Schedule of Events

2023 Information will be posted Summer 2023!

Pre-registration is NOT required to attend Family Weekend. Everyone is welcome to join us on site!

Don't forget to check in and pick up your free t-shirt at "The Bonnie" Hurlburt Student Center when you arrive on campus.

While most events are free and open, there are some events that are ticketed. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be secured at The Ticket Hub beginning August 1st at 5:00p.m. 

And check out the Radford University Bookstore to get your Radford swag!

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Friday, September 23, 2022 - Events in Radford

12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Registration and Check In Location: "The Bonnie" Hurlburt Student Center lobby

Come by "The Bonnie" Hurlburt Student Center to register and pick up your free 2022 Family Weekend t-shirt!  Campus and city maps, discount coupons, and other free gifts available for pick up.

Hosted by the Division of Student Affairs

7:00 a.m. -10:00 p.m.

Student Recreation and Wellness Center

Complimentary family admission to all spaces and services. 

Hosted by Student Recreation & Wellness

9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Radford University Bookstore     Location: Dalton Hall (lower level)

Stop by to replenish your Radford University wardrobe or get a new Highlander coffee mug. Don't forget the 15% discount coupon from check-in!

Hosted by The Radford University Bookstore

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Open Office Hours

Financial Aid Office - Heth Hall 169

Bursar - Heth Hall 2nd floor

Housing & Residential Life - Heth Hall 226

Alumni Relations - Russell Hall 150

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Taubman Museum of Art Location: 110 Salem Avenue SE
Roanoke, VA 24011

Free admission to all families and students visiting during Family Weekend 2022. Take in the permanent collection and also visit the Betty Branch retrospective. Stop on your way into or out of town!

Sponsored by the Taubman Museum

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Family Scavenger Hunt Location: Russell Hall

Stop by anytime between 2:00pm and 4:00pm to accept the Family Scavenger Hunt challenge! You'll recieve your mission, complete the hunt, and receive a prize!

Hosted by University Admissions

4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.

Family Photo Shoot Location: Fountain on Heth Lawn

Our university photographer is offering family portrait sessions at the Fountain on Heth Lawn. Swing by with your family and your smile. You will recieve your image digitally the following week! This event is free and requires no pre-registration.

Hosted by University Relations

4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Glam 90s Night Location: Hodge Podge Cookies, 111 3rd Avenue

Come out and embrace your inner 90’s child at Hodge Podge Cookies! We’ll have music, games, prizes, and, of course, COOKIES!

Hosted by Hodge Podge Cookies

4:30 p.m.

Bike Ride and Tour through the City of Radford

Join us for a quick bike ride through the City of Radford.  Adult sized bikes and helmets will be provided.  Participants should be comfortable riding a bike on paved surfaces.  To register, please call the Outdoor Programs office [540-831-5813]. This trip is estimated to take 1-2 hours

Sponsored by Student Recreation and Wellness, RU Outdoors

4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Premium Dinner at Dalton     Location: Dalton Dining Hall

Check out one of your student's many campus dining options at one of our most popular dining facilities. It's Premium Night at Dalton Dining Hall.  Enjoy a full buffet!  Students may swipe in with a meal plan. Guests may pay at the door or pre-order a ticket at the Ticket Hub. Regular dinner price is $13.81 in advance, $15.30 at the door. Premium ticket (additional) is $8.00 in advance, $8.86 at the door.

Sponsored by Dining Services

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Open Climbing at the Campus Rock Wall     Location: Peters Hall

The climbing wall is open for you to experience some vertical thrill.  All climbing equipment and instruction is provided.  

Sponsored by Student Recreation and WellnessRU Outdoors

7:00 p.m.

Planetarium Show (Unseen Universe)     Location: Center for the Sciences, Planetarium

We are creatures of sight, always trying to see farther and in greater detail — exploring the distant universe far beyond our vision. Huge instruments in space have become our new eyes on the cosmos, tuned to all the wavelengths of light. Airborne telescopes and observatories on high mountain peaks also watch the universe through Earth’s clearest skies. Radio ears as big as a football stadium capture the lowest frequencies of light. Detectors deep underground see the most elusive particles. In “Unseen Universe” we experience a cosmic drama playing in the heavens above, with scenes and characters we’ve never seen before. This is a free but ticketed show. Please visit The Ticket Hub to secure your seats.

