Homecoming and Family Weekend

A UB Mom and UB Dad stand proudly behind large wooden letters reading "BUFFALO" in coordinating royal blue UB MOM and UB DAD shirts.

Every fall, UB students, their families, and supporters reunite to enjoy fun-filled days and nights on campus for Family Weekend. Join us, and be part of one of UB’s most exciting traditions.

Family Weekend Programming for UB Students and Their Supporters

SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2026

Family Weekend at the University at Buffalo is an eagerly anticipated event that brings together students, their families and supporters, friends, and the university community in a celebration of the pride we have for our university.

Find time to explore our campuses, cheer on our UB Bulls at our homecoming football game, and connect to the pride we have for our community at UB!

On This Page

Purchasing Tickets & Registering for Events

Purchasing Tickets to the Homecoming Football Game

During Homecoming, UB undergraduate students receive one (1) free ticket per home game, which can be claimed and activated through the UB Athletics Mobile Ticketing System.

If you are purchasing on behalf of a family or friends for the football game during Homecoming, you can purchase your family’s game tickets for a discounted price of $15 and order your student's complimentary ticket all in one transaction on Evenue. Enter promo code, "FAMWKND" to unlock the discount.

When ordering through the Evenue site, please select the TOTAL number of tickets your family will need to sit together at the game (one ticket per person attending). One ticket will AUTOMATICALLY become your free student ticket before checkout.

Mobile ticketing is used for all fans at UB Stadium. Student tickets reserved through the UB Athletics Mobile Ticketing System
will be general admission. Tickets purchased through Evenue will be in the reserved seating areas.

Events That Require Pre-Registration

The following events require preregistration:

Family Weekend Pre-Game Party

Victor E. Bull rallies the crowd on the field before the start of a UB Bulls football game.

This event requires pre-registration and space is limited.

Saturday, September 26
12 – 3 p.m. | Alumni Arena Lot
Cost: $15 per person

Join us inside the Family Weekend tent before the UB Bulls play the Robert Morris Colonials for our annual Family Weekend Pregame Party. Access to this special tent is specifically for students, their families and supporters visiting for Family Weekend. Enjoy some of Buffalo’s favorite foods in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with games, prizes and give-a-ways before cheering the Bulls on to victory! Cash bar is available. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. No Refunds.

Please be sure to add the total number of attendees, including any children and your UB student, to your cart before checking out.

Family Farewell

Royal blue and white interlocking UB cookies and hearts sit on a while table covered in edible white sparkles.

This event will require pre-registration.

Sunday, September 27  
9– 11 a.m. | UB Social Hall/215 Student Union
No Cost

Wrap-up your Family Weekend at UB by stopping in at the Family Farewell before you head home. Enjoy fun family activities and eat delicious donuts from one of the country’s best donut shops, Buffalo’s own Paula’s Donuts. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited.

Events That Don't Require Pre-Registration

My Student Wants to Join a Fraternity or Sorority… What Do I Need to Know?

Sorority women at a Grand Panhel meeting - UB's largest women's organization.

Friday, September 25
4 – 4:30 p.m. | 235 Student Union
No Cost

Fraternity and sorority membership can be a great opportunity for your student to improve their leadership skills, participate in serviceactivities and meet other students. Join us for an overview of UB’s Fraternity and Sorority Life community and learn how this involvement opportunity can enhance your students’ experience at the University at Buffalo. Intended audience is parents, families and supporters of UB students, but current UB students are also welcomed to attend! Pre-registration is appreciated but not required.

Experience UB: Helping Your Student Navigate Campus Involvement

A group of 7 Student Engagement Ambassadors, all wearing their signature black polo and fleece, stand at a blue Student Engagement table promoting ways to get involved.


Friday, September 25
5 – 5:30 p.m. | 235 Student Union
No Cost

Involvement outside of the classroom is a key component to your student’s success and happiness. Attend this session, hosted by UB Student Engagement, and learn ways you can support your student so they can make the most out of their time at UB. Intended audience is parents, families and supporters of UB students, but current UB students are also welcomed to attend! Pre-registration is appreciated but not required. 

Homecoming Carnival

A blue and red ferris wheel towers over onlookers as it pauses to let more people on the ride.

Friday, September 25
5 - 9 p.m. | Field Adjacent to UB Bookstore along Lee Road
No Cost

Drop by the Annual Homecoming Carnival, funded and organized by the Undergraduate Student Association. Family Weekend guests can enjoy rides and games at no cost thanks to the generosity of the Undergraduate Student Association. Food and drink purchases are available during the event. Pre-registration is not required.

Awkward Family Photos

A 1970s style family photo.

Friday, September 25
6 - 9 p.m. | Social Hall/215 SU
No Cost

Have an Awkward Family Photo taken with your family, friends, and supporters. We’ll provide the costumes, props and backgrounds and you provide the awkwardness. This was a fun and memorable way to remember our 2026 UB Family Weekend. Pre-registration is not available for this event. This event is available on a first serve basis; while supplies last. 

Mascot Meltdown & Spirit-Rally

Students are silhouetted against a bright orange flame from the homecoming bonfire. Just beyond the flames, two fireworks explode in the dark night sky.

Friday, September 25
9 - 9:30 p.m. | Field Adjacent to UB Bookstore along Lee Road
No Cost 

For a week or more, students from some of our Engineering Clubs work to build a bonfire of 250-300 pallets in the shape of the Homecoming Game’s opposing team mascot and then set it ablaze to hype up the crowd for the Homecoming Game the next day. As a guest of Family Weekend, you are invited to attend this iconic UB tradition, hosted by the Undergraduate Student Association featuring the Thunder of the East Marching Band, the UB Spirit Squad,  UB football players and coaches and ending with a fireworks finale. Pre-registration is not required.

Need Help?

Student Engagement

Student Life

University at Buffalo
150 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Email: Contact form

Phone: 716-645-6469