Location:  Depart from Office of Undergrad Admissions

Join the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for an engaging morning with a 30-minute presentation from an admissions counselor, who will give you key insights into the admissions process, financial aid and scholarships, and more. Afterward, a student tour guide will lead an approximately one-hour, 1.5-mile walking tour across campus detailing the academic and social life on campus and in Music City from a student’s perspective. The visit will conclude with an optional question and answer session.

Additional registration is required for this tour. Sign up here.

Location: Carmichael College, Multipurpose Room

Make Carmichael College your first stop! Nametags, schedule, and more will be available. Check-in closes promptly at 6 p.m. and reopens at pre-game tailgate at 4 p.m.

Note: Nametags are required for entry into all Family Weekend events. Students must be registered for the weekend.

Location: Engineering and Science Building 

Calling all Innovators, Designers, Change-Makers, Creators, Inventors, and Entrepreneurs!  

Be sure to visit the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt’s Center for Innovation, Making, and Design, and learn about how the Wond’ry serves the entire campus community, creating transformative value by helping bold ideas grow into new real-world products, processes, services, and ventures. Whether identifying user needs, building functional prototypes, or tackling tough challenges through human-centered design, the Wond’ry offers innovators the courses, tools, expertise, and community they need for a successful innovation journey—even after graduation! 

Spark your imagination with a behind-the-scenes look, and experience the tools, meet the people, and explore recent projects that have moved innovation, invention, and creative expression to the core of campus life. 

Location: Departing from Memorial Gymnasium, 25th Ave.

Join members of Vanderbilt Athletics for exciting insight into some of our newest spaces and hear what’s next for the future of Athletics. The path will include a mix of indoor/outdoor opportunities, and guests should be prepared to walk near active construction areas.  

Location: Community Event Space (CES), 108 MPR

Join us for a presentation led by Vanderbilt's Career Center, focusing on the array of services and resources available to students. This session will provide valuable data and insights into the career landscape and practical ways parents can support their children's career preparation, especially as they approach graduation. Learn how to partner with the Career Center to help your student navigate their professional journey confidently and successfully, at any stage in their process. Don't miss this opportunity to be a crucial part of your student's transition from college to career!

Location: Sarratt Student Center, Cinema (RM 197)

Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity for Vanderbilt students to expand their horizons, develop intercultural skills, and grow career-ready competencies. Attend this info session to learn more about studying abroad, including information about how Vanderbilt supports students, funding, and timelines, and how students can maximize the value of their time abroad.

Location: Carmichael College, Courtyard

Stop by and meet staff from various campus partners: 

• Alumni Association Travel Program
• Auxiliary Services (Campus Dining, Bookstore, and Campus Printing)
• Black Cultural Center
• Career Center
• Facilities Department (Sustainability, Mobility & Transportation, and Maintenance & Operations)
• FirstBank
• Study Abroad
• Global Safety and Health 
• Greek Life
• International Experiences & Global Learning: Vanderbilt Programs
• Immersion Vanderbilt 
• K.C. Potter Center
• Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center
• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
• Project Safe
• Center for Spiritual & Religious Life
• Student Care Network
• Student Center Belonging and Communities
• Student Health Insurance Plan
• Student Organizations, Leadership, and Service
• The Wond'ry: Innovation Center
• Vanderbilt Business®
• Vanderbilt University Library

Location: Alumni Hall, Memorial Room

Join us for a panel-style presentation discussing Vanderbilt's consistent ranking among the happiest colleges according to Princeton Review. Panelists will explore the impact of the pressure to succeed at Vanderbilt and share strategies for families to help students manage stress. Gain insights from staff members from the Center for Student Wellbeing and student mentors from the Vanderbilt Recovery Support program and Peer Guide program. Additionally, hear from Student Affairs team members about supporting your student’s engagement on campus, and listen to student leaders as they share their experiences on finding community and belonging at Vanderbilt.

Location: Owen Graduate School of Management | Management Hall - Ingram Great Room (1^st Floor) 

Discover What's Possible at Vanderbilt Business

While you’re on campus for Family Weekend, don’t miss the chance to see what makes Vanderbilt Business exceptional. Join our faculty, staff, and current students to explore how a business education can empower any student–regardless of background, major, or career goals. We’re building the next generation of business leaders and offer proven pathways to help launch a successful career—ranging from a 3-week summer business immersion to an undergraduate business minor to a one-year specialized masters in accounting, marketing, or finance, plus our top-ranked MBA and VU2MBA programs. Drop by to enjoy a delicious dessert bar, receive a special gift, and connect one-on-one with representatives from each program.

Hosted by Owen Graduate School of Management + the Hoogland Undergraduate Business Program

Location: Sarratt Student Center, Cinema

This fall, the College of Arts & Science rolled out a brand new general-education curriculum known as the A&S College Core. This session is your chance to learn about the Core and to be a student once again. In addition to hearing from current students in the Core, you will be able to explore a reading from CORE 1010: Being Human, one of the required first-year Core courses.  

 Student not enrolled in A&S? Come learn about this unique take on providing a common intellectual experience for undergraduate study.    

 Hosted by Professor Paul Stob, Director of the A&S College Core.

Location: Museum of Art

Dr. Courtney Wilder leads a Curator’s Tour of her exhibition Paper Backs: Hidden Stories of European Prints from the Vanderbilt University Museum of Art Collection. Many of these 60 prints have never been seen before. On exhibit through December 7, 2025.  

