Current Parents Events and Milestones

Current Parents Events and Milestones

Experience the Journey: Cadet Events at West Point for Families

Attending a cadet event at West Point is a meaningful way for families to connect with their cadet and experience the rich traditions, discipline, and pride that define life at the U.S. Military Academy. Whether you're here for major milestones like R-Day, Acceptance Day, graduation, or visiting during Family Weekend, these events offer a firsthand look at your cadet’s journey and accomplishments. To help you navigate what to expect and how to prepare, the sections below provide event-specific information.

Plebe - Parent Weekend Ring Weekend Graduation Family Weekend

Plebe - Parent Weekend

This event is held in the spring of Plebe (freshman) year. Parents are invited to this special weekend to view West Point through their cadet's experience. The staff and faculty offer presentations and open houses, tours of buildings, demonstrations, leader team briefings, a parade, and a formal banquet in the Cadet Mess to offer visitors insight into cadet life. West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) hosts a gathering for families to learn about the many services and resources available during their time at West Point and beyond.

Parent-Plebe Weekend is one of the first opportunities for families to reconnect with their cadet after the start of their West Point journey. Held during the spring of Plebe year, this special weekend offers a closer look at cadet life, campus traditions, and the milestones your cadet has achieved since arriving on R-Day. The sections below provide key details to help you plan your visit and make the most of this memorable experience.

  • Attire
    • Business casual for most events. Dinner and dance on Saturday night require more formal attire: a long dress or party pantsuit; a tuxedo, dark suit, or military uniform as appropriate. Cadets will be in their full dress for the event.
  • Transportation
    • For additional information on shuttle bus routes and other event schedules, sign up for the Parent Insider Newsletter. Guests are encouraged to park in Buffalo Soldier Field and other designated parking areas with shuttle stops, especially on Friday.

Back to the top of the page

Ring Weekend

This event is held in August of a cadet’s first class or Firstie year. Ring Weekend events occur on Friday and Saturday of the designated weekend. On Friday, cadets will march to the Plain and take their position, in formation by company. At a certain point in the ceremony, the TAC teams will distribute the class rings to the cadets. Family and friends who have been invited to attend fill the area around the cadets on the hillside, watching as the cadets receive and don their rings. 

Ring Weekend is a proud and time-honored tradition celebrating Firsties (seniors) as they receive their class rings - symbols of their commitment, achievement, and connection to the Long Gray Line. This special weekend marks a major milestone in your cadet’s final year and includes ceremonies, formal events, and opportunities for families to take part in the celebration. The sections below offer helpful information to guide you through the events and make the most of this memorable occasion.

The West Point Association of Graduates’ Class Ring Memorial Program, more commonly known as “the Ring Melt,” is held annually in January to create the rings for each West Point class. 

Hosted by the Association of Graduates (AOG), this is a special, invitation-only event for the 50-year affiliate class, VIPs, and donors whose rings are being included in the melt.

  • On Friday at 5 p.m., first-class cadets march onto the Plain and take their positions in formation by company for the Ring Ceremony. At a certain point in the ceremony, the TAC teams distribute the class rings to cadets, with family and friends watching on. At the conclusion of the approximately 30– to 35-minute ceremony, companies often gather for group photos. Cadets are released to spend time with family and friends following the ceremony.
  • On Saturday at 8:30 a.m., cadets, family, and friends are invited to participate in the Annual 5k Ring Run, followed by a celebratory brunch at the West Point Club.
  • On Saturday at 3:45 p.m., a Class Reception is held in Eisenhower Hall.
  • After the reception, cadets and invited guests attend a formal Ring Banquet in the Cadet Mess Hall to celebrate this special milestone in their journey at West Point. The class will invite a guest speaker for the event. Banquet guests need to be behind their seat no later than 5:55 p.m.
  • On Friday, parking is available at A-Lot near Michie Stadium and Buffalo Soldier Field Lot. Shuttles will run in a continuous loop from these lots to the Plain from 2 -7:30 p.m., with a pause from 4:45-5:45 p.m. Parking is limited around the Plain, so guests are encouraged to drop off their party at the Plain or take a shuttle from A-Lot or Buffalo Soldier Field.
  • On Saturday, shuttles will also start running at 2 p.m. until after the Ring Banquet, with stops at Buffalo Soldier Field, Eisenhower Hall, and the Superintendent's Review Box by the Plain. Parking is also available in Clinton Lot, by Eisenhower Hall, and in Buffalo Soldier Field Lot. Due to limited parking around the Plain and Eisenhower Hall, guests are encouraged to drop off their party at their intended destination or take the shuttle.

The Ring Ceremony is approximately  30- to 35-minute event held on the Friday of Ring Weekend at 5 p.m.

  • Attire:
    • Appropriate attire is summer/business casual: sundresses, capris, skirts, walking shorts for ladies; shorts, casual pants, polo shirts, etc., for men. Be comfortable and wear comfortable shoes.
  • Seating
    • Please be in the bleachers at the Plain. The area directly in front of the bleachers is where cadets will stand for the ceremony.
    • First and Second regiments will enter from the middle of the Plain; Third and Fourth will enter from the right side. 

