Well, it is that time of year…Family Weekend! We are excited to welcome all of our ‘Nole Families to campus for this amazing and engaging weekend. Family Weekend is fun for all those that students call family: parents/guardians, brothers/sisters, grandparents, uncles/aunts, all are invited to take part in next weekend. For many of you, this will be your first time on campus in a bit, while for others, you were here not too long ago to drop your ‘Nole off for their first year at Florida State. Next weekend is set to be exciting on campus and we cannot wait to see each of our amazing families around the Florida State and Tallahassee community!
There is an action-packed schedule for our Family Weekend attendees and their students. Families in the past have opted to arrive in Tallahassee early on Friday so they can get a jump start on seeing their ‘Nole and to take advantage of the opportunities and engagements that Family Weekend has to offer. Families can arrive as early as noon on Friday where they can check-in or even register for the weekend itself. Check-in will take place on Landis Green and will run from 12 pm until 9 pm.
Are you more of a fine arts person? The Museum of Fine Arts (MoFA) is open to the public each day of Family Weekend from 10 am until 8 pm. MoFA has a history of exciting exhibitions—from lush painting to dynamic sculpture, from challenging installations to provocative photography. MoFA connects Florida State University and the broader community to the arts. In addition to maintaining a permanent collection of over 6000 objects, MoFA presents exhibitions of historical and contemporary artworks that contribute meaningfully to the scholarship and conversations. Exhibits during Family Weekend include A Shared Body, Napoleon at the Movies, and Social Distance.
Want to get a workout in? The Leach Recreation Center will be available from 6 am-8 pm for family members to get a workout free of charge with their student. Family members must be 18 years or older.
Feeling creative? Check out Paint-A-Pot in the Askew Student Life Center! The Oglesby Union Art Center’s Paint-A-Pot program is a popular pastime that anyone can enjoy. Choose from a variety of pre-made ceramic pieces starting at just $1. No pre-registration is needed; drop in and create something great today! Paint-A-Pot pricing includes glaze, clear-coat firing, unlimited paint time, and relaxing space for a fun experience for all ages and artistic abilities. Ask our staff for tips and tricks if you need a little extra inspiration; they’re always willing to help.
Some of the highlights of Friday are Campus Hotspots, Family Photos at Westcott, Cookout on the Green, and the Dessert Reception for Out-of-State Families.
Campus Hotspots, hosted by New Student and Family Programs, is an opportunity for you to see the campus from a student’s eye. Brief, guided tours around campus by our orientation leaders will provide families insight into what their student experiences each day on campus. These brief tours will begin at 2 pm and will leave every 30 minutes from Landis Green with the last tour departing at 3:30 pm. You do not want to miss this opportunity while you are here with us on campus!
Family Photos at Westcott allows families to get a photo in one of Florida State’s most notable locations on campus and allows them to have a memento to remember their time on campus.
The Dessert Reception for Out-of-State Families will take place in the William Johnston Building Atrium. The event is an opportunity for those families joining us from beyond Florida to gather together and “rep their state.” There will be giveaways and a special welcome from the Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Joe O’Shea.
Cookout on the Green is something you do not want to miss! Located on Landis Green, this event is sure to be a highlight of families’ time on campus! Allowing families to catch up, get to know, and engage with other families while learning about your ‘Nole’s experiences on campus. If you have not registered for this event, you can do so at the Check-in table on Landis Green; for adults/FSU students the fee is $20, children 6-10 the price is $10, and children 5-under are free.
As one of only two collegiate circuses in the nation, the FSU Flying High Circus puts on an amazing show for students and families. Aerialists, gymnasts, clowns, and jugglers all make for a family-friendly activity that will have you smiling from ear to ear. There are two opportunities to see them while in town, so if you have tickets–we promise the show will not disappoint! If you have purchased tickets for the circus performance, you can pick these up at your check-in or the Circus Box Office, one hour before your showtime.
If you and your family are participating, please arrive by 7 am to check-in at the tent. Following the Fun Run & Walk, the weekend will continue with the Tailgate Brunch and games on Landis Green. Join us for a delicious brunch menu, lawn games, and get ready to cheer on the Seminoles as they take on Syracuse! Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the check-in tents on Landis Green; for adults/FSU students, $18, children 6-10, $9, and children 5-under, free.
Kickoff for the game is 3:30 pm giving families ample time to fit in a trip to the Sod Cemetery or watch the Marching Chiefs’ “skull session” at Dick Howser Stadium, approximately two and half hours before kickoff. If attending the game in-person, be sure to arrive at your seat early so as not to miss the exciting opening from Chief Osceola and Renegade spearing the field, signaling the start of the game!
The ultimate goal of the weekend is for you as families to reconnect with your student in the place they now call their second home. Take this time to remind your student how proud you are of them, give them a tight hug, and show them that you care. Know that, though they will be trying to play it cool, your student is excited that you are coming to campus and looks forward to showing you what it means to be a Seminole at Florida State!
