Registration is currently closed, but you can register the day of in the Memorial Union during check in times!

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. For the first time in 8 years, Family and Friends Weekend and Homecoming will be hosted on the same weekend!

October 13 – 15, 2023

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 $10 per person, children under 10 get in for only $5 (shirt not included in child rate).

What’s included:

  • Discount on Football Game tickets 
  • Entry to all non-ticketed events (everything in the schedule without a *)
  • Food options throughout the weekend 
  • and more!

Our shirt order is due by September 7th – register now to secure yours!

Do you need to reach someone about Family and Friends Weekend? Reach out to our team at um.getinvolved@maine.edu

To see a schedule of events for Homecoming and for the Campus Shuttle Schedule, please CLICK HERE.

Family & Friends Weekend Schedule

This schedule is still a work in progress, but is provided as planning courtesy. Event dates, times, and locations are finalized.  Below this schedule is a full schedule including Family and Friends and Homecoming events. 

Friday, October 13th

  • 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. Family & Friends Weekend Check-in
    • Location: Memorial Union
  • 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Imagine That! Tours
  • 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Maine Bound Zipline
    • Location: Challenge Course, next to New Balance Student Recreation Center
  • 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Paint & Sip (Add-on event)
    • Location: North Pod, 2nd Floor Memorial Union
  • 6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. CANCELLED: Bonfire
    • Due to weather concerns, the bonfire has been cancelled. S’mores will still be available at the Motor Booty Affair Concert!
  • 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. Motor Booty Affair Concert
    • Location: Innovative Media Research and Commercialization (IMRC) Center
    • Please note: This is an outdoor event.
    • Non-FFW tickets: $5 at the door

Saturday, October 14th

  • 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Family & Friends Weekend Check-In
    • Location: Memorial Union
  • 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Street Fair
    • Location: University Mall
  • 1 p.m. UMaine Football vs. Long Island University
    • Location: Morse Field at Harold Alfond Sports Stadium
    • Note: Separately ticketed event through UMaine Athletics. Family & Friends Weekend registrants will receive a discount code in their emails in August!
  • 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. Hypnotist Eric Mina
    • Location: Collins Center for the Arts (CCA)
    • Non-FFW tickets: $5 at the door

The Versant Power Astronomy Center has the following shows during Family and Friends Weekend.  Tickets are required for all shows and are $7 per adult, $6 for UMaine students or senior citizens, and $5 for children 12 and younger.  Music Shows are $9 general Admission.

Friday, October 13th

  • 7:00 p.m. – Black Hole: First Picture

Saturday, October 14th

  • 10:00 a.m. – Aurora 
  • 11:30 a.m. – The Dark Matter Mystery
  • 1:00 p.m. – EXO: Are We Alone? 
  • 2:30 p.m. – Big Astronomy: People, Places, Discoveries
  • 4:00 p.m. – Worlds Beyond Earth
  • 7:00 p.m. – Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd (50th Anniversary Special Music Show)

Sunday, October 15th

  • 11:00 a.m. – Forward to the Moon
  • 12:30 p.m. – Worlds of Ice
  • 2:00 p.m. – Halloween: Celestial Origins
  • 4:00 p.m. – Monster Mash: A Halloween Spooktacular (Music Show)

Family and Friends Weekend Sponsors

Local Housing Accommodations

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

Orono

Bangor

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?

Register at this link!

To create greater experiences, a $10 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. Programming starts mid-morning and continues into the evening. Sunday is treated as a travel day, with light programming available in the morning.