Family Weekend Schedule

10:00am-11:00am, Jefferson on Rights, Happiness, & Persuasion: The Declaration in Context

In this semiquincentennial year of the Declaration of Independence, Humanities Professor Adam Potkay has been giving many public lectures and talks on Jefferson's great work. Hear him discuss Jefferson's original version of the Declaration—which the Continental Congress cut by a third, much to Jefferson's dismay! Explore the work by tracing the concepts of natural rights, the etymology of happiness, and the impact of oratory from antiquity and the seventeenth century to Jefferson's day and onward.

Read more from Professor Adam Potkay in his newest book, Hope: A Literary History. 

11:15am-12:15pm, Civic Leadership Starts Here: Inside W&M's We the Teachers Initiative

Across the nation, K–12 teachers shape how young people understand history, engage complex issues, and participate in civic life. We the Teachers supports this work through a national initiative at William & Mary that brings teacher leaders together for immersive learning with museums, historic sites, and scholars. Families will see how educators use primary sources and place-based inquiry to design meaningful classroom experiences that foster critical thinking, informed dialogue, and active participation in a democratic society.

1:30pm-2:30pm, Living and Learning Democracy

What is the role of citizens in a democratic society? How do democratic ideals connect to everyday life? How do citizens use the public sphere and public space as settings for open dialogue and collective action? In the new Democracy Scholars program, first-year students explore these questions together in a shared residential community – a microcosm of the democratic public sphere. Join Professor Rebekah Sterling to learn about William & Mary’s newest living-learning community.

2:45pm-3:45pm, Wait ... Conflict Can Be Good?

Conflict is an inevitable (and often dreaded) part of life. What is it that makes conflict bad? Does it have to be that way? Come hear from Emily Gerst, William & Mary’s inaugural director of Conflict Resolution & Education on what makes our conflicts go wrong and the practical tools from mediation, psychology, and restorative practices that turn conflicts into real opportunities for individual growth and community change. This interactive workshop will explore personal conflict style, campus conflict dynamics, and conflict as a leadership practice.

Friday, September 18

Birding Wellness Walk | 8:30am-10:00am | McLeod Tyler Wellness Center Patio

• Join the Wellness Ambassadors on a whimsical walk to explore our beautiful campus, discuss mindfulness and self-care practices, and learn the basics of birdwatching. Open to all families, we'll meet at the McLeod Tyler Wellness Center Patio at 8:30 a.m. and walk a 1.5-mile loop. Register here.

Doga at the Wellness Center | 10:30am-11:30am | McLeod Tyler Wellness Center

• It's yoga, with Certified Pet Therapy Dog Guiness and his handler, Yoga Therapist Patti! Register here.

Batten School & VIMS Behind-the-Scenes Tour | 1:00pm-2:30pm | 7539 Spencer Rd., Gloucester Point

• Reserve space on our monthly behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about the local and global impact of research being done at William & Mary's VIMS & Batten School. This 90-minute guided tour is designed for adults and older children (10 and up welcome and must be accompanied by a guardian; the tour is not appropriate for younger children). All tours include a guided visit to 2-3 of our research laboratories/facilities. Register here.

Revolutionary Transformation | 3:00pm-4:00pm | Lord Botetourt Statue, Wren Yard

• Revolutionary Transformations – a one-hour tour (half inside the Wren Building, half outside, and with spaces to sit along the way) of the campus's history as an institution and a place of military activity in the era of the revolution, about everyone who was here then, for everyone who is here now, in commemoration of the 250th. Register here.

M.S. in Nonprofit Management Information Session | 4:00pm-5:30pm | MacKenzie Theater, Swem Library

• Join us for an information session highlighting W&M's new M.S. in Nonprofit Management. This innovative degree includes an option for a Bachelor's-to-Master's Accelerated Pathway that reduces student costs and time to degree. All current W&M students, parents, and families are welcome! Register here.

Family Weekend Concert - Instrumental Ensembles | 5:00pm-6:00pm | Music Arts Center Concert Hall

• The W&M Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra will perform in the Music Arts Center Concert Hall at 5:00pm. This concert is free; however, seats must be reserved.

Global Research Institute Open House | 5:00pm-7:00pm | The Hive, Ground Floor of Swem Library

• Join the Global Research Institute on Friday, September 18 from 5-7 pm in the Hive Event Space for their annual Open House event. You’ll hear from GRI leadership, watch student innovation research presentations, learn about the 2026 Summer Fellows research, and enjoy refreshments, conversation, and fun! RSVP beforehand. 

