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.

  • Forms to obtain a pass will be made available via the West Point website and West Point Parent Insider by early March. Parents that have already obtained a LAC pass do not need to submit a form. If you do not submit a form before the deadline or have a Local Access Credential (LAC) pass, you must obtain a pass in person at the Visitor Control Center. Please plan accordingly and arrive early to allow time for processing.
  • Everyone (ages 18 and up) must have a valid U.S. ID (i.e. a REAL ID Driver's License, passport, etc.) and a pass to enter West Point.  Visitors under the age of 18 do not require an ID or pass.
  • Where to get a Visitors Pass: The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located at 2107 New South Post Road, Highland Falls, NY 10928, Tel: (315) 774-9235. The VCC is open Monday-Sunday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. When the Visitor Control Center is closed, visitors will be directed to proceed to Stony Lonesome Gate (1 Stony Lonesome Rd, Highland Falls, NY 10928). To view the full list of valid forms of ID, go to the U.S. Army Garrison West Point Visitor Information page.
  • 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.
    • View Military and Civilian Dress Codes.
  • Cadet Authorized Walking Privileges
    • During select class weekends or academy events, such as Plebe Parent Weekend, Acceptance Day and Family Weekend, cadets may be authorized area walking privileges. 
      • 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
  • Directorate of Cadet Activities
    • First Class Club
    • Grant Hall
    • Ike's Riverside Cafe

 

 

 

Parking

Cadet Pick-up & Drop-off

  •  The only authorized pick-up and drop-off location during Plebe Parent Weekend is behind the Superintendents Review Box.  Attempting to pick up cadets at unauthorized locations causes traffic safety issues and could result in a citation.

Shuttle Bus

  • On Friday, a shuttle bus will provide transportation from designated parking areas to Eisenhower Hall, Herbert Hall and Central Area.

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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. View additional information and registration details for the Ring Run.
  • On Saturday at 3:45 p.m., a Class Reception is held in Eisenhower Hall.
  • On Saturday at 6 p.m., 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 an 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.
    • View Military and Civilian Dress Codes.
  • 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.

View Military and Civilian Dress Codes.

  • 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:

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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. 

For those that filled out a form in advance, Graduation Week passes will be available for pick up at the Frederick V. Malek Visitors Center located outside Thayer Gate starting the week before Graduation.

One member of a family/group may pick up all visitor passes on behalf of the group. Once passes are issued, they cannot be returned or reassigned, so please ensure the individual picking up the passes is able to distribute them to all members of their group before accepting them. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Everyone must have a valid U.S. ID (i.e. a REAL ID Driver's License, passport, etc.) and a pass to enter West Point. Visitors under the age of 18 do not require an ID or pass. To view the full list of valid forms of ID, go to the U.S. Army Garrison West Point website.

All vehicles need to show digital tickets, IDs, and a pass to access West Point for Graduation. There will be increased security, so be prepared and arrive well in advance to the event.

*Please note that foreign nationals must present their visa/passport and pick up their passes in person.

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.
  • Directorate of Cadet Activities
    • Grant Hall
    • First Class Club
    • Ike's Riverside Cafe
    • Starbucks at Jefferson Hall
    • Please contact DCA Catering for any menu questions or reservations.

 

 

View this year's Graduation Week Attire Guidelines

Graduation will be livestreamed on the Official West Point - U.S. Military Academy YouTube page.  

Please check back 24-48 hours before Graduation for the direct livestream link. 

All guests entering the stadium are subject to search for the following prohibited items: Weapons of any kind (Gerbers, pocketknives, guns, etc.) coolers, backpacks, umbrellas, unwrapped packages as well as any other hazardous item identified by event or security staff

Strollers are permitted within the stadium but not in the bleacher areas.

Guests are encouraged to use clear plastic bags to carry possessions into the stadium to speed up the processing through security. Clear bags will be provided at various locations prior to graduation

All guests will be allowed to enter the stadium with ONE, UN-OPENED, plastic bottle of water. You may be asked to break the seal at the gate. If the seal is already broken, it will not be allowed into the stadium. Mugs, thermoses, etc. are NOT AUTHORIZED.

Check the Army Gameday page for more details on Michie Stadium's carry-in/bag policy. 

