Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Find essential information and answers to questions regarding the schedule, location, activities, registration process, accommodations, and more here. The FAQ also addresses topics such as meal options, accessibility accommodations, health and safety measures, and cancellation policies. If you can't find what you're looking for, please don't hesitate reach out.
Family Weekend 2027 is from Friday, January 29th to Sunday, January 31st, 2027. Formal programming will conclude Saturday evening, with optional programming available Sunday.
Family Weekend is an annual event organized by Caltech to provide an opportunity for parents, siblings and other family members of first-year undergraduate students to visit campus, meet faculty and staff, and gain a better understanding of the academic, research and social environment at Caltech. We hope this event will foster connections, create a supportive network that extends to families of undergraduate first-year students, and provide families a glimpse into your student's academic and co-curricular experience at Caltech.
Families of first-year students, including transfer and 3/2 students are welcome to attend this event.
All events will be held on Caltech's campus. Here is an interactive campus map. Your first stop on campus should be the Family Weekend Check-in and Information Center. This is where you will pick up your name tag and welcome bag. Check-in hours will be Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.. and Saturday, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
For parking, visitors are required to display a permit if their vehicle is parked on campus between the hours of 7:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Parking is free on campus after 5 PM on Friday through Sunday. Please only park in numbered white spaces without names. For additional information on parking permits, please visit here.
Family Weekend 20267 will feature a variety of activities for families to participate in throughout the weekend.
Throughout the weekend, you will be able to explore your student's favorite spots on campus, foster connections with other Caltech families, and engage in an enlightening faculty talk. Additionally, families may have some free time to explore the local Pasadena area and spend quality time with your students.
Please check the schedule of events tab for more information on the full schedule, which will be available on the Guidebook app by late December.
Of course! Family Weekend is not limited to parents only. It is open to other family members, including siblings, grandparents, and extended family. Some activities may have age restrictions, so check the event details for verification.
Caltech does not reserve a room block, however select hotels in the neighboring areas will offer discounted room rates for Caltech guests. We recommend contacting area hotels directly to inquire about reservations and rates. Please see the Travel/Accommodations page for more information.
To be announced Fall 2026.
To be announced Fall 2026.
To be announced Fall 2026.
Consider wearing comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Check the weather forecast for the weekend and dress accordingly. Also, remember to bring any necessary personal items. We encourage you to wear any Caltech gear or orange attire! Visit the Caltech Bookstore, Operating Hours: January 30 (9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.) and January 31 (10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) for apparel.
If you or a family member require any accessibility and mobility assistance, please indicate any needs on the registration form.
In the interest of health and safety for the campus community and event attendees, if you feel sick or test positive for COVID-19, please do not attend any events or visit campus. Limited masks will be available at the check-in table.
If your plans change and you are no longer able to attend Family Weekend, please email [email protected] to notify us.