JONESBORO – Arkansas State University is set to host its annual Family Weekend from Friday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Sept. 27, with campus and community events planned to celebrate and welcome visitors.
“Our goal is to create opportunities for families to feel part of the Red Wolf community, while helping students share the places, people, and traditions that matter to them,” said Haley Cummings, associate director of new student and family programs at A-State. Cummings highlighted the importance of family in student success, especially as students adjust to college life.
Scheduled events begin Friday, including Oktoberfest at Native Brew Works from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Northeast Arkansas District Fair at the NEA Fairgrounds from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and the annual BBQ Fest in Downtown Jonesboro from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Families can also attend an A-State volleyball match against ULM at 6 p.m. in First National Bank Arena, where clear bag policies will be enforced.
On Saturday morning, options include a 7 a.m. Game Day 5K hosted by Gearhead Outfitters at the Tiago statue on Aggie Road, along with access to the Judd Hill Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Other events throughout Saturday include Oktoberfest, a "More than Human" exhibit at Bradbury Art Museum, free A-State rugby at 3 p.m. against Loyola on Curt Huckaby Field, and various tailgating opportunities in Tailgate City near Centennial Bank Stadium. The Red Wolves football team will face Kennesaw State at 6 p.m. in Centennial Bank Stadium.
Sunday concludes with brunch available between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Acansa Dining Hall, alongside family photos at Reng Student Union from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cummings emphasized that families have flexibility in choosing how to spend their time. "Whether they come for a volleyball game, explore Jonesboro, or join us for brunch on Sunday, the most important thing is taking the opportunity to spend time together," she said.
This year, Family Weekend is enhanced by several simultaneous events in Jonesboro, such as the BBQ Fest and NEA District Fair. "It's an exciting chance for families to experience both our campus and the broader community their students now call home," Cummings added.
Although scaled back in recent years, Cummings expressed confidence in reinvigorating the tradition. "I’m excited to meet families, hear their stories, and learn how we can continue engaging them in the future," she said.