Family Weekend 2026

8:30a.m. - 2:30p.m. | CHECK-IN FOR FAMILY WEEKEND
Student Activities Center Lobby
Welcome to Stony Brook University!  Family Weekend guests are asked to check in as they arrive. Guests will get an updated schedule, map of campus, and a commemorative Family Weekend giveaway. Students and staff will be available to answer any questions.

9a.m. - 5p.m. | SHOP RED! STOCK UP ON SBU SWAG
SBU Campus Store
Show off your Seawolves Pride! Look for the coupon available this weekend only at Check-In.

9a.m. - 10p.m. | ALL DAY GUEST PASS FOR PARENTS & FAMILY MEMBERS (Ages 17+)
Walter J. Hawrys Campus Recreation Center
Want to keep up with your fitness goals and not miss a workout? Take advantage of the free weights, indoor running track, or state of the art machines (including 3 Peloton bikes!) all available for your use this weekend.  Pick up your pass at Check-In.

9 - 10a.m. | YOGA FOR PARENTS & FAMILY MEMBERS (Ages 17+)
Walter J. Hawrys Campus Recreation Center
Balance your body; balance your mind. This session will warm up the body and guide you through movements focusing on alignment, strength, balance, and flexibility. This class is appropriate for all levels; no experience or registration required. Equipment will be provided, or bring your own if you prefer.

9 - 9:30a.m. | MEDITATION I
Student Activities Center’s Meditation Room 226
Not sure about Yoga? Here’s an opportunity to center yourself, appreciate the quiet, and begin the day refreshed with a guided meditation. Experience the practice of bringing awareness and a healthy perspective to your life. 

9 - 10:30a.m. | COFFEE AND A BAGEL
The Shore Club
Just arriving on campus?  Grab a New York staple: “coffee and a bagel” while you wait for your residential student to join you or get your student and family settled after a long commute! 

9:30 - 10:30a.m. | LAUNDRY 101: HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR STUDENT FROM HOME
SAC Ballroom B – Hosted by Student Health, Wellness & Prevention Services
Discover how to support your student from home when they share their laundry basket of emotions by getting to know the many resources available to care for them on campus. Join a dedicated team from Student Health, Wellness & Prevention Services as they answer your questions and address concerns in a fun and relaxing atmosphere in our very own spin cycle. 

9:30a.m. - 12:30p.m. | 3rd Annual Anthony’s Red Shoe FUNd Run
SB Union Patio – Hosted by Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro
Get ready to lace up your sneakers, show off your Seawolves spirit and rally for families in a special way! Join us for the 3rd annual Anthony’s Red Shoe FUNd Run, to support the construction of a new Ronald McDonald House in Stony Brook. Separate registration is necessary. https://events.elitefeats.com/26redshoe

9:45 - 10:15a.m. | MEDITATION II
Student Activities Center’s Meditation Room 226
Missed our first session? You still have a second chance to pause, enjoy the quiet, and start your morning completely refreshed. Join our guided meditation to bring calm awareness and a healthier perspective to your busy day.  

11a.m. - 12:30p.m. | PRESIDENT’S BRUNCH
SB Union Lobby
All families and students are invited to join President Andrea Goldsmith and campus leadership for brunch and to learn more about her vision for Stony Brook University.  This is your opportunity to hear about the exciting goals ahead for the #1 Public University in New York!

12 - 4p.m. | ZUCCAIRE GALLERY VIEWING HOURS
Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery in Staller Center for the Arts
Stroll through the Zuccaire Gallery at your own pace, appreciating the artworks with your student and family, especially the featured exhibit of Noel W Anderson entitled, Black Excellence.

12:30 - 3:30p.m. | HOT TEA & WARM CONVERSATION FOR FAMILIES
SB Union Suite 106 – Hosted by Family Services/Student Support Team
Stop by to have a cup of tea and chat with the Family Services and Student Support Team.  A great opportunity to just touch base, ask questions, or share your stories in a casual and relaxed setting.

12:30 - 5:30p.m. | BEYOND THE BROOK: SBU SOUTHAMPTON SoMAS BOAT CRUISE
SBU Southampton
Escape to the East End of Long Island! Take a coach bus to SBU Southampton for a day of adventure. 35 spots are available on a boat cruise of Shinnecock Bay with the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences! Others can spend a sunny afternoon at Coopers Beach and Southampton Village. Don't miss out on this scenic getaway! Transportation is provided.

1 - 2p.m. | BINGO WITH THE RIC(K)S
Student Activities Center Ballroom A
A favorite campus tradition!  VP for Student Affairs, Rick Gatteau, and Assistant VP and Dean of Students, Ric McClendon, pair up to host many exciting rounds of BINGO!  You have to be in it to win it and the prizes are known to be outrageous!

1 - 2p.m. | LUNCH ON CAMPUS
Options available at East Side Dining, Jasmine, Student Activities Center and more.  Choose your space and enjoy one of these indoor spaces or the patios available. Payment is required. Lunch is On Your Own.

