9 AM - 3 PM
Fall Plant & Bulb Sale (Edith J. Carrier Arboretum; Parking: Arboretum lots, R5 Lot on Univ. Blvd)
Calling all plant lovers! The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum's Fall Plant & Bulb Sale begins on September 26th! Shop from a variety of houseplants, native perennials, shrubs, and trees! This ongoing sale is in the Frances Plecker Education Center and on the Ernst Tree Terrace. Support us during our Great Garden Giveback campaign by making an additional plant purchase to contribute to the completion of new, ongoing projects! 

More information »

11 AM - 5 PM
Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Arts (Duke Hall, Room 1022, Free; Parking: Mason St Deck levels 3-5)
The Duke Gallery of Fine Art is excited to open the 2025 – 2026 academic year with the SADAH Faculty Exhibition. This exhibition features work by award-winning faculty members from the School of Art, Design, and Art History (SADAH).

More information »

2 PM
Field Hockey vs Longwood (Field Hockey Complex, Free Admission, Parking: C10, C12)
Grab your whole family to cheer on the Dukes at the Field Hockey Complex!

3:00 - 6:00 PM
JMU-OTCES Presents “Let’s Play D-U-U-K-E-E-S” (755 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Campbell Building-Beside Hardees)
JMU-OTCES (JMU Occupational Therapy Clinical Education Services) is hosting an event for students and family members of ALL ages and abilities on Friday afternoon. This event includes a variety of stations with competitive activities where Dukes and their families can go head-to-head in unique challenges that highlight the distinct value of occupational therapy! Come grab some purple and gold beads for the game and take a photo in our #JMUFamilyWeekend photo booth!

• Sensory-Friendly!
• Parents to accompany children/teens at ALL times throughout the events
• Check out our clinic website
• Please call or email if you would like additional information: 540-568-4980 or otces@jmu.edu

4 PM
Pack the Pool (UREC Pool; Parking: Convocation Center Lots) - Limit of 12 teams
Teams will compete in various events and earn points based on the number of wins they have in each event. The team with the highest number of points will win champ shirts. The events are: Stand-Up Paddleboard Dodgeball, 3v3 Pool Basketball, 4v4 Pool Volleyball, Log Rolling, and an 25-yard swim. Teams and invididuals will participate in events to earn points. The team and individual with the most points, will be crowned the champion! $20 per team (4 people), internet processing fees may apply.

Students can register themselves and their families through the JMU Ticket Office or (540) 568-3853. Please register for ticketed events by Monday, September 15, 2025. Contact UREC's Assistant Director for Aquatics & Safety with questions.

6 - 10 PM
University Recreation Family Hours (UREC and UPARK; Parking: Convocation Center Lots, and Sentara Park Lots U5)
Family members of all ages are welcome to participate at UREC and UPARK during Family Hours! Want to indoor rock climb or swim? Check out the Adventure and Aquatics Center hours! Please be sure to bring a photo ID, and students must accompany their family members during their time in the facilities.

6 - 10 PM
Family Lift Off (UREC Fitness Center; Parking: Convocation Center Lots) - Unlimited
Join us for Family Lift Off, a fun and friendly strength challenge during Family Weekend! Families can drop by the Fitness Center to test their strength, with each member completing one lift of their choice. Scores are averaged by team, and prizes await the top lifters in both Free Weight and Machine divisions —and for the biggest family team! | $15 per team, internet processing fees may apply

Students can register themselves and their families through the JMU Ticket Office or (540) 568-3853. Please register for ticketed events by Monday, September 15, 2025. Contact UREC's Coordinator of Fitness Programs with questions. 

7 - 10 PM
Friday Night Flights (Bridgeforth Stadium)
Join JMU alumni, fans, parents, and community for Friday Night Flights on Friday, September 26 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. This premier Duke Club fall season event will include beer and wine tasting from local breweries and wineries across the valley. (Advanced registration required!)

