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!

Promotional poster for Indiana State University Family Weekend featuring a live performance by Nelly at The Mill in Terre Haute, Indiana. The black, blue, and orange graphic includes a stylized portrait of the performer and text reading: “Family Weekend: In for a Good Night,” “Nelly Performing Live,” “Sunday September 20,” and “Student Discount: All college student tickets just $40 plus taxes and fees.”

Student Purchasing for Nelly Concert

FEVO Link: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Nelly-Students

University Special Offer:

$40 ticket + tax and fees
The offer will be routed through FEVO, so there is no need to check college IDs at the gate.
Students will use their ".edu" email address to purchase tickets through the link.
Tickets will be available at the discounted rate now through the day of the show.

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 Time	End Time	Event Name	Location	Responsible Unit(s)	Description
7:00 a.m.	6:30 p.m.	Hours of Operation	Sycamore Dining Hall	Sodexo	Come 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.	Bookstore	25 North 4th Street	Indiana State University Bookstore	Visit the bookstore and shop for Indiana State merchandise.
8:00 a.m.	4:30 p.m.	Check-In & T-Shirt Shop Pick-Up	John W. Moore Welcome Center	New Student Programs	Check-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 Operation	Starbucks	Sodexo	Stop 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 Operation	George's Cafe	Sodexo	Stop by George's for breakfast or lunch located in the Hulman Memorial Student Union!
8:00 a.m.	10:30 p.m.	Hours of Operation	Convenience Store	Sodexo	Stop 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 Operation	Convenience Store Salad Bar	Sodexo	Stop 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 Operation	Einstein's Bagels	Sodexo	Stop 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 Operation	Taco Bell	Sodexo	Stop by Taco Bell located inside the Hulman Memorial Student Union for lunch or dinner!
11:00 a.m.	4:00 p.m.	Faculty Art Exhibition	Yang Family University Art Gallery in Landini Center for Fine and Performing Arts	University Art Galleries	This 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 Operation	Pizza Hut	Sodexo	Stop by Pizza Hut located inside the Hulman Memorial Student Union for lunch!
11:00 a.m.	2:00 p.m.	Hours of Operation	Krispy Krunchy Chicken	Sodexo	Stop 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 Center	Student Recreation Center	Student Recreation Center	Visit the Student Recreation Center to purchase guest passes and enjoy the facilities between these hours.
		Explore the Terre Haute Community			We encourage families to also explore our Terre Haute community to see the city that makes up the home of our Sycamores. There are many great places to dine, shop, and explore. You can find what Terre Haute has to offer at www.terrehaute.com.
7:00 p.m.	8:30 p.m.	Comedian/Magician John Cassidy	Dede I	Student Activities & Organizations	FREE 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 Time	End Time	Event Name	Location	Responsible Unit(s)	Description
8:00 a.m.	4:30 p.m.	Check-In & T-Shirt Shop Pick-Up	John W. Moore Welcome Center	New Student Programs	Check-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 Operation	Starbucks	Sodexo	Stop 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 Operation	George's Cafe	Sodexo	Stop by George's for breakfast or lunch located in the Hulman Memorial Student Union!
9:00 a.m.	6:30 p.m.	Sycamore Dining Open	Sycamore Dining Hall	Sodexo	Come 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.	12:00 p.m.	Family Weekend BINGO	Dede I	Residence Hall Association	Join the Residence Hall Association (RHA) for a game (or two or three) of BINGO! This will be a family-fun event with prizes that anyone in a family would love!
9:00 a.m.	11:00 a.m.	Honors College Open House	Pickerl Hall	Honors College	Please 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 Operation	Convenience Store	Sodexo	Stop 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 Center	Student Recreation Center	Campus Recreation	Visit 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.
9:30 a.m.	11:00 a.m.	Breakfast	Normal Hall 212	Project Success	Start your Family Weekend with a relaxed morning breakfast! Join us in Normal Hall 212 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. for a variety of pastries, coffee, tea, juice, and other refreshments. Bring your family, grab a cup of coffee, enjoy a pastry, and spend some time together before the rest of the weekend's activities begin. We look forward to welcoming you!
10:00 a.m.	12:00 p.m.	Photo Booth & Craft Activity	Dede III	Hulman Memorial Student Union	Please 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 Market	Sycamore Banquet Center	Career Center	Please 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 Games	Sycamore Banquet Center	New Student Programs	Please 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.	College Culture: Slang & Swag Challenge	The Fountain	Charles E. Brown Cultural Center	Join the CEBCC team for a fun family-style game that tests how well you know today's student lingo in academics, social life, and culture! Compete for bragging rights, learn some new phrases, and score some exclusive CEBCC swag along the way. Whether you're fluent in student slang or just curious about what everyone's saying, this interactive experience is guaranteed to bring laughs, connection, and a little friendly competition. Come ready to learn, have fun, and prove you're the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) when it comes to campus culture!
10:30 a.m.	12:00 p.m.	The Journey of a Product: A Supply Chain Activity	The Fountain	Scott College of Business	Ever wonder how a cotton T-shirt, smartphone, or box of cereal makes it from raw ingredients to store shelves? Test your speed and teamwork in this high-energy, hands-on matching game! Work to place the five stages of global supply chain in the correct order before the 30-second clock runs out. Beat the timer to claim your prize!
11:00 a.m.	2:00 p.m.	JCPenney Suit-Up	JCPenney at the Haute City Center	Career Center	Save 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 Op	John W. Moore Welcome Center	Terre Haute Fire Department	Meet our Terre Haute Fire Department and check out our awesome equipment and trucks for a wonderful photo op!
11:00 a.m.	4:00 p.m.	Bookstore	25 North 4th Street	Indiana State University Bookstore	Visit the bookstore to purchase Indiana State merchandise.
11:00 a.m.	9:00 p.m.	Hours of Operation	Pizza Hut	Sodexo	Stop by Pizza Hut located inside the Hulman Memorial Student Union for lunch!
12:00 p.m.	2:00 p.m.	Open Pool Hours	Student Recreation Center	New Student Programs	Bring your swimsuits and enjoy open access to our Student Recreation Center pool! Please follow the Student Recreation Center Pool Rules and Regulations.
12:00 p.m.	3:00 p.m.	Study Abroad, Faculty-Led & Passport Activity	The Fountain	Education Abroad Office	Do you love traveling? Come say hi to the Study Abroad table! Decorate a passport, do a coloring sheet, or play "World Toss" with our team. We'll be happy to answer all your questions/interests about studying abroad!
12:00 p.m.	9:00 p.m.	Open Hours	E-Sports Lounge (Jones Hall)	Indiana State University E-Sports	Please join us in Jones Hall in the E-sports Lounge to play video games and check out our space! We have gaming PCs, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X, and PlayStation 5 available.
1:00 p.m.		Sycamore Football vs. Valparaiso Game	Indiana State University Memorial Stadium	Indiana State University Athletics	You 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 Table	Indiana State University Memorial Stadium	Indiana State University Athletics	The 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 Center	New Student Programs	FREE 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 Festival	Dreiser Theater	Department of Theater	FREE 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.
		Explore the Terre Haute Community			We encourage families to also explore our Terre Haute community to see the city that makes up the home of our Sycamores. There are many great places to dine, shop, and explore. You can find what Terre Haute has to offer by visiting www.terrehaute.com.

