Family Weekend events kick off beginning around noon on Friday and ending around 2 p.m. Sunday
Visit VCU RecWell Cary St. Gym (5:45 AM -10 PM)
Cary St. Gym, 101 S. Linden Street, Richmond, VA 23284
All registered Family Weekend guests will have access to RecWell's Cary St. Gym facility during Family Weekend to use the facility and participate in scheduled programs such as Group Exercise Classes (those classes with available seats). Please note: Some age related restrictions may apply.
No one under the age of 16 is permitted in the fitness center or in Group Exercise Classes. Minors can access certain facility spaces and programs based on age.
Please visit recwell.vcu.edu to explore all RecWell has to offer.
Cabell Library (7:30 AM- 10:00 PM)
Visit James Branch Cabell Library At Your Leisure
James River Hiking Tour (9 -11:30 AM)
Location provided after booking
Discover the best spots in the James River Park System with Discover Richmond Tours. Visit old train bridge ruins, Class IV rapids, Civil-War era infrastructure, and unique features found only in Richmond, all while feeling lost in nature right in the heart of downtown!
$25/pp (not including discount)
Book a tour here and use code "VCUFAMILY" for 10% off that weekend
Open House at Shift Retail Lab (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
Shift Retail Lab (1235 W Broad St)
Check-In (12 - 7:00 PM)
Commons, first floor
Let us know you are here! Swing by the Commons for check-in, pick up materials, and ask any questions you might have about Family Weekend!
You can find us in front of the P.O.D. Market.
Arts District Food Tour (2 - 4:30 PM)
Location provided after booking
Join Discover Richmond Tours to explore Richmond's revitalized Arts District as an insider. Spanning parts of Jackson Ward and Monroe Ward, the Arts District will capture your imagination with a mix of historically-significant architecture, under-the-radar restaurants, and inspiring art galleries.
$75/pp (not including discount)
Book a tour here and use code "VCUFAMILY" for 10% off that weekend
Scott's Addition Booze & Bites Tour (2 - 4:30 PM)
Location provided after booking
Join Discover Richmond Tours to explore Richmond's rapidly evolving Scott's Addition as an insider. Scott's Addition is quickly becoming Richmond's go-to for food, drink, and fun. This one-time industrial neighborhood just west of downtown is now home to more breweries, cideries, and entertainment venues that you can count. And we haven't even started talking about food yet!
$80/pp (not including discount)
Book a tour here and use code "VCUFAMILY" for 10% off that weekend
College of Health Professions: Meet & Greet (3 – 5:00 PM)
MCALC 2104, Academic Learning Commons, (100 Floyd Ave)
Join the College of Health Professions for a meet and greet!
Open to the first 50 people!
Honors Family Weekend Open House (3:30 PM - 5:30 PM)
Outdoor Patio - Honors Building - 701 West Grace Street
Honors families and parents! Please come join us to come see the Honors facilities and get to meet your student's advisors and faculty.
Event is open to all honors students and their families!
Let us know you are coming on the Family Weekend Registration form.
Office of Student Leadership & Engaged Learning Open House (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
West Grace North, 1030J (830 W Grace St)
Join staff and faculty in the Office of Student Leadership & Engaged Learning to hear more about the impactful work of our students and the programs we run.
Families of Emerging Leaders Program, VCU Transform, and Impact communities are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.
Open to the first 50 people!
New STEM building tours offered by the College of Humanities and Sciences (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
STEM Building, 813 W Franklin St.
Take an exclusive tour of the brand new 169,000-square-foot, six-floor building dedicated to STEM on the Monroe Park Campus. Recently opened in Spring 2023, the building was designed to be a place where growing talents are nurtured and foundational laboratory skills are taught, and where faculty will mentor and train tomorrow's science leaders. Tours will leave every 30 minutes from the first-floor lobby.
Let us know you are coming on the Family Weekend Registration form!
