We are excited to welcome our families back to UCA’s campus with our Fall 2026 Family Weekend on September 11-12, 2026!
Friday, September 11th
The Bear Hunt
September 11th-13th
Participate in the first ever “Bear Hunt” hosted by First Year Experience. Complete each challenge on “The Bear Hunt” form by visiting locations around campus and Conway, taking a photo at each stop, and submitting your completed Bear Hunt for a chance to win a free weekend stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Conway on a weekend of your choosing! Winners will also receive a $100 Stoby’s gift card to go towards a meal during their stay. The form will become available here on September 11th. Complete 4 of the 7 challenges below to be entered into the Bear Hunt drawing.
UCA Men’s Soccer vs. Lipscomb
7:00 – 9:00 pm – Bill Stephens Complex
Hosted by: UCA Athletics
Family Movie Night
Toy Story 5 | Rated PG
8:30 – 11:00 pm – Arkansas Hall Lawn | Free
Families are invited to join your student for a fun movie night on the lawn of Arkansas Hall! We’ll be showing Toy Story 5. Refreshments will be provided. The movie will begin at 9 pm. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs!
Hosted by: Student Activities Board and First Year Experience
Saturday, September 12th
Downtown Conway Farmer’s and Crafts Market
8:00 am-12:00 pm – 718 Parkway Street | website
Farmers, bakers, and makers offering a variety of vegetables, baked goods, honey, meat, eggs, flowers, and a large variety of handmade crafts.
Parent & Family Programs Brunch
10:00 am – 11:30 am – Student Center Ballroom | $15 per person
Guest Speaker: Dr. Patricia Smith, Dean of the Honors College & Learning Communities
Continental brunch will be served. First-year students and families are especially welcomed. Check-in & Brunch will be from 10:00 am – 10:30 am, with remarks beginning at 10:30 am. Register Here.
Hosted by: Parent and Family Programs
Shop the UCA Bookstore
10:00 am – 5:00 pm – Student Center First Floor
Pick out something new to show your Bear pride! Textbooks and school supplies for all your class needs as well as apparel, spirit wear, gift items, and various fiction and nonfiction book titles. To find out more about the bookstore, feel free to call 501-450-3414.
Hosted by: The UCA Bookstore
Fun Fair
2:00 pm- 5:30 pm – Practice Football Field | Free (Liability Waiver Required)
Fun for the whole family! Enjoy one of the many inflatable attractions, play lawn games, compete in a ROTC weightlifting competition, and more! UCA students can also pick up a free UCA Family Weekend t-shirt (while supplies last)!
Hosted by: Office of Student Involvement & Leadership
Bruce’s Battle Station
2:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Farris Center Parking Lot | Free
Get battle ready with the UCA Bears! Tailgate games, face painting, and the chance to meet Bruce and Sugar Bear!
Hosted by: UCA Athletics
Claws on the Court
Men’s & Women’s Basketball 4:00-5:00 pm | Farris Center
Join the UCA women’s and men’s basketball teams as they compete in a dunk contest, three point shooting contest, and team introductions.
Hosted by: UCA Athletics
UCA Bears vs. University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos
6:00 pm – Estes Stadium | $10 per person (w/discount code)
Join us on The Stripes as your UCA Bears Football team takes on the Central Oklahoma Bronchos. Family Weekend attendees may purchase discounted tickets to the football game by using discount code FAMILY26 during checkout. Gates open at 4:00 pm.
Hosted by: UCA Athletics
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park?
We encourage you to park in the lot at the intersection of Donaghey Avenue and Torreyson Street or the lot behind Donaghey Hall. There is also limited visitor parking in the lot behind Schichtl. You are permitted to park in any parking space on campus that is not reserved or a designated handicap space. View the Campus Map for help in navigating campus and parking lots.
What lodging is available for families?
The Conway Convention and Visitors Bureau maintains a list of available lodging in the community.