2 - 4p.m. | PICKLEBALL FOR PARENTS & FAMILY MEMBERS (Ages 17+)
Walter J. Hawrys Campus Recreation Center
Experience the excitement of pickleball, the fastest-growing sport around! Court availability will be first come, first served. Equipment and basic instructions on how to play are available upon arrival.  Teams must be Student/Parent or 2 Parents.  Maybe even challenge our Club Pickleball team to a match!

2:30 - 3p.m. | GUIDED TOUR I OF ART EXHIBITS
Charles B. Wang Center
Explore the current exhibits on a guided tour with Asian Art and Culture Program Coordinator, Eric Murphy. Learn more about the installations and the intentions behind them.

2:30 - 3:30p.m. | GUIDED NATURE WALK
Ashley Schiff Preserve
If you’re interested in the environment or inspired by outdoor fitness, join a knowledgeable Ashley Schiff Preserve guide on this fun and fact-filled nature walk. The walk will start at the prominent wooden kiosk on Circle Road, directly opposite Roth Quad.

2:30 - 3:15p.m. | CAREER CENTER WOLFIE TALK & RECEPTION
Career Center
We will be kicking off our Wolfie Talks in one of the most popular spaces on campus, The Career Center.  Listen to Michael Gaudio, Associate Director of Career Development, answer our prompt, with his presentation of Wait! My student wants to Gain Career Experience? The Power of Trying Things - How Small Experiments Build Big Futures. Stay for the interactive open house and see how the LinkedIn photo booth works, where the meet ups with Mentors happen, preview the alumni Words of Wisdom Wall and the Hopes and Dreams display and then take a selfie at the Dare To Succeed photo wall!  It’s a great opportunity to BE Career Ready!

2:45 - 4:45p.m. | WOLFIE TALKS
SB Union Ballroom
Join us for Wolfie Talks, an exciting event inspired by the popular TED Talk format. Hear from SBU faculty and staff as they deliver thought-provoking and engaging 15-minute presentations on how they would answer the prompt, “Wait!  My student wants to do What?” These dynamic responses are designed to help families appreciate some unique opportunities Stony Brook has to offer.

3 - 3:30p.m. | GUIDED TOUR II OF ART EXHIBITS
Charles B. Wang Center
A second opportunity to explore the current exhibits on a guided tour with Asian Art and Culture Program Coordinator, Eric Murphy. Learn more about the installations and the intentions behind them if you missed the first one.

4 - 6p.m. | BEYOND THE BROOK: VISIT TO A VINEYARD OR A BREWERY
Whisper Vineyard, St. James / Stone Goat Brewery, St. James
For students and family members aged 21 and older.  Enjoy a drink from this family-owned vineyard or microbrewery with your family members as a special celebration for third and fourth year students!  When you show a Stony Brook ID, you receive 10% off at each venue!

5 - 6p.m. | FAMILY CONNECTIONS HOUR
Student Activities Center meeting rooms
You’re each a KEY part of our SBU Community!  Network with other families who identify with similar student affinity groups and share stories of your SBU experiences. You can visit multiple rooms if you are connected to different populations.

6p.m. | BEYOND THE BROOK: DINNER IN NEIGHBORING VILLAGES
St. James, Stony Brook or Port Jefferson
Dine out in style at any one of the delicious restaurants that have partnered with SBU to celebrate Family Weekend.  Many have offered discounts when a SBU ID is shown.

6 - 7:15p.m. | GRADUATE STUDENT FAMILY RECEPTION
Al and Harriet Zlatin Founders Room in Staller Center for the Arts
A special reception will be held for graduate student families prior to the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra concert, honoring the uniqueness of the graduate student experience.

7:30p.m. | STONY BROOK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT
Staller Center for the Arts
The Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra is composed of outstanding musicians from all over the world pursuing advanced degrees in the graduate school of the Department of Music. Come experience the beautiful sounds of this renowned performance!  Tickets available at stallercenter.com.

7:30 - 9:30p.m. | FAMILY TRIVIA NIGHT  
Student Activities Center Ballroom A – Hosted by Student Engagement and Activities
Join us for a fast-paced Family Trivia Night featuring diverse categories, including some 'inside' campus facts. Multiple rounds designed for all ages to enjoy! This trivia experience brings the whole family together for a couple of hours of fun!  Mocktails and Bar Food like pizza and wings will be available.

7:30 - 9:00p.m. | BOARD GAMES GALORE
SB Union Ballroom
Join us for a relaxed evening of board games and ice cream especially for students and their families. This event offers a casual space to connect, unwind, and enjoy quality time together on campus. You can choose from a wide selection of classic and modern board games, or simply sit and enjoy the Make Your Own Sundae bar.

Throughout Weekend | SEAWOLVES HELPING SEAWOLVES
Student Activities Center Lobby
In the spirit of Seawolves Helping Seawolves, we welcome contributions to our on-campus support services, like our Seawolf Food Pantry and the Career Center Closet.  We are currently accepting non-perishable food, basic toiletries, and professional attire such as jackets, pants and dresses. Your generosity helps ensure all students have equitable access to the essentials they need to thrive. Other opportunities for giving will also be available on site.