JOIN US FOR FAMILY WEEKEND 2023!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FAMILY WEEKEND!
We are excited to announce that Family Weekend 2023 will be from Friday, November 3- Sunday, November 5.
This is an annual tradition unlike any other, Duke's Family Weekend provides the opportunity for undergraduate parents and families to engage in the life of the University and cultivate a deeper understanding of the Duke student experience.
Please note that the home football game scheduled for that weekend is on the evening of Thursday, November 2. The Office of New Student and Family Programs does its best to host Family Weekend with a Saturday home football game. However, that is not always possible due to the ACC scheduling process and other university-wide events. Unfortunately, that was the case for 2023. While the Thursday Night football game will not be an official Family Weekend event, we encourage you to come early if your schedule and availability allow. We will forward more information about discounted tickets for football and other athletic competitions scheduled for that weekend as they become available.
Check out the 2023 Schedule and Family Weekend FAQ below to get a snapshot on what to expect from this exciting weekend.
We hope you will join us from November 3- November 5!
Family Weekend 2023 Schedule
Thursday, November 2, 2023 - Early Arrival
Nasher Museum Access (10:00 am – 9:00 pm)
In addition to the "New at the Nasher Tours," the Nasher will be open to the public during normal operating hours. Admission is free. For visitor information and details about exhibitions on view, please visit nasher.duke.edu.
Nasher Museum of Art, 2001 Campus Dr
New at the Nasher Tours (3:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
Explore new exhibitions and works in the Nasher Museum collection with insights from gallery guides. The expanded tour schedule for Family Weekend includes Thursday November 2nd at 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm; Friday November 3rd at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm; and Sunday, October 2 at 2:00 pm. No reservation is required, but the tour size is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Tour visitors should meet at the information desk in the great hall. For visitor information and details about exhibitions on view, please visit nasher.duke.edu.
Nasher Museum of Art, 2001 Campus Dr
New at the Nasher Tours (6:00 pm – 7:00 pm)
Explore new exhibitions and works in the Nasher Museum collection with insights from gallery guides. The expanded tour schedule for Family Weekend includes Thursday November 2nd at 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm; Friday November 3rd at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm; and Sunday, October 2 at 2:00 pm. No reservation is required, but the tour size is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Tour visitors should meet at the information desk in the great hall. For visitor information and details about exhibitions on view, please visit nasher.duke.edu.
Nasher Museum of Art, 2001 Campus Dr
Hindu Life – Spiritual Discussion & Light Dinner (6:00 pm – 7:30 pm)*
Students and families are invited to a 45-minute discussion from the Bhagavad Gita, Hindu Scriptures; chanting of Sacred Hymns and songs by Duke Hindu students, and then Prasadam dinner (blessed meal). Dinner is $10 for families and $5 for students. Please register through the Family Weekend online registration system.
Hindu Life Room, Bryan Center Greenhouse, West Campus
The Beethoven Effect: Ariana Kim, violin; Ieva Jokubaviciute, piano; Daniel Temkin, composer/percussionist (8:00 pm - 9:30 pm)
Beethoven: Romance in F Major, Op. 50 for violin and piano; Temkin: Maksimal (2019) for violin, piano and percussion; Beethoven: Sonata No. 9 for violin and piano, Op. 47 "Kreutzer". This program, featuring two of Beethoven's works for violin and piano, shows his contrasts in spirit, as the relatively brief and serenely beautiful "Romance in F" stands opposite the epic "Kreutzer" sonata. Paired as a modern foil on this program is American composer Daniel Temkin. His colorful trio "Maksimal" for violin, piano, and percussion reflects and illuminates particular elements of Beethoven's own sensibility. No tickets are needed for this event.
Nelson Music Room, East Duke 201, East Campus
Duke Football vs. Wake Forest (7:30 pm) *
Support the Duke Football team in their match against ACC rival Wake Forest. Kickoff is at 7:30pm. Families will be able to purchase tickets through an exclusive Family Weekend Athletics link after registering for Family Weekend online. Exclusive Family Weekend discounted rates start at $25, pending availability. Please note that the free ticket available to each student is for seating in the student sections. We encourage families who would like to sit with their Duke student to purchase an additional ticket for their student.
Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium, West Campus
Friday, November 3, 2023
Family Rec & P.E. Facility Access
Family members of Duke Students are welcome to utilize the Wilson and Brodie Recreation Centers over Family Weekend with a valid Family Weekend Registration receipt shown the Front Desk of each facility upon entry. Students with family members who did not register for the weekend are able to purchase a Daily Guest Pass for their family for $10 per person per visit. Instructions for how to purchase a Daily Guest Pass can be found under the 'One-Time Visits' section of the Rec & P.E. Memberships webpage (link to: https://recreation.duke.edu/memberships/). Taishoff and Brodie Aquatics Centers will be unavailable. View the Rec & P.E. website for Facility Hours (https://recreation.duke.edu/facilities/facility-hours/) over the course of the weekend. Please review our Operating Policies (https://recreation.duke.edu/facilities/facility-guidelines/) ahead of your visit and note age requirements for access to certain areas of our facilities (if available). Participants must be at minimum 10 years of age to access the recreation centers.
Wilson Recreation Center, West Campus & Brodie Recreation Center, East Campus
Wilkinson Building Art Collection: A Celebration of Creativity in Engineering (9:00am – 5:00pm)
Take a stroll through Duke Engineering’s new Wilkinson Building for a self-guided tour of original art inspired by the imagination of engineering minds. Among the featured artists you will discover are Duke BME graduate Mikael Owunna E’12, internationally lauded installation artist Luke Jerram, Durham activist Saba Taj, and former Duke art professor Vernon Pratt. In addition to the art on display, the Wilkinson Building offers striking architecture and spaces. Designed to serve as a high-tech hub for teaching, learning, and research, it features state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories as well as unique views of Duke Chapel, the medical center, and historic West campus, a one-of-a-kind media wall, and even a hologram to display 3D design models. We invite you to explore. More can be found at https://pratt.duke.edu/about/campus/facilities/wilkinson-building and https://art.pratt.duke.edu/.
Wilkinson Building, West Campus
Career Center Open House (9:00 am – 11:00 am)
Stop in to meet the staff and learn more about Career Everywhere at Duke!
036 Bryan Center, West Campus
CMA First Friday Family Breakfast (9:30 am – 11:00 am)
The Center for Multicultural Affair’s (CMA) First Fridays Breakfast is a monthly community gathering space where all community members are welcome to stop by Suite 101 for a CMA-sponsored, free breakfast (limited supplies while they last), community connection, and receive the latest updates from the CMA!
Suite 101, Bryan Center, West Campus
Nasher Museum Access (10:00 am – 5:00 pm)
In addition to the "New at the Nasher Tours," the Nasher will be open to the public during normal operating hours. Admission is free. For visitor information and details about exhibitions on view, please visit nasher.duke.edu.
Nasher Museum of Art, 2001 Campus Dr
Cultivating Academic Success (TBA)
Come learn about the resources that Duke offers to support students in making the most of their undergraduate experience. Colleagues from the Office of Undergraduate Education’s Division of Student Success and the Pratt School of Engineering will provide an overview of services provided for academic coaching, well-being, and advising.
Event 2, Penn Pavilion, West Campus
The Library Presents Duke Moms and Dads: Saxophonist Branford Marsalis (10:00am – 11:00 am)
Join the Duke University Libraries as we hear from Duke parent and acclaimed saxophonist Branford Marsalis.
Holsti-Anderson Family Assembly Room, Rubenstein Library 153, West Campus
Morning Yoga with Duke Rec & P.E. (10:00 am – 10:45 am)
Enjoy the fresh air with David during a relaxing morning yoga session. All levels are welcome for a meditation-filled way to start your day. Mats will be provided for this event, though participants are welcome to bring their own. Please arrive 15 minutes early to meet the instructor and set up your mat. This event is available to the first 60 attendees. Participants should meet on K-Ville. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be held in Wilson Recreation Center 125.
K-Ville, West Campus
Address from the Office of Undergraduate Education (11:00am – 12:00 pm)
Meet Candis Watts Smith, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Associate Professor of Political Science, as she shares about exciting opportunities to enrich your student’s educational experience while at Duke.
Event 1, Penn Pavilion, West Campus
DukeEngage (TBA)
This session will include a presentation about DukeEngage programs and opportunities. Parents and students will hear from a panel of DukeEngage alums from about their experiences in their perspective programs.
Event 1, Penn Pavilion, West Campus
Health Professions Advising Information Session (TBA)
The Office of Health Professions Advising works with Trinity and Pratt students pursuing careers in healthcare. In this session we will talk about how we work with students so that they get the best out of their Duke education while preparing for health careers. We will share trends and data from Duke students and leave time for your questions.
Event 2, Penn Pavilion, West Campus
Jumu'ah Prayer (1:00 pm – 2:00 pm)
The Friday prayer service (Jumu'ah) is a cornerstone of many Muslim communities. Join the Duke Center for Muslim Life for its Friday prayer service which includes a khutbah (sermon) and prayer. Stay after to enjoy food and socialize with the community! All are welcome.