Prior to the banquet, there is a reception in Eisenhower Hall starting at 3:45 p.m.

  • The banquet will take place at the cadet mess in Washington Hall around 6 p.m.
  • All guests (cadet + 3 guests) attending the banquet should be in place behind their chairs no later than 5:55 p.m.
  • Cadets are responsible for signing up/paying for guests.
  • Please refrain from entering the cadet area. Parents and guests are not allowed into the barracks or buildings in the Cadet Restricted Area.
  • Attire:
    • This is a formal event. Appropriate attire is formal: formal cocktail or evening gown, and dark business suit or tuxedo (or military equivalent). 
  • The West Point Parents Club of MDDCVA will be selling class crest afghans (throws). Proceeds will be donated to the class for its gift fund.
  • The West Point Parents Club of New Jersey will be in the grassy area behind the bleachers on Friday selling coins with the class crest. Proceeds will be donated to the class for its gift fund.
  • The West Point Parents Club of Southeast Pennsylvania will be in the grassy area behind the bleachers on Friday to distribute pre-purchased tote bags.

Back to the top of the page

Graduation

Originally known as June Week (because graduation happened in early or mid-June), Graduation Week is filled with events to recognize graduating cadets in their last week before becoming a commissioned officer. Cadets honor the Long Gray Line with an Alumni Wreath-Laying and Cadet Review, and cadet company achievements are highlighted at regimental Superintendent’s receptions. Academic departments honor cadets with awards and service, and the Graduation Parade and Graduation Banquet are held the day before graduation.   

Graduation at West Point is a momentous occasion that marks the culmination of your cadet’s hard work, dedication, and transformation into a commissioned officer in the United States Army. This weeklong celebration is filled with time-honored traditions, ceremonies, and opportunities to honor the accomplishments of the graduating class. The sections below provide important details to help you plan your visit and fully experience this proud and unforgettable milestone

  • Graduation tickets:
    • Ten (10) tickets will be available to members of the graduating class for their families and guests. A ticket is required for admission into the stadium. Tickets will be distributed by company during Graduation Week.
  • Additional ticket requests (above the 10 reserved tickets per cadet):
    • Additional tickets will be made available on designated dates and times. Please note that these tickets are for general public seating and will not be located in the same section as the 10 reserved tickets allocated to each cadet.
  • Tickets for Infants:
    • Infants who will be seated on a parent's or guardian’s lap do not require a ticket. However, if you plan to bring an infant carrier, we kindly ask that you reserve an extra ticket to account for the needed space. Children aged 2 and older must have a ticket for entry. Strollers are permitted within the stadium but not in the bleacher areas.
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ticket request:
    • Each cadet is responsible for submitting the number of guests requiring ADA accommodations for the Graduation Ceremony through CIS. This information is essential for planning accessible seating, particularly for individuals using wheelchairs, and ensuring optimal viewing within the limited indoor space available at Michie Stadium.
    • Guests requiring accessible seating will receive two (2) tickets: one for the individual needing accommodation and one for an accompanying guest.
      • An alternate viewing location will be available for guests with health or mobility challenges or who may want to be indoors. The location is the Class of '63 Lounge on the 3rd level in Eisenhower Hall.
      • No ticket is required.
      • To access this location, guests must enter via Washington Gate, proceeding down Washington Road. Bear left at the West Point Cemetery south entrance and follow Ruger Road to Ike Hall. Drop off guest(s) at the Eisenhower Hall ticket office in the tunnel.
      • Guests will take the elevator to the 3rd level. Upon exiting the elevators, please walk to the open area (Crest Hall). Once in Crest Hall, cross the area to your left, and you will see the Class of '63 Lounge. The live stream will be shown in this location.

Everyone must have an ID and a pass to enter West Point. All vehicles need to show electronic or paper tickets, IDs, and a pass to access West Point during Graduation Week. There will be increased security, so be prepared and arrive well in advance at the event.

Pass Collection:

One person (including the cadet) can collect passes for your group starting a few days before Graduation. Pick-up will be at the Visitor Control Center located outside Thayer Gate. If the cadet collects the passes, they must be able to deliver them outside the gate. The Visitor Control Center will not rewrite passes. Foreign nationals must present their visa/passport and pick up their passes in person.

Exceptions:

  • CAC (Common Access Card) holders do not need a visitor pass and may escort their visitors onto the post.
  • LAC (Local Area Credential) holders, also known as 4-year parent ID holders, do not need a visitor pass but cannot escort others; they may only escort themselves.

Guests are encouraged to park in designated areas and use the shuttle bus service. On Graduation Day, parking is available for handicapped guests in F Lot. Guests will be directed to parking at Buffalo Soldier Field and shuttled to the stadium area. 

