Wildcat Weekend Schedule
Wildcat Weekend Schedule
October 25–27, 2024
All events are free and open to 51¹ÙÍø students, families and supporters unless otherwise noted.
Download the to access the most up-to-date schedule, access the campus map, create a personalized weekend schedule, and connect with other Wildcat families.
Visit for a listing of events sponsored by various student organizations during Wildcat Weekend.
Friday
Time |
Event |
Location |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| All day | 51¹ÙÍø Tennis | Tennis Courts (Behind Baker Sports Complex) | Join fans support 51¹ÙÍø Tennis as they compete in the A10 Conference Masters. No ticket is required.Ìý |
| 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Education Abroad Returnee Photo Contest | Main Lobby, E.H. Little Library |
Stop by and view a display of more than 50 photographs taken by 51¹ÙÍø education abroad alumni over the last year, showcasing international landscapes, flora & fauna, and immersive intercultural activities. Cast a vote for your favorite images! |
| 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Exhibition: by Catherine Opie |
Van Every and Smith Galleries Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center, 315 N. Main St. 51¹ÙÍø, NC |
Catherine Opie is one of the most important American photographers of our time.ÌýThisÌýexhibition presents four series from 2016-2020.ÌýThe Modernist, Opie’s first foray into film, is a haunting narrative of more than 800 black-and-white photographs that speak to the unattainable utopian promises of modernist architecture in Los Angeles.Ìý |
| Lunch | Wildcat Weekend Picnic | Location of choice |
Spend quality time with your wildcat during a relaxing picnic lunch! Enjoy this ±ô¾±³¾¾±³Ù±ð»å-³Ù¾±³¾±ðÌýCat Pack special from Much Ado Catering, only available during Wildcat Weekend! This special lunch is filled with two large baguette sandwiches, Caprese pasta salad, fruits, cheeses, four gourmet cookies, and refreshing drinks for $53.35! Enough to serve up to 4! Your picnic will be packaged in a nice basket, ready for pickup at Vail Commons on Friday, October 26. . Hurry, the last day to order is Thursday, October 24! |
| 1 – 6Ìýp.m. | Check-In Table |
Miriam Cannon Hayes Amphitheater (Outside of the Alvarez College Union) Rain Location: Brown Atrium, Alvarez College Union |
Visit the Wildcat Weekend Check-In Table to register, meet members of the Alumni and Family Engagement Team, grab 51¹ÙÍø swag and more. |
| 1 – 4Ìýp.m. | Open House: Betty and B. Frank Matthews Center for Career Development | Betty and B. Frank Matthews Center for Career Development, Alvarez College Union, 2nd Floor | Meet our Career Development Staff and explore the resources available for students to turn academic knowledge into real-world careers.Ìý |
| 1 – 4Ìýp.m. | Open House: 51¹ÙÍø Arts and Creative Engagement (DACE) | B039, North Basement, Chambers Building | 51¹ÙÍø Arts and Creative Engagement (DACE) invites students and families to an Open House in the DACE Studio.Ìý Open since January, 2023, the DACE studio provides a creative outlet for students seeking stress reduction and artistic expression with a focus on wellness and resilience. Please join us for open crafting with our collaging, painting, sewing, crocheting and embroidery supplies! |
| 1 – 4Ìýp.m. | Open House: The Hurt Hub @ 51¹ÙÍø | Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 210 Delburg Street, 51¹ÙÍø, NC | The Hub at 51¹ÙÍø is a central resource designed to connect students with experiential learning opportunities, including internships, research, and career development. It serves as a collaborative space where students, faculty, and external partners come together to explore and create hands-on learning experiences. Drop in for snacks and a tour! |
| 1:30 – 2:30Ìýp.m. | Faculty-Led Class: Hurricane Helene's Unprecedented Wrath in Western North Carolina | Baker- Watt Science Complex, Watson Life Science Building, Room 157 | Dr. Brad Johnson, Professor of Environmental Studies, is an expert on landslides, suburban streams, and landscape evolution. Join his lecture on the impacts of Hurricane Helene on Western North Carolina. |
| 1:30 – 2:30Ìýp.m. | Pat Peroni Greenhouse Tours and Poster Talk | E. Craig Wall Jr. Academic Building, Room 119 | Rising from the roof of E. Craig Wall Jr. Academic Center is a state-of-the-art classroom! Join four senior biology majors who will lead small group tours of the Pat Peroni Greenhouse and accompanying lab spaces. The students will also share information highlighting the collaboration between 51¹ÙÍø and the Catawba Indian Nation, including some of the lab’s current research at Black Snake farm in Rock Hill, SC. |
