Events and Activities
Parents and Families Appreciation Weekend is a chance to experience some of the best of what Kent State University has to offer. Various campus partners will host a variety of events that will be included in your Parents and Families Appreciation Weekend registration fee. The schedule will be updated throughout the registration period as more details are added.
We do our very best to accommodate as many families as possible, but we are limited by venue capacities and safety regulations. Please read the schedule carefully and note any events that require a separate purchase beyond the registration fee or state a capacity limit.
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Friday, Sept. 12
Check-in | Kent State Student Center Lobby | Noon - 8 p.m.
Check-in will take place in the Kent Student Center Lobby, located in the Kent Student Center, from Noon - 8 p.m. There you will receive nametags for each family member, Family Weekend Schedule of Events lanyard, Welcome Dinner Tickets, and Goody Bags (courtesy of University Culinary Services).
May 4 Visitors Center | Reflections Gallery, 147 Taylor Hall | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The May 4 Visitors Center, located in Taylor Hall, contains a permanent exhibition of the student anti-war movement, historic artifacts, and film about the events of May 4, 1970, featuring interviews with some of the participants and students who were wounded on that day.
Outside the May 4 Visitors Center, guests may take a self-guided tour of the 18-acre site, recently designated as a National Historic Landmark. The experience is powerful and immersive while providing context and multiple perspectives on the May 4 tragedy. The center will host guided May 4 Landmark tours on Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Kent State University Museum | 515 Hilltop Drive Kent | Noon - 5 p.m.
The museum serves as the home of extraordinary collections of historic dress, fashion, textiles, and decorative arts. Current exhibitions include:
- “Wicked” - special costume installation.
- "Fashion Timeline" - surveying fashion history from the 18th -20th centuries.
- “Sparkle: The Style and Jewelry of Aileen Mehle” - featuring evening dresses and jewelry from Aileen Mehle (1918-2016), a widely syndicated society columnist and friend of the Kent State University Museum founders.
- “A Meeting of Cultures: Fashioning North Africa” - the first exhibition of its kind in the world to bring together works by contemporary fashion designers and influencers from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt.
- "The Hepburn Style: Katharine and her Designers" - featuring Katharine Hepburn's favorite designers from her personal and professional life.
Entry into the museum is located at 515 Hilltop Drive off of E. Main Street. Admission is free for Friday only. Free parking is available in the adjacent Rockwell Hall lot.
Dip into the College of Arts & Sciences and Abroad | Bowman Hall (102) and (124) | 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
We invite parents and families to come and 'dip' into the College of Arts & Sciences. Attendees will enjoy various finger foods, featured dips, and refreshments while having an opportunity to engage with our college faculty and administration. Additionally, attendees will have an opportunity to connect with our study abroad office and engage with faculty that will be leading faculty-led study abroad trips this upcoming academic year. Attendees will have an opportunity to win SWAG by participating in Kahoot trivia. All are welcome!
Flash Family Connections: Engaging Campus Resources for First-Generation Student Success | Center for Undergraduate Excellence Rms 141 & 143 | 1:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
This interactive session is designed to connect families with the programs and services that support first-generation student success. Families will participate in a guided walkabout to explore key University College resources, visiting each office to learn more about their role in the student experience.
The fun continues with a friendly, Jeopardy-style competition led by student leaders, where families can test their knowledge of the resources introduced. We’ll wrap up with a creative Save-the-Date button-making activity to mark our upcoming I AM FIRST celebration week. It’s a great opportunity to learn, laugh, and build meaningful connections within the first-generation Kent State community.
Kent State Esports Gaming Demonstration | 2nd Floor, University Library | 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Experience the Esports phenomenon and learn more about Kent’s student organization dedicated to all things Esports. Guests will learn more about the organized competitive video gaming, tour facilities, and play games in Kent State’s Esports Complex.
Design and Innovation Hub Make and Take | DI Hub Basement, 400 Janik Dr. | 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
The Design and Innovation (DI) Hub is Kent State’s largest makerspace! Families are invited to visit the DI HUB to participate in several make-and-take activities in the Reactor. Guests may create either a T-shirt or a mug. All guests will be able to print vinyl-cut stickers, 3D-print keychains, and laser-cut magnets. This event is limited to the first 150 guests.
Education Abroad 101 Showcase | 220 Bowman Hall | 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Interested in learning more about studying abroad at KSU? Come meet the Office of Global Education Team during the Education Abroad 101 Showcase. The OGE team will offer general information about the study abroad process and the benefits of participating in one of several KSU-sponsored programs. Bring the family and any questions you may have to chat with the experts.
University Housing Ice Cream and Door Decs! | Eastway Fireside Lounge | 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Meet and engage with University Housing staff from various residence halls. During this event families will have a chance to engage with various levels of professional staff in University Housing, learn more about the residential community of your student’s hall, make a door decoration with your student, and enjoy most people’s favorite past time- ICE CREAM!
Hillel Open House | 613 E Summit St | 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Join Kent Hillel at the Cohn Jewish Student Center for nosh, tours, and schmoozing. Meet the professional staff and learn more about all Hillel’s offerings including leadership opportunities, cohort learning, Shabbat and holiday celebrations, and more. For more information, contact Rachel Felber at rfelber@kenthillel.org.
Ice Cream with the Dean of Students | Dean of Students Office | 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Meet the Dean of Students, Josh Perkins, Ph.D., while learning more about the role of the office. Come build an ice cream sundae and pick up free swag!
Annual Black Squirrel Festival | Student Green and Risman Plaza | 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
A Kent State University tradition for 40 years, the annual Black Squirrel Festival will take place on the Student Green and Risman Plaza. The Black Squirrel Festival, which is hosted by the Flash Activities Board, serves as a great opportunity for students and their families to learn more about the Kent community as a whole! The event will include a performance by the Kent State University Marching Band, announcement of the Homecoming Court, vendors, student organizations and more.
