Family Weekend
A page within New Student & Family Programs
Family Weekend
October 9-11, 2026
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: October 9-11, 2026
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!
Ticketing Information
Tickets for Family Weekend 2026 can be found at the appropriate links below:
Family Weekend Bingo
Volleyball: Youth Tickets, Adult Tickets
Diving: Youth Tickets, Adult Tickets
Football: Youth/Senior Tickets, Adult Tickets
Giancarlo Bernini: Magician
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
Friday, Oct 9
| 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 |
| Ongoing |
Bring your family to the REC! All immediate family members will get free access to the REC during Family Weekend. No pre-purchase necessary; just bring your family to the REC to gain the free access!
Sponsored by: Rec Sports |
REC | Free |
| 1-5 p.m. |
Ger Xiong: Hold On Tight
Join UWL Art Department and the School of Visual & Performing Arts for our first exhibition of the season, featuring the work of our very own Ger Xiong with his exhibition entitled "Hold on Tight." Sponsored by: UWL Art Department |
University Art Gallery, 100 Lowe Center for the Arts | Free |
| 3 p.m. |
Tennis vs UW – Eau Claire
Sponsored by: Athletics |
Green Island Tennis Courts | 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 pm |
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 | Free |
| 3:45-7 p.m. |
Sunset Hike
The Bluffs are one of the most iconic features of La Crosse. From the top of them, you can see the whole city and get breathtaking views of the sunset. During this trip we’ll do just that! Join us as we hike the beautiful trails in the Bluffs, set up hammocks, and enjoy the sunset. Feel free to bring your parent/guardian to give them an extra La Crosse experience! Equipment and trip leaders provided! Sponsored by: Rec Sports and Outdoor Connection |
Meet at Outdoor Connection in the REC |
$10 per person, REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Deadline to register: Oct 5th, 5 p.m. Spots are limited, register today!
Activity & Experience Rating: Moderate. Active and Engaging, 3-7 miles traveled. Trail may be rocky, uneven, uprooted, and include gradual switchbacks. No previous experience required, but some physical fitness is recommended. |
|
6-7pm
AND 7-8pm |
Bingo!
Join us for a fun night of BINGO – Fun for the whole family! Prizes available for winners. Sponsored by: New Student and Family Programs and CAB |
Student Union, Bluffs (Second Floor) | Ticketed event. UWL students will also need a ticket. Please note there are two sessions: one from 6-7 p.m. and one from 7-8 p.m. |
| 6pm |
Volleyball vs Coe College (Iowa)
Sponsored by: Athletics |
Michell Hall Gymnasium |
Ticketed event for guests, FREE Admission for UWL Students.
Adults Tickets Youth Tickets |
| 8-10 p.m. |
Live Band Karaoke
Live out your rock star dreams and belt out your favorite tunes, back by a LIVE band! Sponsored by: CAB |
Entertainment Cafe, Student Union (Lower Level) | Free |
Saturday, Oct 10
| 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 |
| Ongoing |
Self-Guided Hike
Explore the beautiful La Crosse area with this trail map! |
Coulee Region | Free |
| Ongoing |
Bring your family to the REC! All immediate family members will get free access to the REC during Family Weekend. No pre-purchase necessary; just bring your family to the REC to gain the free access!
Sponsored by: Rec Sports |
REC | Free |
| 9am |
Field Bean Bag Tournament
Join Rec Sports for a free bag toss tournament on Drake Field! Registration is required - limited spots available. Teams will be placed into a single-elimination bracket. Games will start at 9am and will continue until we crown champions!! Prizes given out to the winning team! See you on Drake Field. Sponsored by: Rec Sports |
Drake Field | Free |
| 9am |
Parent Advisory Board Meeting
Sponsored by: New Student and Family Programs |
Student Union 2310, Senate Chamber | |
| 11 a.m. |
Tennis vs UW – Stevens Point
Sponsored by: Athletics |
Green Island Tennis Park | 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 |
| 1 p.m. |
Diving vs Augustana, St. Cloud State, Truman State
Sponsored by: Athletics |
Ticketed event for guests, FREE Admission for UWL Students.
Adult Tickets Youth Tickets |
|
| 1pm |
Football vs UW – Whitewater
Sponsored by: Athletics |
Rodger Harring Stadium |
Ticketed event for guests, FREE Admission for UWL Students.
Adult Tickets Youth/Senior Tickets |
| 1-5 p.m. |
Ger Xiong: Hold On Tight
Join UWL Art Department and the School of Visual & Performing Arts for our first exhibition of the season, featuring the work of our very own Ger Xiong with his exhibition entitled "Hold on Tight." Sponsored by: UWL Art Department |
University Art Gallery, 100 Lowe Center for the Arts | Free |
| 3 p.m. |
Women’s Tennis vs UW – Stevens Point
Sponsored by: Athletics |
Green Island Tennis Park | Free |
| 3:45-7 p.m. |
Sunset Paddle
With surrounding bluffs and nearby lakes and rivers, the La Crosse area has many amazing sunset viewing spots. Want to add some pizzaz to your sunset viewing? Join us on the water as we paddle along! Feel free to bring your parent/guardian to give them an extra La Crosse experience! Trip leader, equipment, transportation, and snacks provided Sponsored by: Rec Sports and Outdoor Connection |
Meet at Outdoor Connection in REC |
$15 per person
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Deadline to register: Oct 7th, 5 p.m. Spots are limited, register today! Activity & Experience Rating: Easy | Beginner-Friendly & Relaxed. 1-3 miles traveled, mild to moderate current expected with wind possible. No experience required. Essential Eligibility Criteria: Swimming ability with life jacket assistance is required. Participants must be able to keep their head above water while wearing a life jacket in deep water. |
| 7 p.m. |
Giancarlo Bernini: Magician.
Giancarlo Bernini has captivated international audiences with his mesmerizing magic and mind-reading performances. A Season 10 winner on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, he has amazed both legendary magicians and fans alike with his extraordinary illusions. 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 |
Sunday, Oct 11
| 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. |
| Ongoing |
Bring your family to the REC! All immediate family members will get free access to the REC during Family Weekend. No pre-purchase necessary; just bring your family to the REC to gain the free access!
Sponsored by: Rec Sports |
REC | Free |
| 1-5 p.m. |
Ger Xiong: Hold On Tight
Join UWL Art Department and the School of Visual & Performing Arts for our first exhibition of the season, featuring the work of our very own Ger Xiong with his exhibition entitled "Hold on Tight." Sponsored by: UWL Art Department |
University Art Gallery, 100 Lowe Center for the Arts | Free |