Parents and Family Weekend - Fall 2026
Description
Welcome Back to the Hill, Rattler Families! 🧡💚
Florida A&M University invites parents, families, and loved ones to experience the spirit, traditions, and community that make FAMU special during Parents & Family Weekend 2026, September 18-19.
Whether this is your first time visiting the Hill or you’re returning for another Rattler family tradition, this weekend is your opportunity to experience FAMU alongside your student.
From the energy of Market SET Friday and our Ready Player 1 Yard Show to family activities, food, music, fellowship, tailgating, and Rattler football, we've planned a weekend that brings together the people who support our students most.
Come connect. Come celebrate. Come experience the Hill.
Parents & Family Weekend isn't just about visiting your Rattler; it's about becoming part of the FAMU experience.
Lineup
Day 1: Parents & Family Weekend Check-In
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Check in, receive your Parents & Family Weekend materials, and get everything you need for the weekend.
Day 1: Market SET Friday
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Experience the energy of the SET with vendors, food trucks, music, student organizations, Rattler culture, and plenty of opportunities to connect with the FAMU community. Grab something to eat, shop with vendors, meet other Rattler families, and enjoy the atmosphere before the afternoon's featured entertainment.
Day 1: Sneak Peek at Greek & Non-Greek Yard Show
1:00–2:30 p.m. PLAYER SELECTED. GAME ON. Some of FAMU's student organizations take the stage for an afternoon of performance, creativity, tradition, and school spirit. Eight teams. One stage. One Hill. And this time, the crowd gets a vote. Stick around to see which team earns the Crowd Favorite Award!
Day 1: The SET After the Show
2:30–4:00 p.m. Don't leave when the show ends. We're keeping the SET moving with music, games, strolling, fellowship, and a roll call as we close out the afternoon. Then head back, recharge, and get ready for Friday night.
Day 1: Friday Night | Rattler Family Mixer
6:00 p.m. Location: Grand Ballroom The FAMUly Function Where Rattler families come together and have a good time.
Day 2: Saturday Morning | Late Registration Pick-Up/Check-In
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Check in, receive your Parents & Family Weekend materials, and get everything you need for the weekend.
Day 2: FAMUly Tailgate
2:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Location: Pattyfoote Lawn Enjoy free food, giveaways, and cleaning supplies just for you!
Day 2: FAMU vs. Tennessee State University Football Game
Kickooff starts at 7:00 p.m. at Bragg Memorial Stadium
FAQs
- When is FAMU Parents & FAMULY Weekend 2026?
FAMU Parents & FAMULY Weekend will take place Friday, September 18–Saturday, September 19, 2026, on the campus of Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida.
- Who can attend Parents & FAMULY Weekend?
Parents, guardians, grandparents, siblings, family members, and other supporters of current FAMU students are welcome to participate.
At FAMU, we know family looks different for everyone... that's why we call it FAMULY Weekend.
- Does my FAMU student need their own registration?
Yes. Students must purchase their own registration using the "Student Ticket" option.
Please do not include your FAMU student as a parent/family guest registration. The Student Ticket is specifically priced for current FAMU students. Students receive their football admission through the University's established student-ticket process; therefore, a football ticket is not included in the Parents & Family Weekend Student Ticket.
- What does my Parents & Family Weekend registration include?
Unless otherwise noted, each registration includes:
Admission to scheduled PFW activities
Designated meals/food experiences included with the package
PFW registration items (1 Bag per Registration ticket, not per guest)
One PFW shirt per registered guest within the registration (Shirts are pre-ordered, some sizes may be unable)
One football ticket per registered guest within the registration, for the FAMU vs. Albany State game
*Some optional activities, premium experiences, merchandise, or independently operated events may require a separate purchase.
- What is Early Bird pricing?
Early Bird registration is available for a limited time and/or while the designated Early Bird ticket inventory lasts.
Once the Early Bird period or ticket allotment ends, registration will move to the next available pricing level.
Purchasing early is encouraged. Availability and pricing are not guaranteed until registration and payment are successfully completed.
- Can I purchase tickets at the door?
No. FAMU PFW does not offer on-site registration.
- Can I purchase a ticket for only one event?
No. Parents & FAMULY Weekend registration is designed as a weekend experience, and individual tickets are not currently offered for activities included in the registration package.
Some events that are open to the broader FAMU community may have separate admission or participation requirements. Please refer to the official schedule for details.
- When and where do I check in?
Friday, September 18 | 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
H. Manning Efferson Student Union | Multipurpose Room A1628 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Late Check-In:
Saturday, September 19 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.H. Manning Efferson Student Union | Multipurpose Room A
1628 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Registered guests should check in before participating in Parents & FAMULY Weekend activities to receive applicable credentials, materials, meal tickets, and other registration items.
- Can someone else pick up my registration materials?
Yes. A person listed on the registration may pick up the registration materials with a valid ID that matches their name on the registration list. Students who purchased their own registration may only pick up their own items.
- What should I wear and bring?
September in Tallahassee can be hot, humid, and sunny, with occasional rain, and several activities will take place outdoors.
We recommend bringing:
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen
Refillable water bottle
Portable handheld or neck fan
Hat or visor
Sunglasses
Umbrella or lightweight rain gear
Portable phone charger/power bank
GRAY & BLACK for game day!
FAMU is a walkable campus—but remember, we're on the Highest of Seven Hills! Be prepared for hills, stairs, outdoor walking, and Florida heat.