Parents and Families Appreciation Welcome Dinner | Ballroom, Kent Student Center | 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. | *Meal ticket required
A private exclusive dinner for all weekend participants. Tickets are required for entry.
On the Porch with CARES Center | 1st Floor, Kent Student Center | 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
More details to come soon....
Shabbat Program | Cohn Jewish Student Center | 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Meet at the Cohn Jewish Student Center for Kent Hillel’s weekly Shabbat program. The evening will include a social hour, optional services, and a home-cooked dinner. Family and friends are always welcome! Reservations for the Shabbat are highly recommended. For more information, email Rachel Felber at rfelber@kenthillel.org.
Blue and Gold Paint Party | 306 Kent Student Center | 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. | *$40.00 per person
Create lasting memories with your Kent State student as you let your creativity soar! Join in on the fun while following along with a guided instructor in a social and relaxed atmosphere. Tickets are $40 per person and include one free non-alcoholic drink and snacks. A cash bar will also be available serving beer and wine. Guests of all ages are welcome! Tickets for this event are limited to the first 150 guests. Click here to register.
Flashes Bingo | 218 Kent Student Center | 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Love BINGO? Join in and interact with other families while scoring some AMAZING prizes! Don’t miss out on the fun! ALL prizes must be received by a KSU Student.
Karaoke with Flash | Rathskeller - Lower-Level Kent Student Center | 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Love to sing? Then get ready to sing your heart out! Join us for a fun filled karaoke party. Hosted our very own Flash, it's a chance to showcase your vocal talents, enjoy good company, and maybe even discover your inner rockstar. Come prepared to sing your favorite tunes!
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Saturday, Sept. 13
Check-in | 2nd Floor, Kent State Student Center | 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Check-in will take place in the Kent Student Center Ballroom located on the 2nd Floor for those unable to do so on Friday.
Undergraduate Student Government | Risman Plaza "K" | 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join Undergraduate Student Government on the Risman Plaza “K” for a pre-game party before the big game! Meet the senators, grab food, collect giveaways and write your student a Sweet Wishes and Chocolate Kisses note to be delivered later in the semester.
Undergraduate Student Government serves as the voice for the undergraduate student population acting as advocates through communicating with the university administration.
Kent State University vs. University of Buffalo | Dix Stadium | 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
It’s a BLACKOUT GAME! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to cheer on the Golden Flashes as they take on the Bulls from the University of Buffalo at noon on Sept. 13. Families registered for the weekend can purchase tickets for a discounted price of $15. Click here to purchase. Student tickets are free of charge.
Wear your Parents and Families Weekend t-shirt to the game or find game-day wear in the athletic stores located in the MACC or Dix Stadium.
Kent State University Museum | 515 Hilltop Drive Kent | 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Entry into the museum is located at 515 Hilltop Drive off of E. Main Street. Free parking is available in the adjacent Rockwell Hall lot. Individuals paying admission at the door: $10 adults, $7 for seniors and alumni, and $5 for children. KSU students, staff, and alumni are always free.
Exhibitions include:
- “Wicked” - special costume installation.
- "Fashion Timeline" - surveying fashion history from the 18th -20th centuries.
- “Sparkle: The Style and Jewelry of Aileen Mehle” - featuring evening dresses and jewelry from Aileen Mehle (1918-2016), a widely syndicated society columnist and friend of the Kent State University Museum founders.
- “A Meeting of Cultures: Fashioning North Africa” - the first exhibition of its kind in the world to bring together works by contemporary fashion designers and influencers from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt.
- "The Hepburn Style: Katharine and her Designers" - featuring Katharine Hepburn's favorite designers from her personal and professional life.
Grill 4 Good | Hometown Bank Plaza, Downtown Kent | 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Get ready to fire up the fun at our annual Grill 4 Good event! We’re turning up the heat to hi-lite the amazing non-profits and community heroes behind Axess Family Services. Join us for a delicious day where local service organizations will be flipping, grilling, and serving up mouthwatering eats hot off the grill — all for a great cause! Bring your appetite, your friends, and your best dance moves — because this isn't just a fundraiser, it's a feel-good food fest you won't want to miss! The event is free, however, to sample the savory tasty bites, tickets are required:
- Sip n' Sizzle - $15 for 10 tickets
- Sear n' Beer - $30 for 25 Tickets
- Char n' Chug - $40 for 35 Tickets
- Beer, soda, and water will also be available
- Additional Tickets - Sold in 4-Ticket Packages for $5 a piece
Proceeds from the fundraiser will support the continued efforts of 80 agencies throughout 26 counties in the state.
May 4 Visitors Center | Reflections Gallery, 147 Taylor Hall | 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
The Visitors Center, located in Taylor Hall, contains a permanent exhibition of the student anti-war movement, historic artifacts, and film about the events of May 4, 1970, featuring interviews with some of the participants and students who were wounded on that day.
Outside the May 4 Visitors Center, guests may take a self-guided tour of the 18-acre site, recently designated as a National Historic Landmark. The experience is powerful and immersive while providing context and multiple perspectives on the May 4 tragedy.
The center will host a guided May 4 Landmark tour on Saturday at 3 p.m. Self-guided tours are available during regularly scheduled business hours.
Public Ice Skate Session | 650 Loop Road | 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Join us at the KSU Ice Arena for a special Public Skate Session from 7:30–9:00 pm! All Kent State students and their families skate for just $8 per person – skate rental included! Cool fun. Great memories. See you on the ice!