Family Weekend

Family weekend is one big Pembroke celebration as students' families join us on campus for two days of special events. We'll cheer for our football and basketball teams, tailgate with food and new friends and enjoy cultural festivals. You'll even get exclusive Family Weekend swag as well as a chance to visit the Town of Pembroke!

Family Weekend registration is free and provides access to many Family Weekend activities. However, registration does not include admission to the football game, the Gravity GPAC performance, the Family Weekend Tailgate, or a Family Weekend T-shirt.

Tickets for the Family Weekend Tailgate and Family Weekend T-shirts can be purchased through The NEST, UNCP's Family Portal, using the link below when you complete your Family Weekend registration.

Activities for Family Weekend

We've got a full itinerary of campus events to keep your family booked and busy all weekend.

Check-In

2-6 p.m. | Chavis Student Center Mall

Make sure you check in to receive a schedule of events, activity tickets, and information about the local area.

Visit the Museum of the Southeast American Indian Open

9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Old Main, 1 st Floor

Explore exhibits that celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Native peoples in the Southeastern United States.

Active Braves: Campbell Wellness Center Open

7 a.m.-11 p.m. | Jones Center

Enjoy access to state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group exercise classes, and wellness resources to help you stay active and healthy. Family members must be accompanied by a student.

Hawks Nest Free Play & Chavis Center Open House

2-6 p.m. | Chavis Student Center

Join us during Family Weekend for Hawk's Nest Free Play, a fun and relaxing opportunity for families to spend quality time together. Enjoy free bowling, pool and other games while connecting with your student and other BraveNation families in a casual atmosphere. Whether you are showing off your bowling skills or just enjoying the experience together, Hawk's Nest Free Play is the perfect way to make lasting Family Weekend memories.

Pembroke Scholars (Invite Only)

6 p.m. | GPAC

Join the Center for Student Success as we celebrate the achievements of #BraveNation students. Students from across campus will be recognized for the success they have had in the classroom.

Turf Takeover: Family Fest

5:30-8:30 p.m. | Sports Complex

Join us for Turf Takeover: Family Fest, an exciting evening filled with fun, games, music and food for the whole family! Enjoy giant yard games, bubble soccer, archery tag, soccer darts and more while connecting with the BraveNation community. With live music, delicious food trucks and activities for all ages, this is the perfect way to relax, compete and make memories together on the turf. Bring $ for Food Trucks.

Movie on the Turf (Spider-Man Brand New Day)

8:30 p.m. | Sports Complex

Bring your lawn chair or blanket and settle in for a cozy night under the stars with fresh popcorn on the new turf field. Please remember, only water and popcorn are allowed on the field to help keep it clean and ready for everyone to enjoy.

Check-In

9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lot 14 Tailgate Zone

Make sure you check in to receive a schedule of events, activity tickets, and information about the local area.

Rooted in Tradition: Legacy Pinning & Brunch

9:30-11 a.m. | JATH Event Room

This special event honors current students of UNC Pembroke alumni. This ceremony celebrates their connection to BraveNation and the lasting legacy of UNCP across generations.

Active Braves: Campbell Wellness Center Open

10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Jones Center

Enjoy access to state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group exercise classes, and wellness resources to help you stay active and healthy. Family members must be accompanied by a student.

Family Tailgate Zone-BraveHawk's Birthday Party

11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lot 14 (Parking lot outside of the Jones Center)

Join us before the big game for a fun-filled celebration the whole family will enjoy! This exciting pregame experience features delicious food, engaging activities for all ages, live music featuring Rob Cole, and plenty of school spirit. Cost: $15 per person. Students can use a meal swipe.

Football Game V. Monroe

1 p.m. | Grace P. Johnson Stadium

Join us for an exciting Braves Football matchup as part of Family Weekend 2026! Watch the UNC Pembroke Braves take on Monroe in an afternoon full of school spirit and community pride. Tickets: Single-game tickets will go on sale in mid-August and can be purchased online at .

Soccer Match V. Barton

1 p.m. | Lumbee River EMC Stadium

Come cheer on the UNC Pembroke Braves women's soccer team as they take on Barton Bulldogs women's soccer team in an exciting matchup on the pitch! Wear your black and gold and get ready for an action-packed match you won't want to miss!

Kickback at the Halls

4-5:30 p.m. | Pine Hall - Oak Hall - North Hall - Cypress Hall

Take a break and spend some quality time with your student right where they live! Join us for an open-house-style event in the residence halls featuring light refreshments, games, and a chance to meet Residence Life staff and other Brave families. Whether you're catching up with your student or getting a glimpse of their campus home, this is a great opportunity to relax, connect, and experience a bit of daily life at UNCP

Dinner with Your Brave

5-7:30 p.m. | Various Locations

Enjoy a relaxed evening reconnecting with your student over dinner! Choose from one of our convenient on-campus dining locations or explore one of Pembroke's local eateries just minutes from campus. Whether you're craving something quick and casual or a sit-down meal, it's a great opportunity to unwind and hear all about their BraveNation experience.

Hawks Nest Free Play

5-9 p.m. | Chavis Student Center

Join us during Family Weekend for Hawk's Nest Free Play, a fun and relaxing opportunity for families to spend quality time together. Enjoy free bowling, pool and other games while connecting with your student and other BraveNation families in a casual atmosphere. Whether you are showing off your bowling skills or just enjoying the experience together, Hawk's Nest Free Play is the perfect way to make lasting Family Weekend memories.

GRAVITY — Three Wicked Women

7:30 p.m. | GPAC

Powerhouse vocals and wicked harmonies, Gravity is brought to you by three of the West End's most glamorous leading ladies.
Combined they have performed in many major west end musicals, but it's their spellbinding connection which makes this show truly special. Pay-ing tribute to the greatest Divas of all time, Gravity guarantees three wicked voices in one gravity defying show!
Tickets go on sale June 26. .

The Lowry Bell Tower on the quad with pink flowers

Essential Details for Your Family Visit

All weekend, we’ll host all kinds of events for families and students to enjoy together.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Stay Tuned. More information coming July '26!

Visit our U-Store!

Stay Tuned. More information coming July '26!

Holiday Inn Express Pembroke

When you book your room, mention you’re a UNCP family member, and you’ll receive a 20% discount on the regular room rate. Find information about other area hotels and restaurants below.
Local Hotels & Restaurants
UNCP is committed to providing reasonable accessibility resources and accommodations for registered Family Weekend guests. Please indicate any required accommodations on the Family Weekend registration form to ensure we can meet these needs.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Stay Tuned. More information coming July '26!

Visit our U-Store!

Stay Tuned. More information coming July '26!

Holiday Inn Express Pembroke

When you book your room, mention you’re a UNCP family member, and you’ll receive a 20% discount on the regular room rate. Find information about other area hotels and restaurants below.
Local Hotels & Restaurants
UNCP is committed to providing reasonable accessibility resources and accommodations for registered Family Weekend guests. Please indicate any required accommodations on the Family Weekend registration form to ensure we can meet these needs.

Contact Us

Any questions? We’d love to help. Contact Parent & Family Engagement.

Jacobs Hall Suite H
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372

Phone: 910.521.6243
Email: families@uncp.edu 

Email Us
A student with their family at the Family Weekend Tailgate