Northeastern students and their families will celebrate university traditions and experience the campus’ vibrant atmosphere at the annual Parent and Family Weekend, which runs from Friday to Sunday. Throughout the weekend, families will be engaged in a range of exciting events—from faculty-led discussions and breakfasts with college deans, to a family barbecue and athletics matches.

Many events are free with registration, but others require attendees to purchase tickets.

On Friday and Saturday, “Faculty Spotlight” events featuring professors from a range of disciplines will explore academic topics including the presidential election, climate change and biodiversity, the economy and social entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, tours of university facilities such as the Digital Media Commons, the Marine Science Center and Gallery 360 will highlight academic and student life.

Families will get a brush with celebrity on Saturday, when the university hosts “A Conversation with Tom Bergeron” at 2:30 p.m. in Ell Hall’s Blackman Auditorium. This event is only available to parent weekend participants and requires tickets and preregistration.

Bergeron is a 2012 Emmy Award winner and host of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars. He is also known as the host of America’s Funniest Home Videos and Hollywood Squares; as a fill-in host for Who Wants to be a Millionaire; and for appearances on many other TV programs.

Saturday entertainment also includes a family barbecue; an Xhibition Kitchen event with renowned chef Terry Walters at 2:30 p.m. at the Stetson West Dining Hall; and evening performances by comedians.

Sports fans should have plenty to cheer for this weekend. On Friday, the women’s hockey team drops the puck against Robert Morris at 7 p.m. in Matthews Arena. On Saturday, the men’s soccer team plays George Mason at 6 p.m. at Parsons Field; the women’s hockey team faces-off against Maine at 2 p.m. at Matthews Arena; and the men’s hockey team takes on UNH at 7 p.m. at Matthews.

On Sunday, women’s volleyball faces Georgia State at 1 p.m. in Cabot Gymnasium and the women’s field hockey team battles Towson at 2 p.m. on Jordan Field in Cambridge, Mass.