McClendon Tower, 5th Floor
New at the Nasher Tours (1:00 pm – 2:00 pm)
Explore new exhibitions and works in the Nasher Museum collection with insights from gallery guides. The expanded tour schedule for Family Weekend includes Thursday November 2nd at 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm; Friday November 3rd at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm; and Sunday, October 2 at 2:00 pm. No reservation is required, but the tour size is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Tour visitors should meet at the information desk in the great hall. For visitor information and details about exhibitions on view, please visit nasher.duke.edu.
Nasher Museum of Art, 2001 Campus Dr
Lemur Center Self-Guided Tour (1:30 pm – 3:30 pm) *
Come visit the lemurs in a relaxed, open-format event specially organized for Duke Family Weekend! You can walk through the tour path at your own pace, with staff and volunteers stationed all around to chat with you about the lemurs and answer any of your questions. There’s no need to arrive right at the start of this event – as long as you arrive at least 45 minutes before it ends, you will have plenty of time to see the lemurs. Parking is available on site. Please note that this is a ticketed event with limited spots available. If weather conditions are not suitable for humans and lemurs to safely and comfortably be outdoors, then this event will be cancelled and refunded; you will be notified by email with as much notice as possible. Tickets are a special Family Weekend rate of $12 each. Children under 2 are free and do not need to register. Please register through the Family Weekend online registration system.
Duke Lemur Center, 3705 Erwin Rd
WRITING MATTERS: Drop By and Chat at the Thompson Writing Program Table (TBA)
Families and students are invited to drop by the Thompson Writing Program table and learn more about how all writers can thrive at Duke and make their voices heard. What can writing accomplish? What have you accomplished through your writing? What have been your favorite/least favorite experiences as a writer? What makes writing hard? When and how do you write?
Schaefer Mall (top floor), Bryan Center, West Campus
Career Everywhere (for Everyone): Integrating Career Readiness Through the Entire Duke Experience (TBA)
This session will connect families with some of the staff at the Duke Career Center who will share about the career everywhere philosophy, Duke's career development process; the competencies that students will build during their time at Duke; resources and tools that your Blue Devil can access; and how you can partner with the Career Center to help develop your student's career readiness.
Event 1, Penn Pavilion, West Campus
Global Education Opportunities (TBA)
In this session, professional staff from the Global Education Office will share advice on planning an international study abroad or U.S.-based study away experience that will earn credit toward the Duke degree. Session topics include choosing a program, transferring course credits, covering costs, and using your financial aid. There will also be an information table staffed by Global Education Office professionals who can answer your study abroad/study away questions on the top floor of the Bryan Center.
Event 2, Penn Pavilion, West Campus
Global Education Office – Information Table (2:30 pm – 5:00 pm)
Swing by to talk with professional staff from the Global Education Office about your specific study abroad/study away questions.
Schaefer Mall (top floor), Bryan Center, West Campus
New at the Nasher Tours (3:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
Explore new exhibitions and works in the Nasher Museum collection with insights from gallery guides. The expanded tour schedule for Family Weekend includes Thursday November 2nd at 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm; Friday November 3rd at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm; and Sunday, October 2 at 2:00 pm. No reservation is required, but the tour size is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Tour visitors should meet at the information desk in the great hall. For visitor information and details about exhibitions on view, please visit nasher.duke.edu.
Nasher Museum of Art, 2001 Campus Dr
Hindu Life – Chai/Chaat & a Chat (3:00 pm – 5:00 pm) *
Families are invited to a casual conversation with Duke University Hindu chaplain, Priya Amaresh, and Duke Hindu students. Learn about the activities and programs we offer on campus. Students will share their interest & practices of upholding traditions & values of Hindu culture. There will be tea and snacks available for the attendees. Tea and snacks available for attendees. Tickets are $5 for all. Please register through the Family Weekend online registration system.
Hindu Life Room, Bryan Center Greenhouse, West Campus
Leveraging the Forever Duke Network: How and Why to Connect with Alumni (TBA)
All Duke students and their families are invited to hear from a diverse panel of recent Duke graduates representing different majors and career paths. These alumni, together with staff from Duke Alumni Engagement & Development, will share information and answer questions about how students can connect with alumni and how these connections can enrich their time at Duke and support their future career paths. The session is open to all students (undergraduate, graduate, and professional) and family members.
