Location: Sarratt Student Center, Sarratt Cinema Gallery

The College of Connected Computing invites all Vanderbilt parents and families to connect over coffee and conversation with Dean Johnson-Roberson. Stop by for this great opportunity to meet the inaugural dean and explore how the college’s programs, research, and initiatives are advancing the future of computing at Vanderbilt.

Family Weekend check-in will not open until 8:30 a.m. Your Family Weekend confirmation email will be your admittance to this event until you can check-in at main registration.

Location: Carmichael College, Multipurpose Room

Make Carmichael College your first stop! Nametags, schedule, and more will be available. Make sure to have your confirmation email ready or your confirmation QR codes saved. 

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

Location: Depart from Memorial Gym at 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: Depart from 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:  The Wond'ry (2414 Highland Ave)

Calling all Innovators, Designers, Change-Makers, Creators, Inventors, and Entrepreneurs! Be sure to visit the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt’s Center for Innovation and Design, and learn about how the Wond’ry is creating transformative value by helping bold ideas grow into new real-world products, processes, 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, and community they need for a successful innovation journey—even after graduation! Spark your imagination with a behind-the-scenes look by exploring recent projects and meeting the people who have driven innovation, invention, and creative expression to the core of campus life.

Location: Community 108 MPR, Community Event Space (CES)

With Everette Fortner, Vice Provost for Career Advancement and Engagement and Evans Family Executive Director for the Career Center 

Location: Sarratt Student Center, Cinema (RM 197)

Studying abroad is a transformative opportunity for Vanderbilt students to expand their horizons, develop intercultural skills, and grow career-ready competencies. This info session will focus on how Vanderbilt supports students throughout their global education journey and helps them maximize the value of their time abroad. Key details, such as application timelines and funding, will also be included. Featured speakers will be from Vanderbilt Study Abroad, Faculty-Led Programs, and Global Safety and Health.

Location: Carmichael College, Courtyard

Stop by and meet staff from various campus partners: 

• Alumni Association Travel Program
• Auxiliary Services
• Global Safety and Heath 
• International Experiences & Global Learning
• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
• Program for Talented Youth
• Vanderbilt Global Opportunities
• The Wond'ry: Innovation Center
• Vanderbilt Business
• Vanderbilt University Library

and more! 

Location: Alumni Hall, Memorial Room

Join student leaders and Student Affairs staff for a conversation about supporting students through the growth, change, and challenges of the college experience. Panelists will share their perspectives, strategies, and guidance for helping students build resilience while encouraging their independence and personal development.

Location: Owen Graduate School of Business, Management Hall - Ingram Great Room (1st floor)

Discover What's Possible Here

While you’re on campus for Family Weekend, discover how Vanderbilt Business helps students turn their interests into successful careers. Meet our faculty, staff, and students and learn how a business education can complement any major.

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

Location: Depart from Alumni Lawn, corner nearest E. Bronson Ingram

Join Oscar Anderson from the Campus Planning, Design and Construction team for a tour of new spaces and places. Learn how this team is bringing Vanderbilt's vision to life by creating spaces that support the academic mission and embody the university's pursuit of excellence and innovation.

Location: Depart from Rand Terrace

The terrace is outside of the dining hall, facing Alumni Lawn and Neely Auditorium. 

Join James Moore, University Landscape Architect, 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.

Location: Sarratt Student Center, Sarratt Cinema

Discover the many ways students can get involved, build community, and find their place at Vanderbilt. This presentation will highlight the wide range of opportunities available to students and feature a panel of current students sharing their experiences, perspectives, and advice on getting involved and making the most of their Vanderbilt experience.

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: Cohen Memorial Hall, 2nd floor

Join us to meet the director and hear firsthand about the vision, innovation, and excitement as VUMA embarks on its next chapter. Additionally, guests will receive an early look at the exhibition Instead Of, featuring drawings, prints, textiles, and fresco painting by Sheila Hicks, Hannah Quinlan & Rosie Hastings, Barbara Rossi, and Cécile McLorin Salvant, on view at the museum for the first time.

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: Blair School of Music, Ingram Lobby 

Join Dean Melissa Rose, faculty, and Blair parents over beverages and light fare in Ingram Lobby to kick off the celebrations of Family Weekend 2026. 