First-Year Family Welcome Back Reception (4:30 PM - 6:00 PM)
Rodney’s Lounge, 1st Floor of Shafer Dining Court
Sirena Pearl's Urban Heat Island Effect Mural Opening Reception (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Art Foundation Program, Student Balcony - 609 Bowe St, 5th Floor, Richmond, VA 23220
You're invited to the opening reception of Sirena Pearl's Urban Heat Island Effect Mural. Visit this new large-scale mural (91x25 feet!) on the AFO Student Balcony. Through the use of traditional mural paints and solar reflective index clear coats (coating that cools buildings), Sirena visualizes the urban heat island phenomenon that contributes to higher temperatures in urban spaces. She uses thermal infrared photography to capture the effects of the materials throughout her mural. You can learn more about Sirena's Urban Heat Island Mural and her findings by clicking here: https://sirenapearl.com/urban-heat-island-mural/. This project is evidence of the creative talent and research that the VCU Art Foundation Program fosters (Sirena just started her sophomore year in Painting + Printmaking)! Please park on the street adjacent to the parking deck and take the elevator to the 5th floor. Light refreshments will be served.
VMHC: First Fridays for the Whole Family (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Pies and Paint (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
MCALC 1201, Academic Learning Commons, (100 Floyd Ave)
Come explore your creative side with local Richmond artist John Price and create a masterpiece on canvas to take home as a keepsake! Pizza and beverages provided for all participants!
$5/pp
Registration for this event is required through the Family Weekend Registration form!
Haunts of Richmond Ghost Tours (7:00 PM - 8:40 PM)
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 823 Cathedral Pl
Come join Haunts of Richmond to discover the haunted and creepy history surrounding Monroe Park. This tour includes Altria Theater, a one-time hospital turned housing, homes of Richmond's gilded age, and more!
These 60-minute tours are offered every 20 minutes, with the last tour leaving at 8:40 PM. Visit the booking page for more information!
$13/pp
Book a discounted tour here
Cinema in the Courtyard (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
Gladding Residence Center Courtyard
Join Residential Life and Housing for a fantastic evening of cinematic delight at our Family Weekend Movie Night! Gather your loved ones and prepare for a fun-filled evening under the stars as we bring you an unforgettable movie experience. Showing Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
VCUarts Theatre: Let The Right One In by Jack Thorne (7:30 PM)
Theatre VCU, 922 Park Avenue
Visit VCU RecWell Cary St. Gym (8 AM -10 PM)
Cary St. Gym, 101 S. Linden Street, Richmond, VA 23284
All registered Family Weekend guests will have access to RecWell's Cary St. Gym facility during Family Weekend to use the facility and participate in scheduled programs such as Group Exercise Classes (those classes with available seats). Please note: Some age related restrictions may apply.
No one under the age of 16 is permitted in the fitness center or in Group Exercise Classes. Minors can access certain facility spaces and programs based on age.
Please visit recwell.vcu.edu to explore all RecWell has to offer.
Cabell Library (9:00 AM- 10:00 PM)
Visit James Branch Cabell Library At Your Leisure
Check-In (9 AM -12 PM)
Commons, first floor
Let us know you are here! Swing by the Commons for check-in, pick up materials, and ask any questions you might have about Family Weekend!
You can find us in front of the P.O.D. Market.
James River Hiking Tour (9 -11:30 AM)
Location provided after booking
Discover the best spots in the James River Park System with Discover Richmond Tours. Visit old train bridge ruins, Class IV rapids, Civil-War era infrastructure, and unique features found only in Richmond, all while feeling lost in nature right in the heart of downtown!
$25/pp (not including discount)
Book a tour here and use code "VCUFAMILY" for 10% off that weekend
Paint and Pastries (9:30 - 11 AM)
Richmond Salons
Create a memory to take home with you! Join local artist John Price for a guided paint party that will walk you through all the steps to create a masterpiece! Breakfast pastries will be served!
$5/pp
Registration for this event is required through the Family Weekend Registration form!
