Family and Friends Weekend
Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 – Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026
Please check back regularly as more events will be added!
- Fri., Oct. 16
- Sat., Oct. 17
- Sun., Oct 18
- Nearby attractions
6 – 8 p.m.
Registration
Check in for Family and Friends Weekend in the Goddard Library to receive your exclusive gift item and meal pass.
Location: Academic Commons, Goddard Library
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Shabbat Services
Join Clark U Hillel students and Executive Director Jeff Narod for Shabbat services. Both traditional and liberal services will be held.
Location: Tilton Hall, Higgins University Center
7 p.m.
Shabbat Dinner
Join Clark U Hillel Students and Executive Director Jeff Narod for the annual, joyous Family and Friends Weekend Shabbat dinner. All are welcome. Email your RSVP or questions to jeff.narod@clarku.edu by Oct. 9, 2026.
Location: Tilton Hall, Higgins University Center
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Visual and Performing Arts Night and Welcome Reception
Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating creativity, talent, and the performing arts! VPA brings our community together to celebrate the incredible work of our student artists and performers. Enjoy cocktails and appetizers with family and friends while perusing student photographs from Professor Stephen DiRado’s Gallery, Culture & Practice class, capturing unique perspectives and moments through their lens of artistic expression.
Location: Traina Center for the Arts, Art Lab Gallery and Schiltkamp Gallery
7:30 p.m.
Visual and Performing Arts Night Performance
Immediately following the reception and show in Schiltkamp Gallery, join us for an evening of entertainment featuring some of Clark’s amazing students. Enjoy an exciting lineup of performances from Clark’s talented musicians and a cappella groups, advised by Professor John Freyermuth. Come celebrate the creativity, energy, and talent of the Clark community in an evening dedicated to the arts.
Location: Traina Center for the Arts, Razzo Hall
9:00 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Registration
Check in for Family and Friends Weekend in the Goddard Library to receive your exclusive gift item and meal pass.
Location: Academic Commons, Goddard Library
9:00 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Mobile Scavenger Hunt
Explore the campus, visit the art in the park, solve Clarkie trivia and win a shopping spree to the campus store! Who’s ready for the Clarkie hunt? Download the app (Apple or Android) and enter EVENT CODE: TBA to join the fun. Game begins at 9 a.m. Winners will be emailed Saturday evening. Good Luck!
Location: Various campus locations
10 – 10:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
Start your day with complimentary coffee, tea, pastries, and fresh fruit, and mingle with other Clark families.
Location: Tilton Hall, Higgins University Center
10:30 a.m.
Welcome by President David B. Fithian ’87, followed by Q & A with Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs John Magee and Assistant Provost and Dean of Students Danielle Morgan Acosta
President Fithian welcomes parents, families, and friends to Worcester and learns about the vision for Clark.
Location: Tilton Hall, Higgins University Center
11:30 a.m.
Nature Walk in the Hadwen Arboretum
Clark has its very own Arboretum, a beautiful forest that’s only 1 mile (or a 20-minute walk) from campus. Join us for a short (30-35 minute) exploration of the arboretum, led by Professor John Rogan and the Arboretum Advocates of Clark. Bus transportation will be available both ways. Families have the option to walk back to campus. Walkers are encouraged to bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Location: Meet at Atwood Plaza
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Fall Fun
Enjoy fall treats, food trucks, family photos, caricatures, pumpkin painting, lucky bamboo, games and more. There is something for everyone at our celebration of the season.
Location: Red Square Lawn, Campus Green
Rain Location: Tilton Hall, Higgins University Center
12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Men’s Tennis Game
Follow the paw prints and signs to the tennis courts. Cheer for the Cougars as the team takes on Connecticut College.
Location: Granger Athletic Fields, 97 Beaver Street
12:30– 2:30 p.m.
Food Truck Festival and BBQ on the Green
Get ready to savor the flavors of the city. Bring your appetite and enjoy a delicious lineup of local food trucks serving up some of Worcester’s favorite bites, treats, and flavors. We’ll be be featuring Minuteman Kettle Corn, Bees and Thank You -(the honey grilled cheese experience), Friskie Fries, Little Havana amongst others. Save by registering in advance and purchasing the discounted family and friends weekend meal pass. A limited number of tickets will be available on Saturday. Family and Friends weekend pass, student meal plans, cash, and credit cards are accepted.
Adults: $35.00 (at-the-door price)
Kids 10 and under: $12.50
Location: Campus Green and The Table at Higgins, University Center
1 – 4:00 p.m.
