Family Weekend 2025

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Erev Yom Kippur Meal

5:30 p.m. | Bloom Hillel, 380 9th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
All families are invited to join the observation of Yom Kippur while visiting Tuscaloosa. The Erev Yom Kippur meal begins at 5:30 p.m. at Bloom Hillel with the evening service beginning at 7 p.m. (Temple Emanu-El next door) 

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Central Mesa

4 p.m. – 9 p.m. | 519 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Consider dining at Central Mesa to support the UA Student Life Support Fund. A percentage of all sales go to the UA Student Life Support Fund.

Yom Kippur Break Fast

6:15 p.m. | Bloom Hillel, 380 9th Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
All families are invited to join in on the observation of Yom Kippur while visiting Tuscaloosa. Please check the Bama Hillel website for service times.

Friday, October 3, 2025

Passports and Pastries

8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. | Ferguson Theater at the UA Student Center, Second Floor
Join Education Abroad for refreshments and a quick information session on studying abroad! Hear from staff, faculty, returned students, and a parent about the process. Grab a pastry, ask questions, and get ready to support your student on their journey.

Digital Media Center at Bryant-Denny Stadium

9 a.m. | Saban Field Entrance (Meet at the Saban Field entrance at the Walk of Champions at 9 am)
The Digital Media Center, part of the College of Communication and Information Sciences, is a state-of-the-art teaching facility and production house located in Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Digital Media Center is home to Alabama Public Radio, Center for Public Television, Crimson Tide Productions, and WVUA-23, one of only two fully commercialized television news stations on a US college campus.

Creative Academic Media Services Open House

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | University Hall Suite 100, 275 Kilgore Ln., Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Join us for hands on experience with the latest in academic media innovation at Creative Academic Media services! Step inside University Hall and explore how we’re reshaping digital education and storytelling.

Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History Trail

Self-Guided Tour | Downtown Tuscaloosa
Visit the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History & Reconciliation Foundation website to see a map of the self-guided civil rights history tour.

Gorgas House Museum

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 4 p.m. | Gorgas House, 810 Capstone Dr., Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Visit the Gorgas House Museum to see UA’s first campus building. The Gorgas House Museum connects the original campus of 1831 and today. Free admission for UA faculty, staff and students. $2 for general admission.

Paul W. Bryant Museum

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | 300 Paul W. Bryant Drive
Visit the Paul W. Bryant Museum to see the exhibit, artifacts, and memorabilia that trace the long history of the University of Alabama football program. Visit the Paul W. Bryant Museum website for more details. Free admission for UA faculty, staff, students, alumni, and veterans. General admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children.

32nd Annual Beat Auburn Beat Hunger (BABH) Food Drive Kick-Off

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | 751 Campus W Dr., Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
The 32^nd Annual Beat Auburn Beat Hunger (BABH) food drive benefiting the West Alabama Food Bank starts October 3. The Annual food drive takes place each year during the seven weeks leading up to the Iron Bowl. UA students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members participate in the fight against hunger in West Alabama. This friendly competition between the University of Alabama and Auburn University, partnering with the East Alabama food bank challenges each community to see who can collect more non-perishable foods and monetary donations. Join us on the Student Center lawn! 

Family Weekend Check-In

10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | UA Student Center, Second Floor by the Elephant
Registered Family Weekend participants should check in to pick up their Family Weekend packets, including a Family Weekend guide, schedule of events, clear stadium bag, and event wristbands/ tickets. Anyone arriving after 7 p.m. can pick up their packet at the Saturday Family Weekend tailgate. Big AL will make an appearance from 1-2 p.m.

Leading the Tide Forward…Insight with President Mohler

10:15 a.m.  | Ferguson Theater at the UA Student Center, Second Floor
Join us for an exclusive opportunity to meet Dr. Peter J. Mohler, the President of the University of Alabama. During this special Family Weekend session, Dr. Mohler will share his vision for the University, provide updates on exciting initiatives, and discuss UA’s commitment to academic excellence and student success. Attendees will learn more about how the University is shaping the future for our students.  

