Welcome to Spring Family Weekend! Purdue Parent & Family Connections invites you to a fun, welcoming opportunity to experience campus life, connect with other Boilermaker families and make lasting memories. This year, we’re offering simultaneous programming in Indianapolis and West Lafayette. Campus activities are scheduled primarily for Friday, April 17, with community engagement events on Saturday and Sunday.
Family members older than 10, including your Boilermaker, must be registered.
Registration for the 2026 Spring Family Weekend
Registered guests receive a Family Weekend wristband at check-in. The wristband grants access to Parent & Family Connections–coordinated events and discounts from community partners. Registration fees support the infrastructure and coordination of Family Weekend. If you cannot attend in the spring, a fall Family Weekend will also be offered.
Registration Fees
- Adult: $15 ($2 of each family registration goes to support the Parents Fund)
- Purdue student: $10
- Children under 10: free
The Parents Fund supports programs and services benefiting students, including health and wellness initiatives, academic support and leadership resources.
Registration fees are nonrefundable.
Registration opened Feb. 27 for Purdue Parents & Families Club Members, and noon, Eastern, March 3 for all families. Registration closes at noon, Eastern, April 10. On-site registration will be available for participation in general events, blankets and painting session (if space allows).
Registration Add‑On: Soft‑core fleece blanket — $30
The blanket is 50 by 60 inches and made of 100% polyester fleece with a Boilermaker Special logo laser‑etched in the corner.
PurdueGuide App
There’s no need to fumble with a printed schedule — with the PurdueGuide app powered by Guidebook, you can create a personalized agenda, sync events to your calendar and get directions to your next activity. The app will launch in early April.
Family Weekend T-shirt
Free Family Weekend T‑shirts will be available for Indianapolis registrants at the Indianapolis check‑in location.
West Lafayette registrants can pick up their T‑shirts by showing their wristbands at the University Book Store.
Shirts are available while supplies last.
University Book Store, 360 W. State St., West Lafayette
Hours of operation:
- Friday: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday: noon – 5 p.m.
When reviewing the events below, please note the following:
*Included with Family Weekend registration
$Additional fee
Spring Campus Activities
Friday, April 17
Staff are available during operating hours to offer tours and answer questions.
Tours of the LGBTQ Center are available during operating hours. Staff members have expertise and connections to a range of campus, local, state and national resources they can recommend as needed.
Staff are available during operating hours to offer tours and answer questions.
Listen to the Purdue Varsity Glee Club during an open rehearsal.
Listen to the Purduettes during an open rehearsal.
Listen to Heart & Soul during an open rehearsal.
Registered families and guests should stop by Family Weekend check‑in to pick up wristbands, registration add‑ons and information about the PurdueGuide app. Staff will also be available to answer questions and help with on-site registration.
Registered families and guests should stop by Family Weekend check‑in to pick up wristbands, registration add‑ons and information about the PurdueGuide app. Staff will also be available to answer questions and help with on-site registration.
Listen to the University Choir during an open rehearsal.
Stop by to meet team members from the Office of Professional Practice.
Learn about Purdue Engineering Graduate Programs during Family Weekend in the EL atrium from 1:30 – 4 p.m. Stop by to meet staff, explore current and upcoming graduate programs and pick up brochures and Purdue Engineering items. Whether you’re a prospective student, family member or simply curious, the team will be available to connect. More information is available at www.purdue.edu/campuses/indianapolis/graduate-programs/.
Biomedical Engineering student ambassadors will host a tabling event featuring activities such as the Operation game and BME giveaways.
Join the Elmore Electrical and Computer Engineering faculty and staff in the SL 174 suite for an open house and reception. Learn more about ECE programs and meet faculty.
The Purdue Motorsports program invites you to an open house to learn about current initiatives and program developments.
Join College of Science students, staff and leadership for informal networking and conversation in the Corner Hangout.
Cornerstone invites students and families to an interactive experience highlighting the program’s role in supporting foundational learning at Purdue. Attendees can meet faculty and students, explore key projects, participate in activities and learn how Cornerstone fosters community, critical thinking and academic skills.
Staff will host a table to share how Summer and Winter Sessions help students get ahead academically, stay on track and make the most of their Purdue experience.
The Interior Architecture program in Indianapolis will host a meet‑and‑greet where families can meet instructors and students, view examples of student work and tour the materials library.
