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Family Weekend is an important UMKC tradition. Spend time with your student, enjoy signature events, explore our diverse Kansas City community, and take part in the UMKC student experience.

Family Weekend 2025 | September 19-21

Family Weekend celebrates parent and family involvement in our UMKC community. We hope to connect you to campus resources, help you meet faculty/staff, and welcome you into our UMKC family.

2024 Schedule

Friday, September 20

  • Kangaroo Classic Kansas City Athletics Women's Volleyball vs Lindenwood (Roo Blue Friday), 1:00 PM | Swinney Center
    • Watch the KC Roos! Students can claim their FREE tickets using the information found here.  
    • Code: Family
  • Spin and Juice with Campus Recreation, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | University Walkway
    • Join Campus Recreation for a family oriented spin class on the University Walkway! Participants in this outdoor spin class will also receive free juice from Ruby Jean's Juicery. 
    • Students are encouraged to register on Roo Groups, families, parents, and supporters may walk in. 
  • Family Weekend Check-In, 3:00 - 7:00 PM | Student Union 2nd Floor
    • Let us know you're here! Stop by to get your Family Weekend pass, welcome gift, and information about the weekend. 
  • UMKC Haunted Tour w/ historian Chris Wolff, 6:00 PM | South doors, ASSC
    • Did the ghost of a dead actress haunt the University Playhouse? Why are there monsters painted on the walls of Haag Hall? Who killed University of Kansas City beauty queen Leila Welsh? What really happened in Epperson House? On the Haunted UMKC campus tour, your host UMKC historian Chris Wolff will regale you with these and many more tales of the darker side ofthe university’s history. This walking tour takes about 90 minutes and is one mile long.
    • Tour has a capacity of 15 and is first come, first served. No additional ticket or reservation required. 
  • Game Night! Hosted by Multicultural Student Affairs, 4:00 - 7:00 PM | Student Union 4th Floor
    • Join us for a night of good old-fashioned family fun. With a variety of card and board games, it is sure to be an evening of laughter, fun, and connection.
    • Refreshments will be provided.
    • Registration for UMKC Family Weekend not required. 
  • Late Night Trivia Hosted by UMKC Honors Program, 7:30 - 9:30 PM | Student Union 4th Floor
    • Join us for a rousing game of general knowledge trivia that is sure to have something for everyone. Winners will receive special UMKC swag along with other prizes.
    • Participants can play as individuals or in teams. 
  • UMKC Conservatory Wind Symphony Concert, 7:30 - 9:30 PM | White Recital Hall, PAC
  • Kangaroo Classic Kansas City Athletics Women's Volleyball vs Montana (Roo Blue Friday), 7:30 PM | Swinney Center
    • Watch the KC Roos! Students can claim their FREE tickets using the information found here.  
    • Code: Family

Saturday, September 21

  • Family Weekend Check-In, 9:00 - 12:00 PM | Student Union 2nd Floor
    • Let us know you're here! Stop by to get your Family Weekend pass, welcome gift, and information about the weekend.
  • UMKC Virtual 5K | To benefit the Dr. Raj Bala Agrawal Care Center
    • Support the Kangaroo Pantry at the Dr. Raj Bala Agrawal Care Center by participating in this year's Virtual 5K! Run, walk, or bike, anywhere, anytime between September 21 and September 29. Submit your results by 8 a.m. on September 30, 2024.
    • The first 250 people to register will receive a giveaway that will be mailed out after the conclusion of the race. We will also have a prize drawing in each of the following categories: student, alumni, UMKC faculty/staff, and friend (non-alum); and a prize drawing that all participants are entered in to automatically.
    • Registration deadline is September 20 at midnight.
    • Register here
  • College Y La Familia, 10:00 - 12:00 PM | Scofield Hall 109
    • Únase a nosotros para disfrutar de comida, música y conversación sobre el papel de la familia en la vida universitaria. Egresados, estudiantes actuales y padres discutirán cómo el apoyo, las expectativas y la participación de la familia afectan al éxito y el disfrute de la experiencia universitaria de un estudiante. Se servirá comida sabrosa y golosinas de negocios Latinos locales. Este evento está patrocinado por Asuntos de Estudiantes Multiculturales, el Departamento de Lenguas y Culturas del Mundo, y la Oficina de la Decana de la Escuela de Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales.

