Family Weekend

Weekend Highlights

Get a glimpse of campus life at Brown through a weekend full of exciting events and activities.

Friday, October 23

Animal Companions Meet and Greet

Noon to 2 p.m.  | College Green

Come meet some four-legged friends and companions who bring comfort, connection and calm. While you’re there, connect with the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) team to learn more about the support and services we can provide to help students thrive at Brown.

John Hay Library: Special Collections Open House

2 to 4 p.m.  | John Hay Library

Explore a curated selection of rare books and unique archival materials at the John Hay Library. Special Collections staff will be on hand to answer questions and share insights.

Downcity Social at Track 15

7 to 10 p.m.  | 1 Union Station, Providence, RI 02903

Kick off your weekend at Track 15, Providence’s vibrant food hall in historic Union Station. Enjoy a relaxed evening of food, drinks, and conversation with fellow Brown families. Track 15 features several of the city’s favorite food vendors and a full bar serving cocktails, beer, and wine. The first 400 guests will receive one complimentary drink ticket.

Saturday, October 24

Bruno Family Continental Breakfast Buffet

8 to 10 a.m. | Sayles Hall Auditorium

Start your Saturday with a healthy breakfast buffet. Enjoy coffee and conversation with fellow Bruno families before heading to the day’s many academic and informational sessions, exciting sporting events and student performances.

Wake Up With Wellness Events

9 to 11 a.m. | College Green

Begin your day with a variety of activities dedicated to health and wellness. Join group exercise classes, take in a morning meditation, enjoy the sights and sounds of campus on a scavenger hunt and more.

Family Weekend Artisans Market

9 to 2 p.m. | College Green

Explore the work of local Rhode Island makers and vendors at our Artisans Market. Browse unique gifts, handmade goods and one-of-a-kind finds while supporting small businesses from our community. 

Brown 2026 Crosstalk: Researching Family

10 to 11 a.m. | Salomon Center for Teaching, De Ciccio Family Auditorium

Many Brown faculty members across diverse areas of expertise research the concept of family. This moderated panel will feature experts from public health, history and political science discussing their research across disciplines.
 

Faculty Research Forum: “Navigating the Undergraduate Research Ecosystem at Brown”

11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. | Salomon Center for Teaching, De Ciccio Family Auditorium

There are many ways for students to engage in undergraduate research at Brown. In this moderated session, faculty panelists will discuss the undergraduate research experience at Brown.

Football Game: Brown Bears vs. Cornell Big Red

Noon to 3:30 p.m. | Brown Stadium

Cheer on the Brown Bears in their annual Family Weekend football matchup at Brown Stadium. Tickets are required. Students get in for free with their Brown IDs. Shuttle service runs from the corner of George and Brown streets to Brown Stadium and back, and is free for all fans. 
Purchase your tickets

Family Weekend Keynote
Creating Together: A Conversation with Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. | Salomon Center for Teaching, De Ciccio Family Auditorium

Join President Christina H. Paxson for this year’s Family Weekend keynote as she welcomes award-winning composers and songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez to Brown for a conversation about their remarkable careers and experiences as partners and Brown parents. Registration is required and seating is limited.
Join the waitlist

Bruno Family Music Bingo

7 to 9 p.m. | Sayles Hall Auditorium

Join for a fun twist on bingo, where instead of calling out numbers and letters, songs will play. Bring your lucky streak (and your loudest “BINGO!”) while you enjoy this timeless game, connect with fellow families, and see who takes home the bragging rights.

Movie Night on the Green: “Coco”

7 to 9 p.m. | College Green

Bring a blanket to the College Green and gather with friends and family to watch a movie under the stars. “Coco” is the heartwarming story of a young boy who journeys into the Land of the Dead to discover his family’s history and follow his love of music. Afterward, grab a late-night bite at a food truck, watch a student performance, or jam out at the silent disco.