Join us for a weekend highlighting Carolina’s academics, athletics, arts, music and more on campus, plus downtown Chapel Hill events! Every fall we host Carolina Family Weekend for our undergraduate students and their families. This Tar Heel tradition gives families a chance to reconnect with their students, meet other Carolina families and learn from faculty and staff. We offer a blend of free and ticketed events as a way to experience campus and the Chapel Hill community together. This weekend is sponsored by New Student & Family Programs in collaboration with campus and community partners.
2026 Registration Fees
This year’s Family Weekend Registration prices:
- UNC Students register for free! (other ticketed events may require purchase for UNC students).
- Regular registration is $20
- Regular Child registration (ages- 3-8) is $9
- On-site registration is $25
- Children 2 years and under are free
What does a Registration Access Pass get me?
- A lanyard and name badge that allows you to access “Free (F)” events (registration fees support these costs)
- Friday (10/23) Carolina Family Weekend Photo Booth
- Friday (10/23) Carolina On My Mind Information Fair and Off-Campus Housing Fair
- Friday (10/23) Carolina Skies Morehead Planetarium Show
- Saturday (10/24) Morning Coffee Break (continental breakfast and dessert bar)
- Saturday (10/24) The Chat with the Chancellor
- Saturday (10/24 Football Watch Party (snacks while supplies last)
- Saturday (10/24) Carolina Skies Morehead Planetarium Show
- Campus Recreation facilities and classes all weekend
- Free Family Weekend giveaway at check-in (while supplies last)
*all events are subject to being at capacity/supply limitation
2026 Schedule of Events
Click the links below to view the schedule for each day of Carolina Family Weekend. Some events required advanced registration, ticket purchase, or fee. These events will be marked with an “$” and/or an “R.” Some events are free to attend and/or do not require additional registration. These events are marked with “F.” Signature Events, referring to events that are led by New Student & Family Programs, are marked with a heart-shaped logo. Continue to check back as events continue to be added!
Key
- F – Free to attend with Family Weekend registration
- $ – Fee or Ticket purchase required
- R – RSVP required by the event sponsor
Arriving early? See what events are happening on campus!
There are always amazing events and experiences happening at Carolina. If you are arriving to campus earlier, consider the following events while you’re visiting campus and Chapel Hill:
Alexi Kenny, violin: Shifting Ground ($)
Wednesday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m.
Violinist Alexi Kenney invites audiences into this time-traveling musical journey which includes works by J.S. Bach interwoven with those of contemporary creators—all accompanied by projection art by Xuan. Along the way, audiences encounter deeply affecting moments including a work that pairs solo violin with the recorded sounds of a melting glacier.
Learn more and purchase tickets: carolinaperformingarts.org/events/shiftingground/
Location: Moeser Auditorium in Hill Hall, 145 E. Cameron Ave. Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Thursday, October 22
Carolina Family Weekend Check-In
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
For early arrivals, check-in with New Student & Family Programs staff to pick up any NSFP registration purchases.
Location: West Lounge, F.P.G Student Union, 209 South Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Friday, October 23
Family Weekend Recreation Access (F, R)
Carolina families can enjoy free access to Campus Recreation facilities during Family Weekend! Registered Family Weekend participants are eligible to join their student for a workout at one of our Campus Recreation facilities Friday, October 23rd – Sunday, October 25th.
Facilities include the Student Recreation Center, Rams Head Recreation Center, Fetzer Hall, Woollen Gym, and Bowman Gray Memorial Pool. Visit: campusrec.unc.edu for all facility hours.
The student must be present, and guests 18+ will be required to show their participant lanyard and sign a release of liability waiver. Guests 17 and under will only be eligible to access Bowman Gray Memorial Indoor Pool.
Carolina Family Weekend Check-In
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Check-in with New Student & Family Programs staff to pick up any NSFP registration purchases.
Location: West Lounge, F.P.G Student Union, 209 South Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Family Weekend Photo Booth (F)
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Strike a pose and capture the memory! Head to the photo booth after check-in and flash your best smile to commemorate Carolina Family Weekend.