      Join us for food, music, and conversation about the role of family in college life. Alumni, current students, and parents will discuss how family support, expectations, and involvement impact a student’s success and enjoyment of their college experience. We’ll be serving tasty food and treats from local Latinx businesses. Sponsored by Multicultural Student Affairs, the Department of World Languages and Cultures, and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean’s Office.
    • Registration for UMKC Family Weekend not required. 
  • Family Weekend Tailgate, 12:00 - 2:00 PM | Moved to Pierson Auditorium, ASSC
    • Lunch, on us! Join us for a prematch meal as we cheer on Kansas City Athletics. Play games, have a bite, and find community with other Roo families. 
    • Lunch is included with a Family Weekend registration. 
    • Athletics tickets can be purchased separately. 
  • Family and Supporter of the Year Award Presentation, 1:00 PM | Moved to Pierson Auditorium, ASSC
    • Help us celebrate the first annual Family and Supporter of the Year Award nominees and recipient as part of the Family Weekend Tailgate. 
  • Kangaroo Classic Kansas City Athletics Women's Volleyball vs Montana (Women's Empowerment Celebration), 2:00 PM | Swinney Center
    • Watch the KC Roos! Students can claim their FREE tickets using the information found here.  
    • Code: Family
    • Post Game Team Autographs with team posters provided.
  • School of Medicine Tour and Social, sponsored by Friends of UMKC School of Medicine, 2:00 PM | UMKC School of Medicine
    • Calling all SOM parents, families, and supporters! Please join us for an in-depth tour of the School of Medicine. Our student leaders will show you classrooms, offices, and libraries, among other sites, to highlight the renovated spaces in the building. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and connect with other SOM families. The tour will and with a SOM Social at the Diastole Scholars Center at 2501 Holmes. 
    • Registration for UMKC Family Weekend not required. 
  • Queer in the Archives: Tour of GLAMA, presented by GLAMA, 2:00 - 3:30 PM | Miller Nichols Library Room 325
    • Queer in the Archives is an educational program that brings the artifacts and collections of the Gay and Lesbian Archive of Mid-America to life. Open to the public, this series provides an opportunity for the UMKC and Kansas City communities to connect with our shared histories and better understand the ways queer and trans identities shaped, and were shaped by, the world around them.
    • Registration for UMKC Family Weekend no required. 
  • Roo Social Hour, 3:00 - 4:00 PM | Student Union 4th Floor Lobby
    • Enjoy refreshments, conversation, and community while taking a break from the bustle of the day. 
  • Pinot's Palette: Paint Along, hosted by University Programming Board, 4:00 - 6:00 PM | Moved to Student Union 402
    • Join UPB and Pinot's Palette for a fun, paint-along adventure. Paint a Kansas City inspired landscape to take home. 
    • Refreshments will be provided.
    • Limited to the first 50 guests.
  • UMKC Night at Starlight, 7:00 - 10:00 PM | Starlight Theater Kansas City
    • Join UMKC at Starlight Theater for Peter Pan! This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Emmy Award-winner Lonny Price and choreography by Lorin Latarro.
    • Family Weekend Registrants can purchase tickets as part of their registration with an exclusive 50% off discount. Tickets will be dispersed at Family Weekend Check-in only. 
    • Families who buy tickets through their registration are invited to a pre-show reception, hosted by UMKC.
      • Pre-show reception will include refreshments and remarks from UMKC leadership. 
  • UMKC Choirs and Conservatory Symphony Orchestra Concert, 7:30 PM | White Recital Hall 
    • Watch UMKC Choirs and Conservatory Orchestra perform, including Missa pastoril by Garcia, If Music Be the Food of Love by Dickau, and Alleluia by Hangenberg, among many others. 
    • Tickets can be purchased here.

Sunday, September 22


Events All Weekend

  • Rainbow Lounge Relaxation Station | Student Union 325
    • Need a quiet space to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of Family Weekend? The Rainbow Lounge will be open throughout the weekend for you to relax, re-center, and make the most out of your time on campus. The space is hosted by LGBTQIA Programs & Services. 
  • Family Weekend Sale at the UMKC Bookstore (available with coupon from 9/20-10/20)
    • Show off your Roo spirit with some newUMKC gear! Show your UMKC Family Weekend Bookstore coupon to receive 20% off select in-store purchases. See store for details. Coupons disbursed at Family Weekend Check-in only. 
  • Selfie Station | Student Union 4th Floor Lobby
    • Take a family selfie with our I <3 UMKC lighted sign. Sign will be available all weekend, and we encourage families to post their selfie on social media, using #UMKCFamilyWeekend hashtag, and/or tag @umkcosi on Instagram. 
  • Family Weekend Kansas City Athletic Discount
    • Use the link and promo code below for a special UMKC Family Weekend discount on all Kansas City Athletics events throughout Family Weekend. This discount is for online tickets only and cannot be used to purchase tickets on gameday. Discount code and link will expire 24 hours prior to game time.
    • Check back soon for discount code!
  • Free Admission to The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures (T/m) | 5235 Oak Street KCMO