- What is this year's GAME DAY Colors?
Gray & Black
See Season Game Day Colors - HERE
- Will events take place outdoors?
Yes. Portions of PFW, including SET Friday, the Yard Show, tailgate activities, Rattler Walk, and football game, may take place outdoors.
Please monitor the weather and dress accordingly.
Schedule or location changes caused by weather will be communicated to registered attendees through official FAMU communication channels.
- Where can I find the most up-to-date schedule?
The official PFW webpage and communications sent to registered attendees should be considered your primary sources for schedule information.
We also encourage families to follow @FAMU_ESUA for event reminders and timely updates.
Schedules, locations, and activities are subject to change.
- What if my student has class, work, practice, or another University commitment?
Students should continue to meet their academic and University obligations.
PFW activities do not excuse students from classes, exams, employment, athletic responsibilities, rehearsals, organization commitments, or other obligations.
Families are encouraged to review the schedule with their student(s) before finalizing plans.
- Will meals be provided?
Designated meals or food experiences included with your registration will be identified on the official schedule and/or registration package.
Additional food trucks, vendors, campus dining locations, and local restaurants may also be available throughout the weekend at the guest's expense.
Please remember that not every food vendor or dining opportunity is included with registration.
- What if I have a dietary restriction, disability, or need an accommodation?
Guests who require an accessibility accommodation or have dietary needs should identify those needs during registration when that option is provided or contact the Office of Student Activities as early as possible.
Advance notice gives the University the best opportunity to make appropriate arrangements.
- Is FAMU's campus accessible?
.
- How does parking work during Parents & Family Weekend (PFW)
Registered attendees will receive additional parking instructions prior to the weekend.
If a PFW parking decal is provided electronically, please print the decal in color and place it on the driver’s side of your dashboard, facing outward/upward.
Limited printed copies may also be available at check-in.
*A parking decal does not authorize parking in restricted, reserved, fire-lane, service, or otherwise prohibited spaces. Always follow posted signage and directions from FAMU personnel.
- Does my PFW parking decal guarantee a parking space?
No. A parking decal provides parking authorization where applicable but does not guarantee a particular parking space or proximity to an event venue.
Families should arrive early and allow additional time to park and walk to their destination.
- Is parking different on football game day?
Yes. Game-day parking operations may differ from normal campus parking.
Some campus areas may be restricted, reserved, or unavailable as game-day operations begin. Follow all game-day signage and instructions from FAMU Athletics, FAMU Police, Transportation & Parking Services, and event personnel.
PFW Parking Decal is not a part of Game Day Parking directives.
Arriving early is strongly encouraged. Parking and riding the Venom Shuttle is an option. Just show your PWF Lanyard before you board.
- How does my student access their football ticket?
Current FAMU students should use the University's established student-ticket process to claim/access their football ticket.
Students should secure their ticket before game day and follow all current FAMU Athletics student-ticket procedures.
FAMU Athletics Football Information
*Please Note: Students who purchase their tickets during the early bird window will have their ticket placed in their student game day portal automatically.
- Will I be able to sit with my student during the football game?
.
- Is there a clear bag policy at Bragg Memorial Stadium?
Yes. Guests attending the football game should review the current FAMU Athletics Clear Bag Policy before arriving at the stadium.
Review the FAMU Athletics Clear Bag Policy
Guests should also review stadium policies for prohibited items before game day.
- Where can I find football and game-day information?
For kickoff information, game-day updates, ticketing information, and other football details, visit FAMU Athletics and follow @FAMUFB on Instagram
Because game-day information can change, families should check Athletics communications as the weekend approaches.
- Is the North End Zone Tailgate included with Parents & Family Weekend registration?
No. If the North End Zone Tailgate is offered, it is a separate experience and is not included in the Parents & FAMULY Weekend registration package.
Information regarding availability and tickets should be obtained directly from the appropriate University Advancement/Athletics program.
- Can children attend?
Yes, Children 4 and under are free. Children 5 and above will need their own ticket.
Parents and families should review stadium policies to ensure they comply with any prohibited-item policies.
- Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
No. Ticket transfers are not permitted. Tickets and registration items are tied to the original registrant, and a valid ID must be presented at check-in to verify the attendee and receive all registration items.
- What is the refund policy?
Refund requests must be received by 5:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
No refunds will be issued after the established deadline. Registration-platform processing fees are non-refundable. Only 50% of the total registration is refundable.
Refunds will not be provided for individual schedule changes, travel disruptions, student academic obligations, organization activities, or other personal conflicts.
Please review the complete Parents & Family Weekend (PFW) Refund Policy before completing registration.
- What happens if Parents & Family Weekend is affected by severe weather?
The safety of our students, families, and campus community comes first.
If weather or another emergency affects the schedule, registered attendees will receive information regarding cancellations, delays, relocations, or other changes through official University communication channels.
If inclement weather requires the University to cancel Parents & Family Weekend in its entirety, applicable registration refunds will be handled in accordance with the published refund policy and University procedures.
The University is not responsible for personal travel expenses, including airfare, hotels, rental vehicles, or other costs associated with attending the weekend.
- Do I need to show an ID at check-in to receive my ticket and other items?
Yes. A valid ID is required at check-in to receive your ticket and registration items. ID must match name(s) on the registration.
- Can I exchange the T-shirt size I selected during registration?
No. T-shirt sizes cannot be exchanged. Shirts are ordered and distributed based on the size selected during registration.
- Where should my