7 - 10 PM
UPB Movie: TBA (Free, Grafton-Stovall Theatre; Parking: Grace St Deck)
Students and families are welcome to watch the movie and enjoy free popcorn!

8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Family Weekend Canoe Trip (Meet at UPARK U2 Parking Lot) - Limit of 22
Includes the equipment, leaders, and transportation | dress in layers in clothes than can get wet (just in case) and wear shoes with straps that can get wet (no flip-flops) | please bring a small backpack, 2 liters of water, sunblock and a hat | $30 per person, internet processing fees may apply.

Enjoy the beauty of the valley as we canoe on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Paddle Lake Shenandoah, a flat-water-section in northeastern Rockingham County about 30 minutes from JMU. Basic canoeing and safety instruction will be covered. All you need to bring are your paddling clothes and shoes. Location subject to change due to conditions on the day of the event. Students can register themselves and their families through the JMU Ticket Office or (540) 568-3853. Please register for ticketed events by Monday, September 15, 2025. Contact UREC's Assistant Director for Adventure & TEAM Programs with questions.

8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Family Weekend Hike (Meet at UPARK U2 Parking Lot) - Limit of 30
Includes leaders, and transportation| dress in layers and wear closed toed shoes, and a rain jacket is always a good idea | please bring a small backpack, 2 liters of water, sunblock and a hat | $25 per person, internet processing fees may apply

We will meet at UREC then travel to the border of West Virginia for a scenic hike to the historic High Knob fire tower. This moderate 3-mile round-trip trail hike includes some uphill hiking. Your efforts will be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the Allegheny and Blue Ridge mountains from the top of a fire tower. Location subject to change due to conditions on the day of the event. Students can register themselves and their families through the JMU Ticket Office or (540) 568-3853. Please register for ticketed events by Monday, September 15, 2025. Contact UREC's Assistant Director for Adventure & TEAM Programs with questions.

9 AM - 10 PM
University Recreation Family Hours (UREC and UPARK; Parking Map)
Family members of all ages are welcome to participate at UREC and UPARK during Family Hours! Want to indoor rock climb or swim? Check out the Adventure and Aquatics Center hours! Please be sure to bring a photo ID, and students must accompany their family members during their time in the facilities.

9 AM - 10 PM
Family Lift Off (UREC Fitness Center; Parking Map) - Unlimited
Join us for Family Lift Off, a fun and friendly strength challenge during Family Weekend! Families can drop by the Fitness Center to test their strength, with each member completing one lift of their choice. Scores are averaged by team, and prizes await the top lifters in both Free Weight and Machine divisions —and for the biggest family team! | $15 per team, internet processing fees may apply

Students can register themselves and their families through the JMU Ticket Office or (540) 568-3853. Please register for ticketed events by Monday, September 15, 2025. Contact UREC's Coordinator of Fitness Programs with questions. 

9 AM - 3 PM
Fall Plant & Bulb Sale (Edith J. Carrier Arboretum; Parking: Arboretum lots, R5 Lot on Univ. Blvd.)
Calling all plant lovers! The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum's Fall Plant & Bulb Sale runs September 26-October 4! Shop from a variety of houseplants, native perennials, shrubs, and trees! This ongoing sale is in the Frances Plecker Education Center and on the Ernst Tree Terrace. Support us during our Great Garden Giveback campaign by making an additional plant purchase to contribute to the completion of new, ongoing projects! 

More information »

10 AM - Noon
Family Weekend Downtown Bike Ride (Meet at UREC Adventure Classroom; Parking Map) - Limit 15
Includes leaders, helmets and adult sized bikes only | Helmets (provided) required | $15 per person, internet processing fees may apply

We will meet at UREC then ride a short distance to the Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market where you can purchase great local breakfast items. After enjoying the Farmers’ Market, you are welcome to explore downtown before riding back as a group to UREC. Students can register themselves and their families through the JMU Ticket Office or (540) 568-3853. Please register for ticketed events by Monday, September 15, 2025. Contact UREC's Assistant Director for Adventure & TEAM Programs with questions. 

