Family Weekend 2026

Welcome to Family Weekend! Student and staff volunteers will get you checked in for the weekend. Pick up your schedule, swag bags, and meal tickets to get set up for the weekend. DU Family Merch will be available for sale.

Learn how the University of Denver supports students in developing meaningful, purpose-driven careers through the 4D Experience and a robust career ecosystem. This interactive session highlights DU’s employer-aligned career outcomes, the role of experiential learning, and how families can serve as healthy career co‑pilots. Families and students will engage in guided conversation, explore high-impact career programs, and discover ways to support (and not overstep) their student’s career journey.

Thrive Health Promotion offers DU Well Coaching—a 1:1, peer-to-peer coaching service designed to help students achieve their well-being goals through structured accountability and support. In this session, families will learn about the DU Well Coaching program, how it guides students to make positive lifestyle changes, and how families can play a supportive role in their student’s journey.

A new spring quarter tradition co-hosted by Undergraduate Student Government (USG) and the Office of 4D families and students are encouraged to connect with mentors and advisors from a variety of offices, departments, and student groups across DU that elevate your 4D Experience! And in the process, grab a scoop of candy from each of them!

These experiences include:
Internships
Study Abroad
Undergraduate Research
Community-Engaged Learning
Fellowships
Outdoor Experience
Student Employment
4D Experiential Learning
Health Promotion
Registered Student Organizations
Club Sports
And More!

Mingle with various faculty and staff during open houses held in academic buildings to introduce families to the academic community to which their student belongs. Locations and times of specific colleges to be announced closer to the weekend.

Created by a third-year student, join this 60-minute walking tour to discover how DU supports students from their first year through graduation and beyond, with a focus on academic growth, career readiness, and life after college.

Is your student interested in what opportunities are hidden throughout campus? Encourage them to join you to learn from an upper-divisional student about the spaces they walk by every day and how they can add to their 4D experience.

Hear an overview of study abroad at the University of Denver. The Office of International Education will present information on program options, study abroad planning and support to encourage students to consider this transformative learning experience during their DU experience.

"We must only look up to behold yet another pitch for leadership training. Yet, we rarely witness effective leaders plying their craft. Why? These trainings tend to focus on buzzwords and abstract theories but ignore the core aspect of leadership – values and character. Few people want to be led by someone who talks eloquently about “strategic resource positioning” but who lacks courage, compassion, fairness, honesty, and loyalty. We need more “good” leaders!

Contrary to popular wisdom, Corey believes values and character can be taught. For instance, where did you learn to lie or cheat? On the more virtuous end, where did you learn to be kind and thoughtful? From the influential people in your life, of course.

Corey’s keynote speech on leadership begins with a critical question: Do you have the values and character to make you the type of leader that you would follow? If you would resist being led by someone like yourself, then others will surely opt out. The rest of Corey’s powerful speech is devoted to the five character traits of an effective leader.

We come to find out that no one is born a leader. This means that you and your people can learn to lead more effectively, without any buzzwords or theories! All it takes is the drive to become a more virtuous person. Ethical people become the best leaders."

Lamont Opera Theatre and the Lamont Symphony Orchestra present the sparkling wit and glamour of Johann Strauss II's Die Fledermaus. Conducted by Lawrence Golan and directed by Matthew Plenk, this beloved operetta is filled with sweeping melodies, mistaken identities, and champagne-fueled mischief. Sung in German with spoken dialogue in English, Die Fledermaus promises an evening of charm, laughter, and unforgettable music. Don't miss this dazzling highlight of Lamont's spring season. Purchase discounted tickets here: https://newmancenter.evenue.net/promotions/DUFAMILIES

Want to skip the "where should we eat" conversation during Family Weekend? Join us for on-campus meals! Pick-up your meal tickets at check-in and exchange them at the event.

Friday: Catered BBQ dinner at the Family Weekend Kickoff Party ($25/person)
Saturday: lunch at our food truck yard during the DU Market on Campus Green ($20/person) Something for everyone, simply pick a truck that looks good and exchange your ticket for a lunch item.
Sunday: come and go or sit down brunch at the Chancellor's Gold Brunch - Chancellor Haefner will be in attendance ($25/person)

• Friday Dinner Meal Ticket
• Saturday Food Truck Lunch Meal Ticket
• Sunday Brunch Meal Ticket

Hear an overview of study abroad at the University of Denver. The Office of International Education will present information on program options, study abroad planning and support to encourage students to consider this transformative learning experience during their DU experience.

Join DU Outdoors for a guided 1.5 hike around the historic Red Rocks Park. No car necessary! Meet DU Outdoors at the new Basecamp on campus and be driven to the hike and back to campus. Hike trading post trail around the Red Rocks Amphitheater for a mild hike. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain, close views of the surround red rocks, and a trip to the top of the amphitheater.

This 1.5-mile closed loop will take you south along the front of the rock formations, then west and into the foothills where gorgeous outcroppings of sandstone frame the beginning of the Rocky Mountains. It joins Ship Rock Road towards the south entrance of the Amphitheater, follow along this road east, returning to the Trading Post.

Please bring snacks, water, and any needed items for this hike! Colorado is closer to the sun, so don't forget your sunscreen.

Welcome to Family Weekend! Student and staff volunteers will get you checked in for the weekend. Pick up your schedule, swag bags, and meal tickets to get set up for the weekend. DU Family Merch will be available for sale.

Learn how the University of Denver supports students in developing meaningful, purpose-driven careers through the 4D Experience and a robust career ecosystem. This interactive session highlights DU’s employer-aligned career outcomes, the role of experiential learning, and how families can serve as healthy career co‑pilots. Families and students will engage in guided conversation, explore high-impact career programs, and discover ways to support (and not overstep) their student’s career journey.

