Family Weekend Sessions for all families
Below are sessions and activities for all families on campusfor Family Weekend:
View additional sessions for Essentials, Buffs, Silver and Gold Packages
CU Museum of Natural History
9 a.m.-5 p.m. |Henderson Building
The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History has five exhibition galleries; stop by to explore natural and human history through these engaging and interactive displays. The museum is free but donations are accepted and appreciated!
CU Art Museum
10 a.m.-4 p.m.|Visual Arts Complex
Draw inspiration from the University of Colorado Art Museum's current exhibits, including William Villalongo: Myths and Migrations and Better Days. The museum is free, but donations are welcome.
Galilean Moons: Past, Present and Future with Dr. Fran Bagenal (Tickets sold separately)
7-8 p.m. |Fiske Planetarium
Learn about the past, present and future of Galilean moons from Dr. Fran Bagenal, a senior research scientist and professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. Bagenal is co-investigator and team leader of the plasma investigations on NASA’s New Horizons mission to Pluto and the Juno mission to Jupiter.
Tickets: $12 General Admission & FREE for CU 鶹Ժ showing a current Buff OneCard (only applies to this show).
CU students must call ahead (303-492-5002) to reserve a ticket; tickets must be picked up the day of the event. Tickets not picked up by 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24 will be released to the public.
Laser Taylor Swift (Tickets sold separately)
8:30-9:30 p.m. |Fiske Planetarium
Taylor Swift is one of the biggest pop stars on the planet. With more than 200 million records sold, a shelf full of Grammys and millions of fans, she is an inspiration for generations. This show will feature her biggest hits and bring them to life with dazzling laser lights. If you can’t score tickets to her concert --- this is the next best thing.
Tickets: $12 General Admission (no student discounts)
Seating should be reserved in advance (payment is required) by calling the Fiske Planetarium ticket office at 303-492-5002 or emailing us at fiske@colorado.edu. Tickets must be picked up at least 30 minutes in advance of showtime. You can also purchase tickets online.
Laser Prince(Tickets sold separately)
10-11 p.m. |Fiske Planetarium
Undefineable, musical genius, mysterious, guarded, iconic. It is impossible to pin down the Prince of Paisley Park. He lives on through his musical legacy. This is no ordinary laser show! Our cutting-edge projection system will mesmerize you with vibrant colors cutting their way through the fog to our 360-degree wraparound screen – all while our engineers fly you through the universe in beat to the music!
Tickets: $12 General Admission (no student discounts)
Seating should be reserved in advance (payment is required) by calling the Fiske Planetarium ticket office at 303-492-5002 or emailing us at fiske@colorado.edu. Tickets must be picked up at least 30 minutes in advance of showtime. You can also purchase tickets online.
Leeds LLC Open House
9-10 a.m.|Kittredge Central Lobby
The Leeds LLC is excited to welcome parents and family of our Class of 2028! Please join us for breakfast and conversation. You’ll have the opportunity to meet key partners in your students’ success at Leeds including academic advisors, faculty and staff from the Leeds First-Year Experience Team. We look forward to seeing you there!
Leeds RAP Open House
9-10 a.m. |Cheyenne Arapaho Lobby
The Leeds RAP is excited to welcome parents and family of our Class of 2028! Please join us for breakfast and conversation. You’ll have the opportunity to meet key partners in your students’ success at Leeds including academic advisors, faculty and staff from the Leeds First-Year Experience Team. We look forward to seeing you there!
Pre-Business Open House
9.-10 a.m. |Andrews Hall Lobby
The Pre-Business program is excited to welcome parents and family of our Class of 2028! Please join us for light refreshments and conversation. You’ll have the opportunity to meet key partners in your students’ success at CU including academic advisors, faculty and staff. We look forward to seeing you there!
CU Museum of Natural History
9 a.m.-5 p.m. |Henderson Building
The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History has five exhibition galleries; stop by to explore natural and human history through these engaging and interactive displays. The museum is free but donations are accepted and appreciated!
Pre-Business as a Pathway to Leeds
10-11 a.m.|Kitt Central Multipurpose Rooms C & D
Transitioning into Leeds is a journey, and the Pre-Business Residential Academic Program is here to help guide the way. If your student is a current Pre-Business student living in Andrews Hall, join Pre-Business Academic Advising to learn about the transfer process and learn a few things that they will need to do first in order to qualify for a transfer.
Meet the Education Advisors
10-11 a.m. |MBE 193
Stop by the Miramontes Baca Education building and meet the School of Education advising team! We will have coffee, tea and pastries. Learn more about what your student's time in the School of Education will look like.
Program in Exploratory Studies Open House & Info Session
10-11:30 a.m.|CASE E351 and PES Lobby
Join the Program in Exploratory Studies to learn about how we support our students and how you can support your student during their college experience.
Afterwards, enjoy snacks and good conversation with Exploratory Studies advising staff and peer mentors at our open house in the CASE PES Lobby.