Sponsored by the Physics Department

7:00 p.m.

Movie Night - "Lightyear"  Location: "The Bonnie" Hurlburt Student Center Auditorium

Free showing. All ages welcome. 

Sponsored by R-SPaCE

7:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Family Time in the Game Room Location: Hurlburt Student Center

Family and friends are invited to play billiards, go bowling, and enoy other games during family time in the game room. It's free fun for all ages!

Hosted by Student Involvement

Friday, September 23, 2022 - Events in Roanoke

12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

RUC Family Check-In Location: Community Hospital Main Lobby

Come by to register and pick up your free 2022 Family Weekend t-shirt!  Campus and city maps, discount coupons, and other free gifts available for pick up.

Sponsored by RUC Student Affairs

8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

RUC Bookstore Open

Stop by to replenish your Radford University wardrobe or get a new Highlanders coffee mug. Don't forget the 15% discount coupon from check-in!

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Open Office Hours

Student Affairs- 4th Floor 
Student Accounts- 4th floor 
Financial Aid- 4th floor 
Library- 5th floor 
Academic Support Services- 5th floor

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Taubman Museum of Art Location: 110 Salem Avenue SE
Roanoke, VA 24011

Free admission to all families and students visiting during Family Weekend 2022. Take in the permanent collection and also visit the Betty Branch retrospective. Stop on your way into or out of town!

Sponsored by the Taubman Museum

12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Lawn Games and Ice Cream Location: Reid Lawn

Play corn hole and other lawn games while enjoying some ice cream! 

Sponsored by RUC Student Affairs

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Campus tour, including labs

Take a tour of RUC, including the lab and clinical spaces. 

Sponsored by RUC Admissions

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Family Photo Shoot 

Our university photographer is offering family photo sessions at RUC. Swing by with your family and your smile. You will receive your image digitally the following week! This event is free and requires no pre-registration. 

Sponsored by University Relations

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Faculty Meet and Greet Location: RUC Boardroom

Mingle with faculty and staff over refreshments! 

Sponsored by Academic Programs

4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Walking Tour of Downtown Roanoke

See the sights of downtown Roanoke in this guided tour!  Highlights include Center in the Square, the Taubman Museum, farmer’s market, and Mast General Store.  Stay after the tour and enjoy dinner at one of downtown Roanoke’s many restaurants. 

Sponsored by RUC Student Affairs

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Open time for dinner and shopping downtown 

Grab a bite to eat before heading back to campus!

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Bingo and board games Location: Highlander House

Play Bingo to win prizes!  Or select from a variety of board games to play with family and friends.  Refreshments will be provided. 

Sponsored by RUC Student Affairs

Saturday, September 24, 2022 - All Events in Radford

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Registration and Check In     Location: "The Bonnie" Hurlburt Student Center lobby

Come by "The Bonnie" Hurlburt Student Center to register and pick up your free 2022 Family Weekend t-shirt!  Campus and city maps, discount coupons, and other free gifts available for pick up.

Hosted by the Division of Student Affairs

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Radford City Farmers Market     Location: 402 West Main St., Radford, VA 

Enjoy some local treats, pick up a bouquet of flowers, plants, crafts, meats, and more!

Hosted by the City of Radford

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Day Hike to Stiles Falls     Location: Meet at Student Recreation & Wellness Center, RU Outdoors

Join us on a 3.5 mile hike to Stiles Falls.  The trail follows Purgatory Creek for 1.75 miles crossing it several times before reaching Stiles Falls. Participants should expect to ford the creek several times and hike/ climb rocky uneven terrain. Lunch Provided. To register, please call the Outdoor Programs office [540-831-5813]. 

Sponsored by Student Recreation and WellnessRU Outdoors

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Early Bird Special     Location: Honeycomb Commons

Pick up a drink and a snack at the Honeycomb Commons. Special Family Weekend discount of 10% off before noon!

