VCU Family Weekend
We are excited to welcome you to campus for Family Weekend! A full schedule of Family Weekend events may be found at https://guidebook.com/guide/102941/.
Below are the events requiring tickets which you must reserve prior to arrival. Some events may sell out quickly so please do not delay in reserving your spot.
Please talk to your student before registering, as fees for Family Weekend are non-refundable and tickets cannot be transferred to other events.
Friday, Oct. 4
Indoor Rock Climbing
The climbing area in the Cary Street Gym is managed by the Outdoor Adventure Program. It features a 35-foot climbing wall with six climbing routes. This area also features one freestanding and 18-foot bouldering section. All levels are welcome at this free opportunity. Climbing equipment and climbing shoes are provided.
Location: Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St.
Maximum capacity: 200 total; can come any time within the four hours
Cost: Free
7:20 p.m.
7:40 p.m.
8 p.m.
8:20 p.m.
8:40 p.m.
9 p.m.
Tours last approx. one hour after departure.
Haunts of Richmond Ghost Tours
Located in the heart of Richmond’s oldest and most haunted neighborhoods, Haunts of Richmond brings local ghost stories and legends to life. This special Haunts of VCU edition is an outdoor walking tour on and around campus. Tours last approximately one hour after departure.
Location: Meet at Cathedral Place and North Laurel Street
Maximum capacity: 30 per time slot
Cost: $10
Saturday, Oct. 5
2 p.m.
Trips last approx. 3 hours.
Whitewater rafting on the James River
Come enjoy the greatest urban whitewater in the country on the mighty James River! Only steps away from downtown Richmond, this is an excellent day trip for beginners as well as seasoned rafters. Experience the excitement of the water and the serenity of local scenery. Approximately three hours round trip. Gear, transportation and guide included in trip cost.
Location: Meet at Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St.
Maximum capacity: 20 per time slot
Cost: $25
2 p.m.
Experience lasts up to 3-4 hours.
Paddle, Hike and Paint
Hiking the tranquil surroundings of the VCU Rice Rivers Center and paddling on Kimages Creek is inspiring for everyone. Join us for a half-day of relaxation, art and serenity. Basic art supplies and paddling equipment provided. You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the center.
Location: VCU Rice Rivers Center, 3701 John Tyler Memorial Highway, Charles City, VA 23030
Maximum capacity: 20 per time slot
Cost: $15
12:15-1:15 p.m.
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Richmond City Bus Tours
Come and see the best of Richmond! Families can meet at the Floyd Street entrance of the University Student Commons for an hourlong tour of downtown Richmond, MCV Campus, historic Monument Avenue and quaint Carytown.
Location: University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Floyd Avenue entrance
Maximum capacity: 110 per time slot
Cost: $15
3 p.m.
Tours last approx. 1 hour after departure.
Richmond Bike Tour
Explore the history, parks, river overlooks, art and quaint streets of Richmond, all from the seat of a bicycle! This cruise is great for all ages and abilities. Approximately one hour round trip. Bikes, helmets and guides included in trip cost.
Location: Meet at Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St.
Maximum capacity: 25 per time slot
Cost: $10
DSA BBQ
Join the Division of Student Affairs for this signature event featuring photo opportunities with Rodney the Ram, music, raffles, and an opportunity to meet the inaugural members of the VCU Family Council! Also, we will announce Family of the Year Award recipient(s) and the Weeks of Welcome prize winners.
Location: Park Plaza (behind Hibbs Hall), 900 Park Ave.
Cost: $10. Infants 2 and under are free and do not need to be registered.
Paint and Play
Join a local RVA artist from Wine and Design to create a piece of art to take home with you. The instructor will walk you through your masterpiece step-by-step. All materials are included with the registration fee; wine is not included.
Location: University Student Commons, Richmond Salons III and IV, 907 Floyd Ave.
Maximum capacity: 100
Cost: $25
7:20 p.m.
7:40 p.m.
8 p.m.
8:20 p.m.
8:40 p.m.
9 p.m.
Tours last approx. one hour after departure.
