Family Weekend
A page within New Student & Family Programs
Family Weekend
October 10-12, 2025
Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend is when we welcome UWL Families to campus and show off all the amazing things we have going on. We want you to feel comfortable and familiar with the institution your student attends, and Family Weekend is an excellent way to get to know UWL. We're looking forward to seeing you for Family Weekend 2026: Dates to come!
We are excited to see you on-campus! Whether you come for one day or the whole weekend, we look forward to having you visit. View the activities scheduled, keep an eye out for when tickets go on sale!
Check out our New Students and Families webpage for other important information!
PLEASE NOTE:
The schedule below is from Family Weekend 2025, as Family Weekend 2026 is still in development. We encourage you to explore this schedule to get an idea of what to expect during Family Weekend 2026!
Ticketing Information
Tickets for Family Weekend 2025 are no longer available. Visit back for information on Family Weekend 2026.
Have questions or need assistance? Please contact our ticket office at 608.785.8877.
Parking Information
During Family Weekend, you may park in campus lots after 2 pm on Friday, until 2 pm on Sunday, during the day without a permit. This includes both Residential and Commuter lots, marked with an R and C, respectively. Space in our Residential Lots is very limited, please only park there for a limited time (ie: taking items up to your students' room) and then move your vehicle to a Commuter Lot. Overnight parking is not permitted in either type of lot without a permit. You are welcome to purchase a weekend pass for overnight parking ($5/night if you need one) by contacting Parking Services.
Food Options
An hour and a half before the football game, concessions will be available.
Whitney Dining Center will be open all weekend, you may purchase a meal at Whitney at the cash register where your student swipes in. Food vendors will also be open in the Student Union. Visit Dine On Campus for hours of operation.
For dining options off-campus, we encourage you to visit the Explore La Crosse page and to make reservations!
Special Accommodations
If you need any special accommodations during Family Weekend, please contact Colleen Schulz at cschulz@uwlax.edu.
Schedule
| Time | Event | Location | Cost |
|
Various Times, depending on which cruise booked. Weather dependent. |
See historical sites and local wildlife on the Upper Mississippi River aboard the replica paddlewheel river boat. Not affiliated with UWL. |
Riverside Park 405 E Veterans Memorial Dr. |
Price dependent on which cruise booked. |
|
Ongoing |
Hear, Here shares the diverse stories and voices of Downtown and North Side. We seek out the stories of business people, tourists, and those that call La Crosse home. We also hear voices of people who experienced La Crosse long ago by including stories from the UWL Oral History Programat the UWL Murphy Library Special Collections and Area Research Center. |
Free. |
|
|
1-5 p.m. |
Meditations on Trees and Stones: The Art of Jennifer Williams Sponsored by: UWL Art Department |
UWL Art Gallery, Lowe Center for the Arts |
Free |
|
3-4:15 p.m. |
International Education and Engagement Open House Swing by IEE to learn about all the travel abroad opportunities available to students! Hear from staff and students about their experiences and see where you could explore! Sponsored by: IEE |
1140 Centennial Hall |
Free |
|
3-4:15 p.m. |
Self-Guided Campus Tour We encourage you to participate in our self-guided tour of campus. You can visit campus offices including: the Student Life Office, Career Services, International Education and Engagement, Financial Aid, and more! Sponsored by: Admissions |
2320 Student Union, Admissions Office (Second Floor) |
Free |
| 5-6 p.m. |
Music Showcase - Featuring Vocal Ties Second Year Experience invites you to an evening of music in celebration of Family Weekend! Sponsored by: Second Year Experience |
Student Union Theatre (Lower Level) |
Free |
|
6-7 p.m. AND 7-8 p.m. |
BINGO Join us for a fun night of BINGO – fun for the whole family! Snacks for everyone and prizes available for winners! Sponsored by: New Student and Family Programs and CAB |
Student Union, Bluffs (Second Floor) |
There are two sessions of Bingo, if you'd like to attend both, you will need a ticket for both. Ticketed event. UWL students will also need a ticket. |
|
6 p.m. |
Volleyball vs University of Dubuque Sponsored by: Athletics |
Mitchell Hall Gymnasium |
Ticketed event for guests. FREE for students. Students will need to download their free season pass from the link below. |
| 7:30 p.m. |
Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy Kate Hamill’s adaptation is a darkly comic, feminist reimagining of Bram Stoker’s Dracula that blends horror and humor. Her gender-bending adaptation flips the classic vampire tale into a sharp, unsettling revenge fantasy that critiques toxic masculinity while exploring the blurred line between monster and man. Fierce, witty, and unsettling, it delivers a fresh, thought-provoking take on the Victorian classic. Sponsored by: UWL Department of Theatre and Dance |
Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts |
Ticketed event for students and guests. UWL students will also need a ticket. |
| 8-10 p.m. |
Live Band Karaoke Sing your favorite songs backed by a live band! Step up, grab the mic, and rock the stage — no experience needed, just bring the energy! Sponsored by: CAB |
Student Union, Entertainment Cafe (Lower Level) |
Free |
| Time | Event | Location | Cost |
|
Various Times, depending on which cruise booked. Weather dependent. |
See historical sites and local wildlife on the Upper Mississippi River aboard the replica paddlewheel river boat. Not affiliated with UWL. |
Riverside Park 405 E Veterans Memorial Dr. |
Price dependent on which cruise booked. |
| Ongoing |
Self-Guided Hike Explore the beautiful La Crosse area, resources are listed on the Rec Sports Outdoor Activities Resources List! |