Legacy Alumni Family Breakfast (9:30 - 11:30 AM)
Robertson House
As a family member, are you an alum of VCU? You're invited to join the Office of Alumni Relations for a breakfast celebrating your student who is also attending VCU.
$5/pp
Registration for this event is required through the Family Weekend Registration form!
Earn While You Learn (10 - 11 AM)
MCALC 1104, Academic Learning Commons, (100 Floyd Ave)
Are you wondering how VCU students can search for a part-time or Federal Work-Study job? During Family Weekend, this “Earn While You Learn” workshop is encouraged for students and family members of students who are interested in discovering how to go about this type of job search.
Register here to attend
PopUp RVA at the Diamond (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
3001 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard
International Crafter's Festival (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
3806 Monument Ave
Global Learning Information Session & Student Panel (10:30 - 11:30 AM)
MCALC 1107, Academic Learning Commons, (100 Floyd Ave)
Interested in studying abroad or getting involved in on-campus international opportunities? Come to GEO's Global Learning Information Session to hear from our team and students how you can get abroad or get involved!
Cabell Library (11:00 AM- 2:00 PM)
Cabell Library
Pre-Professional Health Advising Overview (11 AM - 12 PM)
MCALC 1102, Academic Learning Commons, (100 Floyd Ave)
Are you interested in pursuing a pre-professional health path? Attendees will learn about how to declare a track, resources and tips for success, and how to be a competitive applicant in the future.
Ramily Rally (11 AM - 1 PM)
Commons Plaza
Join us for the "Ramily Rally" to kick-off Family Weekend, an exciting event packed with delicious food, school spirit, and opportunities to meet faculty from various departments and colleges. From 11-11:30 you can enjoy appearances from the Peppas and Spirit Squads, take a picture with Rodney the Ram, and meet VCU's very own Men's and Women's Basketball coaches, Coach Odom and Coach O'Boyle!
Food will be served from 11:30-12:30 and is included in the Family Weekend registration fee.
Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate Family Weekend at this unforgettable event! Please bring your own chairs or blankets! There is very limited seating available on the plaza.
Church Hill Food Tour (11 AM - 1:15 PM)
Location provided after booking
Join Discover Richmond Tours to explore Richmond's oldest neighborhood, Church Hill, as an insider. Get a taste of the barbecue, baked goods, and everything else that makes Church Hill a food powerhouse, while uncovering Richmond's origin story in this must-visit neighborhood.
$70/pp (not including discount)
Book a tour here and use code "VCUFAMILY" for 10% off that weekend
Women's Volleyball vs. Fordham (1:00 PM)
Stuart C. Siegel Center 1200 W Broad St Richmond, Virginia 23284
$5 using provided link
Buy special rate tickets here
VCU Special Collections and Archives Open House (1:00 - 3:00 PM)
4th Floor of Cabell Library, Room 420
You First Family Pictures and Gelato (1 - 3 PM)
Campus Learning Center, Hibbs Hall
You First at VCU welcomes first-generation college students and their families to take fun green screen family pictures, enjoy free gelato, and meet some of the staff from the First-Generation Student Success and Research Center.
Open to the first 200 people!
VCUarts Theatre: Let The Right One In by Jack Thorne (2:00 PM)
Theatre VCU, 922 Park Avenue
Church Hill Food Tour (2 -4 PM)
Location provided after booking
Join Discover Richmond Tours to explore Richmond’s oldest neighborhood, Church Hill, as an insider. Get a taste of the barbecue, baked goods, and everything else that makes Church Hill a food powerhouse, while uncovering Richmond’s origin story in this must-visit neighborhood.
$70/pp (not including discount)
Book a tour here and use code "VCUFAMILY" for 10% off that weekend
Arts District Food Tour (2 - 4:30 PM)
Location provided after booking
Join Discover Richmond Tours to explore Richmond’s revitalized Arts District as an insider. Spanning parts of Jackson Ward and Monroe Ward, the Arts District will capture your imagination with a mix of historically-significant architecture, under-the-radar restaurants, and inspiring art galleries.
