2019 Pitt Family Weekend
Below is a short list of the events we already have slated for this year’s Family Weekend! Check back often to see what we’ve added!
1:00-8:00 pm- Family Weekend Check In
William Pitt Union, Ballroom
Welcome to Family Weekend, this is your first stop! Pick up your Family Weekend registration items: wristbands, event tickets, updated schedule and of course your Spirit Pack! Student or parent photo ID required. Not all family members need to be present to check-in.
1:00-2:00 pm- Therapy Dogs, hosted by the Western PA Humane Society
William Pitt Union, Atrium Outside Ballroom
Each semester, some of Pitt's 4-legged friends stop by for a weekly visit. They decided to come by for Family Weekend as well! Come say hello to Western PA Humane Society volunteers and their therapy dogs.
1:00-4:30 pm- Virtual Reality Free Play with Open Lab @ Hillman
Hillman Library, G-7 (Ground Floor)
Open Lab at Hillman is a collaboration between the University Library System and the University Center for Teaching and Learning. We’re currently offering virtual reality, vinyl cutting, 3D printing, and 360 degree video creation. We’re located in G-7 Hillman Library - aka The Aquarium, adjacent to the main entrance on the ground floor. Drop in any time during these hours to check out Virtual Reality for yourselves!
2:00-4:00 pm- Off-Campus HousingOff-Campus Living
Brackenridge Hall Housing Office
The University of Pittsburgh owns over 340 apartments in Oakland and Shadyside that are rented to Undergrads and Grad Students as part of our Off-Campus Housing Department. Off-Campus Living is dedicated to providing University of Pittsburgh students with the necessary information and tools to successfully reside in off-campus accommodations. When looking for off-campus accommodations, timing is key. Summer is for relaxing, so start the apartment search process now, stop by Brackenridge Hall with any questions and request to be added to our prospect list. Light refreshments will be served for all of our guests.
2:00- 6:00 pm- Center For Creativity Open House
The University Store On 5th, Ground Floor
Explore the Center for Creativity's Workshop space and flex your creative muscles. Play music, experiment with a 3D pen, try painting without a brush, print a card on a vintage letterpress, and much more! Staff will be on hand to show you around and answer questions.
4:00- 6:00 pm- Campus Rec Fit Family Challenge
William Pitt Union Patio (Outdoor)
Stop by William Pitt Union Patio for some fun family challenges, brought to you by Campus Recreation! Compete against other families in low level fitness challenges and yard games. We’ll even have trophies for the Top Families!
4:30 pm- 6:30 pm- University Library System Open House
Hillman Library, Ground Floor
The University Library System welcomes families for an open house showcasing the library’s involvement in student success. Explore current technologies and areas in the library, and learn how the library is involved with academic student work. Displays from Archives and Special Collections will highlight unique collections available to support students’ research. Additionally, families are invited to experience Virtual Reality and learn about 3D printing with the Open Lab makerspace.
5:00 pm-6:00 pm- Hillel Jewish University Center Open House
Hillel Jewish University Center, 4607 Forbes Avenue
Hillel Jewish University Center welcomes Jewish Pitt students and their families for an open house at Hillel JUC. Additionally, families are invited for services at 6:00 pm and/or dinner at 7:00 pm, or just come during the open house for refreshments between 5:00-6:00 pm.
9:00 pm- Family Weekend Welcome Dessert Reception, hosted by the Division of Student Affairs
William Pitt Union, Assembly Room
10:00 pm- Nordy's Game Of Games
Nordy's Cafe, William Pitt Union Ground Floor
Enjoy board games in one of the most fun spots on campus, Nordy's Cafe! There will also be family challenges, oldies but goodies like the Match Game or Password, to new Ellen-inspired games like Say Whaaat?!, with great prizes!
9:00–11:00 am- FAMILY WEEKEND CHECK-IN AND INFO STATION
William Pitt Union, Ballroom (Main Floor)
If you arrive for the weekend on Saturday, welcome to the Weekend. This is your first stop! Pick up your Family Weekend registration items: wristbands, event tickets, updated schedule and of course your Spirit Pack! Student or parent photo ID required. Not all family members need to be present to check-in.
11:00 am- 1:00 pm- Family Bingo, hosted by First Year Experience
William Pitt Union, Assembly Room
Bring the whole family for unique rounds of Bingo and a variety of great prizes. Hosted by our First Year Mentors, come compete for local prizes, and some "interesting" ones along the way. You bring the family, we'll bring the fun!
