First Year Experience

Family Fest

Family Fest at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a vibrant annual event that brings together students, families, and the community for a weekend of celebration and connection. The festivities typically include a variety of activities such as athletic events, entertainment, and family-friendly games, providing a perfect opportunity for families to experience the university's spirit and culture firsthand. This event not only strengthens the bond between students and their families but also showcases the supportive and engaging environment that UWW offers to its students.

Join us October 2nd & 3rd for Family Fest 2026!

We cannot wait to see you!

Watch the Fun!

Family Fest Frequently Asked Questions

Below is the 2026 Family Fest Schedule of events:

We recommend purchasing the football game tickets and parking passes in advance for the best ticket price. Registration is not required for any events.

*Free Events/ No Ticket Needed

 

Friday, October 2, 2026

  • 4:00-7:30 p.m. | Family Feast | Esker Dining Hall
    • Come to the Eatery at Esker Dining Hall and enjoy a special dinner with outdoor games and other fun activities! Visit Warhawk Dining for more information and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @WarhawkDining.
    • Entry fee is 1 meal swipe, 1 guest meal swipe, or the door rate can be paid with cash, tap pay, credit, or debit card.
  • * 1:00-10:00 p.m. | FamFest Friday: Billiards & Bowling, Warhawk Bingo, Movie, & more! | University Center
    • Stop by the Warhawk Alley for bowling, billiards, ping pong, yard games, and more. Cost applies (pay on site).
    • Warhawk Bingo begins at 7:30 p.m. in Hamilton Room (as space allows).
    • UC Live Movie (TBD) begins at 7:00 p.m. in Summers Auditorium.
      • Board Games available in the Down Under.

  Saturday, October 3, 2026

    • 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Kids Jr. Pom Pom Clinic (kids K-8th grade) | Dance Studio, Williams Center (1st floor)
      • Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the clinic begins at 10 a.m. Participants will perform at the halftime of the Warhawk Football game with the UW-Whitewater Dance team!
    • * 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Family Fest Information Station | 1st floor lobby, Williams Center
      • Stop by if you have any questions about the day? Need some assistance?
    • * 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Willie’s Fun Zone | David L. Kachel Fieldhouse, Williams Center (1st floor)
      • Stop by the Kachel Fieldhouse for a family photo with Willie Warhawk in the photo booth, play wheelchair basketball with the UW-Whitewater wheelchair basketball teams, and enjoy yard games, Warhawk temporary tattoos, inflatable games, DJ, and more!
    • 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | Billiards and Bowling | Warhawk Alley, University Center
      • Stop by the Warhawk Alley for bowling, billiards, ping pong, yard games, and more. Cost applies to non-students only (pay on site).
    • 1 p.m. | UW-Whitewater Warhawks vs. UW-River Falls Falcons Football Game | Perkins Stadium (910 W. Schwager Dr.)
      • Cost applies (purchase in advance for best ticket price)
      • Tailgating begins at 10 a.m.
    • * 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. | UC Live Movie - TBD | Summers Auditorium, University Center
      • Seating is general admission — as space allows.
      • Sponsored by UC Live.

Registration and pre-purchased tickets are not required for Family Fest.

All events that require a ticket entry will be purchased at the event with the exception of the football game and parking pass.  We recommend purchasing the Football game tickets and parking passes in advance for the best ticket price.

Free Events/No Tickets Needed

  • Friday, October 2nd | 1:00-10:00 p.m. | Warhawk Bingo, Movie, & more! | UC
  • Saturday, October 3rd | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Willie’s Fun Zone | David L. Kachel Fieldhouse
  • Saturday, October 3rd | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. |  Family Fest Information Station | Williams Center
  • Saturday, October 3rd | 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. | UC Live Movie (TBD) | Summers Auditorium, UC

Paid Events (with Associated Costs)

  • Friday, October 2nd | 4:00-7:30 p.m. | Family Feast | Esker Dining Hall
    • Entry fee is 1 meal swipe, 1 guest meal swipe, or door rate can be paid with cash, tap pay, credit, or debit.
  • Friday, October 2nd | 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, & Sunday 2:00 p.m. | Eurydice | Hicklin Studio Theatre
    • Cost applies (purchase tickets at the door or online coming soon!)
  • Saturday, October 3rd |9:30-11:30 a.m. | Kids Jr. Pom Pom Clinic (kids K-8th grade) | Dance Studio, Williams Center (1st floor)
    • Cost applies (pay on site; cash or check)
    • Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the clinic begins at 10 a.m. Participants will perform at the halftime of the Warhawk Football game with the UW-Whitewater Dance team!
    • Clinic cost is $25 (includes a ticket to the football game, t-shirt, and snack).
  • Saturday, October 3rd |10 a.m.-10 p.m. | Billiards and Bowling | Warhawk Alley, University Center
    • Cost applies (pay on site)
    • $2 games bowling
    • $1 shoe rental
    • $2 Billiards (per person, per hour)
    • Students with valid Hawkcard ID: Free
    • Free items: Ping Pong, Video Games, Board Games, etc.
  • Saturday, October 3rd |1:00 p.m. | UW-Whitewater Warhawks vs. UW-River Falls Falcons Football Game | Perkins Stadium (910W. Schwager Dr.)
    • Cost applies (purchase in advance for best ticket price)

We recommend purchasing the football game tickets and parking passes in advance for the best ticket price. For more parking details, visit Home Football Parking.

Football Game Pre-Purchase Ticket Information
Questions? Please reach out to the Athletics Department at 262-472-4661 or visit the Gameday Central page.
Purchase Football tickets »

Football Game Day Ticket Information:
UWW Ticket Services will be open at Perkins Stadium 2 hours prior to game time. All tickets sold in person are cash only.  Tickets can also be purchased online until half-time, using your mobile device.  
Ticket information »

Bag Policy»

Carry-In Policy for Warhawk Football Games »

If you need assistance getting to and from your vehicle, view the specific locations for Gameday courtesy cart pickup and drop off.

Directions to Campus

View directions to campus »

Below are the key addresses for Family Fest events:

  • Young Auditorium: 930 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190
  • Williams Center: 907 W. Schwager Dr., Whitewater, WI 53190
  • Perkins Stadium: 910 W. Schwager Dr., Whitewater, WI 53190
  • University Center: 190 Hamilton Green Way, Whitewater, WI 53190

Parking

Family Fest coincides with a home football game, so it helps to prepare your parking plans in advance!

  • We recommend pre-purchasing your parking pass before your arrival for the best price.
  • Parking permits are available to purchase online by visiting UW-Whitewater Parking Services.   Permits will be sold up to kick off.
  • All resident parking lots will be closed to those without annual resident permits on game day, and all commuter lots will require a football permit, so any guests parking on campus will need a football permit regardless of whether they attend the game. (Select FOOTBALL as the event type)
  • There are multiple options for parking:
    • $40 permit for lot 24
    • $20 permit for lot 11 
    • $15 general permits which cover lots 4, 7, 9, 14, 
    • $10 general permits that cover lots 1 and 2.
    • Once the football game concludes, the parking restrictions will end and free parking will resume through 11PM on Sunday.

Home Football Parking information »

All other parking questions »

Whitewater

Fort Atkinson

Janesville

Below is what was available for Family Fest 2025:

Campus dining information and hours »

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