Since 2009, the Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP) has partnered with other DU departments as well as community resources to host "Choose Your Own ADDventure" for learning differences (LD)/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) families and professionals. This year's conference overlaps with Family Weekend and they have opened their key note speaker to families. Join them Saturday morning to hear from Jesse Sanchez, President The Neurodiversity Alliance. Interested in the conference? Learn more here: https://studentaffairs.du.edu/learningeffectiveness/lep-addventure-conference

Join us for a day up at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus! Enjoy a campus tour, hike our new trails, and try your aim at archery. If you have access to a car, make the drive up to Red Feather Lakes and see DU's very own mountain campus. KMC staff will offer recommendations for local restaurants or you can bring a picnic to enjoy and snacks for your adventure!

• 10:30am KMC Walking Tour!
• 1:30pm: KMC Walking Tour!
• 11:30am KMC Walking Tour!
• 2:30pm: KMC Walking Tour!

Reserve your team’s spot on the Stapleton Tennis Pavilion to play Pickleball against another team of two! (Only one person per team will need to register for a spot to play.) If you are planning to play against a specific team, please make sure you are signing up for the same time. Games will be 20 minutes long with a 10-minute transition and warmup period.
Q: Will both team members register for this event?
A: No! Only one person from each team will reserve a spot. However, both players will need to fill out the waiver. Fill it out here before you arrive or at the courts when you check-in!
Q: What happens if there's weather on Saturday?
A: No worries! We have indoor courts reserved, if we need to move the event. More information will be emailed out the day of the event, if the location has to change.

• 10:00-10:30 Court Reservation (1 spot per team)
• 10:30-11:00 Court Reservation (1 spot per team)
• 11:00-11:30 Court Reservation (1 spot per team)
• 11:30-12:00 Court Reservation (1 spot per team)

Stop by the DU Market on Campus Green to explore and shop from 40+ student and local vendors while enjoying a lively campus atmosphere. The event will feature live music from the DU Battle of the Bands winners and interactive activities designed for the whole family—making it a perfect place to relax, connect, and celebrate the DU community.

Compete against other DU families and students to test your trivia knowledge! Hosted by University of Denver Hall Council's for a Family Trivia event! Team up with your favorite people for a chance to win complimentary drinks, DU merchandise, and a very special to-be-announced Grand Prize!

DU Hall Councils represent our diverse student population spanning dozens of residence halls. They are responsible for advocating for their residents as well as creating quarterly programming to cultivate strong communities across our campus.

Created by a third-year student, join this 60-minute walking tour to discover how DU supports students from their first year through graduation and beyond, with a focus on academic growth, career readiness, and life after college.

Is your student interested in what opportunities are hidden throughout campus? Encourage them to join you to learn from an upper-divisional student about the spaces they walk by every day and how they can add to their 4D experience.

Join us for light appetizers, a cash bar, a great view, and a performance from DU First Edition Acapella! Mix and mingle with other DU families and enjoy the complimentary food sponsored by DU Dining. Visit with members of the DU dining team. Students and families encouraged to attend the event; mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages will be available.

Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Denver invites you to a hands-on culinary evening at Rebel Bread Lab for a private class for the DU community. Offering a discounted ticket to a private class that includes dinner and a loaf to take home!

Learn the secrets behind one of the most iconic braided breads in the world: challah. In this hands-on class, you’ll work with enriched dough in a stand mixer to produce beautifully golden, fluffy loaves. We’ll explore the tradition and significance behind challah while focusing on the techniques that make it both a showstopper and a joy to bake–whether you’re making it for a cozy Shabbat dinner, or just for incredible French toast. Guests will also learn to make a traditional Israeli-style Shakshuka to enjoy for dinner in class.

Lamont Opera Theatre and the Lamont Symphony Orchestra present the sparkling wit and glamour of Johann Strauss II's Die Fledermaus. Conducted by Lawrence Golan and directed by Matthew Plenk, this beloved operetta is filled with sweeping melodies, mistaken identities, and champagne-fueled mischief. Sung in German with spoken dialogue in English, Die Fledermaus promises an evening of charm, laughter, and unforgettable music. Don't miss this dazzling highlight of Lamont's spring season. Purchase discounted tickets here: https://newmancenter.evenue.net/promotions/DUFAMILIES

DU Training is a new concept launched this year to provide small group 45 minute HIIT workouts. Sessions will be coached by a certified Personal Trainer. Take this free class over Family Weekend to experience this new addition to the Coors Fitness Center!

This format requires class registrations with a punch pass, small classes with your peers, and the best part? We do all the thinking and workout planning for you! Take the class with your student to see if they're interested in purchasing a punch pass for DU Training!

Vinyasa flow yoga emphasizes sequential movement between postures, guided by deliberate breaths. Mats are provided, bringing your own is encouraged. All levels welcome!

Check-in at the front desk of the Coors Fitness Center and then head to the Gates Field House to play a game of pick-up basketball with other DU students and families!

Close out the weekend with brunch and a visit with DU's Chancellor and Provost. Grab & Go and seated options will be provided. Be sure to purchase a meal ticket by April 10th! Pick up your meal tickets at check-in when you arrive to campus.

Lamont Opera Theatre and the Lamont Symphony Orchestra present the sparkling wit and glamour of Johann Strauss II's Die Fledermaus. Conducted by Lawrence Golan and directed by Matthew Plenk, this beloved operetta is filled with sweeping melodies, mistaken identities, and champagne-fueled mischief. Sung in German with spoken dialogue in English, Die Fledermaus promises an evening of charm, laughter, and unforgettable music. Don't miss this dazzling highlight of Lamont's spring season. Purchase discounted tickets here: https://newmancenter.evenue.net/promotions/DUFAMILIES