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Saturday, November 2
Saturday is the heart of UC Santa Cruz Family Weekend, packed with engaging opportunities. Attend learning sessions led by our faculty and staff, where you’ll gain insights into your student’s academic journey and campus resources. Connect with other families and meet with staff from UCSC's colleges to learn more about the support available to your student. In the evening, celebrate the vibrant culture of UCSC by attending the Día de los Muertos event, a meaningful tradition filled with art, music, and community spirit. It’s a day full of learning, connection, and celebration!
Registration & Check-In
Registration & Check-In
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Quarry Plaza, UCSC Campus
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Quarry Plaza, UCSC Campus
Did you miss our downtown check-in on Friday? Stop by Quarry Plaza, outside the campus store, to check in, grab your materials, and get any of your questions answered.
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Academic Meet & Greets
Academic Meet & Greets
Join us for a meet and greet with the academic units during UCSC's Parent and Family Weekend! This is a great opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and fellow families from your students' academic division and/or major. Representatives from various academic departments will be available to answer questions and share insights about the student experience at UCSC. It's a perfect way to start the day and get to know the people who support your student's academic journey.
Specific location and final details will be provided upon check in.
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Session One
Session One
The first block of learning programs offers a unique opportunity to engage with departments across UC Santa Cruz. These sessions will provide valuable insights into various academic and campus resources, giving you a deeper understanding of your student’s experience.
The agenda provided at check-in will include a full list of specific programs and their details.
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Lunch
Lunch
During Family Weekend, lunch is on your own, offering flexibility to explore various dining options. You can grab a bite from a selection of food trucks conveniently located around campus, enjoy a discounted meal at one of the dining halls, or venture off campus to discover local eateries. Whether you stay on-site or explore the town, there’s something for every taste!
Meals at the dining hall will be offered at a 10% discount for Family Weekend guests.
Available Dining Halls
A list of on campus food truck options will be availabe upon check-in.
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Session Two
Session Two
The second block of learning programs offers a unique opportunity to engage with departments across UC Santa Cruz. These sessions will provide valuable insights into various academic and campus resources, giving you a deeper understanding of your student’s experience.
The agenda provided at check-in will include a full list of specific programs and their details.
2:00 pm
UC Santa Cruz Women's Basketball Game
UC Santa Cruz Women's Basketball Game
Cheer on the UCSC Slugs as they take on the Keelhaulers (Cal Maritime) at the Kaiser Permanente Arena in Downtown Santa Cruz on Saturday at 2 pm. Be sure to wear your Family Weekend name tag for free admission to the game!
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
College Receptions
College Receptions
Attend the college receptions hosted by the provost and academic staff of each of UC Santa Cruz's ten colleges for an inside look at your student’s academic community. These sessions offer a chance to learn about the unique support and opportunities each college provides and have a chance to connect with other families from your students' college.
The agenda provided at check-in will include a full list of specific programs and their details.
Evening Programs
Dia De Los Muertos
Dia De Los Muertos
Quarry Amphitheater, UC Santa Cruz
6:30-8:30 pm, doors open at 5:00 pm
This is a space to collectively honor and celebrate the lives of our loved ones. Join for a night of danza, prayer, food, music, and community. This cultural and family event is a UC Santa Cruz tradition, and we are excited to invite parents and families to this year's celebration.
Food will be served from 5:00 p.m. until the Ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. We encourage you to arrive early if you can. We will also serve pan dulce and chocolate abuelita at the top of the Quarry bowl from 5:00 p.m. until supplies last.
Community altar: We encourage you to bring an ofrenda (pictures, food items, your loved ones’ favorite items, etc.) to add to the altar. Please don’t forget to pick up your items from the altar at the end of the event. You may bring candles, but you will be unable to light them for fire safety reasons.
Additional Activities and Options
9:00 - 5:00 pm
UC Santa Cruz Arboretum
UC Santa Cruz Arboretum
Located on the west side of the UCSC campus, the Garden is between the main campus entrance and the west entrance.
Admission
$10 adults
$8 seniors 65+
$5 youth 4-17
free to kids under 4 and all current UCSC students
Tours are given on the 1st Saturday of each month - at 11am
10:00 - 4:00 pm
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Located at 100 McAllister Way, about a 8-10 minute drive from main campus.
Admission
Adult $12
Senior (65 and older) $11
Student (with ID) $9
Child (3-17) $9
Toddler (2 and under) Free
Behind-the-Scenes Research Tour at 11 AM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM
10:00 - 9:00 pm
The Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly in the redwoods and is a classic attraction in Santa Cruz. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Mention "UCSC FAMILY WEEKEND" any day over Family weekend for free parking at the Mystery Spot - a $5 value.
11:00 - 5:00 pm
Enjoy warm sand, cool surf, hot rides, and great entertainment at our iconic seaside amusement park. Family Weekend participants will receive a discount code for a ride wristband and unlimited attractions on Saturday or Sunday for $34.95 (a $70 value).
10:00 - 4:00 pm
Bay Tree Campus Store
Bay Tree Campus Store
Located at the Quarry Plaza - the Bay Tree Campus Store is the best place to grab all your UCSC apparel. Family Weekend participants will receive 20% off any UCSC gift items.
10:00 - 5:00 pm
Whole Lotta Vintage Market
Whole Lotta Vintage Market
Located in a portion of the parking lot at Cathcart and Cedar Streets, Whole Lot of Vintage is an outdoor market featuring vintage clothing and handmade jewelry and accessories by local artists.
For more information, visit Whole Lotta Vintage
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