Family Weekend 2018: Schedule of Events

Thursday and Friday

Back-to-School For Parents (Various times/locations)
Join your student in his or her class and get a taste of the university’s academic experience. Participation is based on a first-come-first-served basis and guests may only visit participating classes  |  See Available Classes »

8 AM - 6 PM

JMU Bookstore
The JMU Bookstore will be having a clearance sale, offering an additional 25% off clothing and gift clearance merchandise  |  Shop the Bookstore »

8 AM - Midnight

Prism Gallery (Lower Level, Festival Conference and Student Center)
On Exhibit: "Our Global Climates: Everybody's Business" and "18th Annual I-Week Photo Contest"

8 AM - Midnight

Prism International Gallery (Upper Level, Festival Conference and Student Center)
On Exhibit: Center for Global Engagement I-Week

9 AM - 3 PM

Fall Plant & Bulb Sale (Edith J. Carrier Arboretum)
The arboretum plant and bulb sale will be held at the Frances Plecker Education Center in the arboretum.

9 AM - 3 PM

Art Exhibition (Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, Free)
The arboretum will host an art exhibition featuring photography by Celia Culver Rutt.

11 AM - 5 PM

Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art (Duke Hall, Room 1022) 
On Exhibit: "Archie Rand, The 613"

2:30 PM - 6 PM

General Education Student Conference (Rose Library / Festival Conference and Student Center)
Meet inspirational professors and learn more about the JMU General Education Program while experiencing outstanding student work in subjects from the natural sciences, humanities, and the social sciences. Some of the most creative, exciting and noteworthy work produced by students in GenEd classes will be on display. Multiple conference sessions are available, so you are welcome to attend multiple sessions or just one.  |  More Information »  

Regular Library Hours

Special Collections Library (Carrier Library, Room 205)
Visit the Special Collections Library and see selected treasures from the collections. Rare books, pulp magazines, historic student scrapbooks, and yearbooks are just a few of the items on display. Librarians are on hand to answer questions.

4 PM - 6 PM

College of Business Family Weekend Welcome (Free | No Registration Required | Zane Showker Hall, Room 105)
Join the College of Business for a faculty mini-lecture and meet Dr. Michael Busing, Interim Dean. After the presentations, visit with College of Business faculty and staff at a program fair and reception. Questions? Contact Samantha Collier at colliesb@jmu.edu.

4 PM - 6 PM

Canceled - College of Education Family Weekend Welcome Reception (Memorial Hall) 
We thank all of those who have registered to attend the COE open house on Friday, October 5. Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts we have decided to cancel this event.

6 PM

JMU Field Hockey vs. Delaware (Field Hockey Complex) 
Free admission and parking.

6 PM - 10 PM

UREC Family Hours (University Recreation Center)
Families are welcome and encouraged to avail themselves of the wide assortment of UREC and UPARK’s facilities and amenities. Please be sure to bring some form of identification, and we ask that students accompany family members.

7:30 PM

Duke Club Fall Kick-Off (Bridgeforth Stadium) 
Must be 21 or older to attend. Join us in Bridgeforth Stadium the night before the 2018 Family Weekend game at the Fall-Kick Off event! Dukes fans are invited to a beer and wine tasting on the field at Bridgeforth Stadium. Included in the ticket is 1 full-pour ticket, five tasting tickets, light appetizers, live music, games and more! Designated driving tickets available.  |  Purchase tickets »

8 PM

The Doo Wop Project (Memorial Hall) 

Featuring stars from Broadway’s smash hits Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical, the Doo Wop Project traces the evolution of doo wop to recreate and reimagine some of the greatest music in American pop and rock history! With huge vocal talent, slick dance moves and stunning showmanship, these five performers along with their hot band take audiences on a journey from 1950s’ tunes by the Crests, Belmonts and Flamingos through their influences on the 1960s and 1970s’ sounds of Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and The Four Seasons, all the way to modern doo wop versions of Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and Maroon 5. The Doo Wop Project brings an unparalleled authenticity of sound and vocal excellence to this energetic performance that will have you and your whole family dancing in the aisles! www.thedoowopproject.com

