Family Weekend
Scroll to bottom of sectionSponsored through the Leadership, Engagement and Development (LEAD) Office, Western Colorado University’s Family Weekend is a fun and engaging way for you to connect with your Mountaineer and learn more about campus and the Gunnison community they call home. Join us on the weekend of October 28 and 29, 2022 for a weekend of family connection!
2022 events schedule
We can’t wait to have you on campus for this special event. To express your interest in attending Family Weekend, complete the form below and be sure to stop by the Family Weekend Welcome Table on Friday, Oct. 28 from 12-4 pm for the most updated schedule of events.
- Family Weekend Welcome Table | Noon-4 pm @ University Center
- Meet the President | 4:30 pm @ Rady Student Lounge (202)
- Family Weekend Concert | 6 pm @ Kincaid Concert Hall
- FRIDAY FRIGHT NIGHT: An evening of student made Movies, costume party & More | 6 pm @ UC Theater
- Cauldron Game Night | 7pm @ The Coffee Lab
- Program Council Pool Tournament | 7pm @ UC Pool Cave
- Into the Woods | 7:30 pm @ Taylor Auditorium
- Spooky Skate Night | 8:15-11 pm @ Jorgensen Ice rink
- MCC Haunted House | 9-11 pm @ WCU Library
- Family weekend Pancake Breakfast | 8-10 am @ Mad Jacks
- 72nd Annual W Mountain Race | 10 am
- Football vs Colorado School of Mines | 1 pm @ Mountaineer Bowl or streaming in UC Theater
- Rugby vs. Montana State | 1 pm @ Whipp Field
- Scaryoke & Cocktails | 7 pm @ The Coffee Lab
- Into the Woods | 7:30 pm @ Taylor Auditorium
Things to do off-campus
Can’t make it to our scheduled events? There’s still plenty for you to do in and around the Gunnison Community with your Mountaineer! Check out our must-see list of places in the Gunnison Valley below:
One of Colorado’s four national parks, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is about an hour away from campus and boasts an incredible geologic history, hiking opportunities, expansive views over Colorado’s deepest granite canyon, a scenic drive, and a visitor’s center to learn about the park’s history and natural features.
Colorado’s largest body of water, Blue Mesa, is located about 10 minutes away from campus. Here, you can boat, fish, take in the views of the surrounding sagebrush mesas, and catch views of the geologically unique Dillon Pinnacles formation.
Crested Butte is Gunnison’s neighbor to the north and provides some of the most stunning mountain views in the state. With abundant hiking trails, scenic drives, a vibrant and fun downtown district, several fine art galleries, a historic museum, and more, you’ll discover one of Colorado’s most unique mountain towns just 30 minutes from campus.
Located just ten minutes from campus, Hartman Rocks Recreation Area is a local favorite for mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, dirt biking, trail running and more! This area free to all users and provides impressive views of the Elk Mountains to the north and the San Juan Mountains to the south.
Gunnison’s welcoming, pedestrian-friendly downtown district has a variety of family-owned stores and restaurants, art galleries, coffee shops and more.! Explore the historic architecture of the buildings, enjoy dinner from restaurants with a variety of cuisine options, check out the new mural at I.O.O.F park, and then walk back to campus, just a few blocks away.
Located north of Gunnison outside the small community of Almont, the Taylor Canyon provides opportunities for fly fishing, rock climbing, camping, hiking and road cycling. After about 20 miles of travel east, the towering walls of the canyon open up into sweeping views of the little-known Taylor Reservoir, with the majestic Sawatch Mountains serving as a panoramic backdrop.
Lodging Options
The Gunnison Valley has many hotel options, but we encourage you to book your stay in advance to ensure lodging for the duration of family weekend. Check out this link to find a place to stay while you’re in town.
Questions?
If you have any questions about Family Weekend, email lead@western.edu and we’ll be happy to assist you as soon as possible.
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