There’s nothing like a weekend on campus to see your student’s world through their eyes.

Every fall, the University of Kansas welcomes parents, siblings and supporters to Lawrence for KU Family Weekend. It’s an annual tradition that highlights the best of what it means to be part of the Jayhawk family. 

From cheering together at the football game to strolling Mass Street with their students, families have the chance to experience the campus and community their Jayhawks call home.

A Warm KU Family Welcome to the Hill

The weekend begins with opportunities for families to meet other Jayhawks, explore campus, and experience the energy that makes KU unique. The Office of Family Engagement organizes a variety of events to help families create memories together.

Even campus organizations such as Sorority and Fraternity Life (SFL) welcome families to their events, letting them step into student life for a little while. Photo opportunities and snacks are abundant along with chances to mingle with other KU families.

Families can grab a coffee at the Kansas Union while they check in for the weekend's events. From there, it's up to them! They can spend time exploring historic campus buildings or peeking into their student’s new home. They can find moments to laugh, connect, and make memories. It’s these kinds of experiences that remind us that KU is more than just a university; it’s a welcoming community that connects families for a lifetime!

KU Game Day Traditions

A highlight of KU Family Weekend is always Saturday’s football game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Families join thousands of Jayhawks in their crimson and blue to cheer on the team. 

Tailgates are a big part of the game day experience at KU. Families can enjoy performances from the Marching Jayhawks and the cheer and dance teams who perform beneath the Campanile before the game. 

While many students are carrying on generations of Jayhawk traditions by following in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents, others are introducing their parents to new experiences for the first time. According to KU sophomore Elizabeth Jones, it's the perfect opportunity to show her family what it means to be a Jayhawk: 

"Family Weekend is my favorite time to show my parents what being a Jayhawk is all about. They're both Iowa State alums, so seeing them experience KU traditions for the first time is pretty priceless. Rock Chalk!" 

In the brand-new football stadium, the whole family can enjoy fun new amenities and a lively student section that fills the day with excitement. Many parents share that seeing their students fully immersed in these traditions is one of the best parts of the weekend! 

Exploring Lawrence Together

Families love to take the opportunity to enjoy time in downtown Lawrence during Family Weekend, too. Lawrence is a special place — and it’s ranked one of the top 25 best college towns in the U.S. for good reason. Students love to show it off! 

From restaurants and shopping on Mass Street to favorite student hangouts, the weekend gives parents a chance to see why the city is such an important part of the Jayhawk experience. 

This special weekend allows families the chance to experience the vibrancy of campus, a jam-packed calendar full of events, and the character and history of Lawrence. 

Looking Ahead: Family Weekend 2026

For future Jayhawks and their families, KU Family Weekend offers a glimpse of what is to come. It shows the welcoming spirit of the KU community, the pride of its traditions, and the memories that extend far beyond the classroom. 

When a student chooses KU, their family becomes part of the Jayhawk tradition as well. We look forward to welcoming even more families next year. Rock Chalk!