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Family Weekend

You’re invited! Every autumn, Indiana State hosts the families of our Sycamores for Family Weekend. It’s an enjoyable time when family members visit Terre Haute to reconnect with their students, explore our campus and community, and participate in fun events.

Join us September 18-20, 2026, for Family Weekend!  

Experience our Sycamore hospitality and see what it truly means to take root and rise together! Family Weekend invites you to connect – with your student, their friends, and our campus community. Join us in fun activities, explore life at Indiana State, and come together to cheer for Sycamore Football on Game Day! 

Family Weekend shows why Indiana State is your student’s home away from home. It’s where Sycamores are supported as they grow and learn. We look forward to welcoming your family to campus this fall!

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Registration Information

Family Weekend is open to all families and friends of Indiana State students, including those they have met on campus. Students will register their invited family members. A registration link will be sent to their Sycamore email addresses. Students should look for the subject line: “Family Weekend 2026.” 

T-Shirts will be available for purchase on-site in the John W. Moore Welcome Center during check-in hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on September 18th and September 19th. T-shirts will be $10, and we will have sizes ranging from XS to 3XL. 

Blue Indiana State University Family Weekend T-shirt with white “FAMILY WEEKEND” text and a light blue sycamore leaf graphic on the front.

Friday, September 18

Start TimeEnd TimeEvent NameLocationResponsible Unit(s)Description
7:00 a.m.6:30 p.m.Hours of OperationSycamore Dining HallSodexoCome swipe in you and your family to enjoy a meal at Sycamore Dining Hall! If you do not have swipe meal plans, you can still pay to eat at the Sycamore Dining Hall.
9:00 a.m.5:00 p.m.Bookstore25 North 4th StreetIndiana State University BookstoreVisit the bookstore and shop for Indiana State merchandise.
8:00 a.m.4:30 p.m.Check-In & T-Shirt Shop Pick-UpJohn W. Moore Welcome CenterNew Student ProgramsCheck-in for Family Weekend at the John W. Moore Welcome Center to be entered to win a prize sponsored by our Indiana State Bookstore. Also, stop by our Family Weekend T-shirt station to purchase T-shirts and commemorate the time together! A QR code will also be available to purchase discounted tickets for the Sycamore Football game versus Valparaiso.
8:00 am.m.5:00 p.m.Hours of OperationStarbucksSodexoStop by Starbucks for a good coffee, breakfast, or refresher located in the Hulman Memorial Student Union!
8:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.Hours of OperationGeorge's CafeSodexoStop by George's for breakfast or lunch located in the Hulman Memorial Student Union!
8:00 a.m.10:30 p.m.Hours of OperationConvenience StoreSodexoStop by the Convenience Store located inside the Sycamore Banquet Center for a quick drink, snack, or meal!
10:30 a.m.2:00 p.m.Hours of OperationConvenience Store Salad BarSodexoStop by the Convenience Store located inside the Sycamore Banquet Center to check out the store's salad bar!
8:00 a.m.1:00 p.m.Hours of OperationEinstein's BagelsSodexoStop by Einstein's Bagels located inside the Hulman Memorial Student Union for breakfast or lunch!
11:00 a.m.9:00 p.m.Hours of OperationTaco BellSodexoStop by Taco Bell located inside the Hulman Memorial Student Union for lunch or dinner!
11:00 a.m.4:00 p.m.Faculty Art ExhibitionYang Family University Art Gallery in Landini Center for Fine and Performing ArtsUniversity Art GalleriesThis exhibition invites you to engage with the creative work and research of the faculty in the Department of Art and Design at Indiana State University. The faculty’s dedication to their artistic practice testifies to their continued commitment to remaining current and professionally active. Their ongoing persistence demonstrates to students that art is a practice and encourages them to continue challenging themselves, evolving, and pushing beyond the perceived boundaries of their chosen discipline. This exhibition will be available for viewing August 27 through September 18.
11:00 a.m.2:00 p.m.Hours of OperationPizza HutSodexoStop by Pizza Hut located inside the Hulman Memorial Student Union for lunch!
11:00 a.m.2:00 p.m.Hours of OperationKrispy Krunchy ChickenSodexoStop by Krispy Krunchy Chicken located inside the Hulman Memorial Student Union for lunch!
11:00 a.m.6:00 p.m.Membership Desk for Student Recreation CenterStudent Recreation CenterStudent Recreation CenterVisit the Student Recreation Center to purchase guest passes and enjoy the facilities between these hours. 
7:00 p.m.8:30 p.m.Comedian/Magician John CassidyDede IStudent Activities & OrganizationsFREE ADMISSION: Get ready for an unforgettable performance with John Cassidy, a world-renowned comedian, magician, and Guinness World Records® holder. Known for his incredible balloon-sculpting speed and engaging stage presence, Cassidy has appeared on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," "The Today Show," "Live with Regis and Kelly," and more. A favorite among family, corporate, and collegiate audiences, he combines hilarious comedy, mind-blowing magic, and astonishing balloon artistry into a high-energy show that will have you laughing, cheering, and wondering, “How did he do that?” Don't miss this unique entertainment experience from a performer who has entertained audiences around the globe—including at the White House and aboard Disney Cruise Lines.

