11 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Perry-Castañeda Library (PCL), Entry Level
Visit the Perry-Castañeda Library (PCL) to explore the library, learn about the branch libraries, and pick up some resources for your student! PCL is The University of Texas at Austin's flagship research library serving campus scholars with deep collections, research expertise, and innovative spaces to facilitate their study, instruction, and research.
Recreational Sports Open House
Friday, April 11 | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Gregory Gym (GRE)
Serving the campus community since 1916, RecSports offers a variety of ways for Longhorns to move, play, explore, and grow on the Forty Acres and beyond. Stop by Gregory Gym for a guided facility tour and learn more about our newest space, Peloton at Texas, the first immersive Peloton workout space in campus recreation.
Longhorn Wellness Center Open House
Sanger Learning Center Open House
Friday, April 11 | Noon - 2 p.m. | Beauford H. Jester Center (JES), Room A315
At UT, seeking help is a smart and proactive step toward academic success and the Sanger Learning Center is in place to support every Longhorn on that journey. Each year, more than 10,000 students from all majors and class years use the center’s free, accessible resources to strengthen their learning and build confidence. From refining study habits to mastering challenging material or finding a welcoming space to grow, the Sanger Learning Center provides the support needed to thrive. Stop by and see how Longhorns are empowered to reach their academic goals.
Bowling with University Unions
Friday, April 11 | Noon - 7 p.m. | Texas Union Underground (UNB) 1.120
Put a new spin on an old sport with complimentary glow-in-the-dark bowling on campus!
* NOTE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BOWLING: Due to the popularity of bowling in the Union Underground and the limited number of lanes, access will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis for one game per family with a maximum of six bowlers per family. Family Weekend lanyard will be required to redeem.
Alienware Longhorn Esports Arena Access
Friday, April 11 | Noon - 7 p.m. | Texas Union Underground (UNB), Lower Level
Family Weekend attendees are invited to tour the new Alienware Longhorn Esports Arena. Tours and complimentary play time will be available for anyone with your Family Weekend lanyard.
*Access to the Alienware Longhorn Esports Arena is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
First-Gen Longhorns Family Welcome!
Friday, April 11 | 2-3:30p.m. | Student Services Building (SSB) 3.200
Join the First-Gen Longhorns and New Student Services offices for an afternoon of light refreshments and conversation as they share about how UT strives to support your students on the Forty Acres. You’ll have a chance to write letters of encouragement for your Longhorn and take family photos.
Office of Admissions Welcome Center Open House
Friday, April 11 | 2-5 p.m. | Perry-Castañeda Library (PCL), Entrance facing Speedway
Whether or not you have a future or prospective Longhorn hoping to join your current Longhorn on the Forty Acres, stop by the Rox, Duke and Danay Covert Admissions Welcome Center for admissions questions or general university questions. Sorry, no guided campus tours are available.
Texas Global Open House
Friday, April 11 | 2-4 p.m. | 2400 Nueces (N24), Suite B
UT Austin is proud to be one of the top universities for students studying abroad! Please join Texas Global at their newly renovated office to learn more about how Education Abroad can be a major highlight of your student's Longhorn experience.
University Co-op Presents: Ring Celebration & Family Weekend Happy Hour
Friday, April 11 | 3-5 p.m. | 2246 Guadalupe Street
Hang out in store before all the Friday evening activities on campus and shop with 20% off for Family Weekend registered attendees! You’ll receive discount code information in your “Family Weekend Final Details” email sent prior to the 11th. Free drinks for those 21 and older.
Texas Exes Class Ring Celebration
Friday, April 11 | 4:30 p.m., Ring Celebration | UT Tower Main Mall
For UT Ring recipients, there’s no better place to put up their first Hook ‘em with their class ring than in the heart of campus with the Tower in the background! Family and friends are invited to join ring recipients for the Ring Celebration program at 4:30 p.m. No RSVP is required for guests of ring recipients and students will be invited to select a time to pick up their ring via email on March 11.
Family Weekend Welcome Reception
Friday, April 11 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | San Jacinto Residence Hall (SJH), Multipurpose Room
This come-and-go event brings the Forty Acres to you in one place. Enjoy passed light hors d' oeuvres, Longhorn Lemonade and a dessert station as we celebrate all that is UT. Visit with leadership, faculty, staff and student leaders from undergraduate Colleges and Schools, the Division of Student Affairs, amazing campus departments and programs. Be sure to wear your burnt orange best as you get in a Burnt Orange Family Weekend State-of-Mind! Hook 'em will join us at the start of the event for photo ops and packaged Longhorn cookies will be handed out at departure.
