Family Weekend at EIU
Save the date
October 31-November 1, 2025
 |
 |
 |
We are excited to welcome you and your family to campus for a weekend of outstanding events, but most importantly, time together. This is a great opportunity for family to visit campus, engage in our campus and local communities, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Everyone in the family should plan to attend. We have something planned for all ages. Join us for the Panther Football Game, our Family Breakfast with the President and more!
2024 Schedule
We are continuing to add to the schedule - please check back often!
Friday, November 1
Bookstore Lobby, MLK Jr. University Union
Java Beanery and Bakery, MLK Jr. Union
Meet and connect with fellow parents/supporters while your students wrap up their Fridays and enjoy a cup of coffee or a snack. There's no set agenda here other than to meet other Panther families.
MLK Jr. University Union, Grand Ballroom
Get ready for an evening of BINGO Mania filled with thrills and chances to yell “BINGO!” A family-pleaser, BINGO Mania is guaranteed fun for the entire family, featuring multiple rounds of bingo and cool prizes for both adults and kids. Highlights of the event include a mocktail & snack Bar and photo booth to make those special FW memories .The stakes are high and the fun is even higher at FW BINGOMania!
Pemberton Hall, North Quad
Are you ready to face your fears? Join us for the Pemberton Hall Haunted Hospital Friday, November 1st, during Family Weekend! From 7 to 10 PM, step inside our eerie halls- where every corner hides a chilling surprise. Bring the whole family for a children-friendly hour from 7-8 PM. They will love the spooky fun without the fright! After that, brace yourself for the ultimate scare. Admission is just $3 for one ticket or $5 for two tickets. You can also enter by donating non-perishable food items- helping those in need while enjoying the thrills! Join us at the Pemberton Hall Haunted Hospital for a night of frightful fun- if you dare! We'll see you there... if you're brave enough!
All proceeds will go to the EIU Campus Food Pantry.
All proceeds will go to the EIU Campus Food Pantry.
EIU Lanes, MLK Jr. University Union
Come on down to the EIU Bowling Center to enjoy a few games of bowling with your family! You'll love our low-cost concession stand, friendly staff, and billiards options!
Come on down to the EIU Bowling Center to enjoy a few games of bowling with your family! You'll love our low-cost concession stand, friendly staff, and billiards options!
Saturday, November 2
Java Beanery and Bakery, MLK Jr. Union
For those who were unable to check in on Friday)
Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union
Join us for a delicious morning at the EIU Family Weekend Pancake Breakfast! This special event offers families and students a chance to enjoy a hearty breakfast together while connecting with the university community. President Jay Gatrell will be in attendance, providing a unique opportunity to meet and chat with EIU's leader in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
West Reading Room, Booth Library
Join the Director and Assistant Director of New Student and Family Programs to learn about the new parent and family organization at EIU and how you can get involved.
Library Quad
Savor a wood-fired pizza or sandwich from The Sizzlin' Tizzler, then top off your meal with a delightful dessert from Steve's Cookie Box!
Library Quad
Capture lasting memories with your loved ones during EIU Family Weekend by taking a family photo in front of the iconic big EIU letters! This is the perfect opportunity to show off your Panther pride and commemorate your time together on campus. Gather the family, strike a pose, and snap the ultimate photo souvenir that you’ll cherish for years to come! Don’t miss this fun and festive photo-op.
Tent City behind O'Brien Field
Bring the family down and enjoy a tailgate and game with friends! The Office of Belonging, Access, and Engagement will provide limited game tickets for families to watch the game for free! There will also be food and refreshments by the Latino Heritage Month committee.
Booth Library Steps
Join the Panther Marching Band approximately 75 minutes before kickoff as they perform both traditional music and selections for the halftime show.
Join the Panther Marching Band approximately 75 minutes before kickoff as they perform both traditional music and selections for the halftime show.
Booth Library
Come over to Booth Library to make memories with your family! Stop by the “Legos at the Library” creation station to relax while completing our building challenges. Or see if you can find the six different “Family Selfie Stops” while learning about some of the hidden treasures around Booth. Who knows…you might just win some special Booth Swag along the way!
O'Brien Field
Please note: If you or a member of your party needs wheelchair accessible seating at the game, please call the EIU Ticket Office at 217-581-2106 PRIOR to purchasing your tickets!
Panther Football Tickets
Grand Ballroom, University Ballroom, Vending Lounge, MLK Jr. University Union
Family Fun Night features a fun-filled night full of games, arts & crafts, for the whole EIU family to enjoy that includes family-friendly , giveaways, and refreshments showcased throughout the MLK Jr. University Union. EIU families will craft their way to fun featuring a variety of Make-n-Take Stations, Fun Games featuring - Pinball, Pub, Retro Video, Sports, Carnival, Yard, Interactive Games, 9-Hole mini-golf and a Make-Your Own Sundae Bar.
Bowling Lanes, MLK Jr. University Union
Enjoy a family-friendly night of fun featuring Free Bowling and Billiards for the entire family, Highlights include GLOW Bowling, Billiards and GLOW Giveaways. Refreshments will be provided.
7th Street Underground, MLK Jr. University Union
Family Fun Night will feature a magical night of live entertainment featuring Comedy Magician, Trent James. Trent is quickly becoming one of the top magicians in the country. Trent’s fast-paced show is loaded with humor, audience participation and mind-boggling magic that entertains all ages.
Family Fun Night will feature a magical night of live entertainment featuring Comedy Magician, Trent James. Trent is quickly becoming one of the top magicians in the country. Trent’s fast-paced show is loaded with humor, audience participation and mind-boggling magic that entertains all ages.
Other Weekend Opportunities
The Theatre, Doudna Fine Arts Center
She Loves Me is about a charming case of mistaken identity set in a 1930s European perfumery. Feuding perfume clerks Amalia and Georg work together begrudgingly by day, and write beautiful love letters to their “secret admirers” by night. Constantly bumping heads while on the job, the sparring coworkers can’t seem to find common ground. But little do they know, the anonymous pen pals they are both falling for happen to be each other! You can purchase tickets at doudnatix.com.
Booth Library
Booth Library will be open during their normal Saturday hours for families and guests who may need a quiet location to relax or decompress throughout the day.
Tarble Arts Center
The Tarble Arts Center, the Coles County Art Council, and the EIU Art Education program invite you to bring the whole family for an afternoon filled with art and exploration for all ages.
