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Family Weekend

A page within New Student & Family Programs

Family Weekend

October 10-12, 2025

Family Weekend 2025

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 2025: October 10-12th!

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 is subject to change! Please check back frequently as new events may have been added or current events adjusted!

Ticketing Information

Ticket links are available below. You will have the option to print your tickets at home or sent to you digitally. 

Tickets for events in the Student Union (Bingo, Tyler Korso) are available at this link.

Please note: You do not have to purchase your student a ticket to any sporting events as they are free for students. For other ticketed events, though, your student will need a ticket. Discounted tickets for volleyball, football, diving, and soccer are only available through the pre-sale event. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the event at regular pricing. All athletics tickets must be purchased through GoFan, including student passes.

Tickets for Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy are available through the UWL Department of Theatre and Dance at this link. 

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, October 10 until 2 pm on Sunday, October 12 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. 
  • 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.

La Crosse Queen Cruises

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.

All over Downtown La Crosse and North Side La Crosse

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
5-7 p.m.

Music and Drama Showcase

Second Year Experience invites you to an evening of music and theatre 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.

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

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.

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

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!

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.

La Crosse Queen Cruises

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.

All over Downtown La Crosse and North Side La Crosse

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.

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

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.

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

1-3 p.m.

Read-A-Louds:
1:45 p.m.
2:45 p.m.

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.

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

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.

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

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.

La Crosse Queen Cruises

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.

All over Downtown La Crosse and North Side La Crosse

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