10 AM - Noon
JMU Family Photobooth (Hanson Field, Free; Parking Map)
Visit the JMU Family Photobooth to take a fun photo with your JMU Family and pick up some free purple and gold beads and pom-poms! You can also get a one-of-a-kind Duke Dog Color-me pennant to show your Duke Pride!

10 - 11 AM or 11 AM - Noon
Family Weekend TEAM 1 Hour Experience (UPARK TEAM Course, Parking: U2 Lot) - Limit 16
Come to experience the TEAM Challenge Course with members of your family! Certain part(s) of the high ropes course will be open. Each experience is about 1 hour and each hour is capped at 16 pre-registered participants. All participants must be in 9th grade or older. | $15 per person, internet processing fees may apply

Please note - this event is NOT in UREC, it is at UPARK. This event is hosted at the UPARK TEAM Challenge Course. To get to the course you can...

1. Take the bus to UPARK and walk up the hill to the ropes course
2. Drive to UPARK and park in the U2 parking lot
3. Walk through the Arboretum to Neff Ave then turn right and walk up the hill on Turner Ashby Lane.

Students can register themselves and their families through the JMU Ticket Office or (540) 568-3853. Please register for ticketed events by Monday, September 15, 2025. Contact UREC's Assistant Director for Adventure & TEAM Programs with questions. 

10 - 11 AM
Family Style Brunch at UREC (UREC Demo Kitchen/Wellness Instruction; Parking Map) - Limit 18
Join us for a fun and interactive cooking class where students and their parent’s team up during Family Weekend to create a delicious, family-style brunch together. | $15 per person, internet processing fees may apply

Students can register themselves and their families through the JMU Ticket Office or (540) 568-3853. Please register for ticketed events by Monday, September 15, 2025. Contact UREC's Assistant Director for Fitness & Nutrition with questions. 

10 AM - 8 PM
D-Hall Fan Favs (Parking Map)
Reservations not required. $16.50 plus tax, purchase at the door, kids 5 and under free (JMU students free with meal plan and must have their JACard at the event to deduct 1 punch)

All-you-care-to-eat dining stations: See Scheduled Menu

11 AM - 5 PM
Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Arts (Duke Hall, Room 1022, Free; Parking: Mason St Deck Levels 3-5)
The Duke Gallery of Fine Art is excited to open the 2024 – 2025 academic year with the Minia Biabiany exhibit.

More information »

TBA Based on Game Time
FanZone (Godwin Patio, Free; Parking Map)
The Fan Zone is a family-focused pre-game festival that features inflatable games, music, and much more! The Fan Zone opens two and a half hours prior to kickoff and remains open until 30 minutes before game time. Come out and show your JMU Pride while having fun with the whole family.

TBA Kickoff
Football vs. Georgia Southern (Bridgeforth Stadium/Zane Showker Field; Parking Map)
Join us for our annual Family Weekend football game as your Dukes host Ball State! Single game tickets for Duke Club members are available starting on June 30 and July 7 for the general public. Please call the JMU Athletic ticket office for more information 540-568-3853. (If you wish to sit with your student during the game, you will need to purchase a General Admission ticket. Families can no longer reserve a JMU student ticket as part of their Family Weekend ticket order.) Student tickets can be reserved at Student.JMUTickets.com 11 days before game day beginning at 9 a.m. Register your student for the Student Duke Club in order to gain 24-hour early access to tickets.

Game Day Info »

TBA Based on Game Time
Football Game Live Stream (The Union, TDU Stage; Parking Map)
Don't have a ticket to the football game? Stop by TDU and watch JMU Football! Seating is limited.

