Family Weekend Schedule

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Family Weekend Scavenger Hunt

Participate in this ISU-themed scavenger hunt to learn more about ISU, make memories, and have a chance to win a prize! Scavenger hunt opens Friday, September 18 at 8 a.m. and closes Sunday, September 20 at 10 p.m.

To participate:

1. Download the Goosechase iOS or Android app.
2. Log in, sign up for an account or participate as a guest.
3. Search for this experience by name: Family Weekend Scavenger Hunt 2026.
4. Create a profile using your name.

10 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Student Fitness Tour - Student Fitness Center

Take a self-guided tour of the 170,000-square-foot facility throughout the weekend. Staff will be on hand to provide Campus Recreation information and answer questions.

10 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Student Fitness Center Workout - Student Fitness Center

Free workouts are available to family members aged 18 and older. Age will be verified prior to entry. You must be accompanied by an Illinois State University student during your workout. Family members will also be able to participate in free group fitness classes in the Student Fitness Center.

• 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. Cycle
• 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Group Power

10 - 11:30 a.m.: College of Education Open House - DeGarmo Plaza

The College of Education will host an open house to connect with students and families. Bring your family and friends to DeGarmo Hall to meet the Dean, faculty, and staff, and participate in fun education-related activities. Rain location: Degarmo Hall, Room 20A.

10 a.m. - Noon: Nursing Simulation Center Open House

The Nursing Simulation Center includes virtual reality, advanced simulation technology, areas for interdisciplinary collaboration, student support, research capabilities, and enhanced clinical educational settings. Nursing Student Ambassadors will be available to give tours of the building. Current and prospective students and their families are encouraged to attend! 

11:30 a.m.: The Bird Walk - Starts at Tri Towers and Ends at the Kaufman Football Building

Join the Big Red Marching Machine, Reggie Redbird, Redbird Cheerleading, Redline Express Dance Team, Head Coach Brock Spack, and the Redbird Football team as they head to the Kaufman Football Building to gear up for gameday! Don’t miss your chance to catch a t-shirt thrown out by Redbird football players!

Noon - 1:45 p.m.: Reggie's Fun Zone - The OSF HealthCare Athletics Training Center (Northwest of Hancock Stadium)

There will be face painting by the Zoo lady, yard games, and more! No outside food or drink allowed, all kids must be ages 12 and under and accompanied by an adult to participate.

Noon - 2 p.m.: Parent and Family Services Photo Station - Turner East Lawn (South of Hancock Stadium)

Have any questions about your student’s Illinois State experience? Want to meet the staff from the Dean of Students office who help you when you call Parent and Family Services? Stop by the Parent and Family Services Open House tent before the game. While at the tent, be sure to gather your group for a photo to commemorate Family Weekend.

2 p.m.: Redbird Football vs Eastern Illinois - Hancock Stadium

Cheer on the Redbird football team as they play Eastern Illinois at 2:00 p.m. 

Single game tickets and parking permits will go on sale Monday, August 3rd at GoRedbirds.com/tickets. All football tailgating lots will close at kickoff of each game. For more information on available parking during Family Weekend, or to view other parking locations on campus, contact the Office of Parking and Transportation. Please be sure to follow all regulations for athletic tailgating events.

If your student is a Red Alert member, they will scan their digital ticket on their phone at any gate to Hancock Stadium to receive admission to the game. Red Alert members do not need to claim a ticket ahead of time. For non-Red Alert members, single-game student tickets to regular-season football games are $10. Students must purchase that ticket directly because they are required to provide their student ID number. Students may purchase tickets online at GoRedbirds.com/students or in person at the Hancock Stadium Ticket Office, starting at 9 a.m. on the Monday before the game. Students will need to show a Redbird card to purchase a student ticket, and each student is limited to 1 student ticket. It is highly recommended to purchase your ticket prior to game day to avoid long waiting lines.

6 p.m.: Dinner & Dueling Pianos - Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center

Dueling Pianos is a fun, interactive evening of entertainment featuring the dueling piano talents of Cool 2 Duel. This musical comedy experience will have you singing along to favorites from classic rock to country, hard rock to R&B, oldies, and show tunes to the newest Top 40 hits. You provide the direction for the show by requesting your favorite songs and then watch how these two sharp-witted, incredibly talented musicians perform your requests. Tickets are $40 per person and include the show as well as a taco/nacho bar and dessert. Cash bar available. General admission seating. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. This event is not intended for young children.

Tickets are now available to purchase at the Braden Box Office, located in the Bone Student Center, 200 N. University St. in Normal, and at Ticketmaster.com.

7 - 9 p.m.: Magician Justin Willman, One for All Ages Tour - Braden Auditorium, Bone Student Center (Ticket Required)

Magician Justin Willman’s “One For All Ages” tour is coming to ISU for Family Weekend 2026! The show features all new material, different from Netflix. Bring the whole family for this fun-filled show designed for audiences of all ages!

Tickets are now available to purchase at the Braden Box Office, located in the Bone Student Center, 200 N. University St. in Normal, and at Ticketmaster.com.