Family Weekend 2019: Schedule of Events

Thursday/Friday

Back-to-School For Parents (Various times/locations, Free)
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  |  Check back for a list of participating classes

Thursday/Friday

Grab Food/Coffee On Campus
Waiting on your student to get out of class or looking for a place to meet up with your student? Check out all the amazing dining options JMU has to offer! Explore Coffee Shops/Restaurants »

8 AM - 6 PM

JMU Bookstore
Shop the Bookstore »

8 AM - Midnight

Prism Gallery (Lower Level, Festival Conference and Student Center, Free)
On Exhibit: "Our Global Climates: Everybody's Business" and "18th Annual I-Week Photo Contest" Each year since 2000, International Week has brought with it the bonus of wondrous images from the cameras of students, faculty and staff and their journeys. For some, the U.S. is an international experience. View the best from I-Week 2018 with these winning photos and videos from around the globe and their visual slant on “Our Changing Climates: Everybody’s Business.”

9 AM - 3 PM

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

10 AM - 4 PM

The James and Gladys Kemp Lisanby Museum (Festival Conference and Student Center, Room 1108, Free)
To the followers of the Eastern Orthodox Church, images of holy people or events, called icons, are considered to be a window or portal into the heavenly realm. This exhibition, “Purity and Power: The Art of Russian Icons,” highlight the finest icons in the Madison Art Collection presenting never-before-seen works of art along with a scholarly catalogue that will explore the history, materials, and meaning of Russian icons as well as the culture and history of Russia itself.

11 AM - 5 PM

Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art (Duke Hall, Room 1022, Free) 
Find more information »

11 AM - 4 PM

Special Collections Library (Carrier Library, Room 205, Free)
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.

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. 

4 PM - 6 PM

College of Business Family Weekend Welcome (Zane Showker Hall, Room 105, Free)
Join the College of Business for a faculty mini-lecture and meet Dr. Michael Busing, 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.

6 PM

Field Hockey vs. Drexel (Field Hockey Complex, Free)
Make your way to the Field Hockey Complex across from Rose Library as the Dukes take on CAA foe Drexel at 6 pm! Admission is free for all fans!

6 PM

Friday Night Flights (Bridgeforth Stadium)
JMU Nation, the Duke Club's premier event of the fall is right around the corner! Join us for Friday Night Flights presented by W.M. Jordan on the field under the lights of Bridgeforth Stadium. Join us for a beer and wine tasting at 7 pm. Visit JMUDukeClub.com/Events for information and tickets.

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 PM - 9 PM

Family Game Night at JMU X-Labs (Lakeview Hall, Free)
Join us at JMU X-Labs for interactive games, making, and fun for the whole family! Similar to our Pop-Up classes, there will be a make-and-take for each participant. Family members of all ages welcome.

8 PM

Whose Live Anyway (Wilson Hall)
The current cast members of the Emmy-nominated show Whose Line is it Anyway? are proud to present their new improv tour Whose Live Anyway? The show is 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song, all based on audience suggestions. The cast of Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray leaves audiences of all ages astounded by the witty scenes they invent before your eyes. Audience participation is key to the show, so bring your suggestions - and you might be asked to join the cast onstage! Whose Live Anyway? showcases some of the improv games made famous on the long-running television show, as well as some new ones, featuring musical direction by Bob Derkach. Tickets are on sale now at www.jmuforbescenter.com. Note: some PG-13 language will be used during the performance.

8 AM - Midnight

Prism Gallery (Lower Level Hallway, Festival Conference and Student Center, Free)
Each year since 2000, International Week has brought with it the bonus of wondrous images from the cameras of students, faculty and staff and their journeys.  For some, the U.S. is an international experience.  View the best from I-Week 2018 with these winning photos and videos from around the globe and their visual slant on “Our Changing Climates: Everybody’s Business.”