Engineering Connections Open House
10 a.m.-12 p.m. |Williams Village North 145
Visit with Engineering Connections and learn more about the first-year experience in the College of Engineering and Applied Science. During this informal open house you will have the opportunity to talk to support staff and faculty within Engineering, take a tour of the Engineering Connections common spaces and hear more about the programming and support available for new students in CEAS.
The first 150 guests will receive a printed copy of our 2024 first-year class photo.
CU Art Museum
10 a.m.-4 p.m.| Visual Arts Complex
Draw inspiration from the University of Colorado Art Museum's current exhibits, including William Villalongo: Myths and Migrations and Better Days. The museum is free, but donations are welcome.
CMCI Family Weekend Social
11 a.m.-12 p.m. |CASE Building, Room W250
CMCI will be gathered in CASE W250 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25. Department chairs have been invited and key staff members will be there. We will provide CMCI swag and coffee/tea to those who can attend.
ENVD Open House
11 a.m.-1 p.m. |ENVD Lobby
Stop by the lobby of the ENVD building to enjoy some light refreshements from the ENVD team!
Leading 鶹Ժ to the Library: Much More than Books
1-2 p.m. |Norlin E113
Join to learn more about the University Libraries! We’ll guide parents through library spaces and collections, share details about learning opportunities and offer multiple ways for students to connect with us for research consultations. We’ll also give you a sneak peek of community activities and supports that we offer.
Intra University Transfer to Leeds
2-3 p.m.|KOBL 102
Is your CU Boulder student thinking of becoming a business major? Join Leeds academic advising to learn about the intra-university transfer (IUT) process and learn a few things that they will need to do first in order to qualify for a transfer.
Partnering with Leeds for Student Success
2-3 p.m.|KOBL 100
A student’s transition to college is filled with new levels of intellectual, personal and social challenge, and the Leeds School of Business supports this transition in many ways both in and outside of the classroom. In this session, Kelli Stevens, Executive Director of Undergraduate Programs, Amanda Hansen, Director Leeds Career Development, and Chrissy Renegar, Assistant Director of Advising, will share their advice about how you can best support your student. Please join us for this “Leeds Essential Experience” and bring your questions!
Take Care Street Fair
2-4 p.m.| VAC Plaza
Join us during Family Weekend for a celebration of health and wellness on campus. The Take Care Street Fair features a variety of activities from Health and Wellness departments and campus partners. More details soon!
Creative Minds RAP Family Reception
2:30-3:30 p.m.|Libby Hall
The Creative Minds Residential Academic Program will host a reception for CMRAP students and their families. Please stop by to enjoy some refreshments and to meet the faculty and staff who make Creative Minds RAP wonderful! We're excited to meet you!
School of Education Halloween
3-5 p.m.|MBE
CU Boulder's School of Education is hosting our annual Halloween event! Please join us for candy, costumes and family-friendly fun. Open to all— is requested but not required.
Please note that costumes may not include weapons, including fake weapons.
Global Studies RAP Family Reception
3:30-4:30 p.m. |Arnett Hall Lobby
This reception is open to the Global Studies Residential Academic Program and their families. Please stop by for refreshments and meet the faculty and staff that make GRAP wonderful! We can't wait to talk to you!
Health Professions RAP Family Reception
3:30-4:30 p.m. |Kittredge West Hall Lobby
This reception is open to the Health Professions Residential Academic Program and their families. Please stop by for refreshments and meet the faculty and staff that make HPRAP wonderful! We can't wait to talk to you!
Stories & Societies RAP Family Reception
3:30-4:30 p.m. |Sewall Hall
This reception is open to the Stories & Societies Residential Academic Program and their families. Please stop by for refreshments and meet the faculty and staff that make SRAP wonderful! We can't wait to talk to you!
Honors RAP Family Reception
3:30-5 p.m. |Smith Patio
All Honors RAP students are welcome to attend the Family Reception along with any visiting family members. Empanadas and desserts will be served, while supplies last.
Environment & Natural Sciences RAP Family Reception
4:30-5:30 p.m. |Baker Hall Great Room
This reception is open to the Environment & Natural Sciences Residential Academic Program and their families. Please stop by for refreshments and meet the faculty and staff that make ENSRAP wonderful! We can't wait to talk to you!
Galilean Moons: Past, Present and Future with Dr. Fran Bagenal (Tickets sold separately)
7-8 p.m. |Fiske Planetarium
Learn about the past, present and future of Galilean moons from Dr. Fran Bagenal, a senior research scientist and professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. Bagenal is co-investigator and team leader of the plasma investigations on NASA’s New Horizons mission to Pluto and the Juno mission to Jupiter.
Tickets: $12 General Admission (no student discounts)
Seating should be reserved in advance (payment is required) by calling the Fiske Planetarium ticket office at 303-492-5002 or emailing us at fiske@colorado.edu. Tickets must be picked up at least 30 minutes in advance of showtime. You can also purchase tickets online.
Pearl Street Stampede
7-8 p.m. |Pearl Street
Cheer on the CU football team at the Pearl Street Stampede, the kickoff celebration for CU home football games for more than a decade. This event is open to the public.
