Family Weekend at CMU
Family Weekend brings together Carnegie Mellon undergraduate and graduate students and their families and friends for a weekend of events that showcase the vibrancy of the campus experience. Family Weekend features academic welcomes, information sessions, campus tours, student performances and other events. We also encourage students and their families to use this time together to explore the city of Pittsburgh and learn why it's consistently been ranked among the Most Livable Cities in the United States.
Family Weekend is free to attend, however some events require registration or purchased tickets. Registration information will become available in the months leading up to Family Weekend. Registration should only be completed for events that will be attended, as some may occur simultaneously. When completing the registration form, please enter the current student’s information as the primary registrant and list all attending family members as additional guests. If your student will be participating in events, they should be included in event registration and purchased tickets. We invite family members to learn more about traveling to Pittsburgh.
A high-level overview of the Family Weekend 2025 programming can be found below.
Family Weekend 2025: Friday Schedule
Check-in, Photo Opportunity, & Family Swag Table
Kirr Commons, Cohon University Center
All attendees must check-in at Family Weekend. If your family did not pre-register, please register onsite.
Lecture Showcase
Various Locations
Various professors, lecturer and graduate students will be showcasing their research and areas of focus through lectures. The full list of lectures will be found at the CMU Events App.
Pittsburgh Double Decker Bus Tour
Pick-Up: Margaret Morrison and Tech Street
Carnegie Mellon University is excited to offer exclusive double decker bus tours with the Pittsburgh Tour Company for CMU families during Family Weekend! Enjoy the sights of Pittsburgh alongside other CMU families with a fully narrated, guided, humorous and historic tour of our vibrant city. Tour guides will highlight beautiful architecture, museums, must-see spots, top shopping areas, rich culture and historic landmarks—all from the comfort of a double decker bus. Please dress for the weather as the buses are open-air. This experience is a great way to explore the city, but please note this is a no-hop-off tour.
Bus loading will begin at 1:45 p.m. with the bus departing at 2 p.m. Tickets to this event are $25 per person.
President's Welcome Reception
Rangos Auditorium, Cohon University Center
Kick off Family Weekend with a welcome reception hosted by CMU President Farnam Jahanian.
Pittsburgh Double Decker Bus Tour
Pick-Up: Margaret Morrison and Tech Street
Carnegie Mellon University is excited to offer exclusive double decker bus tours with the Pittsburgh Tour Company for CMU families during Family Weekend! Enjoy the sights of Pittsburgh alongside other CMU families with a fully narrated, guided, humorous and historic tour of our vibrant city. Tour guides will highlight beautiful architecture, museums, must-see spots, top shopping areas, rich culture and historic landmarks—all from the comfort of a double decker bus. Please dress for the weather as the buses are open-air. This experience is a great way to explore the city, but please note this is a no-hop-off tour.
Bus loading will begin at 5:45 p.m. with the bus departing at 6 p.m. Tickets to this event are $25 per person.
AcaPittsburgh
McConomy Auditorium, Cohon University Center
AcaPittsburgh, founded in 2008, is a benefit concert that Counterpoint hosts annually. With all of Carnegie Mellon's a cappella groups performing in addition to guest groups, AcaPittsburgh is the largest a cappella concert of the Fall semester. The event will be raising money for Homeless Children's Education Fund, a nonprofit organization to support the educational needs of children experiencing homelessness in Allegheny County. The show features Counterpoint, C# Singers, Db Singers, Saans, Soundbytes, Joyful Noise, Treblemakers, and The Originals. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Family Weekend 2025: Saturday Schedule
Check-in, Photo Opportunity, & Family Swag Table
Kirr Commons, Cohon University Center
All attendees must check-in at Family Weekend. If your family did not pre-register, please register onsite.
Academic Welcome Reception
Various Locations
Various colleges and schools will be hosting welcomes, meet and greets, and information sessions. Families and friends can RSVP for individual academic welcomes during the registration process online. Students are welcome to join the Academic Welcomes during Family Weekend, though these events are mainly geared toward family members.
