Ball State will host its first in-person family weekend since the COVID-19 pandemic began Sept. 24-26, with one kickoff event Thursday night. Here's the list of events, as well as locations open for self-guided tours.

Sept. 23

University Program Board Live Band Karaoke

7-10 p.m., Pruis Hall

A live rock band will help attendees decide which songs to sing from a list of lyric sheets. Anyone can perform regardless of their musical ability.

Sept. 24

T-shirt sale

L.A. Pittenger Student Center Information Desk

Family weekend T-shirts will be on sale all day Saturday and Sunday, with sizes ranging from small to 3X. Small, medium and large shirts will be $10 and extra-large to 3X will be $15. T-shirts will only be available while supplies last on a first come first serve basis.

Friday Night Filmworks

7 p.m., Pruis Hall

The University Program Board will show “Raya and the Last Dragon” free to all attendees. The movie, released in March 2021, follows a lone warrior, Raya, as she tracks down the last dragon on Earth to save humanity from an evil force.

10th Annual School of Music Showcase

7:30 p.m., Sursa Performance Hall

This event costs $5 and will showcase School of Music ensembles, chamber groups and soloists. Tickets are available for purchase in person or online through the College of Fine Arts box office. The concert will also be livestreamed.

Rock and Bowl

8 p.m.-midnight, Student Center Cardinal Lanes

Cardinal Lanes, located in the basement of the Student Center, will invite families to bowl for free under cosmic lights at its eight bowling lanes. The billiard tables, game area and big screen viewing area will also be open.

Second showing of Friday Night Filmworks

9:30 p.m., Pruis Hall

Sept. 25

T-shirt sale continues 

L.A. Pittenger Student Center Information Desk

Children’s Fair and Bingo

9-11 a.m., University Green

Inflatables and bouncy houses will accompany an array of carnival games for free family fun Saturday. The bingo game will also include the opportunity to win prizes.

Honors College backyard social

9:30–11 a.m., Ball Honors House backyard

Honors College students and their families will have the opportunity to get to know each other and network with professors and academic advisers.

Rinard Orchid Greenhouse tours

10 a.m.–3 p.m., Dr. Joe and Alice Rinard Orchid Greenhouse

The Rinard Orchid Greenhouse, which houses the largest collection of orchids on a college campus in the U.S., will offer free guided tours and be open for individual exploration Saturday. 

Bell Tower Recital

11 a.m., Shafer Tower

Organist John Gouwens will play a recital for campus visitors Saturday, followed by the chance to walk up the bell tower with him for a unique view of campus.

Charlie Town tailgating

2 p.m., Alumni Center

Admission to this tailgating event is free, and various concessions will include food and drink for sale. Process Entertainment will offer a DJ performance, and the University Singers will also give a special show. Yard games, a photo booth and an inflatable bouncy house will be available for tailgaters to enjoy.

Football Game

2 p.m., Scheumann Stadium

The Ball State Cardinals will take on the University of Toledo Rockets Saturday. Tickets are free for current students, and family visitors can visit ballstatesports.com or call 888-BSU-TICKETS to purchase tickets for themselves.

The Sweetest Late Nite

9 p.m.–1 a.m., Student Center

A Candyland-themed Late Nite will include bowling, animal crafts, food and sweets. The event is free for all attendees.

Sept. 26

Ball State Family Weekend Golf Outing

9 a.m., Crestview Golf Club

This event will include breakfast before participants tee off and lunch when they are finished. Team fees are $200 or $50 for individuals. Teams that pre-registered before Sept. 5 will also receive a free event T-shirt.

"The Price is Right Live"

3 p.m., Emens Auditorium

This interactive stage show will give audience members the chance to win vacations, appliances and a new car. Ticket prices range from $31 to $51. Fans of “The Price is Right” television show will see similarities in this live, non-televised stage version of the show.

Other spots for self-guided tours

Christy Woods

10 a.m.–3 p.m. Sept. 25

David Owsley Museum of Art

1:30-4:30 p.m. Sept. 25

Invitation-only events

Sept. 24

Teachers College Dean’s List Reception

4-6 p.m., Helen Grant Elmore Courtyard

Sept. 25

College of Communication, Information, and Media Dean’s List Reception 

10:30 a.m.–noon, Emens Auditorium

Miller College of Business Donor Recognition Program 

11 a.m., Student Center Ballroom

College of Sciences and Humanities Dean’s List Reception 

10 a.m.–noon, Ball Gymnasium

Sept. 26

College of Health Dean’s List Reception 

9-10:30 a.m., Health Professions Building

Source: Ball State website

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