Sunday, September 20

Start Time	End Time	Event Name	Location	Responsible Unit(s)	Description
		Explore the Terre Haute Community			We encourage families to also explore our Terre Haute community to see the city that makes up the home of our Sycamores. There are many great places to dine, shop, and explore. You can find what Terre Haute has to offer by visiting www.terrehaute.com.
9:30 a.m.		Breakfast, Family Worship, and Lunch at CSF	732 North 5th Street	Christian Student Fellowship, Student Activities & Organizations	Join CSF for a free breakfast at 9:30 a.m., a worship gathering at 10:00 a.m., and lunch afterwards at 11:45 a.m.!
7:00 p.m.		Grammy Winner Nelly Performing Live	The Mill Event Center in Terre Haute	Indiana State University	Indiana 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. Student Purchasing for Nelly Concert FEVO Link: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Nelly-Students University Special Offer: $40 ticket + tax and fees The offer will be routed through FEVO, so there is no need to check college IDs at the gate. Students will use their ".edu" email address to purchase tickets through the link. Tickets will be available at the discounted rate now through the day of the show.

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.

We also recommend making reservations at Drury Inn & Suites (812-238-1206).

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

Families and guests parking for Family Weekend on Friday, September 18th will need to use guest lots or are able to park in our West Pay Lot (Visitor's Pay Lot - Google Maps). This lot will have an attendant to let you in as a guest for Family Weekend. The gates will be set to free exit for guests to leave the lot.

Parking on September 19th and 20th will be open in any lot on campus, as classes are not in session during this time.

Family Weekend

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

Student Purchasing for Nelly Concert

Registration Information

Family Weekend T-Shirts

Family Weekend Schedule

Travel, Accommodations, and Meals

Discounted Football Tickets

Parking Information