Hosted by Dining Services

9:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m.

Radford University Bookstore     Location: Dalton Hall (lower level)

Stop by to replenish your Radford University wardrobe or get a new Highlanders coffee mug. Don't forget the 15% discount coupon from check-in!

10:00 a.m.

- 11:00 a.m.

Demystifying Financial Aid and FAFSA Location: Heth 016

Join our team from Financial Aid and the University Bursar to learn about the financial aid process. You'll receive specific guidance on how to be prepared for the 23-24 FAFSA process which begins October 1st! This event is free and requires no pre-registration.

Sponsored by Financial Aid and the University Bursar

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Waldron Clinic Labs Open Location: Waldron Hall

Stop by Waldron Hall to see the Nursing Clinic Labs first-hand! Faculty will be present to guide you and answer questions.

Sponsored by the School of Nursing

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Paddleboard and Kayak the New River     Location: Meet at Student Recreation & Wellness Center, RU Outdoors

Join us on a float down the New River on paddle boards. This 5 mile float trip is mostly flat water with a few small rapids to give you a taste of excitement. Participants should be comfortable swimming in moving water. Adult sized life jackets and paddle equipment is provided.  Snacks are provided. To register, please call the Outdoor Programs office [540-831-5813]. This trip is estimated to take 4 hours.

Sponsored by Student Recreation and WellnessRU Outdoors

11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

Open Business Office Hours

Housing & Residential Life - 226 Heth Hall

Financial Aid - 169 Heth Hall

Bursar - 2nd floor Heth Hall

Alumni Relations - 150 Russell Hall

10:30 a.m.

Planetarium Kids Show (Beyond the Sun)     Location: Center for the Sciences, Planetarium

While our heroine Celeste is fighting off sleep in her room by reading a book on astronomy she receives an unexpected visit from Moon. Together, they will enjoy a journey through the universe to discover what exoplanets are and how they can be detected. They observe rogue planets, oceanic worlds and super-Earths. Moon tells her about exoplanet hunters, who observe the sky in search of planets like Earth.This is a free but ticketed show. Please visit The Ticket Hub to secure your seats.

Hosted by the Physics Department

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Family Weekend Festival & Campus Cookout     Location: Heth Lawn

The Family Weekend Festival will feature live music, student performances, a kids games area, bingo, olympics, inflatables, City of Radford vendors, and lots of fun! Chartwells will host an incredible cookout to enjoy the festivities.  

The festival will feature the T.C.Carter Band in addition to student performances!

The festival is free to attend. Students can use a meal plan swipe to eat. You may pay with card on-site or prepurchase your meal ticket.  Please visit The Ticket Hub to secure your meal tickets. Tickets are $11.63 in advance and $12.89 on site.

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

First-Gen Tickets for the Family Weekend Cook-out

The Center for Opportunity and Social Mobility has a limited number of free tickets available for first-gen students and their families. To pick up tickets, find the Center for Opportunity and Social Mobility table under a blue tent on Heth Lawn.

Tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. 

11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Student Recreation and Wellness Center

Complimentary family admission to all spaces and services.

Sponsored by Student Recreation and Wellness

12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Mini Golf in the Stacks     Location: McConnell Library

Come to McConnell to play through a game of miniature golf library-style! 

Sponsored by the McConnell Library

12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

ESports Center Open Hours     Location: Cook 131

Visit the brand new, state-of-the-art ESports Center in Cook Hall. You don't have to be a gamer - you'll still have fun and you'll definitely be impressed! Staff will be present to talk about the esports minor, student success efforts, and how we're building community!

Sponsored by Student Recreation & Wellness

1:00 p.m.

Annual Family Weekend Dog Show     Location: The Heth Lawn

Bring the four-legged members of the Highlander family and join us for one of the weekend's most popular events. Every pup is a winner! Pre-registration is at 12 p.m. Look for the check-in tent at the Family Weekend Festival on Heth Lawn!