Location: West Lounge, F.P.G Student Union, 209 South Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Carolina in My Mind Information Fair (F)
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Stop by the Art Gallery to connect with various campus departments. Explore our many campus resources with your student and learn more about safety tips for our comunity.
Location: Carolina Union Art Gallery, F.P.G Student Union, 209 South Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Off-Campus Housing Fair (F)
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Got questions about off-campus housing? Stop by for some answers! Pop-in for some resources concerning housing at Carolina and help make your search a breeze.
Location: The Great Hall, F.P.G Student Union, 209 South Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Sense of Place Tour (F, R)
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Welcome to Carolina! The UNC Visitors Center offers its popular in-person Sense of Place tour that introduces campus history, traditions and the student experience as well as some of the University’s current endeavors in research and innovation. We believe Carolina is a very special place, and we look forward to sharing it with you.
Register Here: https://bookeo.com/visitunc?devent=41560L7CJAT1A0D4DEBC43_2026-10-23_INbtgyf4N7
Our 90-minute tour begins at the UNC Visitors Center, 134 E. Franklin Street, and ends at Kenan Stadium.
Location: UNC Visitors Center, 134 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC
BeAM (Be A Maker) Makerspace Open House and Tours (F)
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join us for tours through the Murray Hall Makerspace, highlighting the equipment and training we offer to the Carolina community.
BeAM@CAROLINA is a network of makerspaces where you can join the UNC maker community in the design and making of physical objects for education, research, entrepreneurship and recreation.
You can participate in open studios, training sessions, workshops, host classes and group activities in spaces equipped with emerging technologies like 3D printing as well as wood and metalworking shops.
We aim to make everyone feel empowered to reach their full making potential – if you’re interested in making, you belong at BeAM.
Location: Murray Hall Makerspace, 121 South Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Live, Learn, and Intern Abroad (F)
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Join us for free Italian Ice and learn how you can earn UNC credit off campus for study and internship. Programs available in London, Cape Town, DC, Bangkok, Berlin, Vienna, and beyond.
This event is hosted by Honors Carolina and is open to all UNC students. This is event is part of Carolina Family Weekend, so bring your families with you!
Location: Graham Memorial Front Porch, East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC
Tar Heels & Treats: A School of Education Gathering (F)
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Join us as you kick off your family weekend with fall fun, family connections, and Carolina spirit at Tar Heels & Treats: A School of Education Fall Gathering! Hosted by the UNC School of Education, this exciting event brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni and families for a celebration of community, learning, and tradition. Light refreshments will be served along with giveaways, games and more.
Location: Peabody Lawn (outside), 100 E Cameron Ave, Chapel Hill, NC
Military & Veteran Student Success Center Open House (F)
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m
Connect your military-connected student to a dedicated community at Carolina! Drop by our Open House to tour the Military & Veteran Student Success Center, meet our professional and student staff, and explore resources for veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, dependents, and ROTC programs. We hope to see you there!
Location: SASB South 1310
Sense of Place Tour (F, R)
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Welcome to Carolina! The UNC Visitors Center offers its popular in-person Sense of Place tour that introduces campus history, traditions and the student experience as well as some of the University’s current endeavors in research and innovation. We believe Carolina is a very special place, and we look forward to sharing it with you.
Our 90-minute tour begins at the UNC Visitors Center, 134 E. Franklin Street, and ends at Kenan Stadium.
Register Here: https://bookeo.com/visitunc?devent=41560ALLACF1A0D4DEBC43_2026-10-23_xMupor4UQQ1b
Location: UNC Visitors Center, 134 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC
Carolina History Tour (R, F)
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Learn more about the history of the nation’s first public university by attending a Carolina History Tour. The Carolina History Tours cover more than 200 years of the history of UNC-Chapel Hill, including the establishment of the university in the 18th century, the history of campus landmarks including the Old Well, Davie Poplar, and Unsung Founders Memorial, the push to open enrollment to all North Carolinians, and the growth of the school in the 20th and 21st centuries. Tours are led by staff from Wilson Special Collections. We will begin at the Old Well and finish at Wilson Library. Most tours last a little over an hour.
