Family weekend is upon us. Although the traditions of attending T-Sully’s annual State of the Union address, UVA edition, and indulging in a little family O’Hill bonding time are not to be missed, there are many events you can participate in with your whole family. Take advantage of the last of Charlottesville’s fall weather and check out some of the less-publicized activities going on this weekend on and off Grounds.
From 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday, bring your family over to the Amphitheater to enjoy the music, dance, and (free!) food of UVA students from cultures all around the world. Presented by the Culturefest Committee and the Global Student Council, Culturefest is your opportunity to learn about the traditions and values central to several of the many diverse cultures present on Grounds. This event marks the beginning of International Week and will feature over 30 cultural student organizations. If the various activities and promise of a free lunch aren’t enough to sell you on Culturefest, the people putting on this event are also holding several raffles featuring prizes from various Charlottesville stores and restaurants… one of which is 6 months of Chick-Fil-A for you and two friends, so you definitely don’t want to miss out.
Did you miss Rotunda Sing? Can’t wait for Lighting of the Lawn? Check out the choral showcase in Old Cabell Hall this Saturday evening! Several of UVA’s choral ensembles will be performing at this event, so now is your chance to immerse your family in the full UVA experience and show them what our a cappella tradition is all about. Student tickets are $5 and general body tickets are $10, both of which can be purchased either online or at the door.
3. Brown College Hauntings on the Hill
If you’re looking to spice up your family weekend, look no further than the Hauntings on the Hill at Brown College, because nothing says family bonding like five hours of scary stories. On the nights of the 23rd and the 24th, Brown College will be putting on their annual “Scary Tales”, featuring re-tellings of your favourite fairy tales with a Halloween twist. You can get one ticket for $5 or two for $9; all proceeds go directly to The Haven and On Our Own.
4. Men’s Basketball Instrasquad Scrimmage
There is good news and there’s bad news: the bad news is that Virginia men’s basketball season tickets are sold out for the upcoming season. The good news is that you can bring your family to JPJ this Saturday for a free intrasquad scrimmage and give them a taste of what basketball season is like at UVA. The scrimmage will feature four 10-minute quarters as well as several of the biggest names in UVA basketball. Start basketball season early this year!
5. University Guide Service Candlelight Tours of the Lawn
Finally, if you’re looking to go the more traditional route on your family weekend, try out a candlelight tour of Grounds. If you have yet to partake in a UVA tour and/or are looking to expand your knowledge of little-known facts pertaining to our University, meet at 6 pm this Friday on the lawn side of the Rotunda. These tours are unique because they are led by fourth-year students who will have prepared a specialized version of the standard tour. In the past, tours have included everything from ghost stories to a sing-a-long musical excursion.
