Family and Friends Weekend is an annual event that brings thousands of family members to the University of Maine to reconnect with their Black Bear! This event is for families of all sizes, dynamics, and class years. It is the University’s time to celebrate the fall season in New England, honor our traditions, and enjoy the company of students and their families, faculty and staff, alumni, and members of the extended Black Bear community.
September 27 – 29, 2024
To continue to re-imagine our Family and Friends Weekend experiences, there will be a small registration fee for all attendees. This added cost will help to create an unforgettable experience for your family! No need to register your student as they get into all of our events for free. Registration is only $25 per person, children under 10 get in for free!
What’s included:
- Discount on some UMaine sporting event tickets
- Entry to all non-ticketed events
- Food options throughout the weekend
- and more!
Do you need to reach someone about Family and Friends Weekend? Reach out to our team at um.getinvolved@maine.edu
Family & Friends Weekend Schedule
This schedule is constantly being updated. Please check back closer to Family and Friends Weekend in case of event changes.
Friday, September 27th
- Event details TBD
Saturday, September 28th
- Event details TBD
Sunday, September 29th
- Event details TBD
Family and Friends Weekend Sponsors
Local Housing Accommodations
Below are a few local accommodations, certainly not all of them!
Orono
- Hotel Ursa at the University of Maine
- Black Bear Inn
Bangor
- Country Inn at the Mall
- Hampton Inn
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Courtyard Marriott
- Comfort Inn
- Residence Inn
- Fairfield Inn
Milford
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend Family and Friends Weekend?
Anyone you call family (parents, siblings, that aunt who pinches your cheeks every time she sees you, your neighbor down the street who shovels your driveway when it snows, I think you get the picture) is invited! If they are your family, we want them to attend!
How do I register for Family and Friends Weekend?
To create greater experiences, a $25 registration fee is in effect. Students do not need to register, as they get into events for free with their Mainecard!
Why should I attend Family and Friends Weekend?
In addition to the additional programming and opportunity to explore our campus, Family and Friends Weekend is an excellent opportunity to connect to your Black Bear in their home away from home. It can be an opportunity to bridge the gap between their lives both on and away from campus.
What is the format of Family and Friends Weekend?
Family and Friends Weekend includes three days of programming and opportunities for you to engage with your student. Family Weekend is designed so you can choose how many events or opportunities you want to participate in. Each day has many activities—too many for one person—so you’ll pick what feels most relevant to you and exciting for your family.
If you are up for traveling on Friday, we will have nighttime entertainment and a chance to check in. Saturday is the busiest. Events start mid-morning and continue into the evening. Sunday is treated as a travel day, with light programming available in the morning.