Family Weekend at Eastern Illinois University is nearly upon us, and a full slate of activities awaits all who plan to attend!
FRIDAY EVENTS
Comedian/Juggler Adam Kario has spent the past two decades entertaining audiences of all ages, and he’ll bring his skills to the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union’s Grand Ballroom at 8 p.m. Friday for a free show. This two-time International Juggler’s Association world champion has commandeered thousands of shows and entertained millions of audience members at every imaginable venue, including NBA halftime shows, Fortune 500 companies, cruises, as well as many television appearances. His family-friendly show is full of high impact juggling and hilarious comedy that is sure to keep EIU families laughing and entertained.
The EIU Bowling Lanes will be open for business until midnight, while Family Bingo Bonanza takes place between 9-11 p.m. in the south gymnasium of McAfee Gym.
If you’d like to get an up-close-and-personal look at the night sky, a free open house at the EIU Observatory is just for you! Meet at 9:30 p.m. under the walkway of the MLK Jr. Union.
SATURDAY EVENTS
Of course, the weekend revolves around Saturday’s football game with Ohio Valley Conference rival Southeast Missouri, set for a 1 p.m. kickoff at O’Brien Field. In addition to the action on the gridiron, you’ll be treated to performances from the Panther Marching Band, Pink Panthers dance team, and the EIU Flag Corps. Check out our online ticketing system to secure your seats online.
Prior to the game, there’ll be fun for all ages at the Billy’s Backyard Tailgate outside the stadium. Beginning at 11 a.m. up until game time, you can enjoy games, face painting, and other special guests. The EIU Parents Club will have a tent set up for you to mingle with other club members and catch a little shade. At the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, there’ll be free face painting and sand art stations set up in in the second floor Bridge Walkway Lounge.
We’ve got your food taken care of all day; the Parents Club will host a complimentary continental breakfast from 9 -11 a.m. in the MLK Union vending lounge on the first floor, while lunch off the grill (burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches) will be served at Stevenson Tower Dining from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. You can pre-purchase tickets for the lunch online or pay at the door. From 4:30-7:30 p.m. you can enjoy a buffet dinner in the MLK Jr. Union Grand Ballroom; tickets for this are also available for pre-purchase.
Before all of that, though, the Ninth Annual “Run For A Reason: Run Red” 5K run/walk on the Panther Trail. Race time is 9:15 a.m. and check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. There’s a $20 entry fee which you can pay online if you choose.
Additional Saturday evening events include free “Wine Tasting 101” courses at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the MLK Jr. Union University Ballroom and the Family Art Extravaganza at the Tarble Art Center from 1-4 p.m. This event, which includes light refreshments, includes “make-and-take” art projects for kids of all ages. The EIU LGBTQA+ Advisory Committee and Charleston Chapter for Parents and Friends of LGBTQA+ will also hold a meet and greet session from 4-6 p.m. at the Cultural Center.
SUNDAY EVENTS
Before you hit the road, make sure you stop by the Grand Ballroom at the MLK Jr. Union for our Breakfast Send-Off buffet from 9-11:30 a.m. All the breakfast staples will be available; you can order tickets online.
ALL WEEKEND!
Make sure you stop by Booth Library at some point throughout the weekend to check out its Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War exhibit. Admission is free.
On both Friday and Saturday evening at 7 p.m., you can hit the Buzzard Hall auditorium for a free showing of Minions, a family-friendly delight kids and adults alike are sure to love.