Register here: go.unc.edu/historytour
Location: The tour begins at the Old Well, E Cameron Ave, Chapel Hill, NC
Paint, Save, & Learn with the Carolina Financial Well-Being Center (F)
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Carolina Financial Well-Being Center (CFWC) invites students and their families to stop by and get creative! Decorate a piggy bank while learning more about the ways CFWC can support your journey in building healthy money habits that work toward your financial goals.
We will provide piggy banks, and all the painting supplies you need. Stop by anytime during the event and stay as long as you’d like to enjoy a creative activity together as a family.
Location: The Carolina Union, Room 2422 – FPG Student Union, 209 South Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Tar Heel Business Academy Information Session (F,R)
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
If you have a high schooler at home, this is a valuable opportunity to learn about the Tar Heel Business Academy — UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School’s summer pre-college program for rising high school juniors and seniors.
The Academy offers an immersive experience where students learn the Carolina Way, engaging with real business concepts taught by UNC Kenan-Flagler faculty, collaborating with peers from across the country and gaining a genuine preview of what a UNC Kenan-Flagler education looks like. The program is offered in two settings: on campus in Chapel Hill and in uptown Charlotte, giving families flexibility to choose the experience that works best for them.
At the heart of the Academy experience is a real client challenge. Student teams work directly with a business partner to develop and present solutions to an actual business problem — the same project-based learning model used in UNC Kenan-Flagler’s MBA program. Along the way, students hear from alumni executives who share firsthand perspectives on their careers and industries and describe what it takes to lead in today’s business environment.
Join the information session to learn about program dates and locations, explore the application process and have your questions answered.
This session will be held in Bell Hall, UNC Kenan-Flagler’s newest building and the home of the Tar Heel Business Academy in Chapel Hill. Families are welcome to explore the space and experience the environment where Academy students learn and collaborate each summer.
Register here: applynow.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/register/BizAcademyInfoSession
Location: UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, Bell Hall Classroom 3040, 300 Kenan Center Dr, Chapel Hill, NC*
* Bell Hall is located on South Campus near the Dean Dome. For those familiar with the Business School facilities, Bell Hall is next to the McColl Building at 175 William Blythe Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599. If using GPS for walking directions, simply search for “Bell Hall” (our new address doesn’t appear on all maps just yet).
Carolina Center for Public Service: Drop in and learn about ways to get involved! (F)
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Pop by the Carolina Center for Public Service (located at the Knapp-Sanders Building) to learn about all of the ways you can be involved in public service during your time at Carolina while also building skills and knowledge to inform your future career path.
Hear from CCPS students and staff about the APPLES Service-Learning program, Buckley Public Service Scholars, alternative break trips, paid summer internships, NC Outward Bound scholarships and more!
Free apple cider and donuts for attendees while supplies last.
The office is located at the Ridge Road entrance.
Location: Knapp-Sanders Building, 400 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Study Abroad Information Session & Meet & Greet (F)
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Join the Study Abroad Office for an in-person info session and reception at the FedEx Global Education Center. Meet study abroad staff and find out more about program options, credit, funding, and the application process. We look forward to helping you “expand your campus.”
This event will start with the Information Session in the Auditorium (Room 1015) and then move to the Atrium (Room 1001) for a reception.
Location: The FedEx Global Education Center, 301 Pittsboro St., Chapel Hill, NC
Explore a Future in Health Care: Clinical Laboratory Science Open House (F)
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Drop in to learn more about the Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) program at UNC. Whether you’re exploring health care careers, interested in laboratory science, or looking for a program that combines science, technology, and patient impact, we invite you to stop by and meet our faculty and students.
The Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, in the UNC School of Medicine, offers a Bachelor of Science degree that prepares students for a rewarding career as a medical laboratory scientist. CLS professionals play a vital role in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating disease through the analysis and interpretation of laboratory testing. Students develop expertise in microbiology, hematology, immunohematology, clinical chemistry, and molecular diagnostics while gaining a deep understanding of disease processes and their impact on patient care.
