As Brown welcomes loved ones onto College Hill for Family Weekend 2024, family and friends have a whopping 114 events to choose from over the next three days. Here are some things to see, do and eat.
As you arrive, take a stroll around campus to enjoy the foliage. On the way, pet some adorable (and smelly) mini ponies on the Main Green from 12 to 2 p.m., and head to Patriot’s Court to shop for clothes at the Fashion@Brown Fall Fair.
If you’re a parent looking to learn more about your student’s college experience, stop by one of the many open houses hosted by University departments and offices — including the Sarah Doyle Center for Women and Gender, the Department of German Studies and Study Abroad Advising.
Looking for an energy pick-up after your walk? Do not fear: the University is hosting a grand total of eight hours of silent disco this weekend. Return to the Main Green from 12 to 4 p.m. or 8 to 10 p.m. on Friday or 12 to 2 p.m. on Saturday to (silently) jam out to your favorite tunes with friends and family.
After you’ve burned some calories on the dance floor, head to a local restaurant for an introduction to Providence’s food scene. If you’re looking for a bite close to campus, check out any storefront on Thayer Street for some college-student staples.
Once you’ve eaten, grab a ticket to one of the many a capella performances happening on Friday and Saturday night. Or, if you’re in the mood for a lecture, stop by Salomon Center Room 101 for the Family Weekend Keynote — “Our Climate Future: Students as Changemakers” — featuring Kim Cobb, the director of the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, and moderated by President Christina Paxson P’19 P’MD’20.
On Saturday, start your day at the Bruno Family Breakfast Buffet, hosted in Sayles Hall Auditorium from 8 to 10 a.m. If you are looking for a place to exercise, do some yoga on the Quiet Green, walk to India Point Park or participate in a Cardio-Jam session to get your blood pumping.
Afterward, head to one of the many academic offerings hosted throughout the day and afternoon, including a panel at the Center for Career Exploration, an open house at the Ruth J. Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery & Justice or a faculty research forum.
For your athletics fix, support the Bears at any of the home games happening this weekend. Football plays Cornell at 12 p.m., women’s ice hockey takes on Princeton at 3 p.m. and men’s soccer faces Cornell at 7 p.m., among others.
On Sunday, end the weekend with your Brunonian at one of the many local cafes and coffee shops. Check out Amy’s Place on Wickenden Street for a breakfast sandwich, PVDonuts for some specialty donuts or Coffee Exchange for a warm drink before heading home. Be advised: you can expect a wait!
Julianna Chang is a University News Editor who oversees the academics and advising and student government beats. A junior from the Bay Area, Julianna is studying Biology and Political Science on the pre-medical track. When she's not in class or in the office, she can be found eating some type of noodle soup and devouring bad books.
