After four straight Saturdays of heading into Beaver Stadium, you’re no doubt ready for some downtime. Luckily for you, this might come in the form of a home-cooked meal, a hometown care package, or simply put, an absolutely necessary hug from your mom. Parent and Families Weekend is upon us and we are here for it. 

There is absolutely no lack of activities provided by Penn State during Parents and Families Weekend. Here are some event highlights that are sure to wow your parents this upcoming weekend.

Friday, October 8

Penn State All-Sports Museum Beaver Stadium Tours

Beaver Stadium, All-Sports Museum/Team Tunnel Entrance

Take the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes tour of Beaver Stadium. This tour will offer exclusive access to areas such as the media room, locker room, recruiting areas, tunnel, and field. Reservations are required for entry and tickets can be purchased here. Tickets cost $20 for adults and admission is free for children under three. 

Stadium tours are offered several times during the day from Friday through Sunday. The tour schedule is available here.

Parents & Families Ice Cream Social

HUB, Ground Floor (near Jamba Juice)

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Free Creamery ice cream — need we say more? Head to the HUB to mingle with members of the Penn State Parents Council and enjoy performances from Penn State student groups such as Caliente, Dark Storm, Island Fever, and more. You can do all of this while reveling in free Creamery ice cream.

Penn State Women’s Volleyball vs. Nebraska

Rec Hall

7 p.m.

Women’s volleyball never disappoints, so swing by Rec Hall to watch a top-15 showdown between No. 13 Penn State and No. 10 Nebraska. Tickets cost $11 at the door.

If you’re interested in any other Nittany Lion sporting events this weekend, access the composite schedule here.

Haunted Valley: Campus Ghost Tours

Hintz Alumni Center

7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

If you want to show your parents the spookier side of Penn State, join the Lion Ambassadors for campus ghost tours to learn more about the university’s eerie past. Tours will begin every 15-20 minutes and last around 30 minutes.

Saturday, October 9:

Parents & Families Welcome Breakfast Reception

HUB, Alumni Hall

9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

Kick off the weekend with a delicious welcome breakfast, accompanied by a student music ensemble, and time to interact with members of the Parents Council. 

Weekend Brunch In Residence Halls

North Food District, East Food District, Pollock Commons, South Food District, & West Food District

Saturday & Sunday: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Allow your parents the thrilling opportunity to eat in the dining halls like a true Penn Stater. Brunch will be discounted to $8 per person. Don’t let your parents go home without trying a chocolate chip cookie from West.

Penn State Thespian Society Presents Little Women

Schwab Auditorium

1:30 p.m.

Enjoy a heart-warming performance of “Little Women” by the Thespian Society. Accompany the March sisters through the ups and downs of 17th-century life in New England.

General tickets cost $12, while children’s tickets cost $5. More information about ticketing and the performance can be found here.

Penn State vs. Iowa Football Party

HUB, Alumni Hall

Doors open at 3:30 p.m.; kickoff at 4 p.m.

Cheer on the No. 4 Nittany Lions as they take on the No. 3 Iowa Hawkeyes. The game will be shown on the big screen in the HUB. There will be refreshments, entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to practice some Penn State chants and cheers.

Sunday, October 10:

Housing Fair

HUB, Alumni Hall

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It’s already time to start thinking about housing for next year, folks. Stop by the HUB to gain essential information and advice about on and off-campus housing. This is a great opportunity to hear from campus housing staff, local landlords, property managers, and community representatives. 

United In Song: A Celebration Of Penn State A Capella

HUB, Freeman Auditorium

11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

You’re in for a treat! Listen to a memorable a capella concert featuring groups like Blue In The Face, Coda Conduct, Shades Of Blue, and more. 

Family Pictures At The Nittany Lion Shrine

Corner of Burrowes and Curtin Road

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

We know that Parents and Families Weekend isn’t complete without a forced photoshoot at the Nittany Lion Shrine. Join a student photographer for a family photo at the shrine. The photos will be available for purchase online one week after the event.