Family Weekend FAQs

With over 70 events, there is something for everyone. We will begin posting events in August and add events throughout the fall.

Here's a sneak peek at a few events (times to be shared in early August):

• Join us for the Ice Cream Social on Friday, continental welcome breakfast on Saturday morning, a Penn State Traditions event, and Fam Fest.  
• On Sunday, we will open the gates at Beaver Stadium for a peek and photo opportunity. 
• Volunteers will be available to take photos at the Lion Shrine on Saturday and Sunday. 
• These events are free to attend and do not require a ticket purchase or reservation. 

There will be special tours including Old Main (free to attend, no tickets required) and Beaver Stadium (tickets are limited for the Beaver Stadium tour), housing sessions, student performances, academic events, and more hosted throughout the weekend. There will also be varsity athletic competitions and theater performances. You will see Penn State students' incredible talent and skills at almost every event hosted during the weekend. We will share ticketing, reservation, and other details throughout the summer. 

More information available in August.

Students are typically ready for a visit from home by this time in the semester. They may be tired and overwhelmed and in need of a little TLC (and, maybe cookies). They are also somewhat settled into their new "home" at Penn State and may be excited to share what they have discovered with you!

It's also a chance to experience something new at Penn State. Many of the events offered during Family Weekend are not frequently open to families and guests including tours of Old Main, Beaver Stadium, and the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor.

Registration for the 2024 Family Weekend begins on Wednesday, August 28 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Registration is required. There is a $25 fee per family. Each family planning to attend will need to register. 

Yes, we charge $25 per family. This fee allows us to:

• Enhance the experience for families by improving the guest experience and enriching non-ticketed events.
• The registration fee includes a registration packet with a collectible lanyard and name badge for each family member, a unique souvenir item, and other complimentary events.
• Additionally, the registration fee will provide the Penn State Trolleys and additional buses (Blue and White Loops) which will reduce wait times and improve campus navigation during the event. Trolleys and the Blue and White Loops are free to all.

You will register yourself and your family in the Parent and Family Experience portal. We will share the link in August. Registration begins on Wednesday, August 28 at 12:00 p.m. ET. 

Yes, we are offering fee waivers for up to 50 families. The fee waivers are designed to assist families of students with financial need as demonstrated by their student's financial aid package. 

NOTE: Our registration system does not allow guests to complete the registration process without paying the $25 registration fee. If your student is eligible for a Federal Pell Grant or low-income (Family EFC of $0) (you can ask your student to confirm this on their LionPATH page) and you would like to request a fee waiver, please contact the Parents Program office at parents@psu.edu. After confirming your student’s enrollment, we will refund your $25. Please note that fee waivers are limited to the first 50 qualified families who request a waiver.

Yes, but we prefer that you register online prior to the September 25 deadline. This allows us to better plan for every family and ensures you receive email communications with important information regarding Family Weekend. Pre-registered guests will also receive information about events that require additional registration or ticket purchase. Many of these events sell out very quickly. 

There may be a limited number of registration packets available for onsite registrants. These will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registering by the September 26 deadline ensures a registration packet for your family.

Yes. You will receive nametags and lanyards at check-in. These will be required to enter certain events hosted during the weekend. 

Divorced parents/families have the option to submit together under one registration form or submit their registration forms separately.  Please note, the $25 registration fee is applied to every registration submission. Therefore, if registering separately, each party will be charged the $25 registration fee.  Students only need to be included on one registration form if registering separately.

• If registering as one family:
  • There will only be one $25 registration fee.  
  • If you register separately:
    • There will be a separate $25 registration fee for each party registering. Your student only needs to be registered under one party, not both.