Learn about Summer and Winter Session initiatives and how students can use both terms to enhance their educational opportunities.
Stop by the Member Services desk for tours, information, giveaways and games
Paint a Purdue icon on a blank canvas. Supplies are provided. Limited capacity; $20 per person.
Paint a Purdue icon on a blank canvas. Supplies are provided. Limited capacity; $20 per person.
Explore how Purdue in Indianapolis is driven by a forward-thinking vision centered on student achievement, academic excellence and community collaboration. This session gives families an overview of the 50-year campus master plan, detailing recent growth, expansion and the upcoming phases that will enhance the Boilermaker student experience.
In spring 2025, Student Life unified key leadership and engagement areas under the Roger C. Stewart Office of Student Leadership, Engagement and Community. This session highlights progress made to enhance the Purdue student leadership experience and introduces a new executive‑level leadership program.
It will also outline focused efforts to strengthen the Purdue student leadership experience and how Student Life programs support students’ growth, confidence and career readiness. Families will learn about the new executive‑level leadership program designed to help student leaders continue developing their skills as they near graduation. Program leaders will ask families for feedback on this new model.
Stop by the Knowledge Lab in Wilmeth Active Learning Center to tour the space and make a button.
Stop by the Member Services desk for tours, information, giveaways and games.
In spring 2025, Student Life unified key leadership and engagement areas under the Roger C. Stewart Office of Student Leadership, Engagement and Community. This session highlights progress made to enhance the Purdue student leadership experience and introduces a new executive‑level leadership program.
It will also outline focused efforts to strengthen the Purdue student leadership experience and how Student Life programs support students’ growth, confidence and career readiness. Families will learn about the new executive‑level leadership program designed to help student leaders continue developing their skills as they near graduation. Program leaders will ask families for feedback on this new model.
This session will highlight how Student Life is working together to support student well-being and success. Families will learn about recent developments, including a new well-being unit and shared strategies used across campus to help Boilermakers flourish at Purdue and beyond.
Learn about the College of Liberal Arts at this open‑house‑style event. Meet department representatives, explore academic programs and student resources, and learn how Liberal Arts supports student success.
This session will highlight how Student Life is working together to support student well-being and success. Families will learn about recent developments, including a new well-being unit and shared strategies used across campus to help Boilermakers flourish at Purdue and beyond.
Hear from Purdue Research Foundation representatives about why the Purdue ecosystem matters and how students and families directly benefit. Learn more about Purdue Research Park, the Discovery Park District, entrepreneurship pathways and other initiatives that connect academics, industry and community impact.
Join fellow Boilermaker families, executive leaders and campus representatives for a relaxed opportunity to connect, ask questions and learn more about the Guaranteed Work Experience in Indianapolis. Light refreshments will be provided as families build community and celebrate their student’s Purdue journey.
Featuring Campus Band and Collegiate Band I (Dr. Lucas H. Petersen, conductor). Purdue Bands and Orchestras.
Saturday, April 18
Color indicates West Lafayette event
Color indicates Indianapolis event
Registered families and guests should stop by Family Weekend check‑in to pick up wristbands, registration add‑ons and information about the PurdueGuide app. Staff will also be available to answer questions and help with on-site registration.
The annual festival, a free and inclusive event open to all, is set to take place on campus. This seasonal celebration will span the College of Agriculture buildings and grounds, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and Memorial Mall. Community members and students are invited to participate in immersive activities that cover a range of subjects, including science, technology, engineering, and the arts.
Purdue Galleries offer a variety of art forms and exhibits throughout the year, featuring artwork from regional, national, and international artists as well as the Galleries permanent collection.
Club members received an invitation to a special event held in partnership with Athletics. If you cannot locate your invitation and need more information, please email boilerfamily@purdue.edu before April 15.
Please mark your calendars for Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 2 – 4 p.m. Families are warmly invited to gather at McGraw's Steak Chop & Fish House, located along the picturesque riverfront of the Wabash. This event will be a blend of relaxation and socializing with other families.
During your family weekend, join Newfields for a guided stroll through The Garden. On April 18 and 19, Boilermakers can bird watch, identify florals, and seek respite in the beautiful gardens of Newfields. To sign up for your free student membership, visit the link below. Once you become a student member, your tour will be free. All family members will be $10. Learn more at discovernewfields.org/events-exhibitions/purdue-family-weekend-hike.
