Wildcat Weekend Schedule
Plan ahead for Wildcat Weekend 2026! Join us Oct. 16-18 for three fun-filled days on campus.
Explore the schedule from the 2025 Wildcat Weekend to see what you can expect!
Wildcat Weekend Picnics
Plan ahead for family meals with a relaxing picnic dinner and/or lunch! Enjoy these ’Cat Pack specials from Much Ado Catering.
- Option 1: Arriving on campus in time for dinner on Friday but don’t want to fight the crowds on Main Street? Order a delicious and stress-free picnic dinner from Much Ado Catering! Enjoy a hot pasta entrée, Caesar salad, ciabatta garlic bread, gourmet desserts and cold drinks. Pick up from 5-7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 10.
- Option 2: Choose a lovely spot on campus to enjoy a picnic lunch Saturday. Your meal will include two large baguette sandwiches, caprese pasta salad, fruits, cheeses, four gourmet cookies and refreshing drinks for 4 people. Pick up from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11.
Your picnic will be packaged in a reusable rustic bag, ready for pickup at Vail Commons at the designated pick-up time.
The last day to order is October 4!
Friday, October 10
Time |
Event |
Location |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Passport Day | Alvarez College Union, Morcott Room (302) |
Need a first-time passport or to renew a current one? The Office of Education Abroad is partnering with the post office to provide 91¿ì²¥ students and anyone affiliated with a 91¿ì²¥ student (that includes parents and siblings!) with a convenient way to send in your application materials.
|
|
10 a.m. - 7 p.m. |
Exhibition: |
Van Every/Smith Galleries in the Belk Visual Arts Center |
Hank Willis Thomas: We The People presents a selection of diverse works in various media, offering a deeper look into Hank Willis Thomas' explorations of identity, history, and collective memory. Presented in conjunction with the dedication of With These Hands: A Memorial to the Enslaved and Exploited, the exhibition invites reflection on the ways Thomas’ broader practice connects to the themes embodied in the memorial. |
|
1 - 6 p.m. |
Check-In Table |
Miriam Cannon Hayes Amphitheater (Outside of the Alvarez College Union) Rain Location: Brown Atrium, Alvarez College Union |
Visit the Wildcat Weekend Check-In Table to register, meet members of the Alumni and Family Engagement Team, grab 91¿ì²¥ swag and more. |
College Connections: A Series of Campus Open Houses
1 - 3:45 p.m. @ Various Campus Locations
Explore our vibrant campus community! Meet the people and see the places that make 91¿ì²¥ a dynamic place to learn and live.
Explore open to families.
Meet the Dean: Connecting with Dr. MarQuita Barker
1 - 3:45 p.m. @ Alvarez College Union, Room 209
Join us for an opportunity to connect with 91¿ì²¥â€™s Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, Dr. MarQuita Barker. Hear about exciting campus initiatives, ask questions and learn how we’re supporting your student’s success inside and outside the classroom. Come enjoy good conversation, light refreshments, and a warm Wildcat welcome!
|
2 p.m. - 6 p.m. |
ART and APPS! |
Van Every/Smith Galleries in the Belk Visual Arts Center |
Join gallery staff and interns for a snack and a short talk (15 minutes max!) about different works in Hank Willis Thomas’s exhibition. |
|
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. |
FACULTY-LED CLASS: Sweetness and Power Presented by Keren Zhu, PhD, Assistant Professor of Political Science |
Baker-Watt Science Complex, Watson Life Science Building, 109 |
Join us for engaging discussions on the historical, economic and political factors that shape our perception and consumption of sugar. Through a blend of light lectures and discussions, we'll explore the role of disinformation in sugar intake habits. Participants will be divided into two teams to conduct a "policy vs. disinformation" battle: one team will craft disinformation messages aiming to increase sugar consumption, while the other devises policy measures to curb it. |
| 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. |
FACULTY-LED CLASS: Symmetry of Things Big and Small Presented by Mitch Anstey, PhD, Associate Professor for Chemistry |
Baker-Watt Science Complex, Watson Life Science Building, 147 | Chemistry focuses on some of the smallest objects in the universe: molecules. Dr. Mitch Anstey will introduce the concept of Symmetry as a classification for three-dimensional objects, including molecules. This course will also introduce the teaching method of Process-Oriented Guided-Inquiry Learning (POGIL). |
