Family Weekend

Please Note: All Family Weekend events and activities are complimentary unless otherwise indicated. The schedule is subject to change. Any updates, including registration details, will be posted on the Family Weekend website and shared with students and families as the weekend approaches.

Friday, October 2 

8 p.m. | Zootopia Under the Stars | Hoyt Lawn | Rain Location: Crawford Hall, Ehinger Center 

• Bring a cozy lawn blanket or chair and settle in under the stars for a showing of Disney’s Zootopia! Enjoy a fun-filled outdoor movie night perfect for Rangers and family members of all ages. Complimentary popcorn and soft drinks will be available while supplies last. The Little Cafee food truck will also be on-site from 5pm-10pm offering additional food options available for individual purchase.

Saturday, October 3 

9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Family Weekend Information Desk | Ehinger Center Lobby 

• The Information Desk will be staffed until 1:30 PM—stop by with any questions about the schedule or campus, and pick up your exclusive Drew Family Weekend name tags and gift bag (for the first 50 families)! 

Starbucks, located in the Ehinger Center Eatery, will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for beverage purchases.

9:30 a.m. | President Link’s University Family Welcome Address | The Space, Ehinger Center  

• Join President Link as she provides parents and family with updates and insight about the University for this new academic year. 

9 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Homemade Family Breakfast | Townhouse 8 | Rain Location: The Pub, Ehinger Center

• Start your morning with a delicious homemade breakfast and great company! Join Drew Hillel for a complimentary breakfast featuring fresh bagels, homemade favorites, and a variety of other tasty breakfast treats. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, connect with other Drew families, and fuel up before a day of Family Weekend activities. All are welcome!

10 a.m. –  11 a.m. | Breakfast in The Commons

• Prefer breakfast at the Commons? Stop by and enjoy a delicious meal before a full day of Family Weekend activities. Parents eat free for students on the Platinum Meal Plan. Guest admission is $8.59 per person. 

10:00 a.m. | Drew Ghost Walking Tour | Lobby of the United Methodist Archives 

• Join us for a Ghost Walking Tour, departing promptly at 10 a.m.. from the Archives Lobby. From there, you will be guided to Mead Hall, Seminary Hall, outside the Shakespeare Theater, and end at Hoyt Hall for various spooky stories. The tour lasts about 30–45 minutes and is limited to the first 70 participants (broken into two even groups).

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Wild & Wonderful Painting Class | Crawford Hall, Ehinger Center  

• Get creative and take home a one-of-a-kind Family Weekend keepsake! Join us for a two-hour guided painting class led by artist Sarah Panetta as she walks you step-by-step through creating an original, Drew-inspired work of art featuring some of our favorite zoo animals including a tiger, elephant, and giraffe! Space is limited, and seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 10am. Better suited for ages 8 and up.

11 a.m. | Bloom Together: Flower Arrangement Workshop | 1867 Lounge, Ehinger Center 

• Create something beautiful together at our Flower Arrangement Workshop! Join Preethy, owner of Petals by Preethy in Florham Park, for a hands-on floral design experience where you’ll create your own bouquet using fresh flowers sourced from local New Jersey growers. There’s no need to arrive right at the start, as Preethy will be providing guidance throughout the event. Only the first 50 guests will be able to create a bouquet.

11 a.m. –  4 p.m. | Lunch in The Commons

• Visit the Commons for lunch! Parents eat free for students on the Platinum Meal Plan. Guest admission is $12.85 per person. 

2 p.m. – 5 p.m. | DrewU Goes to the Zoo | Ehinger Center Patio & Lawn

• Stop by the EC Patio for pawsitively-amazing animals, food, carnival games, prizes, and a bear-y educational animal showcase session to learn about our furry, feathered and fang-tastic visitors. Come one, come all and fall in love with the Drew U Zoo Crew! Specific scheduled events are as follows: 
• 2 p.m. – 3 p.m: Animal Showcase: Zoophoria! Come hang out and learn about the coolest reptiles around!
• 2 p.m. – 4 p.m: Free Petting Zoo: Backyard Buddies! Featuring ducks, chickens, bunnies, goats, sheep, pig, goats, and a mini donkey!

4 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Dinner at The Commons

• The Commons will be serving dinner and Drew family members are always invited! Parents eat free for students on the Platinum Meal Plan. Guest admission is $16.63 per person.

8 p.m. – 12 a.m. | Karaoke at the Pub (21+ only) | The Pub, Ehinger Center 

• Join us at the Pub for an evening of fun during Family Weekend! Grab a drink, spend time with your Drew student, and cheer on friends and family as they take the stage for a lively karaoke night. Whether you’re ready to belt out your favorite song or play some board games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

• Enjoy complimentary pizza and soft drinks throughout the evening. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Must be 21 or older with a valid government-issued photo ID to enter the Pub. 

Sunday, October 4  

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Family Weekend Closing Brunch | The Commons 

• Join us for one of Family Weekend’s favorite traditions—our Closing Brunch! Enjoy a delicious buffet-style brunch while spending a little more time with your Drew student. Guest admission is $12.85 per person. Throughout brunch, enjoy a caricature artist, photo booth, and other fun activities for all ages! Other scheduled events are as follows: 
• 11 a.m.: Performance by a Drew’s a cappella group 
• 11:45 a.m.: Family Weekend Bingo for a chance to win Drew merchandise and other fun prizes!

Want to try some local favorites while you’re here for Family Weekend? Here are some recommendations within walking distance and a short drive from campus.

Sunday Motor Co. Café | 27 Kings Rd, Madison, NJ | 0.5 miles (2 min drive / 10 min walk)

Trendy café with a mix of classic breakfast, creative lunch plates, and great coffee.

Best For: Breakfast, brunch, lunch

Waverly Restaurant & Diner | 14 Waverly Pl, Madison, NJ | Downtown, steps from campus

Classic New Jersey diner serving hearty breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches, and comfort food.

Best For: Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner

Nautilus Diner | 97 Main St, Madison, NJ | 0.8 miles (3 min drive / 15 min walk)

A well-loved local diner offering a huge menu of breakfast favorites, Greek specialties, and American classics.

Best For: Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner

Butter & Jam | 30 Cook Plaza, Madison, NJ | 5 min drive from campus
Bright café with specialty coffee, breakfast, and lunch plates.
Best For: Breakfast, lunch

Bottle Hill Tavern | 13 Waverly Pl, Madison, NJ | 0.5 miles (2 min drive / 10 min walk)
Classic tavern serving American comfort food and pub-style favorites.
Best For: Brunch, lunch, dinner

54 Main Bar & Grille | 54 Main St, Madison, NJ | Downtown, minutes from campus
Casual American grill with burgers, sandwiches, and a lively bar.
Best For: Lunch, casual dinner

Firehouse Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria | 15 Central Ave, Madison, NJ | Downtown location
Family-run restaurant known for pizza, pasta, and gluten-free options.
Best For: Lunch, dinner

L’Allegria | 11 Prospect Street, Madison, NJ  | 0.6 miles (3 min drive / 12–15 min walk)
Classic Italian with Mediterranean courtyard vibes and a strong wine list.
Best For: Dinner, special occasions

The Hartley | 17 Greenwood Ave, Madison, NJ | 0.7 miles (3 min drive / 15–17 min walk)
New American restaurant offering seasonal dishes in a stylish setting.
Best For: Dinner, date night