A hallmark of the program is the extensive hands-on clinical experience students receive through clinical internships in affiliated health care laboratories during their final two semesters. Graduates are well prepared to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation and are highly sought after by hospitals, reference laboratories, public health agencies, biotechnology companies, and other health care organizations. The strong scientific and clinical foundation provided by the program also prepares students for a variety of graduate and professional educational opportunities.
During this informal drop-in session, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Tour our teaching laboratory and see the environment where students develop practical laboratory skills.
- Meet faculty and current CLS students and learn about the curriculum and academic community within the program.
- Learn about clinical rotations and other experiential learning opportunities.
- Explore career options, professional certification, and employment opportunities available to CLS graduates.
- Ask questions about the coursework, admissions process, and student experience.
We invite you and your family to stop by, explore the program, and discover how Clinical Laboratory Science prepares students to make a meaningful impact on patient care and the health care system.
Location: Room 404 MacNider Hall, 333 S Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC
Signature Event: Cheerwine & Design ($, R)
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy an evening where YOU become the artist! A professional instructor will lead all participants in an engaging 2-hour class where you can leave with your very own painting. This year’s painting is the Old Well Starry Night.
- Doors open 5:30 p.m.
- Class beings 6 p.m.
Each ticket includes:
- Access to the event and instructor-guided process
- All materials (pre-sketched canvas and paints)
- Cheerwine & Cheerwine floats (a staple of North Carolina!) and snacks
Location: The Great Hall, F.P.G Student Union, 209 South Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Family Game Night (R, F)
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Join International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for a global family game day! We will have board games and card games for families, students, and friends to enjoy together. This event is open to the UNC campus community; all are invited to attend. Do you have a game you would like to see at Global Family Game Day? Let us know in the registration form!
Is your family unable to attend Carolina Family Weekend? That is okay; we invite you to join us on your own or with a friend for this event to meet others and spend time in community during Carolina Family Weekend!
Please be sure to register for this event so we know you are coming and to ensure you receive the most up-to-date information about the event.
Register Here: go.unc.edu/globalfam
This event is sponsored by International Student Scholar Services.
Location: The FedEx Global Education Center 301 Pittsboro St, Chapel Hill, NC
UNC Women’s Soccer vs. Stanford ($)
6:00 p.m.
Come cheer on the Carolina Women’s Soccer team take on Stanford at Play2Dream Legacy Stadium at Dorrance Field at!
Tickets start at $10 and UNC students get in FREE by showing their UNC Student Access Pass at the gate.
UNC Field Hockey vs. Wake Forest (F)
6:00 p.m.
Let’s cheer on the Carolina Field Hockey team as they battle ACC for Wake Forest at Karen Shelton Stadium on Senior Day!
This is a non-ticketed event and free to attend.
Location: Karen Shelton Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC
Documentary Debut: Much More Than a Game (F)
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Live the excitement surrounding two UNC teams playing abroad in Dublin, Ireland with the debut of the 30-for-30-style documentary “Much More Than a Game.” UNC opened the college football season with a matchup against TCU, and the Carolina women’s soccer team took on Shelbourne FC. Carolina also hosted or participated in business, cultural, academic, research, and arts events in Dublin in the week leading up to the games. Executives, faculty, staff and students from UNC visited Ireland to engage with counterparts in meetings across the country, highlighting the deep and growing ties between UNC and Ireland.
Location: Knight Learning Lab, Carroll Hall, Room 0111, 211 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC
Carolina Skies (F)
7:00 p.m.
Enjoy a night under the stars in the historic Morehead Planetarium! Seats first come-first served for a show that dives deep into space where you’ll learn about stars, constellations, and a little bit of history about the Planetarium.
Location: Morehead Planetarium, 205 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC .
UNC Volleyball vs. Cal ($)
7:00 p.m.
Come cheer on the Carolina Volleyball team take on Cal in Carmichael Arena!
Tickets start at $10 and UNC students get in FREE by showing their UNC Student Access Pass at the Student Entrance at South Road.
“Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous” by Pearl Cleage (R, $)
7:30 p.m.