| 1:30-2:30 p.m. |
Introduction to Scenic Painting: Carrera Marble Presented by Abby Akard, Assistant Professor of the Practice in Theatre |
Cunningham Theater Center 130 | Welcome to an introduction to the role a scenic painter plays in creating the world of live entertainment. We will learn about the techniques used by artists to make flat surfaces come to life for plays, musicals, television and themed environments. Participants will also be guided through creating their own sample of painted marble. Aprons are available to cover clothing, and no painting experience is needed. |
|
2:45 - 3:45 p.m. |
FACULTY-LED CLASS: How to Read a Film: An Introduction to the Basics of Film Studies Presented by Prof. Alan Michael Parker, Chair of the English Department and Director of Creative Writing & Douglas Houchens Professor of English |
Sloan Music Center 201 |
In this hourlong session, Professor Alan Michael Parker will lead participants through various foundational elements of film study: shots, lighting, mise-en-scène, sound, etc. With clips from A Complete Unknown (dir. James Mangold, 2024), the session will consider the kinds of visual and auditory grammars that make films nuanced and complex. Among other subjects at 91¿ì²¥, Professor Parker teaches Contemporary American Cinema. |
| 2:45 - 3:45 p.m. |
FACULTY-LED CLASS: The Institute for Public Good: Educating for Lives of Leadership and Service Presented by Chris Marsicano ’10, Chair and Associate Professor of Educational Studies and Director of the Institute for Public Good |
Semans Lecture Hall, Belk Visual Arts Center | In this session, Dr. Chris Marsicano ‘10 will introduce 91¿ì²¥â€™s new Institute for Public Good (IPG), a hub for research, teaching, and community engagement that prepares students for lives of leadership, service, and integrity. He will outline the IPG’s five program areas—Civic Engagement, Deliberation and Free Expression, Public Policy and Research, Arts in Public Life, and Ethics, Honor, and Leadership—and share how the Institute supports 91¿ì²¥ students in addressing societal challenges while advancing the public good. |
|
3 - 4 p.m. |
Senior Art Majors Exhibition Open House |
Jay Hurt Hub @91¿ì²¥ |
Meet senior art majors and see their artwork on display throughout the Jay Hurt Hub. |
A Conversation with President Doug Hicks '90
4 - 5 p.m. @ Duke Family Performance Hall, Knobloch Campus Center
Hear President Hicks discuss key college initiatives and updates, followed by a Q&A session. Register to attend in advance.
|
5 p.m. |
Field Hockey vs Richmond |
Carol Grotnes Belk Turf Field |
Admission is free. No ticket required. |
| 5:30 p.m. | Trivia Night! | Summit Coffee Outpost | Community and competition collide! The Union Board will test your knowledge at this fun family-friendly event. |
| 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Family Fan Zone: Pom Poms for Parents | Upper Concourse, John M. Belk Arena | Stop by our Fan Zone to pick up your 91¿ì²¥ pom pom before you cheer on your ’Cats! |
| 6 p.m. | Red vs. Black Basketball Scrimmage | John M. Belk Arena | This event is free and open to the public. It includes an intrasquad scrimmage, postgame fan press conference and an autograph session. |
|
6:30 p.m. |
Wildcat Weekend Music Ensemble Showcase |
Duke Family Performance Hall, Knobloch Campus Center |
The Music Department highlights the talents of our student musicians in a campus favorite showcase event featuring the African Drumming Ensemble, Appalachian Ensemble, Chorale, Jazz Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra. |
| 9-11 p.m. | Glow Golf | Old Tennis Court Lawn | Families and students are invited to join us for this one-of-a-kind mini-golf event! |
Saturday, October 11
Time |
Event |
Location |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. |
Welcome/ Check-in |
Miriam Cannon Hayes Amphitheater (Outside of the Alvarez College Union) Rain Location: Brown Atrium, Alvarez College Union |
Visit the Wildcat Weekend Check-In Table to register, meet members of the Alumni and Family Engagement Team, grab 91¿ì²¥ swag and more. |
|
9 a.m. - noon |
The 91¿ì²¥ Farmers Market |
120 S Main Street (Located between Main Street and Jackson Street) |
