As the skies clear and fall leaves sprinkle College Hill’s streets, campus is perfectly staged to welcome loved ones for Family Weekend 2025. With programming beginning on Friday, an eventful three days await families eager to experience what it feels like to be a student at Brown.
Ahead of the festivities, The Herald compiled the must-dos and must-sees for the adventurous family.
On Friday, begin your journey at the heart of campus — the Main Green. Catch the buzz of students getting out of classes for the week as you relax on the grass with some furry companions from noon to 2 p.m.
As you were strolling around the Main Green, you might have been able to spot a copper-colored object in the distance, nestled in front of Manning Hall. Learn more about the sculpture, which recognizes the University’s 18th-century connections to slavery, and other important memorials and facets of campus on the Family Weekend Slavery and Legacy Walking Tour.
In the mood for more history? If you were able to snag a ticket before they sold out, be sure to head to Salomon Center from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for a conversation with award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, where you’ll also catch an exclusive preview of his upcoming film, “The American Revolution.”
End your evening in true college-student fashion: lost in the audience of an a capella concert. For some Mickey Mouse magic, there’s Disney A Capella from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Metcalf Research Building. Or, at that same time, return to Salomon Center to catch Brown’s longest-running a capella group, the Chattertocks.
Kick off Saturday bright and early with a hearty breakfast buffet in Sayles Hall at 8 a.m. Then, burn some of that energy through yoga on the Quiet Green, a full-body cardio jam session at the Kasper Multipurpose Room or a scavenger hunt that will have you running from one end of campus to another.
For a glimpse into Brown’s vibrant research scene, attend the Faculty Research Forum from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Salomon Center, where faculty panelists spanning the sciences and the humanities will walk you through the undergraduate research experience. At noon, take a brain break and show up for the Bears as the football team takes on Princeton in our home stadium.
At 5 p.m., drop what you’re doing for an event you won’t want to miss: a conversation with goop founder and Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow P’28. Unfortunately, if you haven’t yet secured a ticket, the event is sold out.
For dinner, consider venturing off campus. Explore Thayer Street’s bustling selection of student favorites, get lost in the hubbub of a Saturday evening downtown or wander the charming, eclectic neighborhood of Fox Point.
And, if you couldn’t get enough a cappella from the previous night, the Brown Derbies perform in Salomon Center at 7:30 p.m., the Alef Beats perform at 8 p.m. at Brown-RISD Hillel and the Jabberwocks come on at 9 p.m. back in Salomon.
Ease into Sunday morning with a stroll down Wickenden Street, slipping into one of the many brunch spots and coffee shops. Catch the field hockey team’s match against Bryan at noon, go on a public art tour at 1 p.m. or simply soak in the beautiful day — you’ll want to savor every moment before you go.
Elena Jiang is a University News Editor from Shanghai, China concentrating in English Nonfiction and International & Public Affairs.