*Please be sure to RSVP for this complimentary event when registering to assist us in getting an accurate count for the caterer.
University Housing and Dining Presents: Longhorn Loteria
All Celebrating Campus and Additional Activities On and Around the Forty Acres are complimentary unless denoted by $. Schedule is subject to change and is listed chronologically.
Recreational Sports Access
Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13 | All RecSports facilities
Check website for locations and hours of operation
Enjoy complimentary access to Gregory Gym and all other RecSports facilities* by showing your Family Weekend lanyard at entry.
*Family Weekend access includes facilities only. It does not include access to additional services or programs such as towels or fitness classes.
Longhorn Run 2025 $
Saturday, April 12 | 8 a.m. start | On the Forty Acres, 21st and Speedway
Run, walk or cheer...Come be a part of UT's beloved 15 year old tradition. Proceeds from the race benefit the Student Government Student Excellence Fund and the Recreational Sports Excellence Funds. Early bird pricing for entry fees available through February 23.
Bowling with University Unions
Saturday, April 12 | Noon - 7 p.m. | Texas Union Underground (UNB) 1.120
Put a new spin on an old sport with complimentary glow-in-the-dark bowling on campus!
* NOTE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BOWLING: Due to the popularity of bowling in the Union Underground and the limited number of lanes, access will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis for one game per family with a maximum of six bowlers per family. Family Weekend lanyard will be required to redeem.
Alienware Longhorn Esports Arena Access
Saturday, April 12 | Noon - 7 p.m. | Texas Union Underground (UNB)
Family Weekend attendees are invited to tour the new Alienware Longhorn Esports Arena. Tours and complimentary play time will be available for anyone with your Family Weekend lanyard.
Events vary from free to ticketed admittance and are listed alphabetically. Check each listing for details. Schedule is subject to change. $ denotes ticketed event.
Art Galleries at Black Studies (AGBS)
Friday, April 11 | Noon-5 p.m. | Idea Lab, Gordon-White Building (GWB) 2.204
Friday, April 11, Noon-5 pm. | Saturday, April 12, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Christian-Green Gallery, Beauford H. Jester Center (JES) 2nd floor, A232
Free admission.
Art Galleries at Black Studies at The University of Texas at Austin (AGBS) is the sole on-campus entity dedicated to showcasing the art of Africa and the African Diaspora. Art Galleries at Black Studies is comprised of two principal galleries- Christian-Green Gallery and The Idea Lab- and six project spaces. AGBS is open to all, free of charge and is committed to fostering feelings of ownership of art and visual culture in a wide range of audiences.
Blanton Museum of Art $
Friday, April 11, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Sunday, April 13, 1-5 p.m. | Blanton Museum of Art (BMA)
Reduced Admission: Parents $12 and students free when wearing your Family Weekend lanyard and accompanied students presenting their UT ID.
The Blanton showcases art across centuries and continents, from pre-Colombian works to abstract expressionism to film/video. Don't miss the iconic (and selfie favorite) "Austin" by Ellsworth Kelly.
Blanton All Day Celebration $
Saturday, April 12 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Blanton Museum of Art (BMA)
Reduced Admission: Parents and Students $12 when wearing your Family Weekend lanyard and accompanied students presenting their UT ID.
Join the Blanton’s monthly art party held on the second weekend of every month - enjoy a full day featuring storytime, art talks, music and more! Picnics on the lawn are encouraged.
Butler School of Music: Caio Campos, Masters Recital (Composer)
Friday, April 11 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Bates Recital Hall, Music Building/Recital Hall (MRH) Orchestra Room 2.118
Butler School of Music: Wind Ensemble $
Friday, April 11 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Bates Recital Hall, Music Building/Recital Hall (MRH)
Admission: $5-$15.
Go here to purchase tickets.
Docent-led Walking Tour of the Public Art Collection
Friday, April 11 | 2 p.m. | 24th Street and Speedway, Monochrome for Austin (under the canoes)
Join Landmarks for a complimentary, guided tour of the award-winning public art collection on campus. Tours are a fun and informative way to learn about popular trends in modern and contemporary art while enjoying the beauty of main campus.
