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Student & Campus Life

Plan Your Family Weekend Visit

Start planning your visit for Family Weekend, September 25–27, 2026

We look forward to welcoming Cornell families to campus this fall for a weekend of connection, celebration, and time with your student.

As you begin planning your visit, please note:

  • Registration will open on Monday, August 3 at 1:00 p.m. ET.
  • The Family Weekend schedule overview is now available to help you begin planning your visit.
  • The full schedule of events, including event descriptions, locations, and additional details, will be available on Tuesday, July 28.
  • Family Weekend events will take place from Friday, September 25, through Sunday, September 27. Events typically begin mid-day Friday and continue through mid-afternoon Sunday.
  • Some events may require advance tickets or additional fees, which will be noted in the full schedule.

Check-In Location

Family Weekend check-in will take place in the Toni Morrison Hall Multipurpose Room.

Check-in will be available:

  • Thursday, September 24, 4:30-6:30 pm
  • Friday, September 25, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 26, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Families will receive their Family Weekend name badges at check-in. A Family Weekend name badge is required for most events.

Lodging & Transportation

Hotels and accommodations in the Ithaca area fill up quickly for Family Weekend. We strongly encourage you to make lodging reservations as early as possible. Check out lodging options in the Ithaca area as you plan your visit. 

Families struggling to find a place to stay in Ithaca may find more success in nearby communities such as Cortland, New York, or Watkins Glenn, New York.

If you are traveling from outside the area, visit the Getting to Campus page for information about transportation, public transit, and the region around Ithaca and the Finger Lakes.

Dining

Families can enjoy eating at various Cornell Dining locations across campus. Most locations are cashless and accept credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Students may use guest meals for family members in dining halls.

For dining options beyond campus, downtown Ithaca offers a diverse culinary scene within walking distance or a short drive from Cornell. The Ithaca Commons features numerous restaurants ranging from casual cafes to fine dining, with cuisines from around the world. We recommend making reservations well in advance, as restaurants fill up quickly during Family Weekend.

For a comprehensive guide to dining options in the Ithaca area, including restaurant listings, cuisines, and neighborhoods, visit the Visit Ithaca Dining page.

Parking

Campus parking rules will be in effect during Family Weekend. Certain lots will be available to families, and detailed parking information will be provided closer to the event.

Planning Your Weekend

Your student may have other commitments during the weekend, so we encourage you to review the schedule together and plan your time thoughtfully. Whether you attend a college reception, explore campus, cheer on the Big Red, enjoy a performance, or simply spend time together in Ithaca, we hope Family Weekend gives you a meaningful glimpse into your student’s Cornell experience.

💌 Questions? Contact Parent & Family Programs at families@cornell.edu.