Note- discounted rate is available during business, however if you want to potentially meet other Purdue families, please attend at the noted time.
Featuring Alumni Concert Band (Jay S. Gephart, conductor), University Band (Jay S. Gephart, conductor), and Collegiate Band II (Dr. David M. Blon, conductor). Free and open to the public. Purdue Bands and Orchestras.
evGrandPrix is a competitive electric go-kart race for high school and collegiate teams.
Students from all over the United States come to Purdue to compete in this prestigious and innovative electric karting championship. Participants build their own karts, tune the powertrain and chassis dynamics, and then put them to the test in an exciting race that displays their ingenuity and knowledge of electric vehicles.
Join fellow Boilermaker families and campus representatives for a relaxed opportunity to connect, make new friends, learn about campus resources and celebrate your student’s Purdue journey. You can also stop by to see the World’s Largest Drum. Light refreshments will be provided.
The 18th annual 5K Challenge is a race experience in Tippecanoe County that brings together the Boilermaker community and beyond to support innovative cancer research at the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research. https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/WestLafayette/5kchallenge
Since its start in 2008, the Challenge has had a powerful impact — generating more than $1 million to advance lifesaving science at the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research. The event brings real hope to survivors and their loved ones, proving that small steps lead to big change.
Featuring Varsity Band (Douglas R. Fletcher, conductor) and Symphonic Band (Matthew R. Conaway, conductor). Free and open to the public. Purdue Bands and Orchestras.
Sunday, April 19
Color indicates West Lafayette event
Color indicates Indianapolis event
Contains four miles of trails through woods and along a marsh. It is approximately 195 acres, with 7 acres in Scifres-Maier Woods Nature Preserve. The Celery Bog Nature Area is home to the Lilly Nature Center and contains 4.3 miles of paved Cattail Trail and a 1.5 mile Footpath with interpretive signs and two viewing decks.
As a part of the Partners in Music Education program, the McCutcheon High School Band will perform to open this concert featuring Concert Band (Dr. David M. Blon, conductor) and Wind Ensemble (Jay S. Gephart, conductor, and Dr. David M.) Free and open to the public. Purdue Bands and Orchestras.
During your family weekend, join Newfields for a guided stroll through The Garden. On April 18 and 19, Boilermakers can bird watch, identify florals, and seek respite in the beautiful gardens of Newfields. To sign up for your free student membership, visit the link below. Once you become a student member, your tour will be free. All family members will be $10. Learn more at discovernewfields.org/events-exhibitions/purdue-family-weekend-hike.
Note- discounted rate is available during business hours, however if you want to potentially meet other Purdue families, please attend at the noted time.
Community Activities and Featured Discounts
Check back regularly for updates!
With more than 250 acres of greenspace just minutes from Purdue University in Indianapolis, White River State Park is the perfect getaway to visit during Family Weekend.
The park is home to seven world-class attractions, including the Eiteljorg Museum, Everwise Amphitheater, IMAX Theater in the Indiana State Museum, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, NCAA Hall of Champions, and Victory Field.
Purdue students receive free or discounted opportunities to several park attractions:
- Eiteljorg Museum - Free admission when showing your student ID
- IMAX Theater in the Indiana State Museum - $2 off price of admission with a valid student ID (must be redeemed in person).
- Indiana State Museum - $5 admission with a valid student ID. Faculty visiting with students also receive this discounted rate.
- NCAA Hall of Champions - Free admission for NCAA student-athletes.
Shabbat Service at 6 p.m. and Shabbat Dinner at 7 p.m. Visit purduehillel.org/parents-weekend to RSVP.
Join us for a warm, delicious Shabbat dinner celebrating Jewish life at Purdue.
Visit https://www.jewishpurdue.com/shabbat.html to RSVP.
Show your Family Weekend Wristband to get a Game Day Button.
Two Tulips Boutique Hours of operation:
Friday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Show your Family Weekend Wristband for 20% off your purchase.
Beyond Gallery & Gift Shop Hours of operation:
Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The only museum dedicated to sharing the diverse and rich cultural heritage of Indiana. Set in an historic mansion, guests will experience paintings, sculptures, ceramics, antique furniture and furnishings, unique architecture and more. Offering docent-led tours of the museum at 25% off, or $9 adults, $3 children age 5-18. Families are welcome to visit the museum on a walk-in basis -no reservations or advance ticket purchase are necessary. However, we recommend arriving by 3:00 p.m. to allow ample time for the tour.