Join PlayMakers for a professional theatre experience! Synopsis: When retired actress Anna Campbell plans her career-defining comeback to the stage, she discovers she’s being replaced with an ambitious young woman with a questionable background. This razor-sharp comedy explores generational tensions, friendship, and how art has a life of its own.
Tickets start at $20; use code UNCFAM for 10% off single tickets. UNC student tickets are always $10
Purchase Tickets Here: tickets.playmakersrep.org/overview/15089
Location: PlayMakers Repertory Company, Paul Green Theatre, 120 Country Club Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Parking: Cobb Deck
Saturday, October 24
Family Weekend Recreation Access (F, R)
Carolina families can enjoy free access to Campus Recreation facilities during Family Weekend! Registered Family Weekend participants are eligible to join their student for a workout at one of our Campus Recreation facilities Friday, October 23rd – Sunday, October 25th.
Facilities include the Student Recreation Center, Rams Head Recreation Center, Fetzer Hall, Woollen Gym, and Bowman Gray Memorial Pool. Visit: campusrec.unc.edu for all facility hours.
The student must be present, and guests 18+ will be required to show their participant lanyard and sign a release of liability waiver. Guests 17 and under will only be eligible to access Bowman Gray Memorial Indoor Pool.
Carolina Family Weekend Check-In
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Check-in with New Student & Family Programs staff to pick up any NSFP registration purchases.
Location: West Lounge, F.P.G Student Union, 209 South Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
A Chat with the Chancellor (F)
9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
This annual tradition invites ALL Carolina families together for an event with Chancellor Lee H. Roberts and UNC leadership. Chancellor Roberts will provide remarks and updates on all things UNC! Expect an opportunity for Q&A with University Leadership. Registration for Carolina Family Weekend is required to attend this event.
Location: The Great Hall, F.P.G. Carolina Union, 209 South Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
The Carolina Family Weekend Coffee Break (F)
9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Join us for coffee and light breakfast refreshments after the Carolina Family Weekend Annual Conversation with the Chancellor, featuring Chancellor Lee H. Roberts. Registration for Carolina Family Weekend is required to attend.
Location: The Great Hall Lobby F.P.G. Carolina Union, 209 South Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Shabbat Brunch and Kiddush with UNC Hillel (F)
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join UNC Chapel Hill Hillel for a Shabbat Brunch and Kiddush!
We invite you to connect with Jewish life at Carolina over a welcoming Shabbat Brunch and Kiddush. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the Hillel staff, tour our beautiful building, and learn more about the vibrant Jewish community at Carolina.
This event is for students who are involved in or interested in Hillel, as well as Jewish families. A kosher-style dairy brunch will be served, we look forward to meeting you!
Location: North Carolina Hillel, 210 West Cameron Ave, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Conversations with Curators at Wilson Special Collections Library (F)
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
“Witnesses to the Revolution: North Carolina and the War for Independence” is a partnership between the University Library and the North Carolina Museum of History. The exhibition showcases more than 50 items drawn from the collections of the two institutions illustrating how North Carolinians shaped the Revolutionary period.
On Saturday, October 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., curators of this special exhibition will be on hand for conversations and questions. The event takes place in the North Carolina Collection Gallery in Wilson Special Collections Library.
Chapel Thrill: The Carolina Game Day Experience (F)
~4:30 p.m. – Opens 3 hours before Kick-Off
Whether you are a game ticket holder or enjoying the game elsewhere in Chapel Hill, you are always welcome at Chapel Thrill! Join Tar Heels fans in the heart of campus for food trucks, drink stations, interactive games, golf simulators, face painting, live concerts and more! Chapel Thrill also features the Old Well Walk where players and the marching band make their way to Kenan Stadium.
Location: The Pit and Polk Place .
Family Weekend Football Watch Party (F)
7:30 p.m.
If you didn’t get a ticket to the home game, you can still enjoy the excitement. We’ll have the big screens on in the Union Auditorium tuned to the game. Drop in and stay as long as you like (seating is limited to 380) and enjoy some Carolina themed snacks (while supplies last).
