Penn State’s Parents and Families Weekend is back from October 7 through 9. While it might be a bye week for Penn State football, there are still plenty of events going on around campus.

Some of the highlights are listed below, but the full list of events can be found here.

Friday, October 7

President’s Office Open House & Bell Tower Tour

Where: Old Main

When: 2 to 4 p.m.

Lion Ambassadors will lead tours through Old Main, including the Rotunda and Bell Tower. No RSVP is required, as you can just enter Old Main through the main entrance facing Old Main Lawn.

Penn State Women’s Ice Hockey vs. Colgate

Where: Pegula Ice Arena

When: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The Nittany Lions will open their home series against Colgate on October 7. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster or at the box office.

Ice Cream Social & Student Performances

Where: HUB — ground floor near Jamba Juice

When: 6 to 8 p.m.

Families can enjoy complimentary ice cream from the Berkey Creamery while seeing performances by dance groups Caliente, Island Fever, the THON Dancer Relations committee, and more.

Saturday, October 8

Welcome Breakfast Reception

Where: HUB’s Alumni Hall

When 9 to 9:45 a.m.

President Neeli Bendapudi will host the official Parents & Families Weekend kickoff Saturday morning with a continental breakfast, music, and the chance to meet other Penn State faculty and parents.

Pumpkin Festival

Where: The Arboretum

When: 3 to 9 p.m.

The festival will showcase lighted jack-o’-lanterns and various fall displays at the Arboretum. There are also opportunities to see performances at the Overlook Pavilion and purchase dinner from on-site food vendors.

Blue Bandorama

Where: Bryce Jordan Center

When: 4 to 6 p.m.

Head over to the BJC to see the Blue Band’s “Blue Bandorama” indoor concert, which will include traditional Penn State songs and a selection of music from this season’s halftime performances. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.

Sunday, October 9

Family Pictures At The Nittany Lion Shrine

Where: Corner of Burrowes and Curtin Road

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Student photographers will be available to take professional photos of families at the Nittany Lion Shrine. The photos will be available for purchase about one week after the event is over.

Penn State Women’s Volleyball vs. Illinois

Where: Rec Hall

When: 1 to 3 p.m.

To finish off the weekend, head over to watch a classic Big Ten volleyball matchup between Penn State and Illinois. Tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster, and as always, students get in for free.

---

Families are also encouraged to use the hop on/hop off trolley service that’ll be available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The full schedule for the trolley can be found at the information tables throughout campus. CATA buses can also be utilized by families all weekend.