$75/pp (not including discount)
Book a tour here and use code "VCUFAMILY" for 10% off that weekend
Lower James River Rafting (2 -5 PM)
RVA Paddlesports, 1511 Brook Rd.
Enjoy the thrill of the rapids, breathtaking scenery, and the famous Richmond skyline all in one trip! The Lower James River has something for everyone and is home to America’s only urban Class IV rapids. There’s no better way to experience the River City!
$75/pp (not including discount)
Book a trip here and use code "VCUFW23" for 10% off for that weekend
Flatwater Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding (2:30 - 4:30 PM)
Deep Bottom Park & Four Mile Creek, 9525 Deep Bottom Rd., Henrico
Flatwater kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) in Richmond, VA can be a great way for a group of friends or family to enjoy the James River and its refreshing views. Anybody new to paddling or those wanting a relaxing calm day on the water is sure to enjoy this tour. We even have tandem kayaks if you’d like to paddle with a partner!
Enjoy a 2-hour guided flatwater kayak or SUP tour on the James River. See waterfowl, songbirds, and other wildlife far from the bustle of the city.
$75/pp (not including discount)
Book a trip here and use code "VCUFW23" for 10% off for that weekend
Carytown Food Tour (2:30 - 5 PM)
Location provided after booking
Join Discover Richmond Tours to explore Carytown as an insider. Carytown, otherwise known as The Mile of Style, is an eclectic mix of restaurants, boutiques, and professional services. Including the east coast’s oldest outdoor shopping center and a movie theater that will take you back in time, you’ll fall in love with this unique neighborhood instantly.
$70/pp (not including discount)
Book a tour here and use code "VCUFAMILY" for 10% off that weekend
Family BINGO Round 1 (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
Commonwealth Ballroom, Student Commons, 2nd floor
Lower River White Water Raft Trip (3:00 PM)
Riverside Outfitters, 325 S. 14th St.
Experience the only Class III-IV white water rapids in a major U.S. city! You'll see why Outside Magazine named Richmond its "Best River Town." We start just outside of downtown in the beautiful urban forest of the James River Park System. Then we’ll turn the corner at Belle Isle to see the Richmond skyline laid out in front of us…and it’s time to conquer the Class III-IV Lower section of the mighty James River through downtown!
No prior rafting experience required, but all participants should be comfortable swimming, following directions, and over 9 years old.
Starting at $73/pp (not including discount)
Book a trip here and use code "VCUFAM23" for $10 off per person
Arts District Food Tour (3:30 - 6:30 PM)
Location provided after booking
Join Discover Richmond Tours to explore Richmond’s revitalized Arts District as an insider. Spanning parts of Jackson Ward and Monroe Ward, the Arts District will capture your imagination with a mix of historically-significant architecture, under-the-radar restaurants, and inspiring art galleries.
$75/pp (not including discount)
Book a tour here and use code "VCUFAMILY" for 10% off that weekend
Family BINGO Round 2 (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Commonwealth Ballroom, Student Commons, 2nd floor
Pies and Paint (5 - 7 PM)
Richmond Salons
Come explore your creative side with local Richmond artist John Price and create a masterpiece on canvas to take home as a keepsake! Pizza and beverages provided for all participants!
$5/pp
Registration for this event is required through the Family Weekend Registration form!
Men's Soccer vs. Davidson (7:00 PM)
Sports Backers Stadium 100 Avenue of Champions Richmond, Virginia 23230
$5 using provided link
Buy special rate tickets here
Family Weekend Music Showcase (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
Commons Theater
Join us for a night of musical talent and harmony that showcases some of VCU's remarkable music groups in action, featuring special Family Weekend performances from the Black Awakening Choir and the VCU Musical Theater department.
Haunts of Richmond Ghost Tours (7 - 8:40 PM)
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 823 Cathedral Pl
Come join Haunts of Richmond to discover the haunted and creepy history surrounding Monroe Park. This tour includes Altria Theater, a one-time hospital turned housing, homes of Richmond's gilded age, and more!