Location: Carolina Union Auditorium, F.P.G. Carolina Union, 209 South Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Family Football Day: UNC vs. Syracuse ($)
7:30 p.m. – Kick-Off
NOTE: You did not have to register for Family Weekend to attend this game. This is a separate ticketing process.
- Learn more at nsfp.unc.edu/families/the-family-football-experience.
Family Football Day ticket holders will cheer on the Tar Heels with other families from across the state and beyond.
Carolina Skies (F)
7:00 p.m.
Enjoy a night under the stars in the historic Morehead Planetarium! Seats are first come-first served for a show that dives deep into space where you’ll learn about stars, constellations, and a little bit of history about the Planetarium.
Location: Morehead Planetarium, 205 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC
“Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous” by Pearl Cleage (R, $)
7:30 p.m.
Join PlayMakers for a professional theatre experience! Synopsis: When retired actress Anna Campbell plans her career-defining comeback to the stage, she discovers she’s being replaced with an ambitious young woman with a questionable background. This razor-sharp comedy explores generational tensions, friendship, and how art has a life of its own.
Tickets start at $20; use code UNCFAM for 10% off single tickets. UNC student tickets are always $10
Purchase Tickets Here: tickets.playmakersrep.org/overview/15089
Location: PlayMakers Repertory Company, Paul Green Theatre, 120 Country Club Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Parking: Cobb Deck
Sunday, October 25
Family Weekend Recreation Access (F, R)
Carolina families can enjoy free access to Campus Recreation facilities during Family Weekend! Registered Family Weekend participants are eligible to join their student for a workout at one of our Campus Recreation facilities Friday, October 23rd – Sunday, October 25th.
Facilities include the Student Recreation Center, Rams Head Recreation Center, Fetzer Hall, Woollen Gym, and Bowman Gray Memorial Pool. Visit: campusrec.unc.edu for all facility hours.
The student must be present, and guests 18+ will be required to show their participant lanyard and sign a release of liability waiver. Guests 17 and under will only be eligible to access Bowman Gray Memorial Indoor Pool.
Holy Eucharist at The Chapel of the Cross (F)
7:45 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m., or 4:00 p.m
Join students, families and community members for Holy Communion at The Chapel of the Cross. This event is hosted by the Episcopal Campus Ministry. Learn more at www.thechapelofthecross.org/ecm.
Location: Chapel of the Cross, 304 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC
SOLD OUT: Biscuit Brunch and Live Music ($, R)
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Start a new Carolina Family Weekend tradition and bring the whole family to our laid-back brunch featuring biscuit sandwiches, fresh fruit, juices, coffee, and tea and enjoy a showcase of homegrown Carolina student musicians!
Location: The Great Hall, West Lounge, Plaza F.P.G. Carolina Union, 209 South Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Carolina Family Weekend Sunday Mass & Brunch (F)
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Students and Families are invited to the 11:00 a.m. Mass. Immediately following, join for brunch in the Newman Activity Center at no cost to students or families.
The full weekend Mass schedule is as follows:
- Saturday Vigil 5:15 p.m.
- Sunday 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 4:00 p.m.
Location: Newman Catholic Student Center, 218 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill, NC
Parking: Behind the church, activity center, and in the Nash lot.
BeAM (Be A Maker) Makerspace Open House and Tours (F)
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join us for tours through the Murray Hall Makerspace, highlighting the equipment and training we offer to the Carolina community.
BeAM@CAROLINA is a network of makerspaces where you can join the UNC maker community in the design and making of physical objects for education, research, entrepreneurship and recreation.
You can participate in open studios, training sessions, workshops, host classes and group activities in spaces equipped with emerging technologies like 3D printing as well as wood and metalworking shops.
We aim to make everyone feel empowered to reach their full making potential – if you’re interested in making, you belong at BeAM.
Location: Murray Hall Makerspace, 121 South Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Chapel Hill Dia de Muertos (F)
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Chapel Hill Día de Muertos returns for its third year! Celebrate this joyful, heartfelt holiday with eclectic art vendors, music, and community as we honor loved ones through art and culture. Join us in downtown Chapel Hill to meet local artists, watch live performances, and more.
