Family and Friends Weekend 2025

Family and Friends Weekend

October 16 through 18, 2026

Events take place from midday Friday to midday Sunday.

Family Weekend is a special opportunity to experience the vibrant campus life your student is part of and explore the historic, culturally rich city of Boston together. You'll meet faculty, staff, and other families, get a firsthand look at your student’s academic and social environment, and make memories that deepen your connection to their college journey. Plus, it's a great excuse to enjoy Boston in all its autumn glory!

Hotel Accommodations

Please note that Boston is a very popular destination in October, and hotel rates are typically higher during this time. Families are encouraged to review any available Emerson College discount hotel options. In addition, online booking tools and travel apps may help identify more cost-effective accommodations.

Some families also find it helpful to explore lodging in nearby communities, including Revere, East Boston, Charlestown, South Boston, Quincy, Braintree, Dedham, Needham, and Newton.

Please be aware that areas directly along the Charles River, including Cambridge and Watertown, may experience increased traffic and limited availability due to the Head of the Charles Regatta taking place that weekend.
 

Registration 

Early bird registration is from August 14 to September 4, and is $60 per family (not per family member). Regular registration is from September 5 to October 6, and is $70 per family. In order for us to prepare there will be no registration available after October 7. (If tickets remain available and events are not fully subscribed, we will open on-site registration on October 16 and 17. We highly discourage waiting for on-site registration.) 

Please note: If you plan on visiting your student during Family and Friends Weekend, but will not be participating in ANY of the Family and Friends Weekend activities, you do not need to register. Registration will provide a name badge for each participant that serves as the security badge to enter non-residential buildings. 

The registration fee covers administrative costs, registration materials, security coverage, access to most Family Weekend events (with the exception of separately ticketed events), the closing brunch reception, select food provided at certain events, and a Family & Friends Weekend gift.

Please note that the registration fee and any separately purchased tickets are non-refundable.

In order to be as accessible as possible, if you have financial difficulties that prevent you from registering for Family and Friends Weekend, please email families [at] emerson.edu (families[at]emerson[dot]edu) to explore options.

Special Accommodations

If a member of your party needs special accommodations, kindly send an email to: families [at] emerson.edu (families[at]emerson[dot]edu). We strive to meet the needs of our visiting parents and family members.

Parking

Parking is not available on Emerson’s campus; however, there are several convenient public parking garages located nearby within easy walking distance. Families are encouraged to use parking apps such as SpotHero to compare options, reserve a space in advance, and often access discounted rates.

Nearby parking garages include:

• Boston Common Garage, 0 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02116
• Ritz-Carlton Garage, 10 Avery Street, Boston, MA 02111
• 200 Stuart Street Garage, 200 Stuart Street, Boston, MA 02116
• Motor Mart Garage, 201 Stuart Street, Boston, MA 02116

Using apps like SpotHero can make it simple to plan ahead and secure parking that best fits your visit.

Event Schedule

The Tentative Schedule-at-a-Glance will be shared soon. A full schedule of events, including locations and Faculty Showcase Lecture descriptions, will be emailed to you approximately one week prior to Family and Friends Weekend.

The program is structured in blocks, similar to a conference format, allowing you to choose one event per time block.