Family Weekend 2026 | September 18 - 19

Join us for an unforgettable Family Weekend at Tarleton State University in September 2026! Explore campus, connect with our community, and make lasting memories with your family. Don’t miss out-save the date and join in on the excitement!

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Countdown to Kickoff

Family Weekend details subject to change. Please check back often for the latest Family Weekend additions and updates.

2026 Family Weekend Events

Friday

Friday, September 18

A Tarleton State student extending his arm towards the camera showing off a golden Tarleton State University ring.

Ring Ceremony

Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Clyde H. Wells
Fine Arts Center Auditorium

A group standing in front of a ring statue smiling, surrounded by mascots.

Photos at the
Ring Statue

Time: 12 – 1 p.m.
Location: Tarleton State Ring Statue

Two women in purple shirts holding a Tarleton State University sign in a parking lot.

Family Weekend
Check-In

Time: 12 – 6 p.m.
Location: Dining Hall Patio

Group of people in Tarleton State University apparel posing outdoors.

T-Shirt Sales

Time: 12 – 6 p.m.
Location: Thompson Student Center Commons

Family weekend science showing.

Science Showing

Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: Planetarium,
Lamar Johanson Science Building

A Tarleton State student extending his arm towards the camera showing off a golden Tarleton State University ring.

Ring Ceremony

Time: 1 – 2 p.m.
Location: Clyde H. Wells
Fine Arts Center Auditorium

Family weekend science showing.

Science Showing

Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Planetarium,
Lamar Johanson Science Building

Family weekend science showing.

Science Showing

Time: 2:30 p.m.
Location: Planetarium,
Lamar Johanson Science Building

A group standing in front of a ring statue smiling, surrounded by mascots.

Photos at the
Ring Statue

Time: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Ring Statue

A Tarleton State student extending his arm towards the camera showing off a golden Tarleton State University ring.

Ring Ceremony

Time: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center Auditorium

A dad, wife, and daughter making the "state's up" hand symbol.

Texan Smart
Family Feud

Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Thompson Student Center Food Court

A mixed group of people mingling.

Parent Social

Friday, September 18
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Thompson Student
Center Ballrooms

Family weekend massage trailer..

Massage Trailer

Time: 4 – 8 p.m.
Location: Thompson Student Center Portico

A group standing in front of a ring statue smiling, surrounded by mascots.

Photos at the
Ring Statue

Time: 5 – 6 p.m.
Location: Tarleton State Ring Statue

Dancers in colorful traditional dresses perform on stage.

Ballet Folklorico

Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Clyde H. Wells
Fine Arts Center Theatre

Exterior building with a large purple banner that says Welcome Texans.

Movie – Space Jam

Time: 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: Thompson Student Center Amphitheater

A close up view of a casino dealer handing out cards.

Casino Night

Time: 9 – 11 p.m.
Location: EECU Center

Saturday

Welcome Tarleton State Families!

Tailgate

Time: Gates open 8 a.m.
Gates Close 12 p.m.
Location: Texan Alley

Four people smiling outdoors, two wearing Tarleton State University shirts.

Family Weekend
Check-In

Time: 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Location: ULTRA Statue, Joe W. Autry Agriculture/Math Building Sidewalk, O.A. Grant Humanities/Dick Smith Library Sidewalk

A family standing with President Hurley and First Lady Kendall Hurley.

Breakfast with the Hurleys

Time: 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Trogdon House Lawn

Purple Tarleton shirt and a Tarleton Mom pin.

T-Shirt Sales

Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: ULTRA Statue

Table displaying crotched macarons and baked goods.

Farmers Market

Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: The Purple Tractor, Tarleton Agriculture Center

Family weekend massage trailer..

Massage Trailer

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Thompson Student Center Portico

Family weekend craft fair.

Craft Fair

Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: EECU Center Concourse

Group of cadets in uniform holding a Tarleton State University flag.

Military Connected
Social

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Barry B. Thompson Ballroom A

A group of people listening to President Hurley present a slideshow.

President Hurley Updates & TPA Meeting

Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center Auditorium

Servers standing in a buffet line putting meat on people's plates.

College of Ag & Natural Resources
Family Weekend Lunch

Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Animal and Plant Science Center, Tarleton Agriculture Center

A balloon artist and face painting artist smiling.

Face Painting &
Balloon Artists

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Thompson Student Center Commons and Amphitheater

Family weekend science showing.

Science Showing

Time: 12 p.m.
Location: Planetarium, Lamar Johanson Science Building

Family weekend cafecito con familia.

Cafecito con Familia

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Honors Lobby and Courtyard

Exterior view of the Tarleton State dining hall.

Family Lunch

Time: 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Location: All On Campus Dining Options

Purple Tarleton shirt and a Tarleton Mom pin.

T-Shirt Sales

Time: 12 – 4 p.m.
Location: EECU Center Concourse

Family weekend science showing.

Science Showing

Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Planetarium, Lamar Johanson Science Building

A ticket purchase is required

Statue of a soldier in front of a brick building, surrounded by trees.

Brass Ceremony

Time: 1 p.m.
Location: General Earl Rudder Statue

Group of people sitting on grass with teddy bears and a small dog.

Create-a-Critter

Time: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Thompson Student Center Ballrooms

Corps of Cadets standing in a straight line.

Point du Hoc

Time: 2:40 – 3 p.m.
Location: General Earl Rudder Statue

Lamar Johanson Science building with Tarleton State University ring sculpture.

Movie – Space Jam

Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Planetarium,
Lamar Johanson Science Building

Family weekend Texan bingo.

Texan Bingo

Time: 3 – 5 p.m.
Location: Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center Auditorium

Tarleton State University football team entering the field with fireworks.

Tarleton State v.
Merrimack

Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Memorial Stadium

A ticket purchase is required.

All Day Activities

Two women in purple shirts holding a Tarleton State University sign in a parking lot.

Family Weekend Postcards

Time: All Day
Location: Thompson Student Center Commons

Little girl playing a large connect four game on the lawn.

Family Games

Time: All Day
Location: Thompson Student Center Commons/
Dining Hall Patio

Polar