Event 1, Penn Pavilion, West Campus
Focus Program Director Q&A (TBA)
This event is for the Focus families to hear about Focus from our wonderful directors! The directors will give a brief overview of their clusters and then we will open up the floor for your questions. We encourage you to come to this event without your students. A light pre-dinner will be served.
Event 2, Penn Pavilion, West Campus
The Pre-Major Advising Experience for Trinity College Students (TBA)
Come learn about the Academic Advising Center’s (AAC) unique advising program and experience first-hand how we guide students toward an academic path that responds to their individual interests and goals, as well as how we help them choose wisely among the many opportunities that Duke affords undergraduates.
Garden Level, Penn Pavilion, West Campus
DISC International Student and Family Weekend Celebration (4:00 pm – 7:00 pm)
Come enjoy an opportunity to celebrate Duke's Family Weekend with the Duke international community (undergraduates, graduates, and their families). Enjoy pizza, soft drinks, beer/wine, and arcade games with classmates and community members from around the world. US State-issued IDs or original passports are required for entry into Boxcar Bar + Arcade for adults. Transportation from campus will be provided.
Boxcar Bar & Arcade, 621 Foster St
The President’s Welcome (5:30 pm – 6:00 pm)
Join President Price as he welcomes Duke families back to campus and takes your questions.
Reynolds Theater, Bryan Center, West Campus
Volleyball vs. Wake Forest (6:30 pm)
All students and families are welcome to this event. Tickets are not required.
Cameron Indoor Stadium, West Campus
Kabbalat Shabbat Service & Dinner with Jewish Life at Duke (6:30 pm – 8:30 pm) *
Join Jewish Life at Duke to experience a Duke Shabbat! We start at 6:30pm with a pluralistic Kabbalat Shabbat Service led by Rabbi Elana Friedman and students, followed by a kosher, family-style Shabbat dinner at ~7:30pm. Come for all or part of the evening. Kabbalat Shabbat Service is free for all. Dinner is FREE for students and $20 for non-students. The event is hosted by Jewish Life at Duke. Tickets for dinner are available for purchase through the Family Weekend online registration system.
Freeman Center for Jewish Life, 1415 Faber Street
Sanford Distinguished Lecture: Hungry for Change: Ending Food Waste (7:00 pm – 8:00 pm) *
Join us to hear from Jasmine Crowe-Houston, social entrepreneur, TED speaker, and founder and CEO of Goodr. Jasmine will explain how she built a tech company to solve two of the world's biggest problems: hunger and food waste, and why there is a strong need for policy innovation to solve old problems -- it’s time to make a change! This lecture is part of the Terry Sanford Lecture Series to promote engaged and enlightened leadership. Endowed by the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust, this prestigious lecture is open to the public and the entire Duke University campus. Families are encouraged to register for this event through the Family Weekend online registration system.
Reynolds Theater, Bryan Center, West Campus
Student Performance Showcase 1 - “From the Soul” (8:00pm) *
In the words of Henri Matisse, ‘creativity takes courage.’ From song and dance to comedy and improv, the student creators of Duke are not afraid. These showcases are a demonstration of the artistic energy flowing through our campus, and we look forward to sharing the power of our art with you. This showcase is sponsored by duARTS. Friday performers include Duke University Stand-Up Troupe, Street Medicine, Duke Swing, Defining Movement, Duke Dhamaka, Duke Lasya, Duke Club Ballroom Dance, Momentum Dance Company, Pureun, Sabrosura, Nakisai ADE, Devils En Pointe, Something Borrowed Something Blue, Out of the Blue, Deja Blue, Lady Blue, Speak of the Devil, and The Pitchforks. Tickets are $15 each. Please register through the Family Weekend online registration system. This will be a very similar show to Saturday afternoon.
Page Auditorium, West Campus
Family Weekend Concert: Duke Jazz Ensemble (with guest artist Gregory Tardy, saxophone) (8:00 pm – 10:00 pm) *
Join the Duke Jazz Ensemble, John V. Brown, director, and Evan Roberson, associate director, as they welcome saxophonist Gregory Tardy to the Baldwin stage for this special Family Weekend concert. Gregory Tardy's performance schedule has taken him all over the world, playing at all of the major jazz festivals and on some of the biggest stages in jazz. He has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, Roy Hargrove, John Patitucci, and many others. Tickets are $10. Students can register for two free tickets. Tickets are available for purchase through the Family Weekend online registration system.
Baldwin Auditorium, East Campus
*Ticketed events – Families must obtain a ticket from the Family Weekend registration site unless a different ticketing process is otherwise noted. Additional fees may apply.