CMU Intersquad Swim Meet
Swimming and Diving Pool, Cohon University Center
Catch the action as the Tartan Men’s and Women’s Swim Teams face off in an exciting intersquad meet at the CMU Pool! This internal competition showcases CMU’s top swimming talent in a spirited and fast-paced event. Come cheer on our student-athletes as they dive into the season with energy and Tartan pride!
Pittsburgh City Tour
Pick-Up: Margaret Morrison and Tech Street
Carnegie Mellon University is excited to offer exclusive double decker bus tours with the Pittsburgh Tour Company for CMU families during Family Weekend! Enjoy the sights of Pittsburgh alongside other CMU families with a fully narrated, guided, humorous and historic tour of our vibrant city. Tour guides will highlight beautiful architecture, museums, must-see spots, top shopping areas, rich culture and historic landmarks—all from the comfort of a double decker bus. Please dress for the weather as the buses are open-air. This experience is a great way to explore the city, but please note this is a no-hop-off tour.
Bus loading will begin at 10:45 a.m. with the bus departing at 11 a.m. Tickets to this event are $25 per person.
Tartan Tailgate
Legacy Plaza, Cohon University Center
Enjoy some game day activities and refreshments as we prepare to cheer on the Tartan Football Team and Kiltie Band.
Scotty Saturday
Various Locations
Scotty Saturday celebrates Carnegie Mellon spirit and pride! Join us for a fun-filled day of activities, CMU traditions and student talent showcases. These events will highlight our student organizations.
Pittsburgh Double Decker Bus Tour
Pick-Up: Margaret Morrison and Tech Street
Carnegie Mellon University is excited to offer exclusive double decker bus tours with the Pittsburgh Tour Company for CMU families during Family Weekend! Enjoy the sights of Pittsburgh alongside other CMU families with a fully narrated, guided, humorous and historic tour of our vibrant city. Tour guides will highlight beautiful architecture, museums, must-see spots, top shopping areas, rich culture and historic landmarks—all from the comfort of a double decker bus. Please dress for the weather as the buses are open-air. This experience is a great way to explore the city, but please note this is a no-hop-off tour.
Bus loading will begin at 12:45 p.m. with the bus departing at 1 p.m. Tickets to this event are $25 per person.
Tartans Football Game
Gesling Stadium
Celebrate Tartan pride during Family Weekend by attending the CMU football game on Saturday as the Tartans take on McDaniel College at Gesling Stadium! Enjoy the spirited atmosphere with performances by the Kiltie Marching Band and the CMU cheerleaders, who will energize the crowd with their school spirit and support. Don’t miss this exciting campus tradition with fellow CMU families!
Pittsburgh Double Decker Bus Tour
Pick-Up: Margaret Morrison and Tech Street
Carnegie Mellon University is excited to offer exclusive double decker bus tours with the Pittsburgh Tour Company for CMU families during Family Weekend! Enjoy the sights of Pittsburgh alongside other CMU families with a fully narrated, guided, humorous and historic tour of our vibrant city. Tour guides will highlight beautiful architecture, museums, must-see spots, top shopping areas, rich culture and historic landmarks—all from the comfort of a double decker bus. Please dress for the weather as the buses are open-air. This experience is a great way to explore the city, but please note this is a no-hop-off tour.
Bus loading will begin at 4:45 p.m. with the bus departing at 5 p.m. Tickets to this event are $25 per person.
Garba Night 2025
Simmons Auditorium, Tepper
Join CMU Raasta for a night of dancing, refreshments, and fun as we celebrate South Asian culture! Attendees will dance along traditional Indian garba music, West Indian folk dance. Tickets are $10 per person.
Scotch'n'Soda
McConomy Auditorium, Cohon University Center
Scotch'N'Soda is the premier student theatre organization. Enjoy their fall cabaret show. Proceeds of the ticket sales will support the Alumni Theatre Company.
Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased during the registration online, at CMU Tickets or at the door.
Family Weekend 2025: Sunday Schedule
Men's Soccer Game
Soccer Fields
Cheer on the Men's Soccer Team as they take on Emory University.
Women's Soccer Game
Soccer Fields
Cheer on the Women's Soccer Team as they take on Emory University.