Family Weekend 2026 will be September 25-27. Family Weekend is a wonderful time to see your student, visit campus and get to know your student's new home! You will have the opportunity to meet other Big Red families and administrators and get to know the campus in a unique way.
What events will be held during Family Weekend?
We are working on putting together a great slate of events for you! Our Schedule Overview page provides information about the weekend to give you an idea of the types of events and activities you can expect and assist you in planning your visit.
How do I sign up to attend Family Weekend events?
All events are first-come, first-seated unless they require a ticket purchase. A full schedule of events will be out before registration opens. In the meantime, you can use the Schedule Overview to begin planning your visit. All events are subject to change.
Do I need to attend all of the events on the schedule?
No, you do not need to attend all of the scheduled events. Please choose the events you want to attend with or without your student. This weekend is yours to spend with your student and enjoy Cornell.
What events can my student attend? Do I need to buy a package for my student?
Students are included in the registration packages and are encouraged to attend.
Visa Information for Guests and Students
If you are traveling internationally for Family Weekend, families may need an invitation letter for a B-2 Tourist Visa. The letter does not come from any office at Cornell. As the person inviting international guests to come for Family Weekend, the invitation letter must be written by the student, their host. The Office of Global Learning has posted instructions for students to follow. Please direct all questions about the visa process to the Office of Global Learning international@cornell.edu.
Registration
How do I register, and what is included with my registration package?
Registration will open in early August 2026, and close on Sunday, September 13, at 11:59 pm PST. Registration is available on the Family Weekend website. Each family member who wants to participate in Family Weekend MUST register.
August 3: Registration Opens August 23: Early Bird Registration ends August 30: Family Weekend Merchandise sales end September 13: Standard Registration Ends
Registration includes admission to all Family Weekend events for one (1) person and giveaways, including Family Weekend materials and Cornell Family souvenir items. Adult and youth packages are available. You may purchase a Family Weekend t-shirt as an add-on. Merchandise must be purchased by Sunday, August 30 at 11:59 pm PST.
What events can my student attend? Do I need to buy a package for my student?
Students are included in the registration package and are encouraged to attend the included events. If you purchase a ticket for an optional event, you must purchase one for your student if they wish to attend, unless noted that your student is included.
Can I bring my younger children and siblings?
Family Weekend is for the entire family and not just parents. Many families will bring siblings of all ages, grandparents, aunts, uncles... everyone! All family members must be registered to participate in the scheduled events.
Can I register over the phone?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept registrations by phone. However, you may register online using the link on the Family Weekend page.
When will I get the confirmation of my registration?
After completing the online registration form, your Family Weekend confirmation is immediately sent to you via email. If you purchased separate tickets for ticketed events, you would receive a separate email with your tickets.
We have another guest who would like to attend only one event. Can I purchase a separate ticket for them to attend that event?
Our events are included in Family Weekend registration packages, and we do not sell tickets for individual events.
Why is there a registration fee?
Cornell Family Weekend is a fee-based, completely self-supporting program; the cost is not included in tuition. This fee enables us to enhance the experience for families by improving guest services and enriching non-ticketed events. The registration fee includes a registration packet for each family and memorabilia for each attendee.
Is financial support available to help families attend?
We recognize the financial commitment required for families to attend Family Weekend. The Family Weekend Attendance Grant is a need-based award and provides financial assistance to defray the expense of attending Family Weekend. The grant provides funding for up to six family members to participate and attend the Family Lunch on Saturday. The grant does not pay for travel, lodging, merchandise, or additional events like the Sunday Family Brunch at the Statler, Twilight Concert, or athletic events. Please submit a Family Weekend Attendance Grant application to apply. Applications must be submitted by Monday, September 7, 2026.
Are refunds available? Can I cancel my registration?
Registration: We are unable to offer refunds. Please keep this in mind when purchasing and making your plans. If you cannot attend, your student can pick up your materials.
Transfers: If you would like to transfer your tickets to someone else, please contact our office for assistance.
Can my student pick up my packet for me during check-in?
Yes, if you cannot attend packet pickup for the weekend, your student can pick up your materials. Please ensure your student brings their student ID and a copy of your confirmation email.
When should we plan to arrive? Do families stay for the whole weekend?
Parents and families are encouraged to arrive on Thursday evening or Friday morning so they can enjoy the many events planned for Friday. Events are scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so plan to stay for the entire weekend!
What if I arrive after check-in ends on Friday? What if I can't come until Saturday?
Please encourage your student to pick up your materials during check-in on Thursday or Friday. If you cannot check in until Saturday, please check in at our Welcome Center before 12:00 pm.
Where do I park on campus?
Cornell will make certain lots available for Family Weekend parking at no cost. More information on parking and transportation will be available in September and emailed to registrants.
What if I want to take my student to dinner off campus?
We encourage you to do so (and we're pretty sure your student will enjoy the treat). There are tons of great options near campus and in neighboring cities. If you plan to take your student to dinner, we strongly advise you to make a reservation before arriving for Family Weekend, as popular restaurants fill quickly. Visit Ithaca and Downtown Ithaca provide resources on local dining. Downtown Dining Visit Ithaca Dining Listings Close to Cornell
The show must go on! Those events scheduled in outdoor locations have alternate indoor sites in the event of inclement weather. Since we never know what autumn weather will bring, we encourage you to come prepared with a jacket, a sweatshirt, and an umbrella.
Special Accommodations and Accessibility
How do I request disability accommodations during my visit?
Cornell University is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. Please email families@cornell.edu to request disability accommodations. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs. Requests for interpreters must be made no later than Sunday, August 30, 2026. More information about campus accessibility can be found at accessibility.cornell.edu.
We are unable to provide wheelchairs for guests. We recommend renting wheelchairs or transport chairs at home to bring to campus. If you rent from companies in Ithaca, be sure to confirm pickup & return dates based on your travel and the location's hours of operation.
607-273-4727 Guthrie Med Supply Depot 607-272-2433 Finger Lakes Independence Center 607-257-1425 UHS Professional Homecare
Is accessible parking available while on campus?
Family members who require handicap-accessible parking may use their municipally issued accessible permit to park in the accessible spaces located in the parking areas and will not need visitor's pass. Please visit the Accessible Transportation Options page for more details.
My question isn't listed in the FAQ.
If you can't find what you're looking for, contact Parent & Family Programs at families@cornell.edu or 607-255-9292.