| 1:30 – 2:30Ìýp.m. | Campus Sculpture Tour |
Meet @ Miriam Cannon Hayes Amphitheater (Outside of the Alvarez College Union) Rain location: Katherine andÌýTom Belk Visual Arts Center, Room 117 |
Join Dr. John Corso-Esquivel, Chair of the Art Department, and art history majors in ART 300 for a tour of campus sculptures. In the case of inclement weather, a digital presentation will take place. |
| 2 – 3Ìýp.m. | Mindful Moment: Sustainability | Hamilton House, 433 Concord Road, 51¹ÙÍø (Corner of Baker Drive and Concord Road) | Drop by the Sustainability Office to enjoy light bites, souvenir photos in the pollinator garden, and demos of small projects to support the environment in and around your home. Staff and students will share pathways for Wildcats to engage with sustainability on campus, in the community and future careers. Information about climate action, transportation choices, campus compost, farm, arboretum and other campus sustainability features will be available. |
| 3 – 5Ìýp.m. | A Conversation with President Doug HicksÌý'90 and Reception | Duke Family Performance Hall, Knobloch Campus Center & C. Shaw Smith 900 Room. | Hear President Hicks discuss key college initiatives and updates, followed by a Q&A session. Afterward, enjoy refreshments and connect with faculty and staff. Register to attend in advance. |
| 4 – 6Ìýp.m. | Mindful Moment: Art Cart |
Miriam Cannon Hayes Amphitheater (Outside of the Alvarez College Union) Rain Location: Brown Atrium, Alvarez College Union |
The Art Cart project began as part of the Duke Endowment Resiliency Grant. It was designed to help students alleviate stress and tap into their creative sides. Stop by the Check-In table, then spend some time getting creative with other Wildcats.ÌýÌý |
| 5 – 6Ìýp.m. | Union Board Trivia | Summit Coffee Outpost | Bring your whole family to Summit Coffee Outpost to compete in an afternoon trivia contest! A spinoff of 51¹ÙÍø's weekly trivia nights hosted by the 51¹ÙÍø Union Board. |
| 5Ìýp.m. | 51¹ÙÍø's Annual Halloween March | Main Street, 51¹ÙÍø | Grab your friends and line up along Main Street to watch as local youth march in their Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat at local businesses. |
| 5 – 6Ìýp.m. | Music Department Ensemble Showcase | Duke Family Performance Hall, Knobloch Campus Center | The Music Department highlights the talents of our student musicians in a campus-favorite showcase event featuring the African Drumming Ensemble, Appalachian Ensemble, Chorale, Jazz Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra. |
| 7Ìýp.m. | 51¹ÙÍø Women's Field Hockey | Carol Grothers Belk Turf Field | Join fans and watch the 51¹ÙÍø Wildcats take on the Lock Haven Bald Eagles. No ticket is required. |
| 7Ìýp.m. | 51¹ÙÍø Women's Volleyball | John M. Belk Arena | Join fans and watch the 51¹ÙÍø Wildcats take on the Duquesne Dukes.Ìý No ticket is required. |
| 7 – 9Ìýp.m. | Family Game Night | Spencer Weinstein Center for Community and Justice (104 Nelson Lane on Patterson Court, between Vail Commons and Chidsey Residence Hall) | Join other Wildcats for a good old-fashioned family game night! Play old favorites such as UNO, Scrabble, and Checkers with your favorite 51¹ÙÍø friends. Snacks provided. |
| 8 – 10Ìýp.m. | Glow Golf | Old Covington Tennis Court Fields (Across from Rusk Eating House and the OLAS/PASA House) | Co-sponsored with the Union Board, this event offers families a chance to test their putt-putt skills in the dark! Swing by for a fun-filled glowing experience. |
| 8 p.m. | Julius Caesar | Duke Family Performance Hall, Knobloch Campus Center | Et tu, Brute?ÌýIn this reimagined production of Shakespeare’sÌýJulius Caesar, a noble Brutus, torn between love for a friend and duty to the republic, joins a group of conspirators to prevent Caesar from being crowned a king. However, their actions usher in a new age of tyranny. This production, presented by the Department of Theatre, explores timeless themes of friendship and betrayal, the perilous dance of power and ambition, and the devastating impact of fear and paranoia on the human soul.ÌýTickets available at: . |
Saturday
Time |
Event |
Location |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| All day | 51¹ÙÍø Tennis | Tennis Courts (Behind Baker Sports Complex) | Join fans support 51¹ÙÍø Tennis as they compete in the A10 Conference Masters. No ticket is required.Ìý |