For tickets and information visit www.jmuforbescenter.com, or purchase tickets in person at the Forbes Center Main Box Office (Monday – Friday 10 am until 5:30 pm). Tickets are $32 - $40. No refunds or exchanges. Night of tickets can be purchased at Memorial Hall  |  Purchase tickets »

8 AM - Midnight

Prism Gallery (Festival Conference and Student Center, Lower Level)
On Exhibit: "Our Global Climates: Everybody's Business" and "18th Annual I-Week Photo Contest"

8 AM - Midnight

Prism International Gallery (Festival Conference and Student Center, Upper Level)
On Exhibit: Center for Global Engagement I-Week

8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Honors College Family Weekend Breakfast (Shenandoah Hall)
Join the Honors College faculty and staff as we kick off Family Weekend with a breakfast before the big game! We'll have a warm breakfast sandwich buffet bar with fruit, juice and coffee. All Honors College Class of 2022 students and their families are invited to attend. Please RSVP by Friday, September 28.

9 AM - 10 PM

UREC Family Hours (UREC)
Families are welcome and encouraged to avail themselves of the wide assortment of UREC and UPARK’s facilities and amenities. Please be sure to bring some form of identification, and we ask that students accompany family members.

9 AM - 5 PM

JMU Bookstore
The JMU Bookstore will be having a clearance sale, offering an additional 25% off clothing and gift clearance merchandise  |  Shop the bookstore »

9 AM - 3 PM

Fall Plant & Bulb Sale (Edith J. Carrier Arboretum)
The arboretum plant and bulb sale will be held at the Frances Plecker Education Center in the arboretum.

9 AM - 3 PM

Art Exhibition (Edith J. Carrier Arboretum)
The arboretum will host an art exhibition featuring photography by Celia Culver Rutt.

UREC Programs

Join UREC for an adventure this family weekend!

8 AM - Noon

Family Weekend Hike (Meet at UREC)  |  Tickets Sold Out
We will travel to the border of West Virginia for a scenic hike to the historic High Knob fire tower. This moderate 2-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. More info: Price includes leaders, transportation, snacks. Dress in layers and wear closed toed shoes. Rain jacket is always a good idea. Please bring a small backpack, 2 liters of water, sunblock, and a hat.

8 AM - Noon

Family Weekend Canoe (Meet at UREC)  | Tickets Sold Out
Prerequisite: Swimming ability. Come out and 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. We will be back before the football game kickoff. More info: Price includes equipment, leaders, transportation, snacks. Dress in layers in clothes that 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.

10 AM - Noon 

Family Weekend Downtown Bike Ride (Meet at UREC)  |  Tickets Sold Out
We will ride 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. More info: Includes leaders and adult sized bikes only, helmets provided (required).

Noon - 8 PM

Open Climbing (UREC)
No registration necessary. If you want to add a challenge to your Family Weekend, then look no further. Parents, siblings and friends are welcome to join us for an afternoon of fun in UREC’s brand new Adventure Center, complete with a freestanding climbing tower and expansive bouldering wall. We will cover all you need to know for your first climb.

10 AM - 2 PM

Family Weekend Picnic On Hanson Field (Adults $14.50 | Students: Meal Punch (Reservation only, students reserve ticket online then we punch at the door | Kids (6-12): $7 | Kids 5 and Under: Free )
If inclement weather, tickets may be used at D-Hall and E-Hall.  View the menu »  |  Purchase tickets »

10 AM - 1:30 PM

JMU Family Photobooth (Hanson Field)
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!

11 AM - 5 PM

Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art (Duke Hall, Room 1022)
On Exhibit: "Archie Rand, The 613"

1:30 PM

JMU Dukes Football vs. Elon (Bridgeforth Stadium/Zane Showker Field, students free with reservation and JACard)
This year’s Family Weekend football game features the JMU Dukes taking on Elon University. 
Football Fan Guide & Game Day Parking Info »
Purchase tickets »

Multiple Showings

The John C. Wells Planetarium (Miller Hall, Showings at 11AM, 1PM, 2:15PM, 3:30PM)
Visit the Planetarium website at jmu.edu/planetarium for more information. Weather permitting, the solar telescopes will be set up near the sundial at Burruss Hall and Carrier Library. This telescope provides an incredible view of our sun safely!