Haunts of Richmond Ghost Tours
Located in the heart of Richmond’s oldest and most haunted neighborhoods, Haunts of Richmond brings local ghost stories and legends to life. This special Haunts of VCU edition is an outdoor walking tour on and around campus. Tours last approximately one hour after departure.
Location: Meet at Cathedral Place and North Laurel Street
Maximum capacity: 30 per time slot
Cost: $10
Paint and Sip w/cash bar
Join a local RVA artist from Wine and Design to create a piece of art to take home with you. The instructor will walk you through your masterpiece step-by-step. All materials are included with the registration fee.
Location: University Student Commons, Richmond Salons III and IV, 907 Floyd Ave.
Maximum capacity: 144
Cost: $35
VCU Soccer Game Package
Celebrate Family Weekend with VCU Soccer! For just $15, you receive one ticket to the men’s soccer match on Saturday at 7 p.m., one ticket to the women’s soccer match on Sunday at 1 p.m. and a VCU T-shirt. When you purchase the ticket for Saturday evening, it also includes entrance in to the Sunday women’s game at 1 p.m.
Location: Sports Backers Stadium, 100 Avenue of Champions, Richmond, VA 23230
Cost: Free for students, $15 nonstudents. Shirt not included for students; can register students as nonstudent guest if they want a shirt.
Sunday, Oct. 6
Inaugural Family Weekend 0.5K Fun Walk
Join us for the inaugural Family Weekend 0.5K Fun Walk! This event is designed for those who want to get in on all the action of a 5K and contribute to the VCU Ram Pantry without the distance or running. Enjoy some good company for a morning walk with doughnuts, coffee and a participant medal. If you’re participating in the 5K, feel free to sign up for this additional event as a warm-up. All proceeds from the event benefit the Ram Pantry, which provides food to Rams experiencing food insecurity.
Location: Monroe Park, 620 W. Main St.
Cost: $5 students, $15 nonstudents
Fourth Annual Family Weekend 5K Fun Run
Join us for the fourth annual Family Weekend 5K Fun Run! This scenic run/walk will take you around some of the most beautiful parts of the city surrounding VCU's campus. All proceeds from the event benefit the Ram Pantry, which provides food to Rams experiencing food insecurity.
Location: Monroe Park, 620 W. Main St.
Cost: $15 students, $25 nonstudents
2 p.m.
Trips last approx. 3 hours.
Whitewater rafting on the James River
Come enjoy the greatest urban whitewater in the country on the mighty James River! Only steps away from downtown Richmond, this is an excellent day trip for beginners as well as seasoned rafters. Experience the excitement of the water and the serenity of local scenery. Approximately three hours round trip. Gear, transportation and guide included in trip cost.
Location: Meet at Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St.
Maximum capacity: 20 per time slot
Cost: $25
2 p.m.
Experience lasts up to 3-4 hours.
Paddle, Hike and Paint
Hiking the tranquil surroundings of the VCU Rice Rivers Center and paddling on Kimages Creek is inspiring for everyone. Join us for a half-day of relaxation, art and serenity. Basic art supplies and paddling equipment provided. You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the center.
Location: VCU Rice Rivers Center, 3701 John Tyler Memorial Highway, Charles City, VA 23030
Maximum capacity: 20 per time slot
Cost: $15
3 p.m.
Tours last approx. 1 hour after departure.
Richmond Bike Tour
Explore the history, parks, river overlooks, art and quaint streets of Richmond, all from the seat of a bicycle! This cruise is great for all ages and abilities. Approximately one hour round trip. Bikes, helmets and guides included in trip cost.
Location: Meet at Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St.
Maximum capacity: 25 per time slot
Cost: $10
VCU Soccer Game Package
Celebrate Family Weekend with VCU Soccer! For just $15, you receive one ticket to the men’s soccer match on Saturday at 7 p.m., one ticket to the women’s soccer match on Sunday at 1 p.m. and a VCU T-shirt. When you purchase the ticket for Saturday evening, it also includes entrance in to the Sunday women’s game at 1 p.m.
Location: Sports Backers Stadium, 100 Avenue of Champions, Richmond, VA 23230
Cost: Free for students, $15 nonstudents. Shirt not included for students; can register students as nonstudent guest if they want a shirt.