| 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Education Abroad Returnee Photo Contest | Main Lobby, E.H. Little Library |
Stop by and view a display of more than 50 photographs taken by 51¹ÙÍø education abroad alumni over the last year, showcasing international landscapes, flora & fauna, and immersive intercultural activities. Cast a vote for your favorite images! |
| 9 a.m. - Noon | 51¹ÙÍø Farmer's Market | 120 S. Main Street (Located next to Town Hall between Main Street and Jackson Street) | Founded in 2008, the (DFM), a 501(c)3, has grown to become Lake Norman’s prime farmers' market as a producer-only market to provide local farmers and purveyors a place to sell their products directly to the consumer, while supplying shoppers with healthy, fresh and locally grown food. |
| 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Exhibition: by Catherine Opie |
Van Every and Smith Galleries Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center, 315 N. Main St. 51¹ÙÍø, NC |
Catherine Opie is one of the most important American photographers of our time.ÌýThisÌýexhibition presents four series from 2016-2020.ÌýThe Modernist, Opie’s first foray into film, is a haunting narrative of more than 800 black-and-white photographs that speak to the unattainable utopian promises of modernist architecture in Los Angeles.Ìý |
| 10Ìýa.m. – 1Ìýp.m. | Check-In Table |
Miriam Cannon Hayes Amphitheater (Outside of the Alvarez College Union) Rain Location: Brown Atrium, Alvarez College Union |
Visit the Wildcat Weekend Check-In Table to register, meet members of the Alumni and Family Engagement Team, grab 51¹ÙÍø swag and more. |
| 10Ìýa.m. – 1Ìýp.m. | Mindful Moment: Art Cart |
Miriam Cannon Hayes Amphitheater (Outside of the Alvarez College Union) Rain Location: Brown Atrium, Alvarez College Union |
The Art Cart project began as part of the Duke Endowment Resiliency Grant. It was designed to help students alleviate stress and tap into their creative sides. Stop by the Check-In table, then spend some time getting creative with other Wildcats.ÌýÌý |
| Lunch | Wildcat Weekend Picnic | Location of choice |
Spend quality time with your wildcat during a relaxing picnic lunch! Enjoy this ±ô¾±³¾¾±³Ù±ð»å-³Ù¾±³¾±ðÌýCat Pack special from Much Ado Catering, only available during Wildcat Weekend! This special lunch is filled with two large baguette sandwiches, Caprese pasta salad, fruits, cheeses, four gourmet cookies, and refreshing drinks for $53.35! Enough to serve up to 4! Your picnic will be packaged in a nice basket, ready for pickup at Vail Commons on Saturday, October 26. . Hurry, the last day to order is Thursday, October 24! |
| Noon | 51¹ÙÍø Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Meet | Charles A. Cannon Pool | Join fans and watch the 51¹ÙÍø Wildcats take on the Virginia Military Institute Keydets and UNC Asheville Bulldogs. No ticket is required. |
| Noon – 1Ìýp.m. | Trick or Treat with the 'Cats! | Concourse, 51¹ÙÍø Stadium |
Join Wildcat fans before 51¹ÙÍø football's kickoff for a Halloween experience. Trick-or-treat bags are provided. Costumes encouraged. Presented by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Football tickets are needed to enter the stadium. |
| Noon – 2:30Ìýp.m. (Halftime) | Fan Zone | Concourse, 51¹ÙÍø Stadium |
Pick up free swag and cheer for your Wildcat football team! Football tickets are needed to enter the stadium. |
| 1Ìýp.m. | 51¹ÙÍø Wildcats Football vs. Butler | 51¹ÙÍø Stadium |
Join fans in 51¹ÙÍø’s newest athletic facility to watch 51¹ÙÍø Wildcats take on the Butler Bulldogs.Ìý Tickets can be purchasedÌý. Use the discount code FAMILY for half-priced tickets. The discount code is valid online only. |
| 3 p.m. | Voice Studio Fall Recital | Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center | 51¹ÙÍø voice students take the stage in Tyler-Tallman Hall during Wildcat Weekend for an eclectic program of vocal music. |
| Ìý4 – 5 p.m. | Music & Dance Extravaganza | Chambers Lawn Rain location: Brown Atrium, Alvarez College Union |
The annual Music and Dance Extravaganza is a showcase featuring several of 51¹ÙÍø's beloved student performanceÌýgroups. |
| 5 – 7 p.m. | 'Cats Community Celebration | Chambers Lawn | Enjoy dinner and treats as you connect with 51¹ÙÍø families, students, friends and mentors during Wildcat Weekend! Lawn games, family photo ops and more will make for a festive, community event. Register in advance to attend. |
