Fam Fest 2025
Join us for Fam Fest, our first annual Spring semester Family Weekend, filled with fun, connection, and GW spirit! Spend time with your student, explore both GW and the vibrant city of DC, and enjoy a range of exciting events. It’s a weekend designed to create lasting memories and celebrate the GW community.
REGISTRATION
Registration is required for all events and helps us ensure you have the best experience possible. Families and students can sign up through our registration portal, where you'll be able to select activities and events of interest. To register, you’ll be prompted to create an account through GW Family Connections. Once registered, a confirmation will be sent to your email and if you need to make any edits you can easily update your registration through your account.
Fam Fest Registration Rates
- General Admission = $40
- GW Student = $25
- Child (12 years old or younger) = Free
Your registration includes access to the Silent Disco Welcome Party, GW Women's Basketball Game, and the Best of GW experiences, and discounted rates for special events throughout the weekend. While registering, you’ll also have the option to add special event upgrades to your cart.
Fam Fest Events
Your Fam Fest registration grants access to an exciting weekend, including the Silent Disco Welcome Party, Family Game Night, Best of GW events, and the chance to cheer on our Women’s Basketball team while enjoying vibrant campus life.
Fam Fest T-Shirt
Every Fam Fest registration comes with a commemorative T-shirt, designed to celebrate the spirit of the weekend. This exclusive shirt is a must-have keepsake for attendees, symbolizing the fun and memories made this weekend!
District Connections
Our students immerse themselves in the District’s vibrant culture—now it’s your turn! With specially curated excursions around the city, you'll discover everything from iconic historical landmarks to world-class museums and hidden gems!
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
We have an incredible schedule of exciting events and activities for you and your guests to choose from. To make your registration process much smoother, we strongly suggest you review the schedule below so that you have a good idea of which events you wish to attend.
- Friday, January 31
Check-In | January 31, 3 - 7 PM | University Student Center, 1st Floor, Great Hall
Kick off your Fam Fest weekend at our convenient check-in! Pick up your welcome materials, get the event schedule, and grab some exclusive GW swag. Our friendly staff will be ready to greet you and ensure you have everything you need for a memorable weekend.
Silent Disco Welcome Party | January 31, 7PM | Lerner Health and Wellness Center, 1st Floor
Join us for an unforgettable start to Fam Fest with the Silent Disco Welcome Party! Grab a pair of headphones, tune into your favorite DJ, and dance the night away with fellow GW students and families. This unique party will have multiple music channels to keep everyone grooving in their own style—an event you won’t want to miss!
Pre-Booked Dinner Reservations | January 31, 5-7 PM | Various Locations
Looking for a place to eat and wrap up your night? No need to worry about making a reservation—we've got it covered for you! Sign up for a pre-booked dinner and enjoy a hassle-free dining experience with your family and friends. Simply reserve your spot in advance, and we'll take care of the rest! Please note, dinner is not covered, and transportation to and from the location is not included.
- Saturday, February 1
Late Family Check -In | February 1, 9 - 1 PM | University Student Center, 1st Floor, Great Hall
Arriving later to Fam Fest? No worries! Our Late Family Check-In station will be open to make sure you get your welcome materials, event schedule, and GW swag. Stop by, and we’ll help you get settled so you can jump right into the weekend’s activities!
Buff & Blues Jazz Brunch | February 1, 11 - 1 PM | University Student Center, 3rd Floor, Grand Ballroom
Start your Saturday on a high note with Buff and Blues Jazz Brunch! Enjoy a delicious brunch while relaxing to live blues music. It’s the perfect way to start your morning with your family -- enjoying great food, smooth tunes, and wonderful company.
Women's Basketball Game | February 1, 2 PM | Charles E. Smith Center
Cheer on the GW Women’s Basketball team as they take on their rivals in an exciting match! Show your Revolutionary spirit and join other families and students in supporting our talented athletes. It’s a game you won’t want to miss!
Family Game Night | February 1, 7 - 9 PM | University Student Center, 3rd Floor
Bring out your competitive side at Family Game Night! Whether you’re into board games, trivia, or classic favorites, there’s something for everyone. Gather your family and friends for a fun-filled evening of laughter, challenges, and friendly competition.
