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SUNY Cortland Gears Up for Family Weekend: A Full Lineup of Events for Parents and Students

Christina Gelchie · September 23, 2025

Family Weekend 2025 at SUNY Cortland promises a mix of campus life, athletics, arts, and outdoor fun. Offering parents a firsthand look at what makes Cortland home for their kids, from early morning fitness to late night laughs, there’s something for everyone.

Friday

  • 6:00 AM – Midnight: The Student Life Center (SLC) is open. Parents are welcome to use the fitness center, pool, track, and workout equipment. Check in at the front desk as a parent of a SUNY Cortland student, and complete the guest waiver.
  • 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM: College Bookstore in Neubig Hall opens its doors. Great time to buy Cortland apparel, school supplies, or souvenirs.
  • 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM: Dowd Gallery in the Fine Arts Center offers free admission. Perfect for a calm afternoon stroll through selected campus art.
  • 4:00 – 7:00 PM: Check-In at Corey Union Lobby. Parents can pick up their “Family Weekend Packet” including pre-paid tickets and an updated schedule.
  • 6:30 PM: Women’s Volleyball vs. Ithaca at Park Center, Corey Gymnasium. A spirited match and free admission.
  • 7:00 PM: Student Activities Board Comedy Night, at the Function Room in Corey Union. Free appetizers and beverages while comedians Ryan Kelly and Dewayne White take over the stage.

Saturday

  • 8:00 AM – Midnight: SLC open for fitness, pool, track, etc.
  • 9:00 – 11:00 AM: Additional Check-In opportunity.
  • 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Bookstore hours continue.
  • 11:00 AM: Women’s Volleyball vs. Stevens.
  • 11:00 AM: Presidents’ Brunch in the Corey Union Function Room. University President Erik J. Bitterbaum and Student Government President Parker Arenas will give a speech, followed by performances by a cappella groups. Brunch includes scrambled eggs, home fries, French toast, fruit, scones, bacon, mini cannoli, etc. Advance registration required.
  • 1:00 PM: Big lineup of sports: Football vs. Alfred University (Stadium Complex, Grady Field), Men’s Soccer vs. Morrisville (Holloway Field), Women’s Ice Hockey exhibition vs. Nazareth (Park Center Alumni Arena).
  • 2:00 – 5:00 PM: Beak & Skiff Apple Orchard is open for apple picking. Plan for travel time (short drive from campus).
  • 3:00 PM: Women’s Volleyball versus Bard.
  • 3:00 – 5:00 PM: Planetarium shows in Bowers Hall. Free admissions. Seating is limited and registration is required.
  • 8:00 PM: Total Trivia Night in Corey Union Function Room. Fast-paced trivia with multiple rounds, covering topics from movies to history. A fun way to win prizes and cap off the evening.

Sunday

  • 8:00 AM – Midnight: SLC open for fitness activities.
  • 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM: College Bookstore open, last chance to pick up gear.

Beyond Campus: Local & Seasonal Activities

  • Nearby attractions: bowling alleys, mini-golf, movie theaters, adventure centers like Greek Peak, and local arts or performance venues. SUNY Cortland+1
  • Fall vibes: go apple picking, visit cider mills, or enjoy the changing leaves in parks or nature centers (such as Lime Hollow). SUNY Cortland+1
  • Dining and shopping in Cortland and nearby areas provide a chance to explore the local community. Small cafés, family-friendly restaurants, and shops both on and off campus let parents experience student life beyond classes and athletics. Cortland Sites

Why Attend & Tips for Families

Family Weekend isn’t just about fun, it’s designed to let parents see both the academic and social side of their student’s life. It offers chances to:

  • Connect: meet professors or staff, see where students live and study, and observe campus routines.
  • Support: By attending athletic events or art shows, parents help students feel pride in their community.
  • Explore: The resources available—library, recreation, wellness, student organizations—come alive during this weekend.

A few helpful tips:

  • Register in advance for events such as Presidents’ Brunch or planetarium shows.
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes: campus is large and events are spread out.
  • Plan for weather: autumn in central New York can be chilly, possibly wet.
  • Arrive early for check-in to avoid long lines.
  • Use the weekend to ask questions: academics, housing, campus safety, finances, etc.

Family Weekend 2025 will happen on Oct. 17-19.

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