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Family Rec & P.E. Facility Access
Family members of Duke Students are welcome to utilize the Wilson and Brodie Recreation Centers over Family Weekend with a valid Family Weekend Registration receipt shown the Front Desk of each facility upon entry. Students with family members who did not register for the weekend are able to purchase a Daily Guest Pass for their family for $10 per person per visit. Instructions for how to purchase a Daily Guest Pass can be found under the 'One-Time Visits' section of the Rec & P.E. Memberships webpage (link to: https://recreation.duke.edu/memberships/). Taishoff and Brodie Aquatics Centers will be unavailable. View the Rec & P.E. website for Facility Hours (https://recreation.duke.edu/facilities/facility-hours/) over the course of the weekend. Please review our Operating Policies (https://recreation.duke.edu/facilities/facility-guidelines/) ahead of your visit and note age requirements for access to certain areas of our facilities (if available). Participants must be at minimum 10 years of age to access the recreation centers.
Wilson Recreation Center, West Campus & Brodie Recreation Center, East Campus
Duke Gardens: A Festival of Fabulous Mums (10:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Enjoy an explosion of color this fall during A Festival of Fabulous Mums at Duke Gardens. Exhibition mums will create a dazzling floral display inside the Doris Duke Center and outdoors in the Culberson Asiatic Arboretum. A flower show competition sponsored by the Central Carolina Chrysanthemum Society (CCCS) and the Raleigh Garden Club will feature the skill and creativity of mum growers and floral designers from near and far. CCCS members will be on hand to highlight the 13 classes of mums and answer questions. Fun activities will be available for all ages. Stop by the information desk in the Doris Duke Center or the Gothic Gate kiosk to get directions, ask questions, pick up materials for a self-guided exploration, and more! Visit the Duke Gardens website for more information about how to get here.
Duke Gardens, 420 Anderson St.
Nasher Museum Access (10:00 am – 2:00 pm)
In addition to the "New at the Nasher Tours," the Nasher will be open to the public during normal operating hours. Admission is free. For visitor information and details about exhibitions on view, please visit nasher.duke.edu.
Nasher Museum of Art, 2001 Campus Dr
Duke Gardens Family Weekend Portraits (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)
Capture the fun of Family Weekend in one of the most Instagram-worthy spots on campus! Duke Gardens invites Duke students and their families to pose for a portrait with a Duke Gardens photographer on Saturday, November 4, between 10 a.m. and noon. This event is free for Duke students and their families. Advanced registration is required and limited to the first 120 families. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/familyweekendportraits2023. Stop by the information desk in the Doris Duke Center or the Gothic Gate kiosk to get directions. Visit the Duke Gardens website for more information about how to get here.
Duke Gardens, 420 Anderson St.
Lemur Center Self-Guided Tour (10:00 am – 12:00 pm) *
Come visit the lemurs in a relaxed, open-format event specially organized for Duke Family Weekend! You can walk through the tour path at your own pace, with staff and volunteers stationed all around to chat with you about the lemurs and answer any of your questions. There’s no need to arrive right at the start of this event – as long as you arrive at least 45 minutes before it ends, you will have plenty of time to see the lemurs. Parking is available on site. Please note that this is a ticketed event with limited spots available. If weather conditions are not suitable for humans and lemurs to safely and comfortably be outdoors, then this event will be cancelled and refunded; you will be notified by email with as much notice as possible. Tickets are a special Family Weekend rate of $12 each. Children under 2 are free and do not need to register. Please register through the Family Weekend online registration system.
Duke Lemur Center, 3705 Erwin Rd
Duke LIFE Family Weekend Brunch (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)
Come meet the team that supports your first-generation lower-income student and learn about their major milestones in their Duke careers. Pre-registration strongly encouraged: https://bit.ly/DukeFamilyBrunch.
Abele Quad, West Campus
FOCUS Family Weekend Symposium (10:00 am – 11:30 am)
This event is where the Focus clusters show off what they have been doing so far this semester! You will be able to walk around Brodie Gym and see what your student and others have been up to, as well as chat with faculty and other families. This event will have snacks and drinks to take with you.
Brodie Gym, East Campus
Pratt Family Weekend Seminar (10:00 am – 11:00 am)
The subject of this seminar will be announced in the coming weeks. It will be presented by Pratt faculty and students.
Schiciano Auditorium, Fitzpatrick Building (FCIEMAS), West Campus
Trinity College Dean's Reception for Students and Families (10:30 am – 11:30 am)
Trinity College undergraduates and their families are invited to meet Dean Gary Bennett and Trinity administrative deans, department chairs, and faculty for conversation about undergraduate classes and programs. Refreshments will be available.