- Sunday, February 2
District Connections | February 2, 10 - 1 PM | University Student Center, 1st Floor
Make advantage of these exciting opportunities to connect with Washington, D.C. Each option offers a unique experience, allowing you to explore the culture, history, and attractions of our vibrant city. Please note that some experiences may have an additional cost during registration:
- Kramers Bookstore
- National Gallery of Art
- Planet Word
- Eastern Market
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art
- Smithsonian National Zoo
- Ice skating at Georgetown*
- International Spy Museum*
Please Note: District Connections marked with an asterisk (*) will incur an additional cost at registration.
Questions? Email [email protected]
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
Please review this section to ensure you have all the important details needed for an unforgettable Fam Fest 2025 weekend with your family!
- Event Registration
Registration is required for all events and helps us ensure you have the best experience possible. Families and students can sign up through our registration portal, where you'll be able to select activities and events of interest.
Registration Rates:
- General Admission = $40
- GW Student = $25
- Child (12 years old or younger) = Free
Your ticket includes access to the Welcome Party, Basketball Game, and the Best of GW experiences. While registering, you’ll also have the option to add special event upgrades to your cart.
To register, you’ll be prompted to create an account through GW Family Connections. Once registered, a confirmation will be sent to your email, and if you need to make any edits, you can easily update your registration through your account.
- Fam Fest Check-In
Check-in is required for all attendees and will be available at the following times:
- Friday, January 31: 3 -7 PM, University Student Center, 1st Floor, Great Hall
- Saturday, February 1: 9 - 1 PM, University Student Center, 1st Floor, Great Hall
At check-In, you and your family can pick up your welcome materials, event wristbands, and Fam Fest swag. Our team will be there to assist you and answer any questions you may have!
- Hotel Reservation
We’ve partnered with top hotels near GW’s campus to offer exclusive discounts for Fam Fest attendees! Click the links below and book your stay at any of our preferred hotels and enjoy special rates during the weekend:
Hotel Hive (2224 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20037)
A modern boutique hotel located just minutes from campus. Enjoy unique accommodations and an unbeatable atmosphere.
Book your Discounted Stay at Hotel Hive
The River Inn (924 25th NW, Washington, DC 20037)
Experience the comfort of this charming hotel near GW with spacious suites, perfect for families.
- Parking & Transportation
Getting to Foggy Bottom Campus
Foggy Bottom is conveniently located in the heart of Washington, D.C., close to three major airports, including Ronald Reagan Washington National, Washington Dulles International and Baltimore Washington International, as well as to Union Station where you can take the bus or train. The Foggy Bottom/GWU Metro stop is located right on campus, with service to the Orange, Blue and Silver Metro lines. Taxis are available throughout the city. Pricing depends on distance and the number of people.
Getting to the Mount Vernon Campus
The George Washington University’s Mount Vernon Campus is located at 2100 Foxhall Road NW, in the verdant Palisades neighborhood of Northwest Washington DC, just three miles northwest of the Foggy Bottom Campus. To access the Mount Vernon Campus, we encourage you to take advantage of the Vern Express, a free shuttle service connecting the Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses, which is available to all alumni and families. The schedule is available on the Vern Express website.
Parking
Paid parking is available in GW garages on both the Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses throughout Fam Fest. Parking is not free, and hourly or daily rates will apply. View the current rates here.
If GW garages are full, you may also find parking at 2000 Pennsylvania Ave. NW (entry on 20th St.), 1800 G St. NW (entry on 18th St.), and 2200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW (entry on 22nd St.).
- Accessibility & Accommodations
GW is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all guests. If you or a family member require any special accommodations, please contact our office in advance at [email protected]
- Photo and Video Consent
By attending and/or participating in this event you agree to grant the George Washington University and its authorized representatives permission to capture photographs, audio recordings, and/or video recordings, including those related to your involvement in the event. You further agree that any and all of the photographs or recordings may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochures, websites, or other printed or digital materials used to promote the university, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit, or other compensation.
Review GW's Statement of Privacy Practices for more information. If you have concerns, please contact [email protected].
OUR RESTAURANT PARTNERS
Explore the Flavors of GW's Neighborhood! Our restaurant partners are rolling out the red carpet for Fam Fest! During the weekend, flash your Fam Fest lanyard at participating restaurants to enjoy exclusive perks, discounts, or special menus. These local favorites are excited to welcome Revolutionaries and their families.
2121 14th St NW
Enjoy 15% off your meal at Bullfrog Bagel, serving up fresh, hand-rolled bagels with a variety of delicious toppings!
2036 14th St NW
Get 15% off at Tonic, where you can enjoy a wide selection of craft cocktails, fresh juices, and tasty bites.