Schedule of Events Family Weekend 2026

Our Big Blue Family Basecamp is your central hub for check-in and information throughout Family Weekend. 

Visit the tables on the Gatton Student Center Social Staircase near the information desk to check in with our student ambassadors and staff - your Family Weekend Adventure Guides. Please bring the QR code from your Family Weekend registration confirmation email or the name of the person who registered for your family to complete check-in. 

While you’re there, you'll pick up your Family Weekend materials, including your event schedule and Cat Pass event button for entry into select events, along with additional Family Weekend swag. 

Have questions or not sure where to start? Our Family Weekend Adventure Guides are here to offer answers, directions, and personalized recommendations to help you make the most of your weekend on campus and in Lexington. 

Kick off Family Weekend with an interactive, come‑and‑go experience designed to help students and families explore the many ways UK supports academic success and well‑being. The Family Weekend Academic Adventure Trail brings together academic resources, integrated success coaching, wellness and support services, faculty showcases, and advising support ahead of priority registration - all in one welcoming space. 

Along the trail, attendees can connect with academic, coaching, and wellness teams, meet faculty from across the university, and take part in 15‑minute integrated success coaching conversations. Families can also enjoy light snacks and relaxed opportunities to learn together. 

All attendees will receive a reusable water bottle (while supplies last) and can collect stickers along the trail to personalize their bottle as they explore.  

This event is UK Invests eligible, allowing students to engage in meaningful learning experiences outside the classroom while receiving $10 in their UK Invests account. Students must be present at the event to receive credit toward UK Invests.

Open to all Family Weekend participants (with their Cat Pass event button) and all current UK students. 

Saturday, September 26, 2026, 8:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. ET

• Morning Hike - 8:30 a.m. | Meet at the Johnson Center, 434 Complex Drive
• Afternoon Hike - 1 p.m. | Meet at the Johnson Center, 434 Complex Drive

Experience the natural beauty of Kentucky with a guided hike at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, one of the area's most scenic outdoor destinations. Whether you're looking for a peaceful morning adventure or an afternoon on the trails, this experience offers a great opportunity to connect with fellow Wildcat families while exploring the outdoors.

This experience is free for Family Weekend participants, but advance registration through UK Campus Recreation is required due to limited transportation and group capacity. Family members and guests of all ages are welcome to participate.

Participants will travel together from campus to Raven Run in a 12-passenger UK van, where Campus Recreation staff will lead the hike. Specific details about what to wear, what to bring, and trail conditions will be sent via email during the week of the event once weather conditions are known.

Important Information

• Transportation to and from Raven Run is provided.
• Required waivers and participant information will be completed during the check-in process.
• Family members and guests are welcome to participate. Guests will need to create a RecWell guest account in order to register.

Questions about the hike or registration may be directed to Danny Bavis at Danny.Bavis@uky.edu.

Space is limited and advance registration is recommended.

Complimentary shuttle service from Gold Shield Transportation will be available throughout the day for registered Family Weekend guests. Our premium, party-style buses feature comfortable seating (max. 30 people per bus), refreshments, and a lively game day atmosphere while transporting families between parking locations and the Family Weekend Alumni, Family, & Friends Tailgate. From there, it is just a 10-15-minute walk up University Drive to Kroger Field. Following the game, guests can take advantage of return shuttle service back to their original parking area. Please note: all guests must be wearing their Cat Pass event button to board and access shuttle services.

To help fuel your day, complimentary coffee trucks will be available at both the Scott Street parking lot and Wildcat Alumni Plaza from 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. ET, perfect for a quick pick-me-up before heading to your next stop. Coffee will also be served at the Family Weekend Alumni, Family, & Friends Tailgate, conveniently located just steps from the Hilltop Drive parking lot.

Whether you're attending the tailgate, the game, or both, our Family Weekend parking and transportation options are designed to make your experience smoother, easier, and more enjoyable from start to finish. Celebrate Family Weekend the Big Blue way while we take care of getting you where you need to go!

Saturday, September 26, 2026, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. ET

• Behind The 90 (Entrance at University Drive and Huguelet Drive)

Join us on Saturday for an energetic morning filled with great local food, lively music, interactive games, and fun giveaways. Whether you're reconnecting with fellow alumni, meeting other Wildcat families, or simply soaking in the excitement of campus on game day, this tailgate is the perfect place to kick things off.

Getting there is easy - the Family Weekend Game Day shuttle will drop you off right at the tailgate entrance at University Drive and Huguelet Drive, and from there, it's a short 10-15-minute walk to Kroger Field at game time.

Please note that all Family Weekend participants must wear their Cat Pass event buttons for access to the tailgate. You will pick up your buttons during Family Weekend Check-in.

Best of all, this event is included with your Family Weekend registration, making it an easy and festive way to be part of the full game day experience. UK alumni who are not participating in Family Weekend can purchase tailgate tickets through the UK Alumni Association.

Come ready to show your school spirit, make memories, and celebrate being part of the Big Blue Family!

Start your Sunday with energy, connection, and a little Wildcat spirit! The ML5K Fun Run is a family-friendly, all-levels race that begins and ends on Stoll Field next to the Gatton Student Center. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, this is a great way to kick off your Family Weekend morning together. 

At the finish line, families can gather in a complimentary welcome space to celebrate racers, enjoy light morning refreshments (coffee and snacks), and take part in lawn games while waiting for everyone to cross the finish line. All ages welcome.

After the race, continue the morning at Champions Kitchen inside the Gatton Student Center for a relaxed, all-you-care-to-eat brunch. 

Participation & Registration