Hosted by Student Involvement

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Muse Rooftop Tour     Location: Muse Hall elevators

Take a “tour” of Radford University from the rooftop of Muse Hall. This picturesque opportunity will discuss the past growth and future development of Radford University from a birds eye view! This is a free event and guests can arrive to the Muse elevators to participate in the tour!

Sponsored by Facilities Management

1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Planetarium Show (Unseen Universe)     Location: Center for the Sciences, Planetarium

We are creatures of sight, always trying to see farther and in greater detail — exploring the distant universe far beyond our vision. Huge instruments in space have become our new eyes on the cosmos, tuned to all the wavelengths of light. Airborne telescopes and observatories on high mountain peaks also watch the universe through Earth’s clearest skies. Radio ears as big as a football stadium capture the lowest frequencies of light. Detectors deep underground see the most elusive particles. In “Unseen Universe” we experience a cosmic drama playing in the heavens above, with scenes and characters we’ve never seen before. This is a free but ticketed show. Please visit The Ticket Hub to secure your seats.

Hosted by the Physics Department

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Fall Fashion Show  Location: "The Bonnie" Hurlburt Student Center Auditorium

A Family Weekend tradition! The annual Fall Fashion Show will display the works of Radford University design students. You won't want to miss it!

Sponsored by: the Design Department

2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

It's all Greek to Me - Fraternity and Sorority Life Information Session     Location: Heth Hall 022

Do you have a student who is interested in joining a Fraternity or Sorority on campus? Join us to learn more about our community, our values, and our expectations for members. Joining a Fraternity or Sorority is a life-long decision and an important one to be discussed with family members. 

Hosted by Fraternity and Sorority Life

2:00 p.m.

Men's Soccer team vs. Presbyterian Location: Cupp Stadium

Support our Highlanders as we take on Presbyterian College at Cupp Stadium!

Hosted by Athletics

3:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.

Planetarium Show (Unseen Universe)     Location: Center for the Sciences, Planetarium

We are creatures of sight, always trying to see farther and in greater detail — exploring the distant universe far beyond our vision. Huge instruments in space have become our new eyes on the cosmos, tuned to all the wavelengths of light. Airborne telescopes and observatories on high mountain peaks also watch the universe through Earth’s clearest skies. Radio ears as big as a football stadium capture the lowest frequencies of light. Detectors deep underground see the most elusive particles. In “Unseen Universe” we experience a cosmic drama playing in the heavens above, with scenes and characters we’ve never seen before. This is a free but ticketed show. Please visit The Ticket Hub to secure your seats.

Hosted by the Physics Department

4:00 p.m.

Movie Matinee - "Lightyear!"  Location: "The Bonnie" Hurlburt Student Center Auditorium

Free showing. All ages welcome. 

Sponsored by: R-SPaCE

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Open Climbing at the Rock Wall     Location: Peters Hall

The climbing wall is open for you experience some vertical thrill. All climbing equipment is provided. 

Sponsored by Student Recreation and WellnessRU Outdoors

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Farm-to-Table Dinner     Location: Selu Conservancy

This special event will surely provide a unique experience and fantastic memories. Enjoy food and drink from local farmers and prepared by our world-class chefs. Cash bar available on site.. Transportation provided from campus parking lot JJ.  Seating is limited to 70 persons. Tickets can be purchased at the Ticket Hub for $65 per person. Student meal plans cannot be used for this event.

Sponsored by Dining Services

8:00 p.m.

Comedy Show Featuring Dulcé Sloan, with guest opener David Perdue     Location: Preston Hall, Bondurant Auditorium

Tickets are on sale to see the "New Queen of Comedy," Dulcé Sloan! Student tickets are free. Faculty, staff, and guests are $5. children 12 and under are free.  Please visit The Ticket Hub to secure your seats at that time.

Sponsored by: R-SPaCE

7:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Family Time in the Game Room Location: Hurlburt Student Center

Family and friends are invited to play billiards or go bowling during family time in the game room. It's free fun for all ages!