Learn more at www.chapelhillarts.org/calendar/dia-de-muertos.
Location: 140 West Franklin Street Plaza
“Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous” by Pearl Cleage (R, $)
2:00 p.m.
Join PlayMakers for a professional theatre experience! Synopsis: When retired actress Anna Campbell plans her career-defining comeback to the stage, she discovers she’s being replaced with an ambitious young woman with a questionable background. This razor-sharp comedy explores generational tensions, friendship, and how art has a life of its own.
This showtime features Open Captions and a Post-Show Discussion.
Tickets start at $20; use code UNCFAM for 10% off single tickets. UNC student tickets are always $10
Purchase Tickets Here: tickets.playmakersrep.org/overview/15089
Location: PlayMakers Repertory Company, Paul Green Theatre, 120 Country Club Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Parking: Cobb Deck
UNC Volleyball vs. Stanford ($)
8:30 p.m.
Come cheer on the Carolina Volleyball team take on Stanford in Carmichael Arena!
Tickets start at $10 and UNC students get in FREE by showing theirhttps://www.onecard.unc.edu/?DB_OEM_ID=3350 UNC Student Access Pass at the Student Entrance at South Road.
Carolina Family Weekend FAQ’s
What is Carolina Family Weekend?
Carolina Family Weekend is full of traditions and excitement and is a wonderful time for Carolina family members to reconnect with their student, meet other Carolina families, and connect with faculty and staff. There are wonderful programs and events to explore while enjoying the vibrant Carolina community.
What overnight accommodations are available for guests?
Carolina Family Weekend participants are responsible for their own lodging accommodations for the weekend. For a list of local hotels that we partner with, please visit our website: nsfpunc.wpengine.com/families/local_hotels. You may find hotel accommodations from other properties in nearby towns and cities, for example Durham, NC.
Can I bring my younger children and siblings?
Carolina Family Weekend is for the entire family! Many families will bring siblings of all ages, aunts and uncles, grandparents, cousins…everyone!
How do I register for Carolina Family Weekend 2026?
Online registration takes place via the UNC Family Experience Portal in early September.
Why is there a registration fee? Can I attend for free?
There is a small registration per attendee (UNC students register for free!). All other ticketed events do require purchase for UNC students.
- Regular registration is $20
- On-site registration is $25
- Children 3-8 years old are $9
- Children 2 years and younger are free
The 2026 Registration Access Pass includes:
- A lanyard and namebadge that allows you to access “Free (F)” events (registration fees support these costs)
- Access to Campus Recreation facilities and classes
- The Saturday Morning Coffee Break (Continental Breakfast)
- The Chat with the Chancellor event
- Access to Carolina on my Mind Information Fair, including the Off-Campus Housing Fair
- Clear Stadium Bag Giveaway (while supplies last)
- *all events are subject to being at capacity/supply limitation
What if we cannot attend the entire weekend?
The Carolina Family Weekend schedule has a variety of event offerings that take place starting Friday and concluding Sunday. You may pick and choose the events that you are able to attend at your leisure.
Participation in any of ticketed Carolina Family Weekend events requires registration and full payment of fees, regardless of your arrival time. Outside of ticketed events, we will be offering no-cost events.
When do you decide Carolina Family Weekend dates?
Carolina Family Weekend event dates are set each year in late February/early March, after considering fall holidays and the fall athletic event calendar.
Students – Stay up-to-date on communications on this website & follow us on social media.
Families – Stay up-to-date by visiting this website and making sure you’re signed up for the UNC Family Experience portal at uncfamilies.campusesp.com.
Registered Student Organizations & University Offices – Each spring, we send a ‘Call for Programming’ & invite you to host a program or event during Carolina Family Weekend. We would love to include you!
Are divorced and/or separated families considered one family or two?
Any family member who is a UNC Family Experience user, may complete a registration. Families are expected to communicate with one another about who is purchasing tickets for which family members and for which events. We will have a check-in packet for each registration that is created.
