Registration is now open!

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

Register at this link!

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!

Pre-Order your t-shirt by Aug. 28 to make sure you get one!  After Aug. 28, shirts will be available at check-in while supplies last. 

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

  • 2pm – 7pm: Check-in
  • 6pm: Women’s Ice Hockey Home Opener (discount code with registration)
  • 7pm – 8pm: Family and Friends Trivia (tentative)

Saturday, September 28th

  • 9am – 3pm: Check-in
  • 10am – 3pm: Bus rides to/from Treworgy Farms
    • Apples and activities for purchase at Treworgy
  • 10am – 3pm: Music, lawn games, and interactive activities on the Mall
    • Specific events to be listed as they are confirmed
  • 3pm: Women’s Ice Hockey (discount code with registration)
  • 3pm: Women’s Field Hockey (free entrance)
  • 6pm – 7pm: Paint and Sip
  • 8pm: Comedian Bob Marley at the Collins Center for the Arts
    • Get ready to laugh with Uncle Bobby, who brings the quirks of life in Maine to the stage. He’s wicked good at making you laugh, so don’t miss his hilarious show! Adult $44.50 – mature content.  Get your tickets here.

Sunday, September 29th

  • 8am – 10am: Breakfast with your student
    • Registered Family and Friends participants receive 50% of pricing for eating in the Hilltop and York dining halls. 

The Versant Power Astronomy Center has many shows.  Please see their schedule below.  Tickets are required for all shows and are $7 for adults, $6 for UMaine students or senior citizens, and $5 for children 12 and younger. MUSIC SHOWS are $9 general admission.

The planetarium seats 50 maximum so advanced purchase is recommended. Tickets available online at http://astro.umaine.edu or by calling 207-581-1341. For show
information see https://astro.umaine.edu/visit/planetarium-programs/.

Friday, September 27th

  • 7:00 pm: Supermassive Black Holes

Saturday, September 28th

  • 10:00 am: Worlds Beyond Earth
  • 11:30 am: Arora: Tales of the Northern Lights
  • 1:00 pm: MOONBASE: The Next Step
  • 2:30 pm: Big Astronomy: People, Places, Discoveries
  • 4:00 pm: Worlds of Ice
  • 7:00 pm: (Music Show) Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd

Sunday, September 29th

  • 11:00 am: The Arctic: Our Last Great Wilderness
  • 12:30 pm: Expedition Reef
  • 2:00 pm: The Stellars: Mission Green
  • 4:00 pm: (Music Show) Radiohead

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?

Register at this link! (registration will go live in July 2024)

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.

Local Housing Accommodations

Below are a few local accommodations, certainly not all of them!

Orono

Bangor

Milford

Family and Friends Weekend Sponsors