 

Saturday, September 19 

Start TimeEnd TimeEvent NameLocationResponsible Unit(s)Description
8:00 a.m.4:30 p.m.Check-In & T-Shirt Shop Pick-UpJohn W. Moore Welcome CenterNew Student ProgramsCheck-in for Family Weekend at the John W. Moore Welcome Center to be entered to win a prize sponsored by our Indiana State Bookstore. Also, stop by our Family Weekend T-shirt station to purchase T-shirts and commemorate the time together! A QR code will also be available to purchase discounted tickets for the Sycamore Football game versus Valparaiso.
8:30 a.m.1:00 p.m.Hours of OperationStarbucksSodexoStop by Starbucks for a good coffee, breakfast, or refresher located in the Hulman Memorial Student Union!
8:30 a.m.9:00 p.m.Hours of OperationGeorge's CafeSodexoStop by George's for breakfast or lunch located in the Hulman Memorial Student Union!
9:00 a.m.6:30 p.m.Sycamore Dining OpenSycamore Dining HallSodexoCome swipe in you and your family to enjoy a meal at Sycamore Dining Hall! If you do not have swipe meal plans, you can still pay to eat at the Sycamore Dining Hall.
9:00 a.m.11:00 a.m.Honors College Open HousePickerl HallHonors CollegePlease join the Honors College as they host an open house to celebrate Family Weekend! Stop by to say hello, grab some light refreshments, and meet fellow Honors families and faculty! 
9:00 a.m.9:00 p.m.Hours of OperationConvenience StoreSodexoStop by the Convenience Store located inside the Sycamore Banquet Center for a quick drink, snack, or meal!
9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.Membership Desk for the Student Recreation CenterStudent Recreation CenterCampus RecreationVisit the Student Recreation Center to purchase guest passes from the membership desk during these hours and enjoy the other facilities outside of the open pool hours listed in our schedule.
10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.Photo Booth & Craft ActivityDede IIIHulman Memorial Student UnionPlease stop by Dede III in Hulman Memorial Student Union for a craft activity to make dyed bucket hats. A SpongeBob SquarePants-themed photo booth will be set up in the courtyard outside DeDe III. 
10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.Student MarketSycamore Banquet CenterCareer CenterPlease visit the Sycamore Banquet Center in the Hulman Memorial Student Union to support our student businesses during our Student Market! They will have merchandise, crafts, and products to purchase and check out. 
10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.Board GamesSycamore Banquet CenterNew Student ProgramsPlease feel free to lounge and play board games provided by New Student Programs while browsing our Student Market. Board games will be centrally located in the middle of the Student Market inside the Sycamore Banquet Center.
10:30 a.m.12:00 p.m.TBDThe FountainCharles E. Brown Cultural CenterTBD
11:00 a.m.2:00 p.m.JCPenney Suit-UpJCPenney at the Haute City CenterCareer CenterSave up to 45% on select career wear, shoes, and accessories when you use the extra 30% off coupon available at the event. A Student ID is required to show at JCPenney. See this flyer for additional information and contact our Career Center at 812-237-5000 for any questions.
11:00 a.m.1:00 p.m.Firetruck Photo OpJohn W. Moore Welcome CenterTerre Haute Fire DepartmentMeet our Terre Haute Fire Department and check out our awesome equipment and trucks for a wonderful photo op! 
11:00 a.m.1:00 p.m.TBDTBDScott College of BusinessTBD
11:00 a.m.4:00 p.m.Bookstore25 North 4th StreetIndiana State University BookstoreVisit the bookstore to purchase Indiana State merchandise. 
11:00 a.m.9:00 p.m.Hours of OperationPizza HutSodexoStop by Pizza Hut located inside the Hulman Memorial Student Union for lunch!
12:00 p.m.2:00 p.m.Open Pool HoursStudent Recreation CenterNew Student ProgramsBring your swimsuits and enjoy open access to our Student Recreation Center pool! Please follow the Student Recreation Center pool guidelines posted on our Family Weekend website.
12:00 p.m.3:00 p.m.Study Abroad, Faculty-Led & Passport ActivityThe FountainEducation Abroad OfficeTBD
1:00 p.m. Sycamore Football vs. Valparaiso GameIndiana State University Memorial StadiumIndiana State University AthleticsYou can purchase discounted tickets in advance or stop by the John W. Moore Welcome Center to scan our QR code. Go Sycamores!
1:00 p.m. The Forest Registration TableIndiana State University Memorial StadiumIndiana State University AthleticsThe Forest will be set up at the student entrance on Family Weekend. The Forest membership is open to all Indiana State students. For $5 to join, the student will receive a Forest T-shirt and a membership card. Membership includes priority seating at Men's Basketball games, multiple freebies throughout the year, and the ability to attend away Men's Basketball games.
7:00 p.m. Movie Night & Popcorn (Wonka, 2023)Sycamore Banquet CenterNew Student ProgramsFREE ADMISSION: Come watch a screening of Wonka (2023) and enjoy some popcorn! We will also have lemonade and water. Register ahead of time. Check-in will begin at 7:00 p.m., and we will start the movie around 7:15 p.m.
7:30 p.m. The Two-Minute Dance FestivalDreiser TheaterDepartment of TheaterFREE ADMISSION: The Two-Minute Dance Festival is a one-night-only performance celebrating the power of brevity, creativity, and movement. Each dancer/dance group presents an original work no longer than two minutes, resulting in a fast-paced evening filled with bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and dynamic choreography. Join us for an engaging showcase where every second counts. 

 

Sunday, September 20 

Start TimeEnd TimeEvent NameLocationResponsible Unit(s)Description
7:00 p.m. Grammy Winner Nelly Performing LiveThe Mill Event Center in Terre HauteIndiana State UniversityIndiana State University is sponsoring a live concert performance from Grammy Award-winning artist, Nelly, at the Mill Event Center located in Terre Haute! Tickets will become available to purchase on July 31st on Ticketmaster.

Guests are responsible for coordinating meals, accommodations, and travel. Book your hotel stay at either the Hilton Garden Inn (812-234-8900) or Candlewood Suites (812-234-3400), located in downtown Terre Haute within walking distance of campus. You may receive a discount when you indicate that you are participating in Family Weekend. 

Purchase discounted tickets for the Sycamore Football vs. Valparaiso game!