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Family Weekend

Family Weekend will be October 2 - 4, 2026. 

Once a year we welcome our extended Bulldog family to come get a taste of life at Drake. It’s your chance to show off your university and let your family experience everything from athletics to arts, all in one weekend.

Family Weekend Schedule

Parking will be available in lot 1 (Fine Arts Center), lot 18 (Drake Stadium), lot 24 (Harkin Institute) or lot 4 (Tennis Center). The lots are highlighted on this interactive map. 
PLEASE NOTE: NO OVERNIGHT PARKING ALLOWED 

Thursday, October 1

  • Drake Theatre Arts Presents: Antigone by Sophocles, adapted by Michael   -Oct. 1-3, 7:30pm and Oct. 3-4, 2:00pm in Coleman Studio Theatre - Ticket Link

Friday, October 2

  • Tour of Dogtown at 4:30pm meets in front of Old Main: Learn all about the Drake neighborhood in this walking tour of Dogtown! You’ll get the chance to stop in some of the shops/restaurants and meet some business owners as well. The tour is led by Drake’s Chief of Staff, Nate Reagen, who is also in charge of community relations.   
  • BINGO at 7:30pm in Parents Hall in Olmsted Center: Get ready for a night full of laughter, excitement, and friendly competition at Family Bingo Night! Bring the whole crew and enjoy an evening of fast-paced fun with music, lights, and our very own campus celebrity bingo callers. With delicious food, awesome prizes, and plenty of chances to shout BINGO! You don’t want to miss it!  
  • Drake Theatre Arts Presents: Antigone by Sophocles, adapted by Michael Rothmayer -Oct. 1-3, 7:30pm and Oct. 3-4, 2:00pm in Coleman Studio Theatre - Ticket Link
  • Civic Music Association Presents: Boston Brass & Turtle Island, 7:30 p.m., Sheslow Auditorium. Student rush tickets are available day-of-show at the Music Office.

Saturday, October 3

  • Family Weekend Information and Fun Run t-shirt pick up available 9:00am - 12:00pm in Olmsted Center Breezeway
  • Little Free Pantries Donations accepted from 9:00am - 12:00pm in Olmsted Center Breezeway
    • 9:00am-10:00 Griff III appearance
  • President Martin Address at 9:00am in Upper Olmsted Center Conferece Rooms 310 - 311
  • Breakout Sessions at 10:00am and 10:30am
    • Career Exploration for your student with Dr. Timm Pilcher, Student Professional & Academic Support Specialist in upper Olmsted Conference Rooms 310 - 311:  Career development begins in the first year of college and builds with each internship, research study, service project or part-time job. With satellite locations across campus, PCDS is tailored to Drake’s individual colleges and schools to help students define their career aspirations and reach their professional goals.   
    • Study Abroad, Committing to Drake’s Mission to Prepare Students for Responsible Global Citizenship with Emily Erschen, Education Abroad Coordinator in upper Olmsted Conferenece Rooms 312 - 313: Study Abroad is an important part of the Drake experience and one way we are delivering on Drake’s mission statement – preparing students for responsible global In an increasingly interconnected world, a global mindset is more important than ever as students enter the workforce. Through diverse program and location options, varied course offerings to keep students on track for graduation, and a desire to make study abroad as affordable as a semester on campus, we hope all Drake students expand their worldview by studying abroad. We are here to help you along this journey. Attend to learn about programs, finances, timelines and more. 
  • Drake Campus Tour at 10:00am: Join members of Drake’s University Advancement staff for a walking tour of campus. During the tour attendees will learn the rich history of campus and surrounding neighborhood as well as thenumerous ways both have changed over the years. This tour will also include a look to the future, highlighting significant campus and neighborhood development projects that have been recently completed and are slated to begin. 
  • Tour of Dogtown at 10:30am meets in front of Old Main: Learn all about the Drake neighborhood in this walking tour of Dogtown! You’ll get the chance to stop in some of the shops/restaurants and meet some business owners as well. The tour is led by Greg Lin, Assistant Director, Alumni Relations. 
  • Drake’s Tailgate Cookout at 11:00am - 12:30pm in Hubbell Dining Hall: Lunch will be held at Hubbell Dining Hall for $8.87 per person. Payment will be taken upon arrival by cash or credit card.If students have a meal plan, they will not need to purchase a meal. 
  • Bags Tailgate Tournament: The tournament will begin at 11:15am Oct 3rd in Drake Stadium at the North Concourse (behind the giant scoreboard), participants will be able to watch the game as they play. Gates open at 11:00am. All non-students must purchase a ticket to the game for entry. For registration, at least one participant must have a Drake ID and create a team on IMLeagues or the DrakeRec App, link. 
  • Drake Football v. Dayton at 12:00pm in Drake Stadium: Purchase tickets 
  • Drake Theatre Arts Presents:Antigone by Sophocles, adapted by Michael Rothmayer - Oct. 1-3, 7:30pm and Oct. 3-4, 2:00pm in Coleman Studio Theatre - Ticket Link
  • Goodwin Kirk Chips & Sips at 4:00 - 5:30pm in Goodwin Kirk Lobby: Stop by the front desk to meet your student's Resident Assistants and Residence Life staff. Bring your student, enjoy some chips, dips, and sips, cool down from the football game, and prep for Drake's evening soccer game.
  • Men’s Soccer v. Belmont at 6:00pm in Mediacom Stadium: Purchase tickets 

Sunday, October 4

  • Bulldog Run/Walk (Drake’s 5k or one-mile fun run/walk around campus!) at 9:00am. Register here! 
  • Stretch & Restore at 9:30am and 10:30am on Helmick Commons: Take a break from the busy Parent’s Weekend schedule with a relaxing stretch class designed to ease tension, improve mobility, and leave you feeling refreshed. This gentle, guided session is perfect for all fitness levels and offers a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and recharge together.Matts provided.  
  • Hubbell Brunch available 11:00am - 12:30pm in Hubbell Dining Hall: Brunch will be in Hubbell Dining Hall for $8.87 per person. Payment will be taken upon arrival by cash or credit card. If students have a meal plan, they will not need purchase a meal. 
  • Women’s Soccer vs. UIC at 1:00pm in Mediacom Stadium: Purchase tickets 
  • Drake University Jazz Ensembles: Andrew Classen and Paul Lichty, directors, 7:30 p.m., Patty and Fred Turner Jazz Center

Preparing For Family Weekend