Family & Friends Weekend
October 31- November 2, 2025
Save the date to join us as we celebrate our families, support systems, and the larger Oredigger family! Colorado School of Mines Family & Friends Weekend will take place between Friday, October 31st and Sunday, November 2nd, 2025 and features 30+ events for people of all ages!
The full Family & Friends Weekend Calendar can be viewed below! Please note that events with a * symbol represent events that require a ticket. Families and friends will be asked to register for all events they plan to attend but some events have limited availability.
Registration for Family & Friends Weekend is now open! Please see the sections below for more information!
Registration Information
Registration for Family & Friends Weekend is now open! Families will need to submit one general registration per group and will then have the opportunity to register for add-on events and merchandise as they are available.
IMPORTANT!
If you have not already, you will need to create your Oredigger Family Portal account prior to registering. To create your account, please visit our Oredigger Family Portal Webpage.
Questions about registration specifics? Visit our FAQ section below!
Things to note
- There are over 35 events taking place throughout the weekend
- While most events are open to all, we ask that families complete the general registration regardless of whether they are attending any paid/ticketed events
- There are several events that have a limited number of spots and will require a reservation. Some of these events may also have an additional cost (please refer to the schedule below and the event information to learn which events have these restrictions)
- We will be offering exclusive Family & Friends Weekend merchandise for an additional cost- more information about these items will be coming soon
Events that require special registration
- MAC Oktoberfest (Purchase Tickets Here)
Families wanting to attending the MAC Oktoberfest event will need to register and pay for tickets through the link above. Everyone who plans to attend will need a ticket, INCLUDING students! (Click here for registration instructions)
- Football/Soccer Tickets (Purchase Athletics Tickets Here)
Students are admitted free of charge to the student section for Mines athletic events with their Blaster Card. All non-students will need tickets for athletic events.
- Tailgate Reservations (Reserve your Spot Here)
Families interested in a tailgating spot should fill out the form above. Registration will close on Thursday, October 23rd at 12pm MDT. Confirmation emails will be sent by Tuesday, October 28th.
- Mines Little Theatre (Purchase Tickets Here)
Mines Little Theatre will host performances on Friday, October 31st and Saturday, November 1st at 7pm. Everyone who plans to attend will need a ticket, INCLUDING students!
Family & Friends Weekend Merchandise
Our exclusive 2025 Family & Friends Weekend tote bags and stadium cups will be available for purchase when you complete your Family & Friends Weekend Registration. Tote bags will be sold for $21.50 and stadium cups will be sold for $5 with both prices including tax. Merchandise pickup will take place on campus on Friday, October 31st and Saturday, November 1st. Supplies are limited so sales will be first come, first serve! Be sure to secure yours today!
The Ballroom Dance Club is hosting a Halloween Ball! Learn to dance tango, waltz, swing, and country swing at the beginner lessons during the first hour of the event. No […] TICKET REQUIRED (Tickets can be purchased at: https://tickets.minesathletics.com/section/soccer-1vhb) Cheer on the Oredigger Men's Soccer Team as they take on UCCS! Please note that students are admitted free to all games […] With more than 2,000 items currently on display and more than 40,000 total items in our collection, there will always be something new to see! Visit the discovery cart by […]
Latest Past Events
Ballroom Dance Club Halloween Ball
Green Center Friedhoff Hall
924 16th St, Golden
Men’s Soccer vs. UCCS*
Stermole Soccer Stadium
2000 W. 11th Street, Golden
Visit the Mines Museum
Mines Museum of Earth Science
1310 Maple Street, Golden
FAQs
How do I register for Family & Friends Weekend?
Families will register for Family & Friends Weekend in the Oredigger Family Portal starting at 9am on Monday, September 8th. Families will need to complete one general registration for their entire group and will then have the option to add-on ticketed events and merchandise as available.
What events require tickets? What events have an additional cost?
While the vast majority of the programs held during Family & Friends Weekend are free and open to all, some are ticketed or require an additional cost due to capacity limitations.
Events that Require a Ticket:
- Hot Shop Sessions
- Glass Shop Sessions
- Edgar Mine Tours
- Saturday BINGO Night
- ORC Sunset Hike
- Any Athletic Event (except students, please see separate registration section above for details)
- MAC Oktoberfest (Please see separate registration section above for details)
- Mines Little Theatre Performances (Please see separate registration section above for details)
Events/ Products with an Additional Cost:
- Hot Shop Sessions
- Glas Shop Sessions
- ORC Sunset Hike
- Athletic Events (except for students)
- MAC Oktoberfest
- Mines Little Theatre Performances
- Family & Friends Weekend Merchandise (tote bags and stadium cups)
Do I need to register if I do not plan to attend any ticketed events?
Yes! Any family planning to attend Family & Friends Weekend should complete one general registration for the entire family. This registration will help us in planning the best possible experience for you.
Will there be waitlists for ticketed events?
No, there will not be waitlists for ticketed events. Tickets for sold out events will become available only if/when families return their tickets to the event.
Can I trade or swap tickets with other families?
No, if you wish to refund your tickets for any of our ticketed events, please email nest@mines.edu. Once you are removed, the spots will open up and anyone can take your ticket on a first come first serve basis. Our office sends registration lists to campus partners so any tickets traded outside of our platform will not be accepted at the events. Please do not swap/or sell tickets on any 3rd Party sites.
Will my student have classes or exams during Family & Friends Weekend?
Students will have their regularly scheduled classes on Friday, October 31st. We try our best to ensure academic faculty are aware of the weekend as they are planning their fall courses but it is not guarenteed that students will not have class or projects due during Family & Friends Weekend.
I was unable to get into the Sunset Hike. What other hikes are good for families?
Golden has a number of easy to moderate hikes that we recommend for families!
South Table Mountain:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/olivine-trail-loop?sh=k7fhg6&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality
Mount Galbraith Loop:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/mount-galbraith-loop-via-cedar-gulch-trail?sh=k7fhg6&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality
Windy Saddle Park: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/lookout-mountain-trail-via-windy-saddle-trailhead?sh=k7fhg6&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality
Clear Creek Canyon: us/colorado/peaks-to-plains-and-welch-ditch-loop?sh=k7fhg6&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality
Fossil Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/fossil-trail
Can children attend Family & Friends Weekend events?
Yes! The vast majority of events held during the weekend are intended for Oredigger supporters of all ages. Some add-on events require participants to be 18 or older so please be sure to look for that information in the description of the add-on events.
Where can I park for Family & Friends Weekend?
Families can pay for parking in any of the blue parking lots on the Mines parking map. Please be sure to pay for your vehicle at the pay station located in each of the blue parking lots. Please note that families and guests can park in any campus parking lot for free between 5pm on Friday, October 31st and 6am Monday, November 3rd.
More information about visitor parking including daily rates can be found here.
Campus Map
See the Mines campus map for details.
Transportation Options
Need help getting around when in Golden? Check out the Ore Cart Shuttle and other transportation options. For information on parking, visit the Parking Services website.
Local Events & Attractions
For more information on local events & attractions in Golden, visit the City of Golden website.
Lodging
Explore lodging around Golden to help you stay comfortably over the weekend. Visit the Golden lodging page for hotel options in and around Golden. Be sure to ask about special rates when you make your reservation!
Questions?
Contact New Student & Transition Services at nest@mines.edu or (303) 869-5550