8:45 AM - 4 PM

ARC of CITIZENSHIP (James Madison's Montpelier)
In line with JMU's vision to be a national model for civic engagement, the James Madison Center for Civic Engagement and the Office of the President will provide JMU students and their families with an opportunity to engage at James Madison’s Montpelier. Registration is required and includes transportation, informative presentation and discussion, lunch and a guided tour. For more information, and to register, visit www.jmu.edu/civic/family-weekend.shtml.

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 - 3 PM

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

9 AM - 5 PM

JMU Bookstore
Shop the bookstore »

10 AM - 11 AM

Career & Academic Planning event for families and students (Madison Union, Room 306, Free)
The staff in Career & Academic Planning and our employer quests would like to meet you and your students. Come hear about CAP resources and what employers look for while enjoying brunch items. Learn about the resources and services available at JMU and how you can get involved.

UREC Programs

Join UREC for an adventure this family weekend!

8 AM - Noon

Family Weekend Hike (Meet at International Food Max Grocery Store, $15)  |  Click here for tickets.
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: Meet at the International Food max Grocery Store 9924 W Market St., Harrisonburg) Price includes leaders, transportation and 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 Martin's Grocery Store, $20)  | Click here for tickets.
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: Meet at Martin’s Grocery Store (2035 E. Market St., Harrisonburg) Price includes equipment, leaders, transportation and 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 Adventure Center, $10)  |  Click here for tickets.
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 $15 | Students free with meal punch | Children (6-12): $8 | Kids 5 & Under: Free)
If inclement weather, tickets may be used at D-Hall and E-Hall.  View the menu »  | Click here for tickets.

10 AM - 1:30 PM

JMU Family Photobooth (Hanson Field, Free)
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, Free)

1:30 PM

JMU Dukes Football vs. Villanova (Bridgeforth Stadium/Zane Showker Field, students free with reservation and JACard)
Join us for our annual Family Weekend football game as your JMU Dukes host the Villanova Wildcats.  Click here to purchase tickets or call (540) 568-3853. (If you wish to sit with your student during the game, enter their student ID # when prompted.) Tickets for Single Games go on Sale July 1st.
Football Fan Guide & Game Day Parking Info »

Multiple Showings

The John C. Wells Planetarium (Miller Hall, Showings at 11AM, 1PM, 2:15PM, 3:30PM, Free)
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

University Outpost FanZone (Godwin Patio, Free)
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, 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 - 8 PM

D-Hall Fan Favorites (Early Seating: 4:30-6PM, Late Seating: 6:15-8PM, $13/person | Kids 5 and under: Free | Students: Free with meal punch)
Reservations and walk-ins welcome.
View the menu »  |  Click here for tickets.

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): $13 | Kids 5 and under: Free)
Back by popular demand - crab legs! 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 »  |  Click here for tickets.

8 PM

JMU POPS!  (JMU Convocation Center, Featuring the Marching Royal Dukes and other JMU ensembles, Tickets are $15)
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! No refunds or exchanges. Night of tickets can be purchased at the Convocation Center.

Tickets are on sale now at www.jmuforbescenter.com. Or, purchase tickets in person at the Forbes Center Main Box Office (Monday-Friday 10AM-5:30PM)

9 AM - 5 PM

JMU Bookstore
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 (D-Hall, Hall of Presidents, Free)
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.

Vary By Location

Great Deal Brunch (E-Hall Hours: 9AM-3PM | D-Hall Hours: 10AM - 3PM | $13/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, Free)

Noon

Field Hockey (Field Hockey Complex, Free)
Spend your Sunday with the Field Hockey Dukes! JMU hosts CAA opponent Hofstra at the Field Hockey Complex across from Rose Library at noon and admission is free!

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

Women's Soccer vs. Charleston (Sentara Park)
Come out to Sentara Park to cheer on the JMU Women's Soccer team as they take on the College of Charleston.

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 acappellajmu@gmail.com with specific questions regarding the event.