Family and Friends Weekend

November 6 and 7, 2026

Student with his parents on Family and Friends Weekend

Family and Friends Weekend is a time of exploration and fun as you reconnect with your student and meet the Hamline community! Each year,  you'll have the opportunity to attend parent-focused academic panels, one or more concerts by Hamline music ensembles, a reception, and other family-friendly entertainment. Check back in summer or early fall to see the 2026 schedule of events and learn how to register. We look forward to seeing you at Hamline in November!

2026 Schedule of events
 

Friday, November 6

Time Event Description
5 p.m. Men's Swimming vs. St. John's University
Hamline Pool [view campus map]
5 p.m. Women's Swimming vs. College of St. Benedict
Hamline Pool [view campus map]
6 p.m. Women's Hockey vs. University of Wisconsin-Superior
TRIA Rink [view campus map]
6 - 7:30 p.m. Family Weekend Dessert Reception and Check-in
Anderson Center Forum [view campus map]
Mingle with other families and enjoy drinks, and desserts catered by Sodexo Dining Services.
7:30 - 9 p.m. Family Game Night with the Game Show Studio
112 Anderson Center [view campus map]

Get ready to play, compete, and experience the excitement of a real game show! The Game Show Studio is bringing game show hosts, a giant buzzer, and plenty of surprises to campus for an interactive game show experience the whole family can enjoy. Jump in and compete for prizes, or sit back, watch, and cheer on your family and fellow students!

7:30 - 9 p.m.

Hamline University Theatre’s Production of "Everybody"
Anne Simley Theatre [view campus map]

Purchase tickets

Everybody, a biting, dark comedy riffing on a medieval morality play, explores the journey to meet Death — a journey that necessitates taking stock of our lives. An onstage lottery at the start of each performance determines, in real time, which actor from the cast will play each role: a dance of fate, randomness, and meta-theatricality that invites us all to partake. Written by contemporary playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, one of the most-produced playwrights in the country in recent years, Everybody dares us to consider what we’ve done and where the good is, and it elucidates the best of us.  The show is directed by Professor Laura Dougherty and will run roughly 90 minutes with no intermission. Ticket sales are both online and at the Anne Simley Theater box office. Tickets are $2 for Hamline University students, staff, and faculty, $5 for all other students and seniors, and $8 for general admission. There is always a pay-what- you-can option available both online and at the box office.

For more information, contact the Theatre Department at tickets@hamline.edu or 651-523-2905.

Saturday, November 7

Time Event Description
9 a.m. Continental Breakfast
Anderson Center Forum [view campus map]
Start your day with a light continental breakfast before participating in Family Weekend sessions and campus activities that give you a sense of the type of opportunities, services and support your student can take advantage of at Hamline. There will be ample opportunities to visit with your student as well today.
9:30 - 10 a.m. Coffee and Conversation: Ask the Dean
111 Anderson Center [view campus map]

Meet Vice President/Dean of Students Patti Kersten and Associate VP/Associate Dean of Students Carlos Sneed to hear about what your students have been experiencing inside and outside of the classroom. Bring questions you may have about Hamline University and the experiences your student is having.

10 - 10:50 a.m.

Faculty Office Hours: Family Weekend Edition!
111 Anderson Center [view campus map]

Hamline University greatest resource is its people, and certainly faculty are among the most cherished, valued and committed members of our university community. During this session you’ll have an opportunity to hear some of our professors share insights into their teaching, courses and relationships with your students. Beyond instructing, our faculty also mentor, advise, encourage and support students in a myriad of other ways to help them grow as scholars, professionals, citizens and adults. Bring your questions. Our Family Weekend Office Hours’ door is open! Bring with your questions about undergraduate academic life, classrooms and student learning, as well as ways you can encourage your student in their academic journey.

11 a.m. - noon

Here to Support: Hamline Academic Resources and Services
111 Anderson Center [view campus map]

Just as in life, there are situations where we all need support or could use extra encouragement and guidance. At Hamline, our academic support offices are staffed by incredibly committed and dedicated professionals who offer programs and services to help enrich student academic experience. In this session, you’ll have an overview of three such offices: Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA), Career Development Center (CDC) and TRiO. From academic advising and tutoring to resumes, internships and interviewing, to academic support systems and networks, there’s support for students at every step of their journey from first-year student to graduating senior.

1 p.m. Men's Football vs. St. Olaf College
Klas Field [view campus map]
2:15 - 3:45 p.m.

Campus Quest: Family Scavenger Hunt
Adventure Starts from Anderson Center Forum [view campus map]

Explore campus with your family! Pick up a map and set out to discover a series of interactive stops and activities, all while touring and learning about key university resources and offices vital to student success at Hamline. Collect stamps and souvenirs at each location you visit, then return to the starting point to claim a prize!

3 p.m. Women's Volleyball vs. Gustavus Adolphis College
Hutton Arena [view campus map]
4 - 5:30 p.m.

Sundin Memorial Concert
Sundin Music Hall [view campus map]

All students, family members, alumni and music enthusiasts are invited to join us to hear musical selections by Hamline's A Capella Choir, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble.

Dinner on Your Own
On Campus or Off-Campus Sites

5:30 - 7 p.m.

Family & Friends Wine and Appetizer Reception
Klas Center Lobby [view campus map]

Join staff from Student Affairs for and other families for a networking opportunity with games, food and drinks, alcohol and other non-alcoholic beverages. Students must be 21 years old, with a valid ID, to consume alcoholic drinks. We will also have “live” musical entertainment for your enjoyment.

5:30 p.m.

Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society New Member Induction Ceremony
Private Event, Invited Guests Only!
Reception: 5:30 PM; Ceremony: 6:15 PM

Alpha Alpha Alpha is the national honor society for first generation college students. During this event, the newly selected members will be inducted into Hamline University’s Theta Psi Chapter of this prestigious society. This event is open to current and new members, as well as their family members and supporters.

7 p.m. Men's Basketball vs. University of Northwestern
Hutton Arena [view campus map]
7:30 - 9 p.m.

Hamline University Theatre’s Production of "Everybody"
Anne Simley Theatre [view campus map]

Purchase tickets

Everybody, a biting, dark comedy riffing on a medieval morality play, explores the journey to meet Death — a journey that necessitates taking stock of our lives. An onstage lottery at the start of each performance determines, in real time, which actor from the cast will play each role: a dance of fate, randomness, and meta-theatricality that invites us all to partake. Written by contemporary playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, one of the most-produced playwrights in the country in recent years, Everybody dares us to consider what we’ve done and where the good is, and it elucidates the best of us.  The show is directed by Professor Laura Dougherty and will run roughly 90 minutes with no intermission. Ticket sales are both online and at the Anne Simley Theater box office. Tickets are $2 for Hamline University students, staff, and faculty, $5 for all other students and seniors, and $8 for general admission. There is always a pay-what- you-can option available both online and at the box office.

For more information, contact the Theatre Department at tickets@hamline.edu or 651-523-2905.

Contact information