Vol Family Reunions are an opportunity for Volunteer families to return to Rocky Top and reconnect with their student, the university community, and the spirit of Big Orange Country. Each reunion weekend invites families to experience life on campus, explore Knoxville, and engage with the people and places that make the Volunteer experience unique.
Vol Family Reunions celebrate the partnership between families and the university in supporting student success and belonging. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip to Rocky Top, these weekends are designed to foster connection, pride, and discovery for the entire Volunteer family.
Join us on Rocky Top on September 18–20, 2026, or October 16–18, 2026, for a Vol Family Reunion. Please note that families may only register for one weekend.
-
- A student poses for a family photo during Fall Family Fair at the Student Union plaza with a Grubhub airstream activation on September 19, 2025. Photo by Steven Bridges/University of Tennessee.
-
- A student and their family member poses for a picture in the UT Creamery.
Registration
Registration for the fall Vol Family Reunions will open in June or early July. All active members of the Tennessee Family Association will receive registration information via email. Families can only register for one weekend. We do not maintain a waiting list for this event.
Schedule of Events
Event information is subject to change, and new events are added periodically.
Friday, September 18 & October 16
Vol Family Reunion Check-in
Pick up your Vol Family Reunion registration materials and favors. To receive your materials, you must bring the unique QR code included in your confirmation email. During check-in, you will receive your access wristbands, which are required for entry into all events. Be sure to snap a photo in our Photo Booth while you are here.
Friday Night Kick-Off Event
Join the Division of Student Life for the official kickoff to Vol Family Reunion. Various campus departments will be set up with interactive activities, giveaways, and opportunities to connect. Stop by to explore campus resources, win prizes, and start your weekend off strong.
Saturday, September 19 & October 17
Tennessee Family Tailgate
Start your Vols game day with a delicious tailgate at the Student Union. The tailgate will feature live music, food, fun, and games for families and students to enjoy. Wristbands required for entry; guests must be 21 or older to consume alcoholic beverages.
Sunday, September 20 & October 18
Sunday Brunch
See what it’s like to eat like a Vol with your student. Use this time to connect and visit with other families as we conclude a great Vol Reunion.
UT students who have a meal plan may use a meal swipe to enter the brunch and can use their guest meals to cover their family members and guests. Students who don’t have a meal plan may use their Flex Plan or Credit/Debit Card and pay at the door. Family members and guests who cannot utilize their student’s guest meals can purchase their meal ticket for brunch ahead of time.
Additional Information
Football Tickets
Football tickets are not included in your registration and we do not provide a football ticket allotment. If you are interested in purchasing football tickets, we encourage you to visit the official website for Tennessee Athletics Ticketing.
Refund Requests
Due to the nature of processing, planning, and event coordination, Family Experience is unable to offer full refunds to Vol Family Reunion registrants at any time. If you need to modify or cancel your registration, please contact us at family@utk.edu.
Vol Family Reunions will take place except in the most severe weather conditions. In the event of rain, all activities will take place as scheduled, possibly in alternate locations. However, in the event of severe weather such as lightning, Family Experience, together with the University of Tennessee may elect to delay or cancel any part of Vol Family Reunions at any time. For more information on the University of Tennessee’s Inclement Weather Policy, visit Public Safety.
Photo Release
There will be professional photography services on-site at Vol Family Reunions and other Family Experience events. The Family Experience reserves the right to use these pictures in publications and on University of Tennessee website(s) as it sees fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following is a list of questions we are most frequently asked about Vol Family Reunions, as well as responses to those questions. If you can not find the answer to your question, please contact us at family@utk.edu.
Registration
This year, families will have the option to purchase an additional game day tote and/or swag bundle for their guests that will include a commemorative t-shirt and limited edition bucket hat.
Some events and activities may require an additional cost or registration process. This will be noted on the registration and Schedule of Events. Additionally, football tickets are not included in the registration.
Additionally, you and your family are welcome to plan another weekend to visit your student on Rocky Top. Visit Plan Your Visit to learn more about how to find events & activities in Knoxville.
Football Tickets
Events and Accommodations
We will not offer an opportunity for late check in. We encourage you to have your student check-in on your behalf if you are unable to pick them up.
Family Experience is unable to provide mobility chair reservations or guarantee shuttling and other types of mobility assistance for Vol Family Reunions. Events and activities take place in accessible locations on campus, but guests will be responsible for their transportation to the venue.
Vol Family Reunion participation will usually involve significant amounts of walking and traversing campus, especially crowded spaces on Gameday. These events may not be suitable for all guests.
We will not provide parking accommodations on Saturday for game day. Information regarding parking for game day can be found on the Parking & Transportation website. Please plan accordingly.