Coulee Region |
Free |
|
Ongoing |
Hear, Here shares the diverse stories and voices of Downtown and North Side. We seek out the stories of business people, tourists, and those that call La Crosse home. We also hear voices of people who experienced La Crosse long ago by including stories from the UWL Oral History Programat the UWL Murphy Library Special Collections and Area Research Center. |
Free |
|
| 9 a.m. | Parent Advisory Board Meeting | Student Union 2310, Senate Chamber (Second Floor) | |
| 9-11 a.m. |
Bean Bag Tournament Grab a partner and bring your best toss! Join us for a fun-filled Bean Bag Tournament where teams will compete in a lively single-elimination bracket for bragging rights and prizes. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just tossing for fun, this event is all about good times, friendly competition, and community spirit. Students must register on IMLeagues (limited spots). Parents cannot access IMLeagues. Sponsored by: Rec Sports |
Drake Field |
Free |
| 10:15-11:15 a.m. |
Stryker Photo Hour Meet and snap a photo with our mascot Stryker Eagle! Sponsored by: New Student and Family Programs |
Student Union Lawn |
Free |
| 11:40 a.m. |
Football vs University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Sponsored by: Athletics |
Roger Harring Stadium |
Ticketed event for guests. UWL students get in for free with their Eagle ID. |
|
1 p.m. |
Men's and Women's Diving vs Minnesota State Mankato, St. Cloud State, Truman State. Sponsored by: Athletics |
Mitchell Hall Pool |
Ticketed event for guests. FREE for students. Students will need to download their free season pass from the link below. |
|
1-3 p.m. Read-A-Louds: |
Kids Corner Coloring pages, UWL Crafts, and two read-a-louds! What a fun way to celebrate future Eagles! Sponsored by: Early Childhood Education Club |
Student Union Fireplace (first floor, Student Union, near the Bookstore) |
Free |
|
1-5 p.m. |
Meditations on Trees and Stones: The Art of Jennifer Williams Sponsored by: UWL Art Department |
UWL Art Gallery, Lowe Center for the Arts |
Free |
| 2-5 p.m. |
Volunteer with UWL Join us for a cozy and creative afternoon during Family Weekend! We’ll be decorating greeting cards for residents at local senior living centers, spreading joy one card at a time. While we craft, we’ll be watching Lilo & Stitch, a heartwarming movie about chosen family, kindness, and connection. All ages welcome! Bring your creativity, your love for community, and maybe a few tissues (because Stitch is adorable). Snacks provided. Drop in anytime! Sponsored by: Leadership and Involvement Center and CAB |
Student Union, Entertainment Cafe (Lower Level) |
Free |
| 4-5 p.m. |
Jonathan Borja: Flute with Dr. Lindsay Garritson, Piano Sponsored by: UWL Music Department |
Annett Recital Hall, Lowe Center for the Arts |
Free |
| 5 p.m. |
Soccer vs University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Sponsored by: Athletics |
VMSC Grass Field (Formerly UWL Tennis Courts) |
Ticketed event for guests. FREE for students. Students will need to download their free season pass from the link below. |
| 7 p.m. |
Tyler Korso: Comedy & Magic Laugh, gasp, and be amazed! Tyler Korso mixes sharp comedy with mind-blowing magic in a high-energy show that’s anything but ordinary. Sponsored by: CAB |
Student Union, The Bluffs (Second Floor) |
Ticketed event for students and guests. UWL students will also need a ticket. |
| 7:30 p.m. |
Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy Kate Hamill’s adaptation is a darkly comic, feminist reimagining of Bram Stoker’s Dracula that blends horror and humor. Her gender-bending adaptation flips the classic vampire tale into a sharp, unsettling revenge fantasy that critiques toxic masculinity while exploring the blurred line between monster and man. Fierce, witty, and unsettling, it delivers a fresh, thought-provoking take on the Victorian classic. Sponsored by: UWL Department of Theatre and Dance |
Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts |
Ticketed event for students and guests. UWL students will also need a ticket. TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW! |
|
Various Times, depending on which cruise booked. Weather dependent. |
See historical sites and local wildlife on the Upper Mississippi River aboard the replica paddlewheel river boat. Not affiliated with UWL. |
Riverside Park 405 E Veterans Memorial Dr. |
Price dependent on which cruise booked. |
|
Ongoing |
Hear, Here shares the diverse stories and voices of Downtown and North Side. We seek out the stories of business people, tourists, and those that call La Crosse home. We also hear voices of people who experienced La Crosse long ago by including stories from the UWL Oral History Programat the UWL Murphy Library Special Collections and Area Research Center. |
Free. |
|
|
1-5 p.m. |
Meditations on Trees and Stones: The Art of Jennifer Williams Sponsored by: UWL Art Department |
UWL Art Gallery, Lowe Center for the Arts |
Free |
| 2 p.m. |
Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy Kate Hamill’s adaptation is a darkly comic, feminist reimagining of Bram Stoker’s Dracula that blends horror and humor. Her gender-bending adaptation flips the classic vampire tale into a sharp, unsettling revenge fantasy that critiques toxic masculinity while exploring the blurred line between monster and man. Fierce, witty, and unsettling, it delivers a fresh, thought-provoking take on the Victorian classic. Sponsored by: UWL Department of Theatre and Dance |
Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts |
Ticketed event for students and guests. UWL students will also need a ticket. TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW! |
| 3:25 p.m. |
Green Bay Packers vs. Cincinnati Bengals Sponsored by: New Student and Family Programs and University Centers |
Student Union, Entertainment Cafe (Lower Level) |
Free |
Event Feed
Explore La Crosse
Looking for fun things to do in our community? Explore La Crosse has everything! Click the link to see all of the events featured in the city of La Crosse and surrounding area!