Abele Academic Quad (between Allen and Social Sciences), West Campus
Pratt Family Weekend Cookout (11:00am – 1:00pm) *
Come meet and mingle with Pratt School of Engineering faculty, staff, students, and families while enjoying a delicious lunch. The cost is $20 for anyone 12 and older, including Duke students; $10 for guests 5-11 years old; and free for children 4 and under. Please register through the Family Weekend online registration system.
Fitzpatrick Building (FCIEMAS) Atrium and Harrington Quad, West Campus
Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture Family Weekend Brunch (11:00 am – 1:00 pm)
Join the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture for a delightful and meaningful Family Weekend- Black Family brunch, and celebrate the bonds that unite as a Duke family. This event is a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your Duke student, enjoy delicious food, and engage in meaningful conversations that celebrate our heritage and culture. There is no cost for this event. Click here to register today!
Blue Devil Tower-President's Suite, Wallace Wade Stadium, West Campus
Women’s Basketball vs. Wingate (1:00 pm)
All students and families are welcome to this event. Tickets are not required.
Cameron Indoor Stadium, West Campus
Lemur Center Self-Guided Tour (1:30 pm – 3:30 pm) *
Come visit the lemurs in a relaxed, open-format event specially organized for Duke Family Weekend! You can walk through the tour path at your own pace, with staff and volunteers stationed all around to chat with you about the lemurs and answer any of your questions. There’s no need to arrive right at the start of this event – as long as you arrive at least 45 minutes before it ends, you will have plenty of time to see the lemurs. Parking is available on site. Please note that this is a ticketed event with limited spots available. If weather conditions are not suitable for humans and lemurs to safely and comfortably be outdoors, then this event will be cancelled and refunded; you will be notified by email with as much notice as possible. Tickets are a special Family Weekend rate of $12 each. Children under 2 are free and do not need to register. Please register through the Family Weekend online registration system.
Duke Lemur Center, 3705 Erwin Rd
Student Performance Showcase 2 - “From the Soul” (2:00pm) *
In the words of Henri Matisse, ‘creativity takes courage.’ From song and dance to comedy and improv, the student creators of Duke are not afraid. These showcases are a demonstration of the artistic energy flowing through our campus, and we look forward to sharing the power of our art with you. This showcase is sponsored by duARTS. Saturday performers include Street Medicine, Defining Movement, Duke Dhamaka, Duke Lasya, Duke Club Ballroom Dance, Momentum Dance Company, Pureun, and Nakisai ADE, Out of the Blue, Speak of the Devil, and The Pitchforks. Tickets are $15 each. Please register through the Family Weekend online registration system. This will be a very similar show to Friday evening.
Page Auditorium, West Campus
Bachata on BC (2:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
Sabrosura is the premiere Latin dance group at Duke University. They will be promoting community and demonstrate Latin culture through dance by hosting a workshop of a Latin dance style called Bachata. Bachata originates from the beautiful Dominican Republic. Students and families are encouraged to come out and participate!
Bryan Center Plaza, West Campus
Paint and Sip Chai…and eat Bean Pie! (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm)
Students and families visiting for Family Weekend are invited to stop by the Center for Muslim Life to drink chai, eat bean pie (a Black American Muslim staple), and meet staff at an open house at our new center in Few Quad on West Campus. We'll have paint kits for students and families to also enjoy as they sip on their chai and learn more about Muslim life at Duke from CML staff!
Center for Muslim Life (Few GG), West Campus
Loving OUT Loud: Supporting my LGBTQIA+ Loved Ones (3:00 pm – 4:30 pm)
Join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity for Loving OUT Loud, a panel of parents and loved ones of LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and Questioning) individuals. In this space panelist will share personal stories of their journey in learning about and supporting their family member/s and loved ones who identify with the LGBTQIA+ community. There will be time set aside for questions at the end, and light snacks will be provided.
The CSGD Programming Space, Bryan Center 100J, West Campus
Family Weekend Concert: Duke Chorale, Symphony Orchestra, and Wind Symphony (7:00 pm) *
This concert showcases three of Duke's largest student music ensembles: the Duke Chorale, directed by Allan Friedman; Duke Symphony Orchestra, directed by Harry Davidson; and Duke Wind Symphony, directed by Verena Mösenbichler-Bryant. Celebrate Family Weekend with a showcase concert featuring an eclectic selection of works. Tickets are $10. Students can register for two free tickets. Tickets are available for purchase through the Family Weekend online registration system.