Founded in 2008, the (DFM), a 501(c)3, has grown to become Lake Norman’s prime farmers' market as a producer-only market to provide local farmers and purveyors a place to sell their products directly to the consumer, while supplying shoppers with healthy, fresh and locally grown food. |
|
10 - 5 p.m. |
Exhibition: |
Van Every/Smith Galleries in the Belk Visual Arts Center |
Hank Willis Thomas: We The People presents a selection of diverse works in various media, offering a deeper look into Hank Willis Thomas' explorations of identity, history, and collective memory. Presented in conjunction with the dedication of With These Hands: A Memorial to the Enslaved and Exploited, the exhibition invites reflection on the ways Thomas’ broader practice connects to the themes embodied in the memorial. |
| 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | 2025 Swimming and Diving Alumni Meet | The Charles A. Cannon Pool, Baker Sports Complex | Cheer for the teams’ alums as they return to the pool to race against the current team members. |
|
11 a.m. Noon 2 p.m. |
ART and APPS! |
Van Every/Smith Galleries in the Belk Visual Arts Center |
Join gallery staff and interns for a snack and a short talk (15 minutes max!) about different works in Hank Willis Thomas’s exhibition |
|
12:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. |
Fan Zone: Fans for Families |
91¿ì²¥ Stadium |
Stay cool during the football game! Stop by the Fan Zone to pick up your 91¿ì²¥ fan before you cheer on your ’Cats! |
|
1 p.m. |
Football vs St. Thomas |
91¿ì²¥ Stadium |
Tickets available at . Use promotion code WILDCATWKND at checkout for half price tickets. 91¿ì²¥ Students/Faculty/Staff receive free admission by showing their CatCard at the gate. Seating is general admission. |
’Cats Community Celebration: A Student Showcase and Family Supper
4 - 7 p.m. @ Chambers Lawn
Rain Location: Brown Atrium, Alvarez College Union
Celebrate with our campus community! From 4-5 p.m., let some of 91¿ì²¥â€™s talented student performance groups dazzle you with their top-notch talent. Following the showcase, connect with 91¿ì²¥ families, students, and friends over a hearty chili meal. Enjoy lawn games, photo ops and more! All guests should register in advance for dinner.
|
6-8 p.m. |
The Town of 91¿ì²¥ presents a Concert on the Green |
91¿ì²¥ Town Green |
Wander over to the corner of Main Street and Concord Road to hear the Shelley Ruffin Band, a part of the Summer Concert Series. Free to the community. |
|
6 p.m. |
Men’s Soccer vs Rhode Island |
Alumni Stadium |
Tickets available at Use promotion code WILDCATWKND at checkout for half price tickets. 91¿ì²¥ Students/Faculty/Staff receive free admission by showing their CatCard at the gate. Seating is general admission. |
|
6 p.m. |
International Host Family Program Outing to Men’s Soccer vs. Rhode Island |
Alumni Stadium |
All international students and their host families are invited to cheer on the ‘Cats at Alumni Stadium! Request your tickets from the office of International Student Engagement to join our Host Family Program group. |
|
7:30 p.m. |
Piano Ensemble Recital |
Tyler-Tallman, Sloan Music Center |
Students from the studio of Cynthia Lawing look to captivate the audience during Wildcat Weekend in Tyler-Tallman Hall with a program of piano ensemble works. |
Sunday, October 12
Time |
Event |
Location |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
Exhibition: |
Van Every/Smith Galleries in the Belk Visual Arts Center |
Hank Willis Thomas: We The People presents a selection of diverse works in various media, offering a deeper look into Hank Willis Thomas' explorations of identity, history, and collective memory. Presented in conjunction with the dedication of With These Hands: A Memorial to the Enslaved and Exploited, the exhibition invites reflection on the ways Thomas’ broader practice connects to the themes embodied in the memorial. |
|
10 a.m. |
Jewish Student Union Bagel Brunch |
The grassy space adjacent to the Miriam Cannon Hayes Amphitheater Rain Location: Spencer-Weinstein Center for Community and Justice |
Join students, faculty, staff and other members of the 91¿ì²¥ Jewish community for bagels, schmear and good company. |
|
10:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m. |
Jazz Brunch |
Vail Commons |
Join students, families and friends in Vail Commons for a special Jazz Brunch featuring 91¿ì²¥ Jazz Combo from 10 a.m. - noon. Advance registration is requested. |