Alabama Museum of Natural History

10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Smith Hall, 427 Sixth Ave., Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Visit to learn about the state’s natural history and ancient past. Cost: $5 for adults. Free admission for: UA faculty, staff, and students. Visit the Alabama Museum of Natural History website for pricing.

VMA Open House

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | 3000 Houser Hall, 730 Campus Dr., Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Join the VMA office for an open house to explore the resources and services offered at the Capstone for military-affiliated students (veterans, service members, dependents and survivors).

Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life Meet and Greet

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | 2500 UA Student Center, Second Floor
Office of Fraternity and Sorority life welcomes parents and families to stop by our office to learn more about the accomplishments of our Greek community.

President’s Mansion Tour

12 p.m. – 2 p.m. | President’s Mansion, 717 University Blvd., Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Visit the historic President’s Mansion, home of President and Mrs. Peter J. Mohler to view and experience one of UA’s most iconic landmarks. 

First Gen Friday

12 p.m. – 2 p.m. | Russell Hall 300, 504 University Blvd., Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Parents, families, and supporters of first-generation students are invited to join First Gen+ Programs for First Gen Fridays! Drop by anytime between 12 and 2 p.m. for lunch and to meet our first gen staff! *Food is served on a first come, first served basis*.

Honors College Meet and Greet

1 p.m. – 2 p.m. | Honors Hall, Second Floor, 533 6th Ave., Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
The Honors College invites you to stop by the second floor of Honors Hall to meet our faculty, staff, and deans. Learn about the many opportunities awaiting students in the Honors College.

College of Human Environmental Sciences Open House

2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Doster Hall Alumni Room and Lobby (Enter Doster Hall using the front steps, the Alumni room will be on your right.) Join the College of Human Environmental Sciences for an Open House hosted by the CHES Ambassadors. Light refreshments will be available and CHES swag will be given out. You will also have the opportunity to meet the Dean and Associate Deans of the College.

College of Engineering Open House

2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | H.M. Comer Grand McAbee Foyer
Join us for a reception with the College of Engineering faculty and staff and take a tour to explore some of the College’s most notable labs and competition team workspaces. Attendees will receive a fun treat and have the opportunity to purchase COE swag. 

Culverhouse School of Accountancy Open House

2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | 1030 Hewson Hall
The Culverhouse School of Accountancy invites current and prospective accounting majors to stop by to learn more about our program and meet some of our faculty and staff.

Culverhouse College of Business Family Open House

2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Hewson Hall Atrium
Please join us at an Open House in the atrium of Hewson Hall. We will have academic advisors on hand to talk about majors, ambassadors to give a tour, and ice cream from Moonshot Creamery.

Capstone College of Nursing Open House

2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Capstone College of Nursing, 1st Fl. Rotunda
Join the Capstone College of Nursing for an Open House and tour! Enjoy refreshments with family and friends and  tour the building with nursing student ambassadors.

College of Education Open House

2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Lawn of Autherine Lucy Hall
Join us for an open house in front of Autherine Lucy Hall. Cool off with cold drinks and ice cream while meeting our faculty, staff and student ambassadors. Connect with student organizations and explore all the ways you can get involved with our college and the programs we offer.

School of Social Work Popcorn on the Porch

2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Little Hall, Front Porch
Social work students and their families are invited to Popcorn on the Porch! Held on the front porch of Little Hall.

Barefield College of Arts & Sciences Open House

2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Woods Quad
Celebrate UA Family Weekend 2025 with the Barefield College of Arts & Sciences! Join BCAS for an Open House and enjoy ice cream and popcorn while visiting tables where parents and students can ask questions, get swag and meet representatives from BCAS Student Services. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet the Dean and Associate Deans of the College.

College of Communication and Information Sciences Reception

3 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Reese Phifer Hall Rotunda
The College of Communication and Information Sciences is hosting a reception for current students and their families. Parents and family members will be able to mingle with faculty and staff while enjoying light refreshments.

Camellia Center Chocolate Festival

4 p.m. – 6 p.m. | International Cultural Center, UA Student Center, Second floor, Rm. 2100
Join the Camellia Center from 4 – 6 p.m. for their 13th Chocolate Festival fundraiser.

BBQ Chicken Shabbat Dinner

5:30 p.m. | Bloom Hillel, 380 9th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
All families and students are invited to join us for Shabbat dinner Friday night at Bloom Hillel.  

