Family Weekend Schedule

Family Weekend has a wonderful variety of activities for families to enjoy. We hope you will join us on campus October 3-5, 2025 for Family Weekend 2025. The schedule has new events added every week!

All events are free and included in your Family Weekend registration unless otherwise stated in the individual event description.

Review the Family Weekend 2025 schedule (pdf) to begin planning your weekend in Williamsburg!

Family Weekend 2025 schedule (pdf)

Headquarters & Check-In

Friday & Saturday | 8:00am-6:00pm | Tidewater, Sadler Center

Welcome to Family Weekend Headquarters! This is your first stop for an unforgettable Family Weekend experience. Here’s what you can expect:

Check-In: Begin your Family Weekend adventure by checking in with our friendly volunteers. They’ll provide you with all the information and materials you need to make the most of your visit.
Ask Questions: Have any questions? Our knowledgeable volunteers are here to help! Whether you need directions, event details, or recommendations, feel free to ask.
Commemorative Photo Booth: Capture the memories of Family Weekend at our commemorative photo booth! Snap fun photos with your family and friends to remember this weekend for years to come.
More Activities: Discover additional activities and surprises we have in store for you throughout the weekend.

Check out the full schedule here!

Open Classes

Friday, October 3

Want to experience a day in the life of a W&M student? Attend a class! You are welcome to attend any open class on the list on Friday, October 3, even if your student is not in the class. No registration required.

Please do not attend a class that is not on the list. The classes listed are those designated by faculty to receive visitors.

Remember to observe appropriate classroom etiquette—turn off cell phones and refrain from having private conversations during class. Allow students registered in the course any available seats first, then be seated if open seats remain. If no open seats remain, please stand near the back of the room.

OPEN CLASS 2025 LIST (PDF)

Featured Faculty Lectures

Saturday, October 4 | 10:00am-3:00pm | Commonwealth Auditorium, Sadler Center

Choose from a selection of presentations from nationally recognized faculty across many disciplines. Experience life at W&M through the eyes of your student and enjoy one-hour presentations centered around W&M's Year of the Environment.

10:00am-11:00am | The Power of Water in a Changing World

Earth is known as the Blue Planet because water covers 70% of its surface. But the abundance and scarcity of water are directly connected to geology and climate. In this lecture, Geology Professor Chuck Bailey will discuss the power of water from both a geological and geopolitical perspective. He’ll highlight floods and droughts with an eye towards the future on our changing planet. Come ready to experience class as a student - audience participation is encouraged!

11:15am-12:15pm | How AI Works

Join Professor Rachel Chung from the Mason School of Business for a hands-on learning experience about how AI works.

You will compute artificial neurons and neural networks by hand, and explore how words and sentences are computed by Large Language Models (LLMs.) By the end of the session, you will develop a solid intuition about everyday jargon such as deep learning, tokens, parameters, weights, training, machine learning, and model performance.

12:30pm-1:30pm | Our Planetary Plastics Problem: How Can Research Help Mitigate Plastic Pollution?

Earth’s current epoch – the Anthropocene – is defined by the significant influence humans have had on the environment. There is perhaps no more fitting hallmark for this than plastic pollution. Plastics are uniquely durable and chemically complex. As such, they been found to disrupt nearly all organisms and ecosystems. Designing solutions for this pollutant requires multidisciplinary and cutting-edge research. Join Dr. Meredith Seeley to learn more about how research at W&M and VIMS seeks address the complex problem of plastic pollution, from macro to nano scale.

1:45pm-2:45pm | If a tree falls in the woods, who's around to hear it? Using the College Woods to study biodiversity.

The College Woods is a large area of secondary growth forest surrounding Lake Matoaka on the William & Mary campus. This forest acts as a “living laboratory” and because of its accessibility and proximity to campus, it is a fantastic place to introduce undergraduates to ecology research as part of their coursework in Dr. Jenny Rahn's Introductory Biology Laboratory class. As part of an ongoing experiment, they routinely examine the role deer and other animals play in shaping biodiversity in this ecosystem. The results may surprise you!

Additional Registration

All events are free and included in your Family Weekend registration unless otherwise stated in the individual event description.

Some weekend events will require separate registration or tickets. In addition, some student-run events may ask for an additional fee at the door. We will post additional registration links below as they become available.

Friday, October 3rd

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

Join a yoga class with Yoga Therapist Patti DeBlass and her Certified Therapy Dog, Guinness! Registration is required for each participant. Questions? Email wellness@wm.edu.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Batten School & VIMS | 1:00pm-3:00pm | VIMS Watermen's Hall

The walking tour will include a guided interpretation of the Visitor's Center aquarium as well as a visit to two laboratories/facilities on campus. This free tour is appropriate for adults and children ages 11 and up. Register here.

Shabbat Dinner - Jewish Tribe at Chabad | 6:00pm | Chabad House

Jewish parents are invited to join with their child at the Chabad House for a warm and meaningful gathering. Enjoy activities, connection, and community. Registration is required.

Family Weekend Welcome Social | 7:00pm | Chesapeake, Sadler Center

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

Family Weekend Concert | 7:00pm | Concert Hall, Music Arts Center

This concert features the W&M Wind Ensemble and the Symphony Orchestra (beginning at 7:00pm) and Choral Ensembles (beginning at 8:15pm). The concert is free, but tickets are required. Reserve seats here.

Saturday, October 4th

Morning Outdoor Yoga | 9:00am | McLeod Tyler Wellness Center, Social Wellness Patio

Experience an outdoor morning yoga session overlooking our campus wildlife refuge. Due to limited space, registration is required.

Cornhole Tournament | 12:00pm | 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 here. Couldn't grab a ticket? Join the waitlist here.

Stravitz Scholars Family Lunch | 12:00pm-1:30pm | Gloucester Point Campus - Davis Hall

Join other Stravitz Scholars' families for a luncheon with Sid Mitra, W&M Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences and VIMS Associate Dean of Students, to learn more about the Coastal & Marine Science major and visit the Gloucester Point Campus. Registration is required.

Family Weekend Tea with the Christian Study Center | 3:00pm-4:00pm | Cambridge House

Families of William & Mary students are invited to Cambridge House to enjoy tea and light snacks. We can't wait to meet you, offer tours of the house, and answer any questions you have about the Christian Study Center! RSVP here.

W&M Football vs. North Carolina A&T | 3:30pm | Zable Stadium

Come cheer on the Tribe as they take on North Carolina A&T! Purchase tickets here.

W&M Men's Soccer vs. UNCW | 7:00pm | Martin Family Stadium

Continue cheering for the Tribe this weekend! Purchase discounted tickets for W&M Men's Soccer here.

Comedy Magician Josh McVicar | 7:00pm | Commonwealth Auditorium, Sadler Center

Josh McVicar is a comedy showman and magician who combines contemporary magic with humor that's fun, hilarious, and respectful. He encourages audience participation and interaction, tailoring each show to the audience for a memorable experience. Get your tickets here. Couldn't get a ticket? Join the waitlist here.

Sunday, October 5th

Legacy Brunch | 10:00am-12:00pm | Alumni House

Join the Alumni Association in 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 October 1st!

W&M Women's Soccer vs. Charleston | 12:00pm | Martin Family Stadium

Support W&M Women's Soccer as they take on Charleston. Purchase discounted tickets here.

Questions? Contact familyweekend@wm.edu or call 757-221-2508.