These 60-minute tours are offered every 20 minutes, with the last tour leaving at 8:40 PM. Visit the booking page for more information!
$13/pp
Book a discounted tour here
VCUarts Theatre: Let The Right One In by Jack Thorne (7:30 PM)
Theatre VCU, 922 Park Avenue
Spooky BINGO (8:00 PM - 9:15 PM)
Commonwealth Ballroom, Student Commons, 2nd floor
Visit VCU RecWell Cary St. Gym (8 AM -10 PM)
Cary St. Gym, 101 S. Linden Street, Richmond, VA 23284
All registered Family Weekend guests will have access to RecWell's Cary St. Gym facility during Family Weekend to use the facility and participate in scheduled programs such as Group Exercise Classes (those classes with available seats). Please note: Some age related restrictions may apply.
No one under the age of 16 is permitted in the fitness center or in Group Exercise Classes. Minors can access certain facility spaces and programs based on age.
Please visit recwell.vcu.edu to explore all RecWell has to offer.
Cabell Library (9:00 AM- 10:00 PM)
Visit James Branch Cabell Library At Your Leisure
Family Council 0.5K Donut Walk (9:00 AM)
Commons Plaza
Like a 5k, but shorter and with donuts! Support the Student Emergency Fund and participate in the 0.5K walk around Monroe Park. You'll still get a snazzy medal and help students! Meet at the Ram Horns in Commons Plaza.
$15/pp
Registration for this event is required through the Family Weekend Registration form!
James River Hiking Tour (9 -11:30 AM)
Location provided after booking
Discover the best spots in the James River Park System with Discover Richmond Tours. Visit old train bridge ruins, Class IV rapids, Civil-War era infrastructure, and unique features found only in Richmond, all while feeling lost in nature right in the heart of downtown!
$25/pp (not including discount)
Book a tour here and use code "VCUFAMILY" for 10% off that weekend
Family Weekend Brunch (10:30 AM - 2 PM)
Market 810
Enjoy a meal with your student at Market 810 before you leave Richmond! Entrance to the dining hall can be paid for at the door or via your student's guest swipes.
Let us know you are coming on the Family Weekend Registration form!
Church Hill Food Tour (11 AM - 1:15 PM)
Location provided after booking
Join Discover Richmond Tours to explore Richmond’s oldest neighborhood, Church Hill, as an insider. Get a taste of the barbecue, baked goods, and everything else that makes Church Hill a food powerhouse, while uncovering Richmond’s origin story in this must-visit neighborhood.
$70/pp (not including discount)
Book a tour here and use code "VCUFAMILY" for 10% off that weekend
Richmond Brewery Tours (11:30 AM - 3 PM)
Location provided after booking
Join Discover Richmond Tours for a tour of the Richmond brewery scene! We’ll kick things off with Beer 101 at a local beer pub, and then hop on our bus to visit three unique breweries for tastings!
$67/pp (not including discount)
Book a tour here and use code "VCUFAMILY" for 10% off that weekend
Women's Volleyball vs. Fordham (1:00 PM)
Stuart C. Siegel Center 1200 W Broad St Richmond, Virginia 23284
$5 using provided link
Buy special rate tickets here
Women's Soccer vs. Dayton (1:00 PM)
Sports Backers Stadium 100 Avenue of Champions Richmond, Virginia 23230
$5 using provided link
Buy special rate tickets here
Church Hill Food Tour (2 -4 PM)
Location provided after booking
Join Discover Richmond Tours to explore Richmond's oldest neighborhood, Church Hill, as an insider. Get a taste of the barbecue, baked goods, and everything else that makes Church Hill a food powerhouse, while uncovering Richmond's origin story in this must-visit neighborhood.
$70/pp (not including discount)
Book a tour here and use code "VCUFAMILY" for 10% off that weekend
VCUarts Theatre: Let The Right One In by Jack Thorne (3:00 PM)
Theatre VCU, 922 Park Avenue
Artisan Market (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
Brambly Park, 1708 Belleville St.