Family Weekend
Family Weekend 2025 at Íæż½ã½ã
At Íæż½ã½ã, we know that family is at the heart of every student’s success—and that’s why we can’t wait to celebrate YOU! On behalf of New Student and Family Programs, we’re excited to welcome you to Family Weekend 2025.
Mark your calendars: Friday, October 3 – Saturday, October 4
This special weekend is designed just for our Lion families. It’s your chance to experience campus life alongside your student, make lasting memories together, and join in traditions that make Íæż½ã½ã so special.
Everyone who registers and checks in will be entered to win awesome door prizes drawn throughout the Fall Fest, free tickets to both volleyball games, a Lion Family swag bag, an exclusive Íæż½ã½ã Bookstore discount, and even more surprises!
Friday, October 3rd
| 4:30 p.m. – Check-In | McSpadden Stubblefield Entrance |
| 5:00 p.m. – Family Welcome & Pumpkin Painting | McSpadden Stubblefield Entrance and Patio |
| 6:00 p.m. – Lady Lions Volleyball vs. Central Missouri | Stubblefield Center |
| 7:30 p.m. – Mid-Autumn Festival | Lion’s Den Courtyard |
Family Festival
Family Weekend check-in begins at 4:30 p.m. in the Stubblefield Hospitality Room on Friday, October 3rd. You’ll be greeted with a warm welcome from Íæż½ã½ã leadership, light refreshments, and meaningful conversations. Kick off the evening with a fun pumpkin-painting activity to get into the fall spirit, and then at 6:00 p.m. head to cheer on the Lady Lions Volleyball team as they take on the University of Central Missouri!
Mid-Autumn Festival at Íæż½ã½ã!
Join the Vietnamese Student Association at the Lion’s Den Courtyard for an evening of culture, fun, and food at the Mid-Autumn Festival! Enjoy performances of Cuội and the Banyan Tree, KAD Soda Pop, and a Lion Dance. Take part in hands-on activities like lantern making and a photo booth, and treat yourself to delicious favorites including mooncakes, Orange Chicken, Fried Rice, and more. This family-friendly celebration is one you won’t want to miss!
Saturday, October 4th
| 9:00 a.m. – Pumpkin Dash 5K | Íæż½ã½ã Bell Tower |
| 10:45 a.m. – Family Fall Fest & Chili Cook-Off | Lot K3 (corner of Waldron and Kinkead) |
| 1:00 p.m. – Lady Lions Volleyball vs. Missouri Southern | Stubblefield Center |
Join Us for Numa’s Pumpkin Dash 5K!
Get ready for a fun-filled morning for the whole family at Íæż½ã½ã Family Weekend! Lace up your running shoes and join the Lion pride on Saturday, October 4th at 9 a.m. for a 5K around campus.
​For just $25 per person, participants of all ages will receive a T-shirt, access to Family Weekend activities, lunch, and tickets to the Íæż½ã½ã Volleyball game vs. Missouri Southern at 1 p.m.!
​Check-in starts at 8:15 a.m. at the Íæż½ã½ã Bell Tower, 5210 Grand Ave., Fort Smith. Don’t miss this chance to run, have fun, and show your Lion pride!
Family Fall Fest & Chili cook-off – Friday, October 4th!
Before we pack the stands for our Lady Lions Volleyball game, kick off the excitement at our Family Fall Fest & Chili Cook-Off!
​Starting at 10:45 a.m. in Parking Lot K3 (corner of Waldron and Kinkead), we’re turning up the fun for all ages! Bounce into adventure with inflatables, yard games, a live DJ, and interactive tables — plus, indulge in delicious fall-inspired food. And the best part? It’s all FREE!
​Chili lovers, get ready! Warm up with the annual Chili Cook-Off, hosted by New Student and Family Programs, and sample some of the tastiest chili in town.
​Don’t miss out — bring your family, your friends, and your energy for a fun-filled, memory-making day! Let’s make it a celebration to remember!
Íæż½ã½ã Family of the Year
At Íæż½ã½ã, we know that families play an important role in every student’s journey. Each year during Family Weekend, we recognize one outstanding family whose support, encouragement, and Lion pride truly make a difference.
The Family of the Year Award celebrates the bond between students and their loved ones, honoring the ways families help their Lions succeed both inside and outside the classroom. The winning family will be recognized during the volleyball game on Saturday and will serve as a shining example of what it means to be part of the Íæż½ã½ã community.
Do you know a family that deserves this honor?
Lion Family Newsletter
Stay connected to campus life and your student’s journey with the Lion Family Newsletter! Each issue is packed with important updates, upcoming events, resources, and tips to help you support your Lion. Whether it’s celebrating achievements, learning about new opportunities, or staying in the loop on what’s happening at Íæż½ã½ã, this newsletter is your go-to guide for being an engaged Lion family.