Family Weekend guide
UT Austin Family Weekend Guide
Complete parent guide to UT Family Weekend: dates, football tickets, hotels, restaurants, campus events, and how to make the most of your visit to Austin.
Cites Texas Education Code §54.052Last reviewed 2026-06-23Not affiliated with UT or THECBPublished by Luke Allen, TREC #788149
Family Weekend at a glance
UT Austin Family Weekend is typically held in early-to-mid October. The weekend centers on a home football game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium plus various campus events, dining, and downtown Austin experiences. Book hotels 2-3 months in advance; football tickets sell out quickly. Total budget for a family of 3-4 for 3-day weekend: $2,000-$4,500.
Family Weekend timeline and events
Friday (arrival day)
- Fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) or drive
- Check into hotel; pick up rental car if driving from airport
- Dinner in Austin: Sixth Street, South Congress, or East Austin restaurants
- Optional: Texas Parents Association welcome events on campus
Saturday (game day)
- Morning: campus tours, Blanton Museum, Bevo statue photos
- Lunch: pre-game meal (arrive at stadium area 3-4 hours before kickoff)
- Tailgating: parking lots and student events
- Football game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (typically 3 hours)
- Post-game: dinner and Austin nightlife
Sunday (departure day)
- Brunch options: Cafe Josie, Peached Tortilla, Bacon
- Optional campus activities
- South Congress or downtown shopping
- Departure
Recommended hotels near UT
- AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center: on UT campus; convenient but often full for Family Weekend
- The Line Hotel Austin: downtown, walking distance to Sixth Street, upscale, ~$300-$450/night
- Fairmont Austin: downtown luxury, ~$400-$600/night
- The Driskill: historic downtown Austin, ~$350-$500/night
- Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt: Rainey Street area, ~$300-$450/night
- AC Hotel Austin Downtown: downtown, more moderate ~$225-$350/night
- The Otis Hotel: Central Austin, ~$250-$400/night
- Airbnb options: Central Austin single-family homes or condos for larger families
Must-visit UT campus locations
- UT Tower: 307-foot bell tower; lit orange for major wins; tower tours available
- Bevo Statue and Litchfield Bevo: photo opportunity
- UT South Mall: main campus plaza; classic UT photos
- Blanton Museum of Art: substantial art collection; free admission
- Harry Ransom Center: rare books and manuscripts; Gutenberg Bible on display
- LBJ Presidential Library: Lyndon B. Johnson museum on campus
- Bass Concert Hall: Butler School of Music performances
- UT Athletics Hall of Honor: at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
Restaurant recommendations by category
Iconic Austin barbecue
- Franklin Barbecue: world-famous; long lines but worth it; go for late lunch
- Terry Black's Barbecue: more accessible; excellent
- Micklethwait Craft Meats: East Austin favorite
Upscale dining
- Uchi: upscale sushi; South Lamar
- Uchiko: sister restaurant to Uchi; North Loop
- Perla's: Mexican coastal cuisine; South Congress
Near UT campus
- Salt & Time: deli and butcher; Manor Road
- Wu Chow: Chinese; downtown
- Blenders and Bowls: quick UT-adjacent
- Halal Bros: West Campus favorite
Coffee
- Once Over Coffee Bar
- Radio Coffee & Beer
- Merit Coffee
- Cosmic Coffee
Football game tickets and logistics
- Family Weekend games typically release tickets to families first through Texas Parents Association
- Buy early: 60-90 days before the game if you want good seats
- Ticket prices for family weekend games: $150-$350 per ticket typical, higher for prime opponents
- Consider premium options: club seats or suites for larger families
- Stadium capacity: 100,000+; arrive 2-3 hours early for parking and tailgating
- Parking: reserved on-campus $50-$80; off-site $30-$50; consider Uber/Lyft
Budget planning
| Category | Budget (Family of 4, 3 days) |
|---|---|
| Hotel (2 nights) | $500-$1,500 |
| Football tickets (4 people) | $600-$1,400 |
| Meals (3 days) | $600-$1,200 |
| Parking/Transportation | $150-$300 |
| Miscellaneous/Souvenirs | $150-$300 |
| Total | $2,000-$4,500 |
Frequently asked questions
When is UT Austin Family Weekend 2026?
UT Austin Family Weekend is typically held in October each fall. For 2026, expect Family Weekend in early-to-mid October (specific dates confirmed by UT Parents Association typically in summer). Weekend includes Friday events, Saturday football game, and Sunday brunch activities.
How do I get UT football tickets for Family Weekend?
Family Weekend tickets are released to families of currently enrolled students through the Texas Parents Association typically in August/September. Additional tickets available through the general public ticket sale but at higher prices. Home game selection matters; UT typically schedules Family Weekend on a home game with strong opponent (recent SEC opponents make this competitive for tickets).
Where should families stay during UT Family Weekend?
Popular options near campus: The Line Hotel (downtown, walking distance to Sixth Street); Fairmont Austin (downtown, upscale); AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center (on campus); The Driskill (historic downtown); Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt (South Congress); AC Hotel Austin Downtown. Book early (2-3 months in advance) as hotels fill quickly. Consider Airbnb near campus for larger families.
What are must-visit UT campus locations during Family Weekend?
Iconic UT locations: The Tower (307 feet; lit orange for wins); Bevo Statue and Litchfield Bevo statue; UT South Mall (main outdoor plaza); Blanton Museum of Art; Harry Ransom Center; LBJ Presidential Library; Bass Concert Hall; Frank Erwin Center. Football game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium is the weekend centerpiece.
What are the best restaurants near UT for Family Weekend?
Near campus favorites: Franklin Barbecue (world-famous but long lines); Uchi (upscale sushi); Terry Black's Barbecue; Salt & Time (deli); Wu Chow (Chinese); Uchiko; Perla's (Mexican, South Congress). Coffee: Once Over, Radio Coffee, Merit Coffee. Sixth Street bars for older students and parents.
How much should families budget for UT Family Weekend?
Typical family weekend budget: hotel $250-$500/night × 2-3 nights = $500-$1,500; food and drinks $200-$400/day × 3 days = $600-$1,200; football tickets $150-$350/person × 2-4 people = $600-$1,400; parking $30-$60/day; transportation Uber/Lyft $100-$200. Total: $2,000-$4,500 for a typical family of 3-4 for 3-day weekend.
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