Family Weekend at UK is this weekend, and Wildcats and their families will have no shortage of activities to choose from. 

Family weekend is typically about six weeks into the semester because that is when students are starting to feel homesick, and it allows parents to see what students have been involved in so far.

Family Weekend is “a great Kentucky tradition and a way for parents to be a part of the Wildcat family,” said Nicki Jenkins, the Senior Program Specialist for the Parent and Family Association.

There are many athletic events to attend this weekend, and families are encouraged to cheer on the Cats. UK volleyball plays Arkansas on Friday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m. and Missouri on Sunday, Sept. 30. UK women’s soccer plays Tennessee on Friday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m. UK football plays South Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 29, at 7:30 p.m.

There is a Family Weekend Welcome and Game Night on Friday, Sept. 28, at the Gatton Student Center from 7 to 9 p.m. Tours of the MacAdam Student Observatory are available from 8 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 28. The Lexington Farmers Market is from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 30. There is a meal packing event with UK Center for Community Outreach at 3:30 on Saturday, Sept. 29.

Traditional events, such as the pre-football game tent party and Sunday Lunch at Spindletop Hall are back this year, too, though both have already sold out. 

Jenkins advises parents to “come prepared for fun in UK blue and enjoy the time with students because there are a lot of fun traditions.” 

Multiple students are involved with the events, including the two new student event coordinators Adrian Poole and Samantha Mattern. They planned the Family Weekend Welcome and Game Night and Donut You Love Family Weekend!, which is from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Sept. 30. Student Adelide Carroll designed the family weekend t-shirts, which will be free and available to claim.

Many facilities, such as the Johnson Center, Alumni Gym, UK Art Museum, and the Kentucky Horse Park are open throughout the weekend at varying times. There are many additional activities not listed here. A full itinerary and more details can be found here.