    • The Museum extends free admission to the whole family. UMKC students can always enjoy free admission with a UMKC Roo Card and are encouraged to sign up for a free membership, which includes a 20% discount at the Museum Store. Family Weekend registrants also receive complimentary admission with their Family Weekend badge.

Out and About in Kansas City

We encourage you to take advantage of all there is to see and do in the Kansas City metro region. Check out Visit KC for more events and activities!

Registration for UMKC Family Weekend 2025 will open on June 1, 2025

Parents, families, and supporters that do not have a UMKC ID must create a 'guest' account using the "First Time User" prompts after clicking register. After creating a guest account, you will be able to see registration options, update ticket quantities of each type, and complete registration.

For questions, email families@umkc.edu or call 816-235-1407. 

The Standard Family Weekend registration: includes access to all scheduled events (except for UMKC Night at Starlight), free admission to the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, and a thank you gift to registering for UMKC Family Weekend. Registered families will also receive a coupon to use at the UMKC Bookstore during their visit. Note that no meal is included, however the UMKC Foodiverse and campus retailers will have normal operating hours.

Registration price - $0

 

The Standard Family Weekend registration + UMKC Night at Starlight: includes the Standard Family Weekend registration and a ticket to UMKC Night at Starlight Theater. All tickets are in Terrace 4 & 5 and will be assigned in order of purchase. Tickets will be distributed at Will-Call at Starlight Theater on the date of the show. Note that no meal is included, however the UMKC Foodiverse and campus retailers will have normal operating hours. This registration type must be purchased on or before Friday September 12, 2025. 

Registration price - $13.50

 

UMKC Night at Starlight, 7:00 - 10:00 PM | Starlight Theater Kansas City

Tony Award Winning Theatrical Experience, Life of Pi

Based on the best-selling novel, Life of Pi is an epic story of perseverance and hope that speaks to every generation and is told with jaw-dropping visuals, world class puppetry and exquisite stagecraft. Life of Pi creates a breathtaking journey that leaves you filled with awe and joy.

Family Weekend Registrants can purchase tickets as part of their registration with an exclusive 50% off discount. Information about ticket pick-up will be communicated closed to event date.

Families who buy tickets through their registration are invited to a pre-show reception, hosted by UMKC. 

Family Weekend ticket packages including UMKC Night at Starlight Theater tickets are available until September 12, 2025. After this date, a 25% off discount will be available using the link below. Discount code is "UMKC."

Purchase tickets at 25% off now: https://tickets.kcstarlight.com/peterpan/4538?8322

Parking at Starlight Theater is free. 

Ticket purchases are final and non-refundable. 

 

The UMKC Family & Supporter of the Year Award celebrates the supportive role parents, families, and supporters play in the lives of our students. Honoring outstanding supporters serves as a reminder that parents, families, and supporters are essential to the success of our students, the prosperity/viability of our institution, and to the connection with our larger campus community.

Award Nominations will open May 1, 2025. 

Join us at the Roo Social Hour during Family Weekend for the award presentation. 

Award Information & Nomination Form

The Museum extends free admission to the whole family! UMKC students can always enjoy free admission with a UMKC Roo Card and are encouraged to sign up for a free membership, which includes a 20% off discount at the Museum Store. Family Weekend registrants also receive complimentary admission with their Family Weekend badge. 

Find more information about The Museum by visiting their website. 

Family Weekend parking will be available on the 5th and 6th floors of the Cherry Street Parking Garage, beginning at 5:00 PM on Friday 9/19 through 10:00 PM on Sunday 9/21. 

Families may park in any space that is not reserved, such as 24/7 Faculty/Staff, UMKC plates only, handicap, etc). 

No UMKC parking permits, visitor passes, etc., will be required.