UK Visitor Center Open
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Gatton Student Center (160 Avenue of Champions)
During Family Weekend, stop by the Visitor Center to get information about campus and Lexington. All are welcome to take a guided tour while visiting campus, but reservations for tours are required. Call 859-257-3595 or visit www.uky.edu/VisitorCenter for a tour schedule and more information.
Kiddy-Cat Parade
9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., Buell Armory (Barker Hall, 408 Administration Drive)
Included in Family Weekend registration fee
The Kiddy-Cat Parade is a fun-filled, short homecoming parade designed for younger siblings of UK students. Kids will create their own parade floats using decorated cardboard boxes, show off their Wildcat spirit, and participate in exciting activities, including an obstacle course and face painting. The event will conclude with a short parade through campus and a celebratory ice cream treat. Presented by the Veterans Resource Center, ROTC, Family Weekend, and UK's Student Parent Organization.
Late Check-in
1 p.m. – 1 hour prior to kick-off, Frazee Hall (406 Administration Drive)
Arriving on Saturday? No problem! We’ve got you covered with Late Check-In so you don’t miss a minute of the fun.
Stop by to pick up your Family Weekend materials, tote bag, and event info. Then you’ll be all set to jump into the action—just in time for game day
Keeneland Fall Race Meet
1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Keeneland (4201 Versailles Road)
Tickets available at keeneland.com
Add a dash of Derby-style excitement to your Family Weekend with a visit to the Keeneland Fall Race Meet—a true Bluegrass tradition just minutes from campus! Enjoy a thrilling day at the races, complete with beautiful horses, scenic views, and that one-of-a-kind Keeneland charm.
Whether you're placing a wager or just soaking up the atmosphere, Keeneland is a can't-miss experience for visitors of all ages. Put on your Big Blue best, bring the family, and enjoy a picture-perfect Lexington day full of pageantry and excitement.
Pro tip: Arrive early for tailgating or a morning visit to The Paddock! Gates open at 11 a.m.
Family Game Day Shuttles
Included in Family Weekend registration fee
Service begins 4 hours before kickoff and continues until 1 hour after the game ends - running approximately every 15 minutes to get you to and from Kroger Field in comfort and style!
Look for the black Gold Shield shuttles at these convenient pick-up/drop-off spots:
- Scott Street (across from the Taylor Education Building)
- Wildcat Alumni Plaza (across from Memorial Coliseum)
- Corner of University Drive & Cooper Drive (next to the UK Alumni Tailgate)
Hop on, cheer loud, and enjoy your game day without the hassle—Go Cats!
Family Cornhole Competition
3 hours prior to kick-off, Main Lawn (across from the Main Building, 410 Administration Drive)
Included in Family Weekend registration fee
Ready... Set... Toss! Join us for some friendly fun at the UK Family Weekend Cornhole Competition! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just in it for the laughs, this laid-back tournament is open to all Family Weekend participants — students, families, and guests alike.
- No pre-registration needed — sign up on site!
- Enjoy great music while you play
- Snack on delicious kettle corn and stay refreshed with complimentary water
- Compete for fun prizes and serious bragging rights
- Open practice time available before the games begin
Grab a partner or come solo and get paired up - either way, it’s a perfect way to relax, connect, and make memories together. See you there!
UK Alumni Tailgate/Tent Party
3 hours prior to kick-off, Tobacco Lawn (corner of University and Cooper Drive)
Additional Purchase Required; Included in the UK Alumni Tailgate and Kentucky Donut Trail Package
Get ready to show your Wildcat pride and soak up the game day energy at the UK Alumni Association's Tailgate Tent Party as the Kentucky Wildcats take on the Texas Longhorns!
You don't have to be UK alumni to participate - all are welcome!
What to Expect: Delicious food, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, giveaways, and plenty of chances to celebrate with fellow Wildcats, Cheerleaders, and Pep Band!
Tailgate guests will park in general game day parking and walk over to Tobacco Lawn.
Come early, wear your blue, and enjoy the perfect pre-game celebration before cheering on the Cats!
Wildcat Watch Party
Additional Purchase Required; Included in the Wildcat Watch Party & Kentucky Donut Trail Package
Doors open 1 hour prior to kick-off (Gatton Student Center Ballrooms, 160 Avenue of Champions)
Get ready for the ultimate game day experience as we cheer on the Wildcats together! Join UK students, families, and guests to watch UK take on Texas on the big screen in a high-energy setting filled with food, fun, and Wildcat pride.
Enjoy:
- Live game viewing in the ballroom
- Free food and snacks
- Games, entertainment, and exciting door prizes
- Special guests and UK traditions
- Plenty of Big Blue energy to go around!
Important Info:
- All participants — students and guests — must wear their official Wildcat Watch Party sticker for admission and to receive a free t-shirt or door prize
- UK students must also check in using their BBNvolved event pass at the entrance
Whether you're a die-hard fan or just soaking in the spirit of the Big Blue Nation, the Wildcat Watch Party is the perfect place to celebrate football, family, and fun!
UK vs. University of Texas Football Game
Additional Purchase Required
Kickoff time typically provided 7-10 days prior to game day, Kroger Field (1540 University Drive)
History in the Making: UK vs. Texas! Get ready for a Family Weekend and Homecoming to remember as the Wildcats take on the Texas Longhorns for the very first time at Kroger Field! This epic SEC matchup is packed with energy, tradition, and Wildcat pride—and you can be part of it.
This isn’t just any game—it’s a landmark moment in UK Football history, and we’re inviting families to be there for every touchdown, chant, and celebration. Don't miss your chance to be part of the electric atmosphere as the Cats defend their turf against a legendary new SEC opponent.
Learn more about purchasing football tickets at families.uky.edu/cheer-on-cats—and get ready to wear blue, be loud, and show Texas what it means to play at Kroger Field!
Important Game Day Information:
Into the Woods presented by UK Department of Theatre and Dance
Additional Purchase Required; Tickets available soon at ukdotdtickets.com.
7:30 p.m., Guignol Theatre (465 Rose Street)
“Into the Woods” follows a childless baker and his wife, cursed by a witch, as they embark on a quest to find four items to break the spell. Along the way, they encounter iconic characters from the Brothers Grimm — Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack, and Rapunzel — all seeking their own fairy tale endings. As wishes are granted, consequences unfold, and the characters must confront the reality of their desires. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Lapine, this Tony Award-winning musical is a timeless, enchanting, and thought-provoking classic.