Register here: https://vanderbilt.alumniq.com/index.cfm/events:register/home/eventId/5803

Location: Alumni Hall, Alumni Lounge 

Reconnect, Reminisce, and Recharge!

Join fellow Vanderbilt 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!

Light bites and refreshments will be provided at this event. 

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

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

Vanderbilt Athletics is in the midst of an exciting new era - one defined by bold vision, meaningful investment, and an unwavering commitment to every student-athlete. Join us for a conversation about the impact of Vandy United, the people and moments that have shaped Vanderbilt Athletics, and how initiatives like Anchored for Her reflect Vanderbilt's commitment to expanding opportunities while preparing the next generation of leaders. Speakers: Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Athletic Director Candice Lee, Head Coach for Women’s Basketball Shea Ralph and a Vanderbilt student-athlete. Moderator: Lara Spencer, Current Parent, Good Morning America Co-Anchor, New York Times Best Selling Author and Creator/Executive Producer of That Thrifting Show and Flea Market Flip.

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: Ben Schulman Center for Jewish Life

Join Hillel for an Happy Hour reception in celebration of Shabbat. Services begin at 5:30 p.m. and are followed by a Shabbat dessert oneg at 6:30 pm.

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

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

Relax and unwind with fellow Vanderbilt grandparents over afternoon tea. This special gathering offers an opportunity to connect with other grandparent family members, enjoy meaningful conversation, and celebrate your student's Vanderbilt experience. Be sure to pick up a special gift as our thank-you for joining us.

Light bites and refreshments will be provided at this event. 

Location: Commons Center, Multipurpose Room

Join FirstVU for our Family Weekend gathering! Whether you bring family, friends, or just yourself, join us for refreshments, FirstVU merch, and an opportunity to connect with and celebrate Vanderbilt’s first-gen community. 

FirstVU is Vanderbilt’s premier student-run organization that supports, celebrates, and empowers first-generation students.

Location: Rothschild Dining Hall

Join the chefs of Campus Dining for a live cooking demonstration, featuring dishes served right here in our dining halls. 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: Rohr Chabad House & Lubeck Center at Vanderbilt University

Join Chabad Vanderbilt for a fun and uplifting event. Enjoy time together, celebrate our community, and honor the leaders who help make Vanderbilt such a special place.

The “Live Long and Prosper” Tribute Award will be presented to Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Vice Chancellor Darren Reisberg, and Rabbi Shlomo Rothstein. 

Webpage & RSVP: https://lchaimvanderbilt.com/

Pre-registration is required to attend.

Schedule:

4:30 PM - The Shuk Social

5:30 PM - Live Long & Prosper Award Presentation

5:45 PM - Vanderbilt Torah Completion & Community Celebration

6:30 PM - Candle Lighting & Kabbalat Shabbat

7:00 PM - Shabbat Dinner

Location: Alumni Lawn

Launch Family Weekend in true Nashville style at our inaugural Nashville Songwriters Night.

Experience an unforgettable Nashville Songwriters' Night featuring three of Music City's most acclaimed hitmakers: Marcus Hummon, Tony Arata, and Sarah Buxton. Hear the stories behind the songs as these award-winning songwriters perform their own hits and share the inspiration and creative process behind music made famous by artists including Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood, Florida Georgia Line, and many more. It's an intimate evening of songs, storytelling, and the artistry that defines Nashville.

Learn more about the songwriters 

See the menu

Location: Ingram Hall

Tickets

Lucía, one of the most exciting young voices in contemporary jazz, makes her much-anticipated Nashville debut on Friday, September 18 in Ingram Hall. At just 24, the acclaimed Mexican vocalist has captivated audiences worldwide with her extraordinary blend of jazz, Latin, and pop influences, earning global recognition as the first Mexican artist to win the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Warm, soulful, and technically dazzling, Lucía’s performances bridge cultures and musical traditions in an unforgettable evening of artistry and emotion. 

Kick off the evening at our pre-concert Plaza Party outside Blair, produced in collaboration with CLACX, the celebration will engage students and the campus community while honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15) through a vibrant showcase of Latin American culture.

• A special performance by Vanderbilt student dance ensemble Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Vanderbilt
• Latin music and dance instruction
• A hands-on experience with authentic Latin American percussion instruments
• Food available for purchase from the WacaMole Mexican food truck