Hosted by Student Involvement

Sunday, September 25, 2022

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Rock Climbing at Bozoo     Location: Meet at the Student Recreation & Wellness Center

Join us for a vertical adventure; rock climbing in Bozoo, WVA.  This is an all day trip with lunch and equipment provided.  Participants should expect to be outdoors all day with moderate hiking activity.  To register, please call the Outdoor Programs office [540-831-5813].  This trip is expected to take 9 hours.

Sponsored by Student Recreation and WellnessRU Outdoors

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

First-Gen Family Send-off Location: Center for Opportunity and Social Mobility, "The Bonnie" Hurlburt Student Center 115

Visit the Center for Opportunity and Social Mobility in the Hurlburt (Bonnie) Student Center, room 115. Families can stop by, see the center space, ask questions, and meet some of our student staff.

For the first 50 first-gen families to stop in, we will have a gift for you to take home. 

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Early Bird Special     Location: Honeycomb Commons

Pick up a drink and a snack at the Honeycomb Commons. Special Family Weekend discount of 10% off before noon!

Hosted by Dining Services

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Caving Trip to Tawney's     Location: Meet at the Student Recreation & Wellness Center

Join us as we explore the hidden world beneath your feet in a Cave.  All equipment and lunch is provided on this trip.  Participants should plan on getting muddy and crawling through tight passages.  To register, please call the Outdoor Programs office [540-831-5813]. This trip is expected to take 6 hours.

Sponsored by Student Recreation and WellnessRU Outdoors

9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Radford University Bookstore     Location: Dalton Hall (lower level)

Stop by to replenish your Radford University wardrobe or get a new Highlanders coffee mug. Don't forget the 15% discount coupon from check-in!

9:30 a.m. - 2:00 pm.

The Highlander Family Weekend Brunch     Location: Dalton Dining Hall

Have brunch with your student before you head home. Enjoy a variety of items, including a carving station, made-to-order omelets, breakfast and lunch entrees. Students can swipe their meal plan. Guests can pay at the door or order tickets in advance at the Ticket Hub. Tickets are $11.64 in advance and $12.89 at the door.

Hosted by Dining Services

11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Student Recreation and Wellness Center

Complimentary family admission to all spaces and services.

Sponsored by Student Recreation and Wellness

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Interdenominational Service     Location: "The Bonnie" Hurlburt Student Center Auditorium

Join Radford University Campus Ministers Interdenominational Service.

All family, friends and alumni are welcome!

Sponsored by Radford University Campus Ministries

9:00 am

Catholic Mass 1024a Clement Street

Join the Catholic Campus Ministry for Mass before leaving town.  

Sponsored by the Catholic Campus Ministry

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Taubman Museum of Art Location: 110 Salem Avenue SE
Roanoke, VA 24011

Free admission to all families and students visiting during Family Weekend 2022. Take in the permanent collection and also visit the Betty Branch retrospective. Stop on your way out of town!

Sponsored by the Taubman Museum

Roanoke optional events
  • Church services around town
  • Hike or drive to the Roanoke Star and enjoy the view of downtown and the Roanoke Valley
  • Hike McAfee Knob, the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail
  • Walk or bike the greenway, making sure to stop for ice cream at Blue Cow or get a bite to eat at the Green Goat 
  • Catch a play at Mill Mountain Theatre
  • Shop and dine at Valley View Mall
  • Take in a matinee at the historic Grandin Theater
  • Grab some coffee at Sweet Donkey before heading home 

Explore on Your Own!

Check out the Radford University Art Galleries (Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday noon - 4:00 p.m.):

  • The Art Museum at the Covington Center: Big ART small art from the University collection. 
  • The Art Museum on Tyler (214 Tyler Ave): Marine Le Coz: A French Homage to the Ancient Myths & Contemporary Artists of Mithila, India.
  • The Andrew W. Ross Student Gallery in McConnell Library: Inspired by Mithila: Shadowboxes by Radford University Design Students.

Enjoy 50% off off paddle and bike packages to enjoy the beautiful New River Valley and get around town! Compliments of RU Outdoors.

Visit Randolph Park just next door in Dublin! 

Visit the Mary Draper Ingles Monument and learn about the history of the City of Radford.

Download the Geocache app and enjoy the area treasure hunt.

Check out area attractions!