Family Weekend has activities for all ages. Some of these activities require a separate entry fee, but tickets will be available for purchase through the USI Family Weekend payment and reservation portal. We encourage you to read through our activity details to find the right fit for your family this weekend! While many of our activities come and go, please note that the Paint and Sip requires on-time attendance. Feel free to look through our description of events below and contact our office with any questions at (812) 465-7167 or new.student@usi.edu.
Start your Family Weekend here! Pick up your weekend schedule, campus map, and swag bag. Don't forget to take a family photo to remember the weekend.
Enjoy dinner with your student in the Loft for $12. Student can use their meal plan.
A historical fantasia in four parts, First Daughter Suite follows Patricia Nixon and daughters Tricia and Julie, Rosalynn and Amy Carter, Betty and Susan Ford, Patti Davis and mom Nancy Reagan, and Barbara Bush and daughter-in-law Laura as they strive to live meaningful lives in the public eye.
Words and Music by Michael John LaChiusa
Ticket Prices
Adult $15
Senior (60+) $12
USI Employee/Alumni $12
Non-USI Student $4
USI Student $2
Location: USI Performance Center
Additional performance dates and times:
Thursday, September 24 at 7 p.m.
Friday, September 25 @ 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 26 @ 7 p.m.
Sunday, September 27 @ 2 p.m.
We encourage you to dine out with your family this weekend. Many memorable conversations happen at the dinner table. Evansville offers countless restaurants, and many of them have discounts for USI students.
*Many discounts require the student to show their student ID, so don't forget it!
Start your Family Weekend here! Pick up your weekend schedule, campus map, swag bag, and family buttons. Enjoy light refreshments, stop by information tables, and take a family photo to remember the weekend.
National Environmental Education Foundation Pavilion Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Activities Include:
Bee Origami
Water Quality Investigators
Leaves of USI
Guided Expert Walk of the Burdette Trail
Stop by the USI Campus Store during Family Weekend to stock up on Screaming Eagles gear, gifts, and campus essentials. Show your school spirit with the latest USI apparel and take home a keepsake to remember your weekend on campus.
If you’re not attending Brunch with University Leadership or wish to grab something later in the day, join us for Brunch in the Loft, USI’s main dining hall. Students may use a meal swipe or munch money. Families can pay for meals individually or use the student’s munch money. Families with Family Weekend Vouchers will receive 20% off family meals on Saturday and Sunday.
Get creative during Family Weekend at our Paint & Sip event! Guided by local artist Tony Trip, you’ll paint your own masterpiece to take home. The ticket price includes all painting supplies, aprons, instruction, and your art surface.
📍 Location: University Center East, Rooms 2217–2220
⏰ Times: Session 1 — 10:30 a.m.-Noon | Session 2 — 1:30-3 p.m.
đź’˛ Cost: $20 per person
🎟️ Reservations required. Limited seating available—purchase your ticket in advance.
Cheer on the Screagles at this spirited intra‑squad competition as the USI Swimming and Diving teams face off in a Red vs. Blue showdown. Families are invited to come support their favorite athlete—or the whole team—as they race, dive, and showcase their talent during this high‑energy meet.
Free entry. No ticket required.
Aquatic Center
Enjoy an afternoon of fun and friendly competition in Rice Plaza! Families can play classic yard games like Corn Hole, Giant Connect 4, and Jenga, or head inside Cone Dining in the UCE to relax with a variety of board games. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Enjoy a special Family Weekend tradition—Lunch with University Leadership. Meet Archie, the USI mascot, and hear from President Steven Bridges and Provost Dr. Shelly Blunt as they share exciting updates about the University of Southern Indiana. Guests will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch while dining alongside university leadership.
đź“Ť Location: University Center West, Carter Hall
⏰ Time: Noon
đź’˛ Cost: $16 per person
Must make reservations in advance. Students attending will also need reservations. Not part of their meal plan.
Minka Learning Lab for Living Well Open House Explore the Minka Learning Lab for Living Well—a 640‑square‑foot smart‑home showcase designed to demonstrate innovative, technology‑supported living‑in‑place. During this Family Weekend open house, guests can tour the space, learn how smart design supports wellness and independence, and discover how USI students engage with these concepts through the interdisciplinary Gerontology minor. It’s a hands‑on opportunity to see how students from a variety of majors apply their skills to real‑world aging and wellness challenges.
Sponsored by Bronstein Center for Health Aging - Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions
Take a spin around The Spin during Family Weekend to see where our students' award-winning broadcasts are produced and aired.  All USI students interested in radio can gain experience in all aspects of radio broadcasting, including programming, production, news, sports, and other areas at this state-of-the-art facility.Â
The Spin and the Radio and Television (RTV) Program consistently earn high rankings according to the Broadcast Education Association (BEA). This year, BEA ranked USI as sixth in audio programs, 27th in sports programs and 22nd overall out of over 150 schools in the nation.