4:30 - 8 PM
E-Hall Fantastic Feast (Parking: Ballard Deck)
Reservations required - no walk ins, (please print off tickets for entry) Early seating 4:30-6:00 p.m., Late seating from 6:15-8:00 p.m. $29 (tax included), children (6-12 years) $18.50, 5 and under free (JMU students free with meal plan and must have their JACard at the event to deduct 1 punch)

All-you-care-to-eat dining stations include:

• Steamed Crab Legs: Served with drawn butter and fresh lemon
• Gourmet Shrimp Cocktail: Chilled Jumbo Shrimp served with classic cocktail sauce or creamy Cajun remoulade
• Grilled Pear and Quinoa Salad: Field greens topped with grilled pears, acorn squash, pomegranate seeds, pepitas, and a strawberry balsamic vinaigrette. Offered with a side choice of hand-carved blackened chicken breast and herbed goat cheese
• Vegan Butternut Squash Bisque: Roasted, Spiced Butternut Squash Soup topped with apple-ginger relish
• Smoked Beef Brisket: Hand-carved beef brisket with maple barbeque sauce, served with roasted fingerling potatoes, and fall vegetable medley
• Roasted Salmon: Dijon Herb Crusted Salmon Fillet topped with arugula gremolata served over wild rice and roasted rainbow carrots
• Artisan Charcuterie: Gourmet meats, cheeses, bread & fresh seasonal fruit, served with assorted jams, jellies, mustards
• Made to Order Pasta Bar: Customizable choice of seasonal vegetables (vegan) and chicken made fresh with choice of classic marinara sauce (vegan) or Vodka cream sauce
• Specialty Char-Grilled Burger: Local Seven Hills Burger with sharp cheddar cheese, black pepper bacon, and house-made special sauce
• Chimichurri Chicken: Marinated chicken skewers roasted in our tandoor oven topped with chimichurri served over chorizo potato bravas, grilled sweet peppers and wild mushrooms, Argentinian white sauce
• Tofu Tikka Masala (vegan): Falafel and Grilled Local Tofu in a creamy tomato and pepper sauce served over garlic basmati rice with fried onions, served with vegan raita, mango chutney, and fresh baked naan bread
• Seasonal Fruit and Dessert: Fresh seasonal fruit display and house made ice cream and gourmet desserts

8 PM
Women’s Soccer vs Troy (Sentara Park, Free Admission, Parking: Sentara Park Lots U5)
Grab your whole family to cheer on the Dukes at Sentara Park!

9 - 11 AM
Study Abroad Reception (TBA, Free; Parking: Warsaw Deck, A Lot for Accessible Permits)
This is a drop-in event where students, parents, family, and friends will be able to meet with the Study Abroad Staff, Global Dukes (study abroad alums), and Semester Program Directors to talk about our 90+ JMU study abroad programs. Breakfast items and coffee will be available as well as unique study abroad swag for students and families. All are invited!

9 - 11 AM
Honors College Family Weekend Breakfast (Hillcrest House, Free, RSVP Required; Parking: Grace Street Deck)
A breakfast event to welcome Honors students and their families to Hillcrest. Honors leadership and staff will be present to engage with families and provide a meaningful experience. Students will need to register through the BeInvolved app.

11 AM - 6 PM
University Recreation Family Hours (UREC and UPARK, Parking: Convocation Center Lots and Sentara Park Lots U5)
Family members of all ages are welcome to participate at UREC and UPARK during Family Hours! Want to indoor rock climb or swim? Check out the Adventure and Aquatics Center hours! Please be sure to bring a photo ID, and students must accompany their family members during their time in the facilities.

Hours Vary By Location
Family Brunch at E-Hall or D-Hall ($12 + tax/person, 5 and under free,  No tickets necessary; Parking: Ballard Deck, Grace St Deck)
Choose from a selection of breakfast and lunch items. If your student has a meal plan, there is no additional charge. They just deduct one punch from their JACard at the door as usual. And even better, if they have FLEX or Dining Dollars, they can pay for your meal.

2 PM
Acappellathon Concert (Memorial Hall Auditorium | $5/person Cash or Venmo; Parking: C8 Lot)
Acappellathon is an annual a cappella concert at which all 10 of JMU's award-winning, student-led a cappella groups perform a couple songs and introduce the new members of the JMU aca-family! Please email acappellajmu@gmail.com with any specific questions regarding this event.