Cart service will also be available to assist as needed. 

There is no parking in the cadet area until after the ceremony.

  • In the event graduation must be moved indoors due to severe weather, the following sites will be utilized to accommodate the graduating class and their guests:
    • Eisenhower Hall Theater will be the primary location for the graduating class and limited family members.
    • Other alternate locations include Thayer Hall, Robinson Auditorium, Washington Hall (Cadet Mess), Holleder Center (Tate Rink), and Mahan Hall Auditorium.
    • Live video of the ceremony will be streamed to all alternate locations.
    • Please make sure to follow the Parent Insider Newsletter to received updates closer to Graduation Day.

Back to the top of the page

Family Weekend

All parents/family members are invited to attend this event! Parents and guests will have the opportunity to tour facilities, hear from instructors and staff, attend open houses and sporting events, and more. Cadets will have time with their guests at the end of the class day.

Family Weekend is a special time for loved ones to visit West Point, spend meaningful time with their cadet, and gain a deeper understanding of life at the academy. Held each fall, this weekend features a variety of events - from tours and open houses to athletic games and social gatherings - all designed to strengthen the bond between cadets and their families. The sections below provide helpful information to help you plan, participate, and make the most of your Family Weekend experience.

Friday

  • Parent Welcome Center - Have a question? Stop by our welcome center for assistance.
  • Attend Class with a Cadet – See a day in the life of your cadet first-hand by having them arrange for you to attend a class with them.
  • WB4 Tours – WB4 is in Washington Hall where our logistics and supply team issues TA-50 (field gear), winter hats, gloves, collars, cuffs, tie tacks, ties, full dress hats, plumes, sabers, etc. Cadet escort required.
  • "Qwest"-Point Self-Guided Tours - Explore West Point with a self-guided scavenger hunt! Kids can learn history and win fun prizes along the way.
  • Simulation Center Tours – Groups will be escorted every 20 minutes to/from the Center.
  • Library Information Sessions - Learn more about West Point's history and our special collections on display in Jefferson Hall.
  • Cemetery Self-Guided Tours - Explore the West Point Cemetery and pay respect to notable figures in West Point and Army history.
  • Quarters 100 Tour – Get a sneak peek into the Superintendent’s residence with a tour of this 200-year-old home.
  • Lunch Formation - Observe lunch formation from the diagonal walk on the Plain.
  • Leader Team Briefing – An informative briefing led by Superintendent will take place in the afternoon in Robinson Auditorium, Thayer Hall.
  • Drone/Robotics Demonstration – Stop by our Robotics Center for a demonstration of all our newest technologies, Thayer Hall 136.
  • Academic Departments Open Houses – Explore the academic programs we offer by taking a tour of the departments. Cadet escort required.
  • Innovation Center Tours - Tour the West Point Werx Innovation Hub and see how we're enhancing cadet leader development and addressing the Army’s and the Nation’s challenges.
  • Barracks Tours – Check out your cadet’s room in the iconic West Point barracks in the late afternoon. Cadet escort required.
  • Dinner in Cadet Mess – Experience dining like one of 4,000 cadets in the historic Cadet Mess Hall. Cadet escort required.
  • Cadet Talent Showcase - End your night with a fun show put on by our talented Cadets!

Saturday

  • Parade – Start the morning by watching the cadets parade on the Plain and a demonstration from our drill team.
  • Home Football Game – Go Army! Join in tailgating fun with a home game. Head to Army Game Day for more info.

Sunday

  • Brunch in the Cadet Mess – Grab a bite in the Mess Hall on Sunday morning before you leave. Cadet escort required.
  • Boat rides – Take a historical cruise down the Hudson River Valley area with the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences.
  • Character Carved in Stone – Take a self-guided walking tour of our 12 engraved benches highlighting West Point character traits. Learn more about this walking tour.

Parking

Shuttle Route

  • Shuttle Buses begin running at 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. throughout Family Weekend, with stops at A-Lot, the Plain, Buffalo Soldier Field, Herbert Hall (AOG), and the Kimsey Center (Hall of Fame).

 

On Family Weekend, cadets are authorized walking privileges after last duty on Friday. Walking privileges are defined as a 20-mile radius from West Point. 

The limits for walking privileges are defined by the following boundaries: North - Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa (West Side of Hudson) and Holiday Inn Express Poughkeepsie (East Side of Hudson); South - Interstate 287; East - Interstate 84 and Interstate 684 Interchange; West - Town of Goshen.

After the football game on Saturday, cadets are authorized to depart on pass. All cadets must return for recall formation at 7:30 p.m. on Monday.

For more information on Family Weekend, go to the Family Weekend event page.

Back to the top of the page

Follow the U.S. Military Academy on Social Media

Keep up with what's happening at the academy.

Contact Us

We encourage open communication between parents and cadets. Please keep in mind this is an education and military experience. It is important to understand your cadet is responsible for navigating much of it on his or her own.

Visiting West Point

Parent Event Information