1:00 pm- Family Weekend Movie: Toy Story 4
Alumni Hall, Auditorium
Major complications ensue when Bonnie turns a spork into a toy, but he sees himself as an eating utensil instead. Woody, Buzz and co. have to set out into the world to find him, reunite with Bonnie, and resolve his existential crisis. Rated G
1:00- 3:00 pm- Pitt Year Of Creativity Family Creative Breakout Sessions!
William Pitt Union, Various Rooms
Creativity unites all of the University of Pittsburgh’s intellectual and artistic endeavors, from neuroscience to sculpture, from legal scholarship to computer science, from music to pharmacogenomics. No single virtue better describes what humans do best than creativity. The Year of Creativity aims to encourage the creative spark in all of us.
To celebrate this during Family Weekend we will be offering areas of the Union to express your creativity and learn about different ways we foster this at Pitt!
- Poetry Blackout (two sessions 1:00-1:45 pm, 2:00-2:45 pm)- William Pitt Union, Lower Lounge
Join Erik Schuckers, poet and manager of Pitt's Center for Creativity Workshop, for a fun informal session on creating "blackout" poems from vintage advertisements, newspaper articles, and other found text.
- Knit/Crochet With Pitt Knits!- William Pitt Union, Kurtzman Room
Are you an avid knitter? A casual crocheter? A sometimes sew… er??? No matter your level of interest or expertise in knitting or crocheting, come join our very own Pitt Knits during this creative block to create amazing pieces with your students. All materials will be provided, unless you are a Super Stitcher and want to bring your own!
2:00 pm- Name That Tune: Afternoon Edition
Nordy's Cafe, William Pitt Union Ground Floor
Are you The Music Master? The Song Celebrity? The Note.... um, something awesome that starts with "N"? Then come test your knowledge on 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and today's hit, or not so hit, music!
2:00-4:00 pm- Project Potter's Escape the Room
William Pitt Union, Room 540
Oh no! It's the full moon, and your werewolf professor needs a special potion or he'll transform! Can you find the potion before its too late? Bring your friends and family to Project Potter's Escape the Room and try your hand at solving the puzzles and riddles before time runs out.
4:00 pm- Trivia: Afternoon Edition
Nordy's Cafe, William Pitt Union Ground Floor
Who doesn't love a good trivia challenge? Test your brain power with our family trivia. Compete as a team to win great prizes!
6:30 pm- Name That Tune
Lower Lounge, William Pitt Union
Are you The Music Master? The Song Celebrity? The Note.... um, something awesome that starts with "N"? Then come test your knowledge on 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and today's hit, or not so hit, music!
8:30 pm- Trivia
Lower Lounge, William Pitt Union
Who doesn't love a good trivia challenge? Test your brain power with our family trivia. Compete as a team to win great prizes!
9:00 pm- Family Weekend Movie: Avengers: Endgame
Alumni Hall, Auditorium
The remaining Avengers must gather their strength to defeat the mad titan Thanos. Rated PG-13
FOOTBALL GAME ACTIVITIES
9:30 am- Panthers Fan Zone
Art Rooney Avenue
The Panthers Pregame Party features live music, food for purchase, cash bar, interactive games for the whole family and much more.
10:15 am- Panther Prowl
General Robinson Street
Join the Pitt Marching Band and Cheer and Dance Teams as we welcome the team’s arrival on the North Shore as they head into Heinz Field before the game.
… Following Panthers Prowl- PreGame Band Concert
Between People’s Gate A East and West
Join the Pitt Marching Band in between People’s Gate A East and West near the river for an exciting pregame concert outside Heinz Field.
11:00 am- March To Victory
General Robinson Street
Follow the Pitt Marching Band, Cheer and Dance teams as they lead the parade down General Robinson Street into Heinz Field.
12:00 pm- Pitt Football PreGame Show
Heinz Field
Get to your seats early to enjoy the Pitt Marching Band’s entrance to the field and pregame performance. Football game ticket required.
12:30 pm- Pitt Football vs. Delaware
Heinz Field
Sunday of Pitt Family Weekend is typically used for travel, enjoying brunch or lunch with the family, and of course shopping! However we would like to showcase a couple of events happening on and around campus for those who are sticking around. In no way are these events officially part of Pitt Family Weekend, but definitely worth checking out!
12:00- 4:00 pm- East European Festival
Cathedral of Learning Commons
The East European Festival is student-led collaborative event and partnership with REEES. Local vendors such as S&D Polish Deli, and Fredo's Deli will be in attendance. In addition, there will be live performances by acts such as, Gypsy Stringz, Balkan Babes, and the Russian Balalaika Orchestra.
3:05 pm- Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds
PNC Park
4:00 pm- Women's Volleyball vs. Virginia Tech
Fitzgerald Fieldhouse
Find available tickets here!