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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 – Stop by the welcome center for assistance, information, and answers to your Family Weekend questions.
  • Attend Class with a Cadet – Experience a day in the life of a West Point cadet by attending a class with your cadet. Advance coordination with your cadet is required.
  • WB4 Tours – Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Washington Hall facility responsible for issuing cadet uniforms, field equipment, and other essential gear. Cadet escort required.
  • "Qwest"-Point Self-Guided Tours – Explore West Point through a family-friendly scavenger hunt featuring Academy history, activities, and prizes.
  • Simulation Center Tours – Explore the simulation technologies used to support cadet education and training.
  • Library Information Sessions – Discover West Point's history and explore special collections and exhibits in Jefferson Hall.
  • Cemetery Self-Guided Tours – Explore the West Point Cemetery and learn about notable figures in Academy and Army history.
  • Quarters 100 Tour – Tour the Superintendent's historic residence and learn about its more than 200 years of history.
  • Lunch Formation – Observe the Corps of Cadets during lunch formation on the Plain.
  • Leader Team Briefing – Hear from Academy leadership about West Point's mission, priorities, and the cadet experience.
  • Drone and Robotics Demonstration – Discover how emerging technologies and robotics support cadet education and innovation.
  • Academic Department Open Houses – Explore West Point's academic programs and facilities while learning about opportunities available to cadets. Cadet escort required.
  • Innovation Center Tours – Visit the West Point Werx Innovation Hub and learn how cadets are developing innovative solutions to challenges facing the Army and the nation.
  • Barracks Tours – Get a firsthand look at cadet life with a visit to the West Point barracks. Cadet escort required.
  • Dinner in the Cadet Mess – Experience a meal in the historic Cadet Mess Hall alongside the Corps of Cadets. Cadet escort and advance ticket purchase required.
  • Cadet Talent Showcase – Enjoy an evening of performances highlighting the talents and creativity of West Point cadets.

Saturday

  • Cadet Review – Watch the Corps of Cadets participate in a traditional military review on the Plain, featuring a demonstration by the drill team.
  • Home Football Game – Cheer on Army West Point Football and enjoy the game-day atmosphere at Michie Stadium. Visit Army Game Day for tickets, parking, and additional information.

Sunday

  • Brunch in the Cadet Mess – Enjoy a meal with your cadet in the historic Cadet Mess Hall. Cadet escort and advance ticket purchase required.
  • Boat Tours – Explore the history and geography of the Hudson River Valley during a guided boat tour with the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering.
  • Character Carved in Stone – Take a self-guided walking tour featuring 12 engraved benches that highlight the character traits and values central to the West Point experience. Learn more about Character Carved in Stone.

Make the most of your Family Weekend experience by planning ahead. Whether you're visiting West Point for the first time or returning to see your cadet, review the information below to help ensure a smooth visit.

Installation Access

West Point is an active military installation, and all visitors must meet installation access requirements. Visitors age 18 and older should bring an accepted form of identification and allow additional time for entry, particularly during major events.

Visitors who require access validation may need to visit the Visitor Control Center (VCC) before proceeding through an installation gate.

For current identification requirements, visitor validation procedures, and gate information, visit the West Point Visitor Information page.

Parking and Transportation

Parking availability and traffic patterns may vary throughout Family Weekend, particularly during major events and home football games.

Families are encouraged to review the current Family Weekend schedule, designated parking areas, and any transportation or shuttle information provided ahead of their visit.

For football game-day parking and transportation information, visit Army Game Day.

 

Some Family Weekend activities, including barracks tours, academic visits, and dining in the Cadet Mess Hall, require cadet accompaniment or advance arrangements.

Families should coordinate directly with their cadet regarding activity participation, schedules, and availability throughout the weekend.Cadet schedules and availability during Family Weekend vary based on class year, individual responsibilities and authorized privileges.

Walking privileges allow authorized cadets to travel within a designated area surrounding West Point. For planning purposes, families may reference the Walking Privileges Map, which shows the designated walking privileges area around West Point. The map is intended as a geographic reference only and does not indicate an individual cadet’s schedule, availability or privileges.

Walking Privileges Area

Walking privileges generally extend within a 20-mile radius of West Point, subject to the following boundaries:

  • North: Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa (west side of the Hudson River) and Holiday Inn Express Poughkeepsie (east side of the Hudson River)
  • South: Interstate 287
  • East: Interstate 84 and Interstate 684 interchange
  • West: Town of Goshen

View the Walking Privileges Map

Explore additional resources to help plan your visit, including directions, lodging, dining, and information about West Point's historic sites and attractions.

Visit the West Point Visitors Center for more information about exploring West Point and the surrounding area.

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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