Sommers-Bausch Observatory Telescope Open House
8-10 p.m. |Sommers-Bausch Observatory
Sommers-Bausch Observatory has been exploring the night sky since 1953. Come see our twin 20” telescopes and let us show you the universe! The open houses are FREE and everyone is welcome. Sessions typically last 1-2 hours, depending upon the weather and the quality of the night. If it's cloudy, check our social media (Twitter/X: @SommersBausch, Facebook: CUObservatory) at 7 p.m. on Friday or call us at 303-492-2020 after 7:45 p.m. for an observing status.
Laser Queen (Tickets sold separately)
8:30-9:30 p.m. |Fiske Planetarium
Bold. Fierce. Operatic. Primal. The legendary music of Queen transcends time and will absolutely rock you right out of your seat! And, did we mention the lead guitarist, Brian May, is an astrophysicist? Wicked true.
Tickets: $12 General Admission (no student discounts)
Seating should be reserved in advance (payment is required) by calling the Fiske Planetarium ticket office at 303-492-5002 or emailing us at fiske@colorado.edu. Tickets must be picked up at least 30 minutes in advance of showtime. You can also purchase tickets online.
Liquid Sky Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon (Tickets sold separately)
10-11 p.m. |Fiske Planetarium
Immerse yourself in a liquid version of a musical-visual-planetarium classic. Fiske’s mind-melting Liquid Sky is a musical, all-you-can-eat eye candy buffet. The beats and rhythms of your favorite artists coupled with the trippiest visuals digitally rendered live, all on our new 8K dome and in full surround audio. Let our Liquid Engineers take you on a live-mixed journey in Fiske Planetarium’s unique immersive theater!
Tickets: $12 General Admission (no student discounts)
Seating should be reserved in advance (payment is required) by calling the Fiske Planetarium ticket office at 303-492-5002 or emailing us at fiske@colorado.edu. Tickets must be picked up at least 30 minutes in advance of showtime. You can also purchase tickets online.
CU Museum of Natural History
9 a.m.-4p.m. |Henderson Building
The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History has five exhibition galleries; stop by to explore natural and human history through these engaging and interactive displays. The museum is free but donations are accepted and appreciated!
CU Art Museum
10 a.m.-4p.m. |Visual Arts Complex
Draw inspiration from the University of Colorado Art Museum's current exhibits, including William Villalongo: Myths and Migrations and Better Days. The museum is free, but donations are welcome.
CU Museum of Natural History
10 a.m.-4 p.m. |Henderson Building
The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History has five exhibition galleries; stop by to explore natural and human history through these engaging and interactive displays. The museum is free but donations are accepted and appreciated!
Double Feature: The Incredible Sun & One Sky (Tickets sold separately)
1-2 p.m. |Fiske Planetarium
Join us for an epic Double Feature!
- The Incredible Sun
Every second, the sun emits one million times more energy than the world consumes every year. Where does such a huge amount of power come from? Discover our star through breathtaking timelapses. Thanks to the real images taken by the Solar Dynamics Observatory and processed by advanced mathematical methods, you will experience the true nature of the sun and find out that it is far from as calm as it seems at first glance. - One Sky
One Sky Project is an international collaboration focused on increasing understanding about cultural and indigenous astronomy, its historical and modern applications and how our One Sky connects us all.
Tickets: $12 General Admission, $8 Student Admission
Seating should be reserved in advance (payment is required) by calling the Fiske Planetarium ticket office at 303-492-5002 or emailing us at fiske@colorado.edu. Tickets must be picked up at least 30 minutes in advance of showtime. You can also purchase tickets online.
Destination Mars: The New Frontier (Tickets sold separately)
2:30-3:30 p.m. |Fiske Planetarium
Ever wonder what it would be like to fly to Mars? NASA and other space agencies have their sights set on the Red Planet and they’re building the technology to get us there! Get an up-close look at humanity’s most epic endeavor. Explore the work being done around the globe to help make the dream of getting humans to Mars a reality. Fly through the International Space Station, where astronauts are already living and working in space, and follow the rockets and vehicles that will take humans beyond the moon and, one day, all the way to Mars! Travel along as we imagine this remarkable journey.
This film is narrated by former NASA astronaut Mae Jemison and Emmy-award winning actor Keith David and includes original music by Claudio Ragazzi, a Grammy Award-winning professor at Boston’s Berklee College of Music.
Tickets: $12 General Admission, $8 Student Admission
Seating should be reserved in advance (payment is required) by calling the Fiske Planetarium ticket office at 303-492-5002 or emailing us at fiske@colorado.edu. Tickets must be picked up at least 30 minutes in advance of showtime. You can also purchase tickets online.
Additional local activities for families
- Take acampus tree walk.
- Get some fresh air at.
- Enjoy shopping and dining on.
- Check out the.
- Pick up some local goods at the(Saturday from8 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
- Visit the(free on Saturday from8 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
- Lead yourself on athrough downtown Boulder.
- Take in a show at the, theor the.
- Find even more ideas in Visit Boulder’s.