Check out the current exhibit at the Kenneth P. McCutchan Art Center/Palmina F. and Stephen S. Pace Gallery.Â
Romain College of Business Tours and Lab Demonstrations
Zero Gravity Treadmill and Bod Pod
The University Archives & Special Collections will host an open house. Make sure to stop in to see artifacts from the local area, the University, and a vintage clothing exhibit. They will also be showing World War II newsreels, 1937 in Review and the History of the Submarine.
Try your hand at Disc Golf. Equipment can be checked out in the Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center. Disc Golf course is located on the back side of Parking Lot F.Â
Join Robert Gober between the Aquatic Center and the Arena from 2–4 p.m. for guidance on exploring USI’s scenic trails. He’ll help you choose the best route based on your preferences and abilities:
Paved Trails: Bluff Area (behind Theatre Support)
Easy Unpaved Trails: Stone Creek Bed (South Trails)
Moderate Unpaved Trails: Waterfall (Bent Twig) with slight drop-offs
All trails are under 0.5 miles, with additional markers to make navigation simple. For those seeking a bigger challenge, Robert can point out longer routes on the map. Come ready to enjoy the outdoors, explore at your own pace, and connect with fellow USI families!
You’re invited to explore USI’s brand‑new STEM Discovery Lab, powered by the CenterPoint Energy Foundation — a hands‑on learning space designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and problem‑solving for K–8 students across the region. This open house gives families a first look at what’s possible.
Saturday, September 26, 2026
2–4 p.m. (CST)
David L. Rice Library – 1st Floor University of Southern Indiana
Free and open to the public; no registration required.
Explore the new STEM Discovery Lab facility and technology
Browse the hands‑on lesson materials used during K–8 field trips
Meet the team behind USI’s STEM outreach efforts
Learn how USI students can get involved in mentoring, volunteering, and community engagement
Get inspired by the innovative ways USI supports STEM education in Southwest Indiana
Evan Rebar Curriculum & Outreach Specialist emrebar@usi.edu 812‑461‑5392
Family Night Out
Family Night Out invites students and their families to unwind together through a lineup of interactive games including Trivia, Family Feud, and Bingo. The atmosphere is upbeat and welcoming — think game‑show energy, light snacks, and plenty of chances for families to cheer each other on. Whether they’re testing their knowledge, guessing the top survey answers, or racing to complete a bingo card, guests can jump into any activity at their own pace.
The night is designed to be multi‑generational, easy to join, and full of quick wins, making it perfect for families with kids, teens, and adults. No experience needed — just show up ready to play and have fun.
A historical fantasia in four parts, First Daughter Suite follows Patricia Nixon and daughters Tricia and Julie, Rosalynn and Amy Carter, Betty and Susan Ford, Patti Davis and mom Nancy Reagan, and Barbara Bush and daughter-in-law Laura as they strive to live meaningful lives in the public eye.
Words and Music by Michael John LaChiusa
Ticket Prices
Adult $15
Senior (60+) $12
USI Employee/Alumni $12
Non-USI Student $4
USI Student $2
Location: USI Performance Center
Additional performance dates and times:
Thursday, September 24 at 7 p.m.
Friday, September 25 @ 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 26 @ 7 p.m.
Sunday, September 27 @ 2 p.m.
We encourage you to dine out with your family this weekend. Many memorable conversations happen at the dinner table. Evansville offers countless restaurants, and many of them have discounts for USI students.
*Many discounts require the student to show their student ID, so don't forget it!
Join us for Brunch in The Loft, USI’s main dining hall! Students may use a meal swipe or Munch Money, while families can pay individually or use their student’s Munch Money. Families with Family Weekend Vouchers will also receive 20% off family meals on Saturday and Sunday.
Before heading home, we encourage families to enjoy one last meal together and make Brunch in The Loft part of your Family Weekend tradition!
A historical fantasia in four parts, First Daughter Suite follows Patricia Nixon and daughters Tricia and Julie, Rosalynn and Amy Carter, Betty and Susan Ford, Patti Davis and mom Nancy Reagan, and Barbara Bush and daughter-in-law Laura as they strive to live meaningful lives in the public eye.
Words and Music by Michael John LaChiusa
Ticket Prices
Adult $15
Senior (60+) $12
USI Employee/Alumni $12
Non-USI Student $4
USI Student $2
Location: USI Performance Center
Additional performance dates and times:
Thursday, September 24 at 7 p.m.
Friday, September 25 @ 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 26 @ 7 p.m.
Sunday, September 27 @ 2 p.m.
We know navigating campus can be difficult. Feel free to click here and use the campus map to find your way. You can also find anyone working the weekend, and they can help you find where you need to go. If there's anything we can do, let us know! We're happy to help!