Tide to Town: Off Campus Living Expo

4 p.m. – 6 p.m. | UA Student Center Great Hall, Second floor
Families of first-year students are invited to attend Tide to Town: Off Campus Living Expo. Visit with vendors from the Tuscaloosa community that will help when freshmen move off campus for sophomore year. This event is free to any UA families. You do not have to have a family weekend ticket.  

Family Weekend Kickoff Concert

6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | UA Student Center Lawn
Families will experience an evening on the Student Center lawn. This event will include musical entertainment and food truck options for purchase to offer a taste of life in Tuscaloosa. Food truck meals are on your own and are not covered in the family weekend ticket price. Entertainment, games and blankets are included in Family Weekend registration fees. This event is co-sponsored by Visit Tuscaloosa. 

BINGO with University Programs

7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Ferguson Theater at the UA Student Center, Second floor
Join us for a fun and exciting game of BINGO hosted by University Programs.   

Taste of Shabbat

7:30 p.m. | 17 Sherwood Dr. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
SHALOM! Will you be visiting Bama for Family Weekend? We’d love to welcome you for a Taste of Shabbat on Friday, October 3, at 7:30 PM. Join us for a delicious Shabbat dinner, celebrate Jewish life at Bama, and experience your child’s warm and inviting home away from home. Please RSVP at Jewishbama.com/parents- weekend or email us at Jewishbama@gmail.com. Can’t join us for dinner but still want to say hello? Stop by anytime – we’d be so happy to see you! We can’t wait to welcome you to our Jewish Bama family! Sincerely, Rabbi Kussi, Rosie and the Chabad at Bama Family!

Saturday, October 4, 2025

Family Weekend Tailgate

10:30 a.m. | Corner of Bryce Lawn (315 Bryce lawn Drive) 87.5407874°W 33.2133537°N (not on the Quad but it is close)

Join Parent & Family Programs for a tailgate to celebrate the Crimson Tide. During the Family Weekend Tailgate, you can create memories through our family photo stations and activities to experience the Crimson Tide tradition. Experience a taste of Tuscaloosa with your Family Weekend Tailgate meal included with your wristband. Look for the Tailgate signage!

Family Weekend Tailgate Menu: We’re excited to share the delicious menu for this year’s Family Weekend Tailgate! Guest can look forward to a mouthwatering spread featuring: pulled pork sandwiches, pulled chicken sandwiches, vegetarian sandwiches (mushrooms), mac and cheese, baked beans, potato salad and freshly baked cheese biscuits.

Walk of Champions

12 p.m. | Bryant-Denny Stadium

Elephant Stomp

1:30 p.m. | Quad at Gorgas Library

UA vs. Vanderbilt University

2:30 p.m. | Bryant-Denny Stadium

Sunday, October 5, 2025

Family Weekend Brunch

8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Lakeside Dining Hall, 160 McCorvey Dr., Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Enjoy brunch and live music with your UA family at Lakeside Dining Hall, one of our amazing dining locations. The brunch will include kosher style menu items. Join Bama Dining for a silent auction with over 40+ University of Alabama items your student would love. Credit cards only accepted. All proceeds of the silent auction go to the Student Care and Well-being Student Life Campus Pantry. Bidding must take place in person.

Family Adventure Day at Lake Nicol

9 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. | Lake Nicol, 4409 Nicol Park Rd., Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Join UA Outdoor Recreation and Parent & Family Programs for some paddling and watch the leaves begin to change colors at Lake Nicol. Lake Nicol is an attractive, easily accessible, well-maintained, and popular wooded park on a substantial lake. This lake is relatively small, but packs a big punch with its cliff views and its fun in the sun and aquatic activities! While its swimming holes are a crowd-pleaser, Lake Nicol is also known as a great beginner’s spot for those who want to canoe, kayak, paddleboard, and fish.

Lox and Bagel Brunch

11:30 a.m.  | Bloom Hillel, 380 9th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
All families and students are welcome and invited to join us for our weekly bagels and lox lunch.

If you are interested in attending a religious service during your Family Weekend visit, some options available near campus.