Haan Museum of Indiana Art - Hours of operation:
Friday - 1 – 4 p.m.
Saturday - 1 – 4 p.m.
Described by Edward Albee as “the greatest American play ever written,” Our Town presents the small town of Grover’s Corners in three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage” and “Death and Eternity.” Narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets, the play depicts the simple daily lives of the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually – in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre – die. Thornton Wilder’s final word on how he wanted his play performed is an invaluable addition to the American stage and to the libraries of theatre lovers internationally.
Performances all weekend! Check here for schedule and for tickets. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Advisory: CLUE includes smoke, haze and gunshot sound effects.
Use code: FAMILY26 and receive $10 off /reservation cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Reservations HIGHLY recommended.
Rugged Xscape Hours of operation:
Friday: 5 – 11 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday: noon – 9 p.m.
Enjoy a free muffin with purchase of 16oz. coffee and 20% off all sizes of cold brew
Ghost Coffee Roaster Hours of operation:
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Every's will be offering 10% off your ice cream purchase in the shop.
Every's Ice Cream Hours of Operation:
Friday noon – 9 p.m.
Saturday noon – 9 p.m.
Sunday noon – 9 p.m.
15% off all full priced merchandise when showing your Family Weekend wristband.
Retail Therapy Hours of operation:
Friday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Get 20% off any ONE item with your wristband. One per person/transaction.
Main Street Books Hours of operation:
Friday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
During your family weekend, join Newfields for a guided stroll through The Garden. On April 18 and 19, Boilermakers can bird watch, identify florals, and seek respite in the beautiful gardens of Newfields. To sign up for your free student membership, visit the link below. Once you become a student member, your tour will be free. All family members will be $10. Learn more at discovernewfields.org/events-exhibitions/purdue-family-weekend-hike.
Newfields Hours of operation:
Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Market on Main brings you a thoughtfully curated mix of unique goods that celebrate creativity, sustainability, and regenerative practices. From local artisans to farmers and mission-driven brands, our collection is here to inspire—and help you feel connected to the people and stories behind what you buy. Enjoy giveaways and 15% off select items.
Market on Main Vendors:
- Essentially Aqua
- Art with a Happy Heart
- Atchley Farm
- Middlefork Meadows
- 10:10 & Healthy
Friday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday noon – 5 p.m.
25% discount on all programs offered during Spring Family Weekend.
Wolf Park Hours of operation:
Friday 3 – 8 p.m.
Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; 7 – 9 p.m. (Howl Night)
Sunday 3 – 8 p.m.
$10 off per ticket with code SFW26
Prebooking required online at missionbreakoutlafayette.com
Mission: Breakout Lafayette Hours of Operation:
Friday noon – 9:30 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. – 9:45 p.m.
Sunday noon – 8 p.m.
We will provide 20% off on all pottery for participants who show their wristband!
Create memories together (lots of Purdue pottery options!) - we can also ship items
All Fired Up! and All Wined Down! Hours of operation:
Friday noon – 9 p.m. (stop accepting walk-ins at 8 p.m.)
Saturday noon – 9 p.m. (stop accepting walk-ins at 8 p.m.)
Sunday noon – 5 p.m. (stop accepting walk-ins at 4 p.m.)
St. Tom’s is pleased to welcome our visiting families to Catholic mass on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9 and 11:30 a.m.; 7 and 9 p.m. There are coffee and donuts after 9 a.m. mass, and we offer five dollar Sunday night dinner at 5:30 p.m. in Newman Hall (the basement of the church).
The church is open for self-guided tours the entire weekend. Email officers@boilercatholics.org to set up a tour.
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center at Purdue - Hours of operation:
Saturday 9 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Sunday 8 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, their mission is to celebrate and preserve the history behind the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500—and we invite your family to be part of that story!
Bring the whole family and explore current exhibitions along with permanent galleries. Whether you’re longtime racing fans or discovering the Speedway for the first time, the museum offers something for all ages to enjoy.
Family Weekend attendees can save $5/person by using the discount code PURDUEFAM26 at checkout. Be sure to inquire about a student or family membership at the Welcome Center when you arrive.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum - Hours of operation:
Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