11 AM - 1 PM

University Outpost FanZone (Godwin Field)
The FanZone is a family focused pre-game festival that features inflatable games, a bounce house, face-painting (courtesy of the JMU Cheerleaders!), music, the Dog Walk, local vendors, and much more. The FanZone opens two and a half hours prior to kickoff and remains open until 30 minutes before game time. Come out and show your Madison spirit while having fun with the whole family.

4:30 - 8 PM

Fantastic Feast at E-Hall (Early Seating: 4:30-6PM, Late Seating: 6:15-8PM, Adults: $23 | Students: Meal Punch (Reservations only, students reserve ticket online and then we punch at the door | Kids (6-12): $12 | Kids 5 and under: Free)
We're serving all the favorites at this year's dinner, so come enjoy a relaxing meal with some great company. As an added bonus, with every adult ticket you receive a $3 off coupon for Sunday brunch at D-Hall or E-Hall. | View the menu »  | Purchase tickets »

4:30 - 8 PM

D-Hall Favorites ($12.75/person | Kids 5 and under: Free | Students: Meal punch - no reservations necessary)
View the menu »  | Purchase tickets »

7 PM

JMU Men's Soccer vs. College of Charleston (Sentara Park Stadium)
Free admission and parking. 

8 PM

JMU POPS! AN EVENING OF ANNIVERSARIES (JMU Convocation Center, Featuring the Marching Royal Dukes and other JMU ensembles)
This one-of-a-kind musical spectacular showcases some of JMU’s finest music ensembles and faculty talent. Be ready to stand up and cheer for performances by the Marching Royal Dukes, as well as the JMU Chorale, Brass Band and Symphony Orchestra. One of JMU’s favorite Family Weekend traditions, this musical celebration is great entertainment for all ages!

For tickets and information visit jmuforbescenter.com, or purchase tickets in person at the Forbes Center Main Box Office (Monday – Friday 10 am to 5:30 pm). Tickets are $15. No refunds or exchanges. Night of tickets can be purchased at the Convocation Center  |  Purchase tickets »

9 AM - 5 PM

JMU Bookstore
The JMU Bookstore will be having a clearance sale, offering an additional 25% off clothing and gift clearance merchandise  |  Shop the bookstore »

9 AM - 6 PM

UREC Family Hours (UREC)
Families are welcome and encouraged to avail themselves of the wide assortment of UREC and UPARK’s facilities and amenities. Please be sure to bring some form of identification, and we ask that students accompany family members.

9:30 AM - 11 AM

Study Abroad Reception (E-Hall, Montpelier Room)
Breakfast items and coffee will be available. 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+ options for Study Abroad.

Vary By Location

Great Deal Brunch (E-Hall Hours: 9AM-3PM | D-Hall Hours: 10AM - 3PM | $12.75/person plus tax | No tickets necessary)
Choose from a selection of breakfast and lunch items. If your student has a meal plan, there is no additional charge. They just punch their JACard at the door as usual. And even better, if they have FLEX or Dining Dollars, they can pay for your meal. If you reserved tickets to the Fantastic Feast, you can use your discount coupon here! 

11 AM - 5 PM

Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art (Duke Hall Room 1022)
On Exhibit: Archie Rand, The 613

Noon - 8 PM

Lunch With A View (Festival Food Court | A La Carte Prices)
Looking for something quick? Visit the Festival, JMU's dining facility with the million-dollar view of campus and the mountains beyond. Featuring salads, grilled and deli items and other Festival favorites.

1 PM

JMU Women's Soccer vs. UNC-W (Sentara Park Stadium)
Free admission and parking.

2 PM

A Cappella Thon Concert (Memorial Hall Auditorium  |  $5/person Cash or Check)
Concert featuring JMU's award-winning, student-led a cappella groups. Please email Zack at acappellajmu@gmail.com with specific questions regarding the event.