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Family Weekend 2026

Schedule of Events

Get ready for an exciting Family Weekend! Your registration includes access to all activities listed below unless otherwise noted (such as athletic events and Blair performances). While there is something for everyone, be sure to add our Signature Events to your schedule. These featured events are the heart of Family Weekend and are designed to bring families together in celebration of the Vanderbilt community.

 

Family Weekend Tailgate

Event details will be included on the schedule as they are confirmed, so please check back regularly!

Signature Events

Friday, September 18

  • 8:30 a.m. Coffee with Dean Johnson-Roberson

    Location: 1400 18th Ave. S., Room A2001

    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 founding 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.

  • 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Check-In and 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.

  • 11 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. Study Abroad Information Session

    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.

  • 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Resource Fair

    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

    and more! 

  • 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Library Resources for Students Presentation

    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. 

  • 1 p.m. - 1:50 p.m. Anchor Down with HOD

    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.

  • 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Alumni Parent Pick-Me-Up

    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!

  • 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Signature Event: University Update

    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.

  • 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. Signature Event: Grandparents' Social and Tea

    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.

  • 4:30 p.m. Hillel Shabbat Open House Reception

    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.

  • 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Campus Dining Cooking Demonstration

    Location: Rothschild Dining Hall

    Details coming soon! 

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

  • 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Signature Event: Nashville Songwriters' Night

    Launch Family Weekend in true Nashville style at our inaugural Nashville Songwriters' Night. This special evening will feature a traditional "songwriters in the round" performance, where acclaimed songwriters share the stories, experiences, and inspiration behind their music. Rooted in one of Nashville's most beloved traditions, this intimate showcase offers an authentic Music City experience and a memorable way to connect with fellow Vanderbilt families as we begin a weekend of celebration, community, and Commodore spirit.

    Food will be provided at this event. 

  • 7:30 p.m. Blair Presents: An Evening with Lucía

    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. 

Saturday, September 19

  • 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Check-In and Registration

    Location: Sports Club Field

    If you haven't already checked in to pick up your nametags, you can during the pre-game tailgate on the Sports Club Field.

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

  • 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Signature Event: Pregame Tailgate Picnic

    Location: Sports Club Field

    Come and have fun with us at the biggest event of the weekend! There will be food, games and more. Enjoy connecting with other Commodore families as you prepare to cheer on the Dores!

    The football game kicks off at 11:45 a.m.

    Need help with directions?

  • 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Hillel Tailgate

    Location: Sports Club Field

    Stop by Vanderbilt Hillel's tent at the Family Weekend Tailgate! Located next to the kosher bagel tent, our booth will be a gathering place for students, families, and friends to connect and celebrate together.

    This year, Vanderbilt Hillel is excited to join tailgate festivities, bringing our community into the heart of Family Weekend. Whether you're grabbing a bagel, meeting fellow Hillel families, or learning more about Jewish life at Vanderbilt, we invite you to stop by and say hello before kickoff.

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

  • 11:45 a.m. Vanderbilt vs. North Carolina State

    Location: FirstBank Stadium

    Kickoff is at 11:45 a.m.

    FirstBank Stadium Policies

    Tickets available soon

    Please note: Tickets will need to be purchased for any students planning to sit with their family during the game. Free student tickets can only be claimed for the student section. 

  • 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. FirstVU Meet-N-Greet

    Location: Commons Center, Multipurpose Room

    Details coming soon!

  • 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Vanderbilt SACE: Chaat and Chat

    Location: Alumni Hall, Room 201

    Join the South Asian Cultural Exchange (SACE) in Alumni Hall 201 for a flavorful and friendly afternoon at Chaat and Chat, where students and parents alike are invited to meet SACE and enjoy some chaat, and of course chat, together. Chaat is a savory street snack originating from South Asia, known for its bold mix of textures and spices, and is the food embodiment of the diverse culture and identity from the region. Attendees will have the chance to try popular varieties like sev puri and samosa chaat while learning more about SACE’s role in celebrating South Asian culture on campus. The event will conclude with an optional Q&A session.

  • TBD - Rohr Chabad and Lubeck Center for Jewish Life at Vanderbilt, Shabbat Morning Services and Lunch

    Location: Vanderbilt Chabad

    Please contact Rohr Chabad Vanderbilt at rabbi@chabadvanderbilt.com directly for times.

Sunday, September 20

  • Reminder: Nametags are required for entry into all Family Weekend activities

    If you have not completed registration check-in before the Farewell Breakfast, staff onsite can assist you!

  • 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Signature Event: Farewell Breakfast

    Location: Alumni Lawn

    Join us for a warm sendoff as we close Family Weekend together. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, connect with fellow Vanderbilt families, and take in the sounds of live bluegrass music as you reflect on a memorable weekend. We hope you'll join us for this relaxed and festive farewell before heading home.

     

  • 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Episcopal Eucharist

    Location: Benton Chapel

    Service by St. Augustine's Episcopal Chapel 

    http://www.staugstineschapel.org

  • 10 a.m. Hillel Bagel Brunch

    Location: Ben Schulman Center for Jewish Life

    https://www.vuhillel.com/

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

  • 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass

    Location: Benton Chapel

    Service by University Catholic Vanderbilt
    http://ucatnash.org/

All Weekend

  • Vanderbilt University Museum of Art Exhibition

    Location: Cohen Memorial Hall

    Hours:
    Thursday & Friday: 11am-4pm
    Saturday & Sunday: 12pm-5pm 

    https://www.vanderbilt.edu/art-museum/

    Instead Of

    9.19.26 - 12.13.26

    Instead Of explores artistic choices through materiality, scope, and scale. The exhibition will show major but never-displayed works by four female artists in the VUMA collection: a 25-foot-long tapestry by the fiber artist Sheila Hicks; a group of 13 works on paper by the Chicago Imagist Barbara Rossi; five drawings by the jazz musician and visual artist Cécile McLorin Salvant; and a 10-foot-long fresco by the British duo Rosie Hastings and Hannah Quinlan.

  • Jean and Alexander Heard Central Library Special Exhibitions

    Location: Central Library, 4th floor lobby

    Hours:
    Thursday & Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

    Forging a Nation: America’s First 75 Years features materials from Vanderbilt’s Special Collections and University Archives that highlight moments in early American history and culture from the colonial era through the Age of Jackson. 

    Location: Central Library, 2nd Floor Gallery

    Hours:
    Thursday & Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

    Vanderbilt’s Central Library second-floor gallery is awash with color with the opening of Brighter and Brighter: The Poetry Prints of Sam Maitin.The four cases in the second-floor gallery each pull a hue from Maitin’s palette to enliven and unify archival objects from Vanderbilt’s collections. “No one color jockeys for prominence in his prints; each is equally brilliant and works with the others to create harmony, prompting his audience to do the same,” McSparran said.  

Vanderbilt Sports

  • Thursday, Sept. 17, TBA - VU Volleyball vs. Belmont

    Location: TBA

    Clear bag policy

    Tickets available soon

  • Friday, Sept. 18, 7 p.m. - VU volleyball vs. Lipscomb

    Location: TBA

    Clear bag policy

    Tickets available soon

  • Saturday, Sept. 19, 11:45 a.m. - VU Football vs. North Carolina State

    Location: FirstBank Stadium

    Kickoff is at 11:45 a.m.

    FirstBank Stadium Policies

    Tickets available soon

    Please note: Tickets will need to be purchased for any students planning to sit with their family during the game. Free student tickets can only be claimed for the student section. 


The details of Family Weekend are subject to change at any time