The day has finally come. You spent all night deep cleaning your room to make it more presentable. Your parents are finally here for the weekend. Proud mama and papa bear are excited to see you and ready to live vicariously through you for the weekend. So, here’s parents weekend done right!

Noon Rally on Sproul Plaza

I grew up coming to UC Berkeley to attend football games. The Noon Rally was always the first thing we’d do once we arrived in town. I met Oski at the rally in 2016 and now it’s 2026, and he still has the same old unfortunate face. If you didn’t already know, we have a rally at noon put on by the band, cheer and dance team and the Mic Men on Fridays before home games. It’s a great way to reunite with your family and get in the spirit for the game. Show your parents around campus and hit up the student store to get them decked out in Cal gear for gameday. If you have class in the afternoon, set them up at Caffè Strada to people watch and enjoy the beautiful fall weather. I will be doing this as I have an afternoon class and my dad (class of 1992), Strada’s No. 1 fan, insists on going there every time he is in town. It’s his happy place.

Friday night dinner

Take advantage of a free, tasty meal out with your family. If you haven’t already booked a place, make sure you do it now; otherwise you’ll be eating at Taco Bell. There are great food spots from College Avenue in Elmwood to the Berkeley Marina. Some of my Elmwood favorites include State Flour Pizza and 5 Tacos & Beers. Skates on the Bay in the Marina is delicious for seafood. Have some good old grub with your family!

Tailgate and football game

This is probably the most memorable part of parents weekend. If you enjoy tailgating before the games, take your parents out to your favorite spots. Keg stands, ice luges, mimosas and so much more await your parents. From frats to Henry’s, you’ll need to get them prepared to be up early for the game day festivities, as the game starts at 12:30 p.m.! This is also a great opportunity for your parents to meet your friends and their families. Make sure to head to Topdog before or after the game for a light snack.

Sunday morning grocery shopping and a meal

Time to stock up on your groceries and essentials. Take advantage of a free ride to the grocery store without the hassle of taking the bus. Let your parents load you up with the snacks and goodies you’ve been needing. I remember last year when I got the free Uber ride from my Clark Kerr residence hall to Safeway, courtesy of my mom, and came back with three bags full of groceries and toiletry restocks. You can probably pull off brunch, or at least a full meal, before their departure. This is a win for everyone.

Pro tip: Have any unworn pieces of clothing or extra junk? Send them home with the parents!

Enjoy parents weekend with your loved ones and make memories that’ll last a lifetime!