Binghamton University to host Family Weekend 2026
Families are invited to visit and celebrate Bearcat pride on Sept. 18–20
Binghamton University Parent and Family Programs is welcoming students and their families to Family Weekend 2026, kicking off Friday, Sept. 18. Co-hosted by New Student Programs, this annual tradition offers a dynamic lineup of events designed to showcase the University’s spirited campus life, academic excellence, and tight-knit community.
Registration for Family Weekend 2026 is open online until Sept. 11. Families may also register in person on Friday, Sept. 18, or Saturday, Sept. 19. Registration unlocks the “Build My Schedule” feature, allowing users to tailor their own digital itinerary for Family Weekend. Some events require advance registration or ticket purchase — check the Family Weekend website for specifics.
Upon arrival to campus, families will check in at the Mandela Room inside the University Union. Check-in hours are 4–7 p.m. Friday and 8–11:30 a.m. Saturday. Once checked in, families can dive into festivities across campus, including interactive activities, tasty treats, and entertainment in residential communities and student spaces.
President Anne D’Alleva will address students and their families as the opening speaker. For the second consecutive year, Belle Liang and Timothy Klein, co-authors of How to Navigate Life, will deliver the weekend’s keynote speech on Saturday morning and hold a book signing after the event, sponsored by B-Healthy: Healthy Campus Initiative. Books are available for purchase at the Binghamton University Bookstore.
B-Healthy will also present its Family Weekend Wellness Highlight, focusing on problem gambling awareness, at 2 p.m. Saturday. This informational session will help families understand the risks associated with problem gambling, learn how to recognize early warning signs, and support loved ones who may be struggling.
Families can also test their athletic mettle and trivia knowledge at the Grit’N’Wit Challenge, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday on the Peace Quad. The Family Weekend Carnival will run 8 p.m.–midnight Saturday in the University Union Tillman Lobby.
With more than 85 events planned — including concerts, open houses, campus tours, and student showcases — Family Weekend 2026 promises something for everyone.