Baldwin Auditorium, East Campus
*Ticketed events – Families must obtain a ticket from the Family Weekend registration site unless a different ticketing process is otherwise noted. Additional fees may apply.
Sunday, November 5, 2023
Family Rec & P.E. Facility Access
Family members of Duke Students are welcome to utilize the Wilson and Brodie Recreation Centers over Family Weekend with a valid Family Weekend Registration receipt shown the Front Desk of each facility upon entry. Students with family members who did not register for the weekend are able to purchase a Daily Guest Pass for their family for $10 per person per visit. Instructions for how to purchase a Daily Guest Pass can be found under the 'One-Time Visits' section of the Rec & P.E. Memberships webpage (link to: https://recreation.duke.edu/memberships/). Taishoff and Brodie Aquatics Centers will be unavailable. View the Rec & P.E. website for Facility Hours (https://recreation.duke.edu/facilities/facility-hours/) over the course of the weekend. Please review our Operating Policies (https://recreation.duke.edu/facilities/facility-guidelines/) ahead of your visit and note age requirements for access to certain areas of our facilities (if available). Participants must be at minimum 10 years of age to access the recreation centers.
Wilson Recreation Center, West Campus & Brodie Recreation Center, East Campus
Coffee and Pastries with Duke Chapel Ministry Team (9:45 am – 10:30 am)
The Chapel Ministry Team will be offering light refreshments on the Chapel Quad from 9:45 - 10:30am, before Sunday morning worship at 11:00am. Come to eat, connect, and learn more about Duke Chapel's ongoing initiatives in worship leadership, student fellowship, community service, and interreligious engagement. For more information, contact Bruce Puckett, Assistant Dean of Duke Chapel, bruce.puckett@duke.edu.
Duke Chapel, West Campus
Duke Gardens: A Festival of Fabulous Mums (10:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Enjoy an explosion of color this fall during A Festival of Fabulous Mums at Duke Gardens. Exhibition mums will create a dazzling floral display inside the Doris Duke Center and outdoors in the Culberson Asiatic Arboretum. A flower show competition sponsored by the Central Carolina Chrysanthemum Society (CCCS) and the Raleigh Garden Club will feature the skill and creativity of mum growers and floral designers from near and far. CCCS members will be on hand to highlight the 13 classes of mums and answer questions. Fun activities will be available for all ages. Stop by the information desk in the Doris Duke Center or the Gothic Gate kiosk to get directions, ask questions, pick up materials for a self-guided exploration, and more! Visit the Duke Gardens website for more information about how to get here.
Duke Gardens, 420 Anderson St.
Marketplace Family Weekend Brunch (10:00 am – 2:00 pm) *
First-year students and their families are invited to a special Sunday Brunch. Students do not need tickets, but they will be expected to use a meal plan swipe for entrance. Tickets for family members are sold per hour-long seating block: 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm. Please register through the Family Weekend online registration system.
Marketplace, East Union, East Campus
Family Weekend Bagel Brunch with Jewish Life at Duke (10:00 am – 12:00 pm) *
Students and their families are invited to join Jewish Life at Duke for a delicious bagel brunch. Visit the Freeman Center for Jewish Life, the home of Jewish Life at Duke and the Rubenstein-Silvers Hillel, meet fellow families and the JLD staff, and nosh on a kosher brunch as you wrap up your visit to Duke. The event is FREE for students and $10 for non-students. Hosted by Jewish Life at Duke. Please register through the Family Weekend online registration system.
Freeman Center for Jewish Life, 1415 Faber Street
Lemur Center Self-Guided Tour (10:00 am – 12:00 pm) *
Come visit the lemurs in a relaxed, open-format event specially organized for Duke Family Weekend! You can walk through the tour path at your own pace, with staff and volunteers stationed all around to chat with you about the lemurs and answer any of your questions. There’s no need to arrive right at the start of this event – as long as you arrive at least 45 minutes before it ends, you will have plenty of time to see the lemurs. Parking is available on site. Please note that this is a ticketed event with limited spots available. If weather conditions are not suitable for humans and lemurs to safely and comfortably be outdoors, then this event will be cancelled and refunded; you will be notified by email with as much notice as possible. Tickets are a special Family Weekend rate of $12 each. Children under 2 are free and do not need to register. Please register through the Family Weekend online registration system.