Visit https://www.vanderbilt.edu/art-museum/ to learn more.

Location: Departing from the steps of Kirkland Hall

Take a stroll with University Archivist, Kathy Smith, as she recounts stories from the more than 150 years of Vanderbilt history. Attendees should plan on walking outside, mostly on sidewalks, for the duration of the tour. 

Location: Departing from Rand Terrace
The terrace is on the side of Rand that faces Kirkland Hall & 21st Ave.

Join Laura Barker, Horticulturist, on a tour of the Arboretum within the historic core of campus. Along the way, he will discuss the trees of the Arboretum, the history of campus design, and how the University is planning for the future. Attendees should plan on walking outside, mostly on sidewalks, for the duration of the tour. 

Please note that this event has a maximum capacity of 40 guests. Attendance will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Location: Central Library, 418A

In addition to the thousands of electronically available books and journals, Vanderbilt librarians teach students a range of skills from critical thinking to how to create an engaging presentation. In this session, you will learn about the latest services and resources available from the Vanderbilt Libraries. We'll share strategies for ensuring your students' academic success as well as provide tips for getting the most out of the libraries' spaces, people and collections. 

Location: Mayborn Building, Gallery 117

Are you curious about the academic HOD undergraduate and capstone experience? Please join us for a brief presentation and Q&A with student panelists. You will hear about the broad range of coursework and capstone options.

Location: Alumni Hall, Alumni Lounge 

Reconnect, Reminisce, and Recharge!

Join fellow alumni parents for a fun and casual meet-up. Share your favorite Vandy memories, swap stories, and enjoy a little afternoon pick-me-up while catching up with old friends and making new ones!

Location: Black Cultural Center

Meet the staff of the Black Cultural Center, tour the beautiful center and learn more about the wonderful programs offered at the Center.

Location: 1211 Stevenson Center Lane (across from the Student Health Center)

Stop by to meet our staff and learn more about the Center for Student Wellbeing. Come discover the services and programs offered to cultivate lifelong wellbeing practices in Vanderbilt students. Take a tour of the Center, including the peaceful meditation room and the Vanderbilt Recovery Support (VRS) Collegiate Recovery Program meeting space. A smoothie station with fresh fruit smoothies blended to order will be available. 

Location: Langford Auditorium 

Arthur Brooks is a best-selling author and Harvard professor teaching on leadership, happiness, and social entrepreneurship. Brooks will visit Vanderbilt to speak to parents and families, offering his insight on "How to Get Happier in an Unhappy World." This session will help attendees understand the fundamentals of happiness science, as well as tips for practicing it each day and sharing it with others. This session will also be open to Vanderbilt faculty and staff as part of Vanderbilt’s fall 2025 sesquicentennial celebration of the university’s opening.

Location: Langford Auditorium

Join us for an exclusive opportunity to hear directly from key university leaders as they share exciting updates and insights into Vanderbilt’s vision, priorities, and what’s ahead for our community.

Location: Student Life Center, Ballrooms A, B, & C

Meet and greet other grandparents while enjoying afternoon tea. Be sure to pick up your special gift for attending this event. 

Location: Vanderbilt Chabad

4 p.m. Pre-Ceremony Reception

5 p.m. Family Social and Lamplighter Award Ceremony

6:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Services

7 p.m.  Shabbat Dinner

RSVP by emailing Rabbi Shlomo directly at rabbi@chabadvanderbilt.com

Location: Rothschild Dining Hall

Join the chefs of Campus Dining for a live cooking demonstration, featuring dishes served right here in our dining halls. Chefs Julien Hicks, Isaac Seidel, and Jake Barton will take you on a culinary journey – showcasing a local and sustainable dish from the “Power Plant” at E. Bronson Ingram’s Top-9 Allergen-Free and Halal certified Dining Hall; a Pan Asian-inspired dish from Rothschild Dining Hall; and the world cuisines from Kosher certified Zeppos Dining Hall. This is a tasting event not to be missed and will include samples for all attendees.

Please note that this event has a maximum capacity of 100 guests. Attendance will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Location: Peabody Lawn (in front of Peabody Library)

Join us for an outdoor festival of the arts, including an evening of student performances and opportunities to explore your creative abilities with arts and crafts. The celebration boasts a mouth-watering, chef-crafted menu designed to highlight the colorful flavors of fall and will feature a celebration of art in all forms – from live student musical and dance performances, to arts and crafts, vendors, and more! This event has something for the whole family.

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Vanderbilt University Museum of Art

Dr. Courtney Wilder will lead a Curator’s Tour of her exhibition Paper Backs: Hidden Stories of European Prints from the Vanderbilt University Museum of Art Collection. Many of these 60 prints have never been seen before.  On exhibit through December 7, 2025.

Visit https://www.vanderbilt.edu/art-museum/ to learn more.

Location: Ben Schulman Center for Jewish Life

Join Hillel for an open house reception in celebration of Shabbat. Services begin at 5:30 p.m. and are followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.

If your family plans to attend this event, please fill out this form for catering purposes.

Location: Ingram Hall

Tickets: $10
https://blair.vanderbilt.edu/events/

Prepare to be transported as the 100-piece Vanderbilt University Orchestra opens its fall 2025 season with Hector Berlioz’s iconic Symphonie fantastique, exploring the tumultuous emotions of an artist in love, brought to life through stunning orchestration and vivid storytelling.

Running time: 56 minutes.