10 activities to add to your Family Weekend itinerary

Ramblers have officially kicked off their fall semester courses, which means the excitement of Family Weekend is just around the corner. From Friday, September 20, to Sunday, September 22, families are encouraged to join their students back on Loyola’s campus for food, entertainment, activities, and festive family fun. To participate in some of the Loyola-exclusive events, be sure to register for Family Weekend.

Check out the official Family Weekend Schedule and read up on the 10 things to add to the Family Weekend itinerary:  

1. Attend a Family Weekend Concert 

Rooney Hall, Mundelein Center 

Sit down for an outstanding concert experience on Friday, September 20, at 7:30 p.m. featuring Loyola’s Symphony Orchestra, University Chorale, University Singers, and Wind Ensemble. Families can purchase tickets in advance and even can enter the coupon code FW2024 to receive two discounted tickets. Concerts can sell out, so be sure to get tickets at least a few weeks in advance.

2. Enjoy Java with the Jesuits 

Ignatius House 

Get acquainted with Loyola’s Jesuit Community on Saturday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Serving in the faculty and administration, as students and chaplains, in sacramental ministry and spiritual direction, the ministry of the Jesuits advances the Catholic character and mission of the University. Java with the Jesuits serves as an invitation for Ramblers and their families to join them for an Open House with coffee, tea, pastries, and good conversation. 

3. Support Rambler Soccer 

Loyola Soccer Park 

Cheer on the men’s soccer team when the Ramblers play University of Dayton on Saturday, September 21, at 3 p.m. Family Weekend attendees get free access to the game by showing their Family Weekend wristbands. Free shuttle transportation will be provided for Family Weekend guests. Throughout the game, shuttles will make a continuous loop between the Damen statue (by the main parking garage) and Loyola Soccer Park. For fans who wish to travel on their own, Loyola Soccer Park is located a mile west of campus at 6336 N. Hoyne Avenue. Free parking is also available. 

4. Watch the Loyola Project Documentary 

Damen Cinema  

Bring your family in to watch a screening of the Loyola Project Documentary on Saturday, September 21, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. In 1963, at the height of the civil rights movement, the Loyola Chicago Ramblers broke racial barriers on their way to a national championship. Now, nearly 60 years later, this legendary team is reexamined by former Loyola basketball player and co-captain, Lucas Williamson. Woven together with archival footage and modern-day interviews, this captivating story is surprisingly relevant to today’s continued struggle for equality. 

5. Visit and Tour Madonna della Strada 

Madonna della Strada Chapel 

Enjoy the celebration of the Eucharist in the beautiful chapel on Lake Shore Campus on Sunday, September 22, at 9 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Students and their families are also invited to learn about the architecture, art, and symbolism of Madonna della Strada Chapel. The tour will be available on Sunday, September 22, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and will include a behind the scenes look at the chapel crypt along with a demonstration of the majestic pipe organ. Families can meet for the tour at the Back of the Chapel, near the Baptismal Font. 

6. Give the Family a Tour 

Students can exercise their Loyola knowledge by showing their families around campus for a self-guided tour. Buildings and campus landmarks are open during certain events on the Family Weekend schedule while other spaces will be available to visit in the style of an “open house” on Saturday, September 21, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Check out information about places ramblers could highlight on their tour and navigate school grounds using the Lake Shore Campus map. 

7. Visit Museums and Chicago attractions 

Families can venture outside of the Loyola campus and check out some of Chicago’s most famous attractions. Ramblers may bring them to the newly reopened Bean, walk through Millenium Park or visit the Chicago Art Institute with free admission for Loyola undergraduate students with a valid campus ID.  

8. Gear Up at the Bookstore 

Head to the LUC Bookstore and grab some Loyola attire during family weekend. Both the LUC bookstore on Sheridan Road and the L-Stop store in Damen Student Center will be open on Saturday, September 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, September 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Family coupons will be available at check-in on Saturday.  

9. Sit Down for a Family Meal 

Lake Shore Campus West Quad and Damen Student Center 

Ramblers may enjoy a meal with their family with a BBQ lunch on the quad on Saturday September 22, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Families can eat and participate in a variety of festive activities, including a magician, balloon artist, and caricature artist. On Sunday September 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Family weekend guests can sit down for their traditional brunch favorites by showing their Family Weekend wristband at the entrance to the Damen Dining Hall. The Damen Dining Hall serves products made without nuts and has options available for other special diet restrictions and food allergies.

10. Explore Local Eats  

Family Weekend Guests can explore local restaurants, coffee shops, and other small businesses by using the Office of Neighborhood Initiatives’ 2024 Ramblin’ Around Guide. This guide is a one-stop shop to know where and what is located around the Loyola campuses, including over 700 local business listings. Also included is information on how to get around the city via public transportation and what Ramblers can save on by using their Loyola I.D.