Art in the Park, Worcester
Stroll through the campus and University Park to view sculptures from this year’s juried exhibition of public art. Check out the 2025 map and audio tour by the artists.
Location: Various Campus Locations
1– 5 p.m.
Gallery, Culture and Practice Student Artwork
Step into the Clarkie world of creativity, passion, and bold imagination.
Explore student photographs from Professor Stephen DiRado’s Gallery, Culture & Practice class, capturing unique perspectives and moments through their lens of artistic expression.
Location: Traina Center for the Arts, Art Lab Gallery and Schiltkamp Gallery
1 – 2:00 p.m.
Athletics open house social
Meet the staff from Athletics and cheer for the Women’s field hockey team and Men’s tennis team.
Location: Granger Athletic Fields, 97 Beaver Street
2:00 p.m.
Women’s Field Hockey Game
Follow the paw prints to the field for kettle corn and festivities. Cheer for the Cougars as the team takes on Babson College
Location: Granger Athletic Fields, 97 Beaver Street
2:30 – 3:20 p.m.
Career Journey of Your College Student
When should your student start thinking about careers and how can you support them? Learn about career resources available at Clark, our recommended four-year career development timeline, and tips to help your student at each new phase of their journey.
Location: S120, Arthur M. Sackler Sciences Center
3 – 4 p.m.
Music Program Ensemble Concert
The Clark University Concert Band will showcase an exciting variety of music during their Family Weekend concert. This concert is free and open to the public. You can also watch the event via the livestream.
Location: Daniels Theater, Atwood Hall
3 – 5:00 p.m.
Vintage Clark
Visit Clark’s archives and go back in time. Peruse old photos and memorabilia from our unique history.
Location: Academic Commons, Goddard Library
3:30 –4:20 p.m.
Study Abroad
Discover the opportunities, experiences, and benefits of studying abroad! This session is designed for students and parents who want to learn more about what it’s like to study in another country and how to make the most of the experience.
Location: S120, Arthur M. Sackler Sciences Center
3:30 –4:45 p.m.
Women of Clark Public History Project & Historic Tour of Clark’s neighborhood
Come explore the hidden gems, rich history and vibrant community of Clark’s neighborhood. Whether you’re a student resident or first-time visitor, you’ll see the area in a whole new light. Arrive early, the maximum capacity for this walking tour is 23 guests.
Location: Meet at Dana Commons, Higgins Lounge before the neighborhood tour
Professor Melinda Marchand, History
3:30 –4:30 p.m.
School of Business Open House
Stop by the School of Business during Family Weekend and explore our new home in one of campus’s newest academic buildings, ASEC. Friends and family are invited to explore our newly opened Bloomberg Trading Room and learn about the academic and experiential opportunities available to business students. Enjoy student success displays and connect with the School of Business Dean, professors, and students while discovering how the School of Business prepares students for success in today’s global marketplace. Families are welcome to drop in at any time during open house hours.
5:30 p.m.
Dinner in the City, Experience Worcester
Experience the vibrant restaurant scene of Wootown.
8 p.m.
Big Prize Bingo and Dessert Reception
Join other Clark families and try your luck at Clark’s version of bingo. Hosted by Student Leadership and Programming.
Location: Higgins Main Dining Room, Higgins University Center
10 a.m.- 2p.m.
Harvest Brunch
Clark Dining Services welcomes students and their families to the Table at Higgins. Experience the all-you-care-to-eat buffet brunch. Family and Friends weekend pass, student meal plans, cash, and credit cards are accepted.
- Adults: $26.00 (at-the-door price)
- Kids 10 and under: $12.50
Location: The Table at Higgins, University Center
Noon- 5p.m.
Gallery, Culture and Practice Student Art Work
Step into the Clarkie world of creativity, passion, and bold imagination.
Explore student photographs from Professor Stephen DiRado’s Gallery, Culture & Practice class, capturing unique perspectives and moments through their lens of artistic expression.
Location: Traina Center for the Arts, Art Lab Gallery and Schiltkamp Gallery
Canal District of Worcester
A walkable neighborhood with restaurants, bars, clubs, and shopping that feature the Worcester Public Market.
The New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Open to the public year-round for garden viewing, trail walking, exhibits and more. 11 French Drive, in Boylston, MA.
Tougas Family Farm
Apple picking, farm store, kitchen, and family fun! Pick a pumpkin, or visit the barnyard animals, playground and more. 234 Ball Street, Northborough, MA.
Worcester Art Museum
A collection of over 38,000 objects and wide-ranging exhibits, strong ties to the community and the international art world.