2026 Family Weekend Attendee Information
We are looking forward to welcoming you to Cornell for Family Weekend, September 25–27, 2026. We hope the weekend gives you time to reconnect with your student, experience campus together, and enjoy Ithaca. If you have questions as you plan, email families@cornell.edu.
Plan Your Weekend
Use our schedule of events to view the weekend event schedule and create, save, print, or email a personalized itinerary. Login code was emailed to all attendees or can be found on tickets.
Your itinerary is a planning tool. Adding an event does not reserve a seat. Events that do not require tickets are first come, first served. If an event requires a ticket, you must have purchased one to attend.
As you make plans with your student, keep in mind that they may have academic and co-curricular commitments throughout the weekend. Review the schedule before and during your visit for updated event times, locations, and other details.
Family Weekend Welcome Center and Check-In
Welcome Center and Main Check-In
The Toni Morrison Hall Multipurpose Room, located across from Toni Morrison Dining Hall, will serve as our main check-in location and Family Weekend Welcome Center.
Stop by to check in, pick up your materials, enjoy a beverage, or ask our team questions. You are welcome to return with questions at any time the Welcome Center is open, even after you have checked in.
- Thursday, September 24 | 4:30–6:30 p.m.
- Friday, September 25 | 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, September 26 | 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
All registered guests must check in to receive Family Weekend name badges, which are required for entry to Family Weekend events.
Your packet will include your welcome bag, name badges, souvenirs, any merchandise you purchased, and other Family Weekend materials. Your student’s name badge will also be included. If you purchased tickets through Family Weekend registration for the Family Celebration Lunch, Dinner at the Statler, Pizza Making Classes, or Sunday Family Brunch, those tickets will be included as well.
Your student may pick up your family’s materials at any time the Welcome Center is open, including before you arrive. They should bring their Cornell student ID and a copy of your Family Weekend registration confirmation or ticket email. If neither you nor your student can visit while check-in is open, come during the next available check-in window or call 607-255-9292 for assistance.
Family Weekend merchandise will be available for pickup at the main Welcome Center. Show your Cornell spirit throughout the weekend by wearing your Family Weekend T-shirt, if you purchased one, or your favorite Cornell red!
Satellite Check-In
Satellite check-in will be available at the following locations:
- Friday, September 25 | 4:30–6:30 p.m. | Willard Straight Hall Atrium (4th floor)
- Saturday, September 26 | 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | Bartels Hall, Ramin Room
Merchandise pickup is not available at satellite check-in. If you purchased a Family Weekend shirt or other merchandise, pick it up at Toni Morrison Hall during the main Welcome Center hours.
Parking and Getting Around Campus
Campus parking rules will remain in effect during Family Weekend. Please park before proceeding to the Welcome Center or your first event.
Beginning at noon on Friday, September 25, families may park in A Lot on North Campus, B Lot, Crescent Lot, Bartels Lot, Alumni Field, and Peterson Lot without a permit or payment.
2026 Family Weekend parking map>>
A Lot is approximately a five-minute walk from the Family Weekend Welcome Center in Toni Morrison Hall.
Additional information to help you get around campus:
- Paid parking closer to central campus may be available in locations marked with ParkMobile signage.
- Many central campus lots are available without a permit or payment on Saturday and Sunday.
- Some parking areas are always restricted. Read and follow all posted signs before leaving your vehicle.
- Use the Cornell campus map for directions, wayfinding, and accessible entrances.
Dining on Campus
Families are welcome to dine at open Cornell Dining locations throughout the weekend. Use Cornell Dining Now to find locations, menus, and current hours.
Most locations are cashless and accept credit or debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Students may also use guest meals for family members when dining in residential dining rooms. Dietary and allergen information is available at each location.
Dining locations may be especially busy during peak meal times, so consider eating a little earlier or later when possible. If you plan to dine off campus, we recommend making reservations in advance.
Attending an Athletic Event?
Review these resources before heading to a game:
If you need a clear bag, visit The Cornell Store before the game. For ticket assistance on game day, visit the box office at the venue when gates open.
Explore Ithaca During Your Visit
Family Weekend is also a wonderful opportunity to explore the community your student calls home.
Join us for our Get to Know Ithaca Cornell Family Conversation with Visit Ithaca for ideas about local dining, activities, and places to explore throughout Ithaca and Tompkins County.
You can also explore:
Apple Harvest Festival
Family Weekend coincides with Downtown Ithaca’s Apple Harvest Festival, September 25–27. This free community festival brings local farms, apple growers, cider, baked goods, handmade crafts, food vendors, live entertainment, and other fall traditions to Downtown Ithaca. Visit the festival website for the schedule, map, parking, and transportation information.
Weather and Schedule Updates
Ithaca weather can change quickly, so bring layers and comfortable walking shoes.
Weather-related announcements, schedule changes, and other important updates will be posted here and in the Family Weekend Schedule of Events. Check both before and during your visit.
Questions, Assistance, and Emergencies
For questions before Family Weekend, email families@cornell.edu.
For non-emergency assistance during Family Weekend, call or text 607-255-9292.
In an emergency, call 911 or Cornell University Public Safety Dispatch at 607-255-1111.