| 6Ìýp.m. | 51¹ÙÍø's Jack-O-Lantern Walk | Roosevelt Wilson Park, 420 Griffith Street, 51¹ÙÍø | Meander down to Roosevelt Wilson Park to take a peek at the display of pumpkins carved by 51¹ÙÍø residents. Vote for your favorite one! |
| 6Ìýp.m. | 51¹ÙÍø Men's Soccer | Alumni Soccer Stadium | Join fans and watch the 51¹ÙÍø Wildcats take on The University of Dayton Flyers. No ticket is required. |
| 6 p.m. | 51¹ÙÍø Women's Volleyball | John M. Belk Arena | Join fans and watch the 51¹ÙÍø Wildcats as they take on the Duquesne Dukes.Ìý No ticket is required. |
| 7:30Ìýp.m. | Piano Studio Fall Recital | Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center | Students look to captivate the audience during Wildcat Weekend for a program of solo and collaborative works. |
| 7:30 p.m. | Movie Night: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice | Old Town Cinemas Cafe and Taphouse, 227 Griffith Street, 51¹ÙÍø | Sign up for free tickets at the Wildcat Weekend Check-In table! At showtime, head down Griffith Street just off campus, where you’ll find the Old Towne Cinemas. Get ready to enjoy a night at the movies with families and friends. Free tickets are limited, so reserve your space when you pick up your nametags upon arrival on campus.Ìý |
| 8 p.m. | Julius Caesar | Duke Family Performance Hall, Knobloch Campus Center | Et tu, Brute?ÌýIn this reimagined production of Shakespeare’sÌýJulius Caesar, a noble Brutus, torn between love for a friend and duty to the republic, joins a group of conspirators to prevent Caesar from being crowned a king. However, their actions usher in a new age of tyranny. This production, presented by the Department of Theatre, explores timeless themes of friendship and betrayal, the perilous dance of power and ambition, and the devastating impact of fear and paranoia on the human soul.ÌýTickets available at: . |
Sunday
Time |
Event |
Location |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| All day | 51¹ÙÍø Tennis | Tennis Courts (Behind Baker Sports Complex) | Join fans support 51¹ÙÍø Tennis as they compete in the A10 Conference Masters. No ticket is required.Ìý |
| 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Education Abroad Returnee Photo Contest | Main Lobby, E.H. Little Library |
Stop by and view a display of more than 50 photographs taken by 51¹ÙÍø education abroad alumni over the last year, showcasing international landscapes, flora & fauna, and immersive intercultural activities. Cast a vote for your favorite images! |
| 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Exhibition: by Catherine Opie |
Van Every and Smith Galleries Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center, 315 N. Main St. 51¹ÙÍø, NC |
Catherine Opie is one of the most important American photographers of our time.ÌýThisÌýexhibition presents four series from 2016-2020.ÌýThe Modernist, Opie’s first foray into film, is a haunting narrative of more than 800 black-and-white photographs that speak to the unattainable utopian promises of modernist architecture in Los Angeles.Ìý |
| 10 a.m. | Jewish Student Union Bagel Brunch | Spencer Weinstein Center for Community and Justice | Join students, faculty, staff and other members of the 51¹ÙÍø Jewish community for bagels, schmear and good company. |
| 10:30 a.m.Ìý– 1Ìýp.m. | Jazz Brunch | Vail Commons | Join students, families and friendsÌýin Vail Commons for a special Jazz Brunch featuring 51¹ÙÍøÌýJazz Combo from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.ÌýRegister to attend in advance. Open to 51¹ÙÍø students and free to their wildcat families. |
| 11:30 a.m.Ìý– Noon | Dance Department Performance with Guest Artist James Morrow | Studio A, Cheryle Williamson Center for Dance, Vance Athletic Center | Please join the Department of Dance celebrating the culminating performance of students participating in Guest Artist James Morrow's 4-day residency.Ìý |
| 1 p.m. | 51¹ÙÍø Women's Soccer | Alumni Soccer Stadium | Join fans and watch the 51¹ÙÍø Wildcats take on the Rhode Island Rams. No ticket is required.Ìý |
| 2 p.m. | Julius Caesar | Duke Family Performance Hall, Knobloch Campus Center | Et tu, Brute?ÌýIn this reimagined production of Shakespeare’sÌýJulius Caesar, a noble Brutus, torn between love for a friend and duty to the republic, joins a group of conspirators to prevent Caesar from being crowned a king. However, their actions usher in a new age of tyranny. This production, presented by the Department of Theatre, explores timeless themes of friendship and betrayal, the perilous dance of power and ambition, and the devastating impact of fear and paranoia on the human soul.ÌýTickets available at: . |