I did not receive, or I have lost my Carolina Family Weekend email confirmation. How can I get a new one?
If you do not receive or if you have lost your confirmation email, send an email to families@unc.edu with the email address you used to register in the UNC Family Experience, your student’s name and PID number and one of our staff members will assist you.
I am no longer able to attend Carolina Family Weekend – are refunds available?
All Carolina Family Weekend fees are NON-refundable. Please review your own calendar and reservation carefully before completing your payment – once you submit your reservation and payment, you acknowledge that you are responsible for the associated cost and are liable for fees even if you do not attend.
Have a family discussion about potential scheduling conflicts before making a registering and buying tickets. Conflicts may include evening classes, mid-term exams, and other events that may bring family to Chapel Hill on a different weekend. You are welcome to give your event tickets to another family.
Who should I contact if I or my family member(s) will need special accommodations?
Please list any special accommodations you may need in the Carolina Family Weekend registration form (for example, sign-language interpreters, wheelchair access, dietary needs, allergies etc.) you and/or your guests may require during Carolina Family Weekend. We will report these appropriately but may not be able to make all accommodations.
If you need disability parking spaces, please see the map linked here: maps.unc.edu/parking/accessibility-parking (Select “Visitor Disability Parking” to see spaces).
We are unable to provide wheelchair rentals on request, and encourage families to plan ahead and seek out a local medical supply company.
Email us at families@unc.edu or call our office at (919) 962-8304 if you have any questions!
Where do I park for Carolina Family Weekend?
When visiting campus, always review the Parking & Transportation policies and guidelines. Visit move.unc.edu to learn more.
For Carolina Family Weekend on Saturday’s gameday, we recommend the following:
- Visit the Transportation & Parking site and adhere to Game Day parking rules and regulations: move.unc.edu/events/athletics/
For Carolina Family Weekend on Friday and Sunday, we recommend the following:
Daytime Parking Before 5:00 PM ET Friday
- Use Visitor Parking – move.unc.edu/parking/visitor-parking/university-visitors
- To see an interactive map of Visitor Parking, visit maps.unc.edu/parking/visitor
- Family Weekend Check-in and some other events will occur before 5:00 PM ET on Friday
Weekend Parking After 5:00 PM ET Friday – Until 7:30 AM ET Monday
- Parking available, no permit required.
- You may park in most spaces, with the exception of:
- Disability Parking
- Service Vehicle Parking
- Spaces reserved by name
Accessibility/Disability Parking
If you need disability parking spaces, please see the map linked here: https://maps.unc.edu/parking/visitor/
- De-select “Disability Permit Parking”. This is for faculty/staff/students that have a permit for those spaces.
- Select “Visitor Disability Parking” to see spaces you may use.
When and where do I check in for Carolina Family Weekend?
Thursday: Check-In will begin at 3:00pm and end at 6:00pm in the FPG Student Union
Friday: Check-In will begin at 10:00am and end at 6:00pm in the FPG Student Union
Saturday: Check-In will begin at 8:00am and end at 12:00pm in the FPG Student Union
What name will my reservation be under for Check-In?
All check-in materials will be available for pick-up under your student’s name.
Please note: If you have more than one student included on your reservation, materials will be listed under the name of the primary student – the first student you registered on your reservation.
Can my student pick up my packet for me during Check-In?
Yes – if you are unable to attend Carolina Family Weekend Check-In, your student may pick up your materials. Please make sure your student brings their UNC One Card (student ID) and a copy of your confirmation email.
Why are you hosting Family Weekend and Family Football Day on the same weekend?
In recent years we have had Family Weekend on football away game weekends. With a higher number of family ticket blocks available compared to the recent past, and other variable with conflicting dates, we are able to once again combine Family Weekend with a home game experience.
Home game weekends and game days are full of excitement. We also recognize that not all families care for football. For this reason we have the ticket offer and Family Weekend registration process separate from each other. This allows greater flexibility of choice for families to choose how they enjoy this weekend in Chapel Hill.
Visit our Family Football Day webpage to learn more this ticket offer for Carolina families.
