2026 Parent & Family Weekend

The University of Minnesota is celebrating 175 years! All five University campuses are joining in the celebration with a special pop-up cookie cart for the campus community. The cookie cart will be at UMR on October 2.

Kick off Parent & Family Weekend with an evening of fun, connection, and community!

Get tickets to watch Mean Girls at the Rochester Civic Theater!

The Rochester Grizzlies, the local Tier III junior ice hockey team, are playing their home game against the Wisconsin Woodsmen on Friday, October 2, at 7 p.m. UMR, in partnership with the Rochester Grizzlies, is offering discounted UMR tickets for $8 for the October 2 game (the standard single-game day price is $12).

Start your morning with a family hike around beautiful Silver Lake! We’ll walk together from SLC to Silver Lake (840 7th Street NE, Rochester, MN 55906) and enjoy approximately 2½ miles of walking, including the 1.8-mile loop around the lake.

Enjoy a light breakfast and a warm welcome from campus leaders. This is a great chance to connect with other families, hear opening remarks, and start your day. 

Get creative at the Rochester Art Center’s hands-on Creative Studio!

Drop-In Tours
Saturday, Oct. 3 at 1 p.m. – Artist Spotlight Tour with Jess Kiel-Wornson
Sunday, Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. – Introductory Tour of Rochester Art Center
Meet at the front desk. No reservations required.

Climb aboard for a guided 60-minute trolley ride through Rochester’s most beautiful and historic landmarks. Spots are limited to 84 participants. The cost is $10 per guest; UMR students ride free.

Get creative with a hands-on printmaking activity for all ages, led by local artist Amy Krause. Participants will experiment with simple printmaking techniques using foam, ink, and paper to create their own unique artwork. Spots are limited to 40 participants total.

Get tickets to watch Mean Girls at the Rochester Civic Theater!

Join the UMR RISE Board for a friendly competition at our Music Trivia Showdown, where students and their families team up to test their knowledge of hits across the decades. From classic throwbacks to today's top hits, you’ll face questions that spark nostalgia, laughter, and maybe some bragging rights.

Join us for a fun afternoon at the Mayo Civic Center Riverfront for a Patio Party! Enjoy live music, yard games, and a relaxed atmosphere as you spend time with the UMR community. Grab a meal or sweet treat from the food trucks available for purchase and enjoy the afternoon together.

This is part of the Parent & Family Weekend events, but open to all students, staff, faculty, and their families.

Get tickets to watch Mean Girls at the Rochester Civic Theater!

Drop-In Tours
Saturday, Oct. 3 at 1 p.m. – Artist Spotlight Tour with Jess Kiel-Wornson
Sunday, Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. – Introductory Tour of Rochester Art Center
Meet at the front desk. No reservations required.