Duke Lemur Center, 3705 Erwin Rd
Duke Chapel Sunday Morning Worship Service (11:00 am)
Duke Chapel has a long—and living—tradition of faithful preaching and inspiring sacred music. You are invited to be a part of it at this ecumenical Christian worship service. Hear a sermon from Chapel Dean Luke A. Powery, singing by the Chapel Choir, and music from the Chapel’s organs.
Duke Chapel, West Campus
Nasher Museum Access (12:00 pm – 5:00 pm)
In addition to the "New at the Nasher Tours," the Nasher will be open to the public during normal operating hours. Admission is free. For visitor information and details about exhibitions on view, please visit nasher.duke.edu.
Nasher Museum of Art, 2001 Campus Dr
Volleyball vs. Viriginia Tech (1:00 pm)
All students and families are welcome to this event. Tickets are not required.
Cameron Indoor Stadium, West Campus
Lemur Center Self-Guided Tour (1:30 pm – 3:30 pm) *
Come visit the lemurs in a relaxed, open-format event specially organized for Duke Family Weekend! You can walk through the tour path at your own pace, with staff and volunteers stationed all around to chat with you about the lemurs and answer any of your questions. There’s no need to arrive right at the start of this event – as long as you arrive at least 45 minutes before it ends, you will have plenty of time to see the lemurs. Parking is available on site. Please note that this is a ticketed event with limited spots available. If weather conditions are not suitable for humans and lemurs to safely and comfortably be outdoors, then this event will be cancelled and refunded; you will be notified by email with as much notice as possible. Tickets are a special Family Weekend rate of $12 each. Children under 2 are free and do not need to register. Please register through the Family Weekend online registration system.
Duke Lemur Center, 3705 Erwin Rd
New at the Nasher Tours (2:00 pm – 3:00 pm)
Explore new exhibitions and works in the Nasher Museum collection with insights from gallery guides. The expanded tour schedule for Family Weekend includes Thursday November 2nd at 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm; Friday November 3rd at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm; and Sunday, October 2 at 2:00 pm. No reservation is required, but the tour size is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Tour visitors should meet at the information desk in the great hall. For visitor information and details about exhibitions on view, please visit nasher.duke.edu.
Nasher Museum of Art, 2001 Campus Dr
United In Praise and Something Borrowed Something Blue Joint Fall Concert (4:00 pm – 6:00 pm)
Join us in the afternoon of Sunday November 5th as our university gospel choir, United in Praise, hosts their annual fall concert alongside our university co-ed Christian a cappella group Something Borrowed Something Blue. All are invited for an evening of heartfelt worship and beautiful music. For more information email Rev. Racquel Gill at racquel.gill@duke.edu.
Duke Chapel, West Campus
*Ticketed events – Families must obtain a ticket from the Family Weekend registration site unless a different ticketing process is otherwise noted. Additional fees may apply.
Family Weekend FAQs
Family Weekend is an informative, engaging, and important yearly tradition! Over the course of the Weekend, Duke welcomes parents and families to visit campus in order to interact with the organizations, people, and places that have become so important to your student.
Each year, we look forward to topical and interesting programs by staff, presentations from faculty, and interactions with special members of the student community.
Family Weekend 2023 was held Friday, November 3 through Sunday, November 5.
Family Weekend 2023 Registration is NOW LIVE! The registration link is posted to the top of this page.
Each year we collaborate with Athletics and other stakeholders across campus with the hopes of hosting Family Weekend during a home football game weekend. This year there is a football game on Thursday evening, November 2, prior to the official beginning of Family Weekend. For families who are able to arrive a day early, we are still excited to offer tickets available for purchase through the Family Weekend registration process.
Countdown to Craziness is run by Duke Athletics and is separate from Family Weekend. While it sometimes falls during Family Weekend, this year it unfortunately does not.
In addition to the opportunity to experience programs, discussions, concerts, performances, and more from members throughout the Duke community, attending Family Weekend also provides a wonderful chance for you to spend quality time with your student. Not only does it strengthen your relationship, but it can also provide your student with the opportunity to bridge the gap between their lives both on and away from campus.
Family Weekend typically includes three days of programming and opportunities for you to engage with your student. Family Weekend is designed in a conference format where you choose which sessions to attend. 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.
Friday is the busiest. Programming starts mid-morning and continues into the evening. Your student will have a regular class schedule this day, so the events are more intentionally geared towards parents and visiting family members. More programming is offered on Saturday with more opportunities to attend events alongside your student. Sunday is the lightest, with most activities wrapping up by midday.
Please do not hesitate to give us a call at 919-684-3511 or email us at familyprograms@duke.edu if you have questions regarding the weekend's activities.