Can’t join the docent-guided tour? Use your smartphone all weekend to access self-guided tours of select outdoor works of art, audio guides, artist videos, Spotify playlists and more. Open the Landmarks Mobile App, here.
NOTE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE DOCENT-LED TOUR: The tour will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees must show their Family Weekend lanyard to participate. Plan to arrive no later than ten minutes prior to the tour start time as the tour will leave promptly as scheduled.
Landmarks: The Color Inside
Friday, April 11, Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13 | Prior to sunset, approximately 7:30 p.m. | William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center (WCP)
James Turrell's The Color Inside is open daily and offers a quiet, contemplative space away from the bustle of campus. To access the garden rooftop, take the south elevator in the WCP building to the third floor. If you find reservations have closed for this very popular, free event, in-person standby seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve and learn more about viewing the Skyspace, go here.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center $
Friday, April 11, Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (last admittance at 4 p.m.) | 4801 La Crosse Ave.
Reduced Admission: 50% 4 tickets and free for UT students, faculty and staff with their UT ID. Guests can select their date and time for ticket reservations online a week in advance and use the discount code UTFAMILY. Walk-up tickets are available with your Family Weekend lanyard.
Just twenty minutes southwest of the Forty Acres, The University of Texas at Austin's Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a must see. Spend time wandering the trails, strolling through the gardens or admiring the spring wildflowers as our first lady would have wanted. For those with green thumbs, remember to check out the Spring Native Plant Sale until 1 p.m. and get gardening help from the experts!
The LBJ Presidential Library $
Friday, April 11, Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (last entrance at 4 p.m.) | 2313 Red River Street (LBJ)
Admission: Adults $16, Seniors (62+) $12, Youth (13-18) $6 and UT Students free with UT ID
At the LBJ Presidential Library, experience the life and legacy of President and Mrs. Johnson and the era of his administration-the turbulent 1960’s. Listen to dozens of LBJ’s historic White House telephone conversations and step into a replica of the Oval Office.
See the temporary exhibit: Ain’t No Daylight in Vietnam: March 1968 Step into an in-depth exploration of the Vietnam War by focusing on the pivotal month of March 1968, providing a nuanced perspective of the conflict through the eyes of those who experienced it first-hand. Drawing from a rich collection of photographs, letters, and personal accounts, visitors are immersed in the intense realities faced by soldiers, medics, and civilians. The exhibition captures the harrowing experiences of combat, the emotional toll of the war, and the political and social reverberations of this critical period in American history.
Painter Hall Telescope Public Viewings
Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12 | 8:30-10:30 p.m. | Painter Hall (PAI)
Free admission
WEATHER PERMITTING. UT's Department of Astronomy hosts informal, come-and-go public telescope viewings with Painter Hall's 9-inch refracting telescope on Friday and Saturday nights, including Family Weekend. Be sure to arrive by 10:00 p.m. to gain access before the doors automatic locks activate.
Texas Performing Arts: Handsome Live $
Saturday, April 12 | 7:00 p.m. | Bass Concert Hall
"Handsome" is a podcast from comedians Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and Mae Martin. Every week, the handsome hosts field a question from a friend and attempt to answer it together, covering every subject under the sun. Along the way, Tig, Fortune and Mae tell plenty of stories and just generally have a ridiculous time.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Texas Science and Natural History Museum $
Friday, April 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Sunday, April 13, 1-5 p.m. | 2400 Trinity Street
Admission: Adults $10; UT Students free with UT ID
Texas Science and Natural History Museum tells the story of life in the natural world in Texas from the formation of our planet, through the age of the dinosaurs and into the current era. The 86-year old museum, located in a beautiful Art Deco building, reopened in September 2023 after extensive renovations and with exciting new exhibits. Stop by during Family Weekend and discover your place in the natural world!
Visual Arts Center (VAC)
Friday, April 11 | Noon - 4 p.m. | Art Building (ART) 1st floor
Accessible via entrances on Trinity Street and San Jacinto Boulevard
Free admission
Swing by the Visual Arts Center (VAC), where installation of the Spring BFA, MFA and BA thesis exhibitions is underway! While there, grab a FREE limited-edition print made for Family Weekend showcasing artwork from UT’s talented Master of Fine Art program graduates. The VAC team will be in the Art Building lobby to offer some light refreshments and welcome Family Weekend registrants, but just a heads up—the VAC galleries will be closed to the public in preparation of the MFA and BFA Thesis exhibition opening reception on Friday, April 18!