Shabbat Dinner with the Jewish Tribe | 6:30pm-8:00pm | Chabad House, 326 Burns Lane

• Join us for a traditional Friday night Shabbat dinner at the Chabad House serving the William & Mary community. Students and guests can gather for candle lighting, a festive meal, meaningful conversation, and connection to Jewish life and tradition in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Registration is required. 

Family Weekend Welcome Social | 7:00pm-9:00pm | Crim Dell Meadow

• The Welcome Social is a casual, drop-in event for socializing with other families - with or without your student! Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres, a live student band, connecting with follow family members, and a chance to win a raffle prize! Register now. 

Family Weekend Concert - Choral Ensembles | 7:30pm-8:30pm | Music Arts Center Concert Hall

• The William & Mary Choir, Barksdale Treble Chorus, and Botetourt Chamber Singers will perform in the Music Arts Center Concert Hall at 7:30pm. This is a free concert; however, seats must be reserved.

Saturday, September 19

Cycling Class | 9:15am-10:00am | Bee McLeod Recreation Center

• Join a cycling class with Schwinn Cycling Certified Instructor Candice Fox! Cycling is an aerobic exercise performed on a stationary bike with upbeat music to keep you motivated the entire class. Come experience this fun, non-impact, cardio workout! Register here. 

Outdoor Yoga | 9:30am-10:30am | McLeod Tyler Wellness Center Patio

• Yoga is a wonderful way to release tension and reconnect with the mind, body, and spirit. This class systematically works the entire body, incorporating strength, balance, and flexibility. The breath work and static poses will stimulate your mind and restore your body. Register here!

Family Weekend Body Pump | 10:00am-11:00am | McLeod Studio, Bee McLeod Recreation Center

• Join a student trainer and her mom for a special Family Weekend Body Pump class! This strength training workout challenges all your major muscle groups by using the best weight room exercises like squats, presses, lifts, and curls. Participants should arrive to class 10-15 minutes early. Participants are advised to bring a water bottle and hand towel. Register here.

The 2026 Great Williamsburg Adventure Race | 11:00am-1:00pm (check-in opens at 10:15am) | Sunken Garden, Wren Courtyard side

• Grab a friend and prepare yourself for the Great Williamsburg Adventure Race! Teams will race throughout the city, completing unique challenges, decoding puzzles, and solving riddles in a quest for fabulous prizes and ultimate glory. Learn more and register here. 

Cornhole Tournament | 2:00pm | Sunken Garden

• Gather your team and get ready to toss bags at our cornhole tournament! This fun-filled event is perfect for families and friends of all ages. Compete for bragging rights and enjoy some friendly rivalry. Register your team; prepare your team name and T-shirt sizes beforehand!

Eastern Shore Laboratory's Open House: Marine Life Day | 12:00pm-4:00pm | Eastern Shore Laboratory (40 Atlantic Ave, Wachapreague, VA 23480)

• Marine Life is a free, family-friendly public open house event located at the VIMS & Batten School's Eastern Shore Lab (ESL). It showcases current and past research conducted at ESL, displays regional marine organisms and habitats, and offer interactive and educational activities for all ages! Attendees can register in advance or on-site. 

W&M Football vs. Fordham | 6:00pm | Zable Stadium

• Come cheer on the Tribe as they take on Fordham at Zable Stadium! All special rate tickets have been claimed, but tickets for the game can still be purchased through the Tribe Athletics website.
  • If you purchase General Admission tickets, you are able to sit with your student in the Student Section or your student can sit with you in the General Admission sections with their student ticket. However, if you would like your student to sit with you in a reserved seat (with an assigned seat number), you must purchase a ticket for them.
  • Please be sure to purchase the correct tickets in advance to ensure seating arrangements that work for your family! If you are interested in a special group rate for groups of 15 or more, please contact the Tribe Ticket Office at 757-221-3340.

Sunday, September 20

Revolutionary Transformations | 10:30am-11:30am | Lord Botetourt Statue, Wren Yard

• Revolutionary Transformations – a one-hour tour (half inside the Wren Building, half outside, and with spaces to sit along the way) of the campus's history as an institution and a place of military activity in the era of the revolution, about everyone who was here then, for everyone who is here now, in commemoration of the 250th. Register here.

Family Weekend Legacy Brunch | 10:30am-12:30pm | Alumni House

• Calling all alumni families! Legacy Brunch is a family weekend tradition celebrating students and their families' continued commitment to William & Mary. Refreshments will be served and a photographer will be present for group photos. RSVP by September 13th!