Cornell will host more than 1,100 families of first-year and transfer students on campus for Parents Weekend, Oct. 21-23.

The event is an opportunity for parents to experience Cornell life with other new families, while meeting their student’s friends, faculty, academic deans and administrators.

The weekend includes numerous open houses and tours across campus that allow parents to speak directly with staff and faculty about the resources and opportunities available to undergraduates. There will also be special lectures by faculty members; sessions on housing, studying abroad and student opportunities for community involvement; and cultural events on campus and off.

Highlights of the weekend include:

• Open classes for parents, Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., locations across campus. Parents can sit in on classes ranging from Animal Nutrition to Scottish Literature, Introduction to Aeronautics, Business Management and Organization, and more.
• Comedy improv with Pants But Not Quite, Friday, 8 p.m., Barnes Hall Auditorium. The comedy group will perform long- and short-form improv.
• Co-ed rock a cappella with The Key Elements, Friday, 8 p.m., Statler Hall’s Statler Auditorium. Cornell’s only co-ed rock a cappella group will sing classic rock, alternative and pop hits.
• Fuertes Observatory Public Viewing Night, Friday, 8 p.m., Fuertes Observatory. If the weather is clear, planets, galaxies and nebulae will be visible through observatory telescopes.
• College sessions, Saturday, 9-10:15 a.m., locations across campus. Each undergraduate college will offer special presentations and discussions.
• Canoeing and zip lining, Saturday, 2-5 p.m., Beebe Lake. Glide over Fall Creek and 50-feet deep Hemlock Gorge on a zip line with spectacular views. Hosted by Cornell Outdoor Education. No experience necessary.
• Greek life information panel, Saturday, 2:30-3:15 p.m., Kennedy Hall’s Call Auditorium. Learn about the Greek community from a panel of fraternity and sorority leaders and staff.
• Residence hall receptions, Saturday, 4-5 p.m., various North Campus residence halls. Families will get to know their students’ friends and neighbors and other Cornell families.
• Cider pressing, Saturday, 4-5 p.m., Ecology House Open House.
• A Conversation with University Leadership, Sunday, 10-11 a.m., Statler Hall’s Statler Auditorium. Covering university initiatives, issues and priorities, speakers include Provost Michael Kotlikoff; Ryan Lombardi, vice president for student and campus life; and Gretchen Ritter '83, the Harold Tanner Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Cornell Equestrian Show, Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oxley Equestrian Center. The women’s equestrian team will compete against other Eastern riders. Events will vary throughout the day.
• Women’s ice hockey vs. Mercyhurst University, Sunday, 3 p.m., Lynah Rink. Tickets available at cornellbigred.com.

The full schedule of events is available at http://ccengagement.cornell.edu/new-student-programs/families-of-new-students/first-year-parents-weekend.