Panther Family Weekend

The 2026 Panther Family Weekend will be Sept. 26-27. Check out the schedule for all the weekend happenings.

Panther Family Weekend offers an opportunity for families to visit with their students and experience our campus and community together. We look forward to welcoming you to campus soon!

On This Page

UWM Doors Open Milwaukee

On Sept. 26, explore more than 40 locations on campus during Doors Open Milwaukee! Enjoy behind-the-scenes access, interactive tours, food trucks and shopping at a Makers Market. Check out the participating spots on campus at the UWM Doors Open Milwaukee webpage.

Questions?

If you have any questions about Panther Family Weekend, please contact:

Matt Suwalski
suwalskm@uwm.edu
414-229-4058

2026 Panther Family Weekend Events

On Campus

EventDescriptionDateTimeLocation
UWM Maker’s MarketStop by UWM’s Spaights Plaza to explore and shop from alumni, students and community member makers, artists and entrepreneurs. Find one-of-a-kind items during this Maker’s Market.Sept. 2610 a.m.-5 p.m.Spaights Plaza
UWM Doors Open MilwaukeeAs part of Doors Open Milwaukee, UWM invites alumni, families, students and community members to explore campus spaces with demonstrations, tours and experiences that showcase all that is happening and the university’s role in Milwaukee’s past, present and future. Stop in at any and all of the participating sites as time allows. Sept. 2610 a.m.-5 p.m.Various locations across campus
Union Recreation CenterEnjoy all the rec center has to offer for free. The esports lounge will be ready with preloaded games, and you can also log in to you own gaming libraries while visiting. The bowling lanes will be open for both standard bowling and fun, preset mini-games, including the fan favorite “Low Score Wins” where the objective is to hit a single pin!Sept. 2610 a.m.-5 p.m.UWM Student Union, Recreation Center
Parent, Family & Alumni BrunchInviting all parents, families and alumni to enjoy and recharge with a brunch menu. Children younger than 6 are free; $15 tickets. SOLD OUT.Sept. 2611 a.m.-12:30 p.m.UWM Student Union Ballroom
Student Gerontology Association Grandparents PicnicThe Student Gerontology Association is hosting a Grandparents Picnic with food and lawn games provided! All are welcome.Sept. 2611 a.m.-2 p.m.Lawn space outside of Enderis Hall
ChemLight 2026Curated by advanced undergraduate and graduate students, this exhibition brings together traditional and experimental photographic techniques alongside images that investigate the nuanced use of light within the studio environment.Sept. 2611 a.m.-3 p.m.Kenilworth Square East, 4th Floor Gallery
Printers Sin FronterasA special collaboration and exhibition by artists who view communities without edges and are bound by curiosity, not geography. We are related by our shared passion and commitments to meaningful exchanges through printmaking and papermaking.Sept. 2611 a.m.-3 p.m.Theatre Building, Arts Center Gallery
Milwaukee Panthers Men’s Soccer GameCheer on the Milwaukee Panthers as the men’s soccer team takes on Horizon League foe Wright State in a key conference matchup. UWM students are free; $5 tickets.Sept. 261 p.m.Engelmann Stadium
Harbor FestCelebrate Milwaukee’s waterfront at the 10th annual Harbor Fest. Check out the UWM School of Freshwater Sciences Open House, where visitors can meet scientists and students, explore interactive exhibits and learn how UWM is advancing freshwater research. Harbor Fest also features the popular sturgeon release, boat rides, live entertainment, food trucks and activities for all ages. Visitors can even arrive by water taxi, with pickup locations to be announced soon.Sept. 2711 a.m.-3 p.m.UWM School of Freshwater Sciences, 600 E. Greenfield Ave.

Milwaukee Community

EventDescriptionDateTimeLocation
Milwaukee County ZooLooking for adventure? Visit the Milwaukee County Zoo, the 190-acre home to over 2,100 animals and 314 species.Sept. 26-279:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.Milwaukee County Zoo
Milwaukee Art MuseumVisit Wisconsin’s largest art museum with a collection of over 30,000 works.Sept. 26-2710 a.m.-5 p.m.Milwaukee Art Museum
Milwaukee-Area Farmer’s MarketsExperience the bounties of local area farms at farmers markets. Stroll through vibrant stalls bursting with farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers.Sept. 26-27VariousVarious

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Family Weekend 2026?

UWM’s 2026 Panther Family Weekend is Sept. 26 & 27.

Are all families welcome?

Yes! Many families make visiting their student(s) during Family Weekend an annual tradition.

Can we attend without our student(s)?

Yes. We know some families may have students with commitments throughout the day and may still want to attend events.

How does scheduling work for Family Weekend?

You pick and build your own schedule according to the events calendar. Some families may choose to split up for events, while others may want to attend events as a whole family. There is no one way to do Family Weekend.

Do you have recommendations for where to eat and other things to do in Milwaukee?

Families are encouraged to explore Milwaukee as they seek out breakfast, lunch and dinner options. There are many dining options within a short distance of campus.

Restaurants that accept Panther Cash/Dining Dollars:

Popular Milwaukee-area attractions:

For more information about Milwaukee restaurants, attractions and events, check out the following:

For more information on Panther Cash and/or Dining Dollars:

PantherCard

How do we get to campus and how do we park?

From downtown Milwaukee, we recommend taking 794 East and exiting at Lincoln Memorial Drive. Travel north on Lincoln Memorial Drive to Kenwood Boulevard. Proceed west on Kenwood Boulevard to campus.

Parking information:

We discourage families from parking on the neighborhood streets near campus because of time restrictions, various parking regulations and strongly enforced parking rules on the Eastside.

Here are places to park on campus:

Exit gates will be up, so no payment will be required.

  • Union Garage
  • Lubar Garage

Outdoor Lots 

  • Lots 1 & 8 (Garland and Chapman)
  • Lot 9 (Zelazo)
  • Lots 7 & 20 (SARUP and Cunningham)
  • Lot 23 (EMS)
  • Lots 34, 35 & 36 (NWQ surface lots)

For information about parking on campus, refer to this parking and transit map of campus.

Prowl Line transportation:

The Prowl Line will be available to PantherCard holders during Family Weekend. For resident guests, a valid ID and guest pass is required to board the shuttles. Families can register for guest passes. The hours of the Prowl Line are Friday 5:30 a.m.-2 a.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-2 a.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-1 a.m.

Where can I purchase Panther spirit gear?

You can purchase UWM merchandise from the online Panther Shop or in-store at the Student Union location.

Are there accommodations for families staying in town overnight?

If you’re looking to spend the night or weekend in Milwaukee, consider booking your stay through our preferred hotel partners. Discounts are available and you can conduct all your bookings online. Visit our our Panther Families Preferred Hotels website for more information about overnight accommodations.

How do we visit our student in the University Housing residence halls during Family Weekend?

Residential guest passes are required to enter the residence halls, and you must be with your student resident at all times in order to pass through security. Families are encouraged to register for guest passes prior to Family Weekend to ensure easy and fast access to the residence halls on Family Weekend. After completing pre-registration, stop by the Guest Registration desk in the lobby of Cambridge, RiverView or Sandburg with your resident host to pick up your guest pass. If you are 16 or older, you will also need to present photo ID.

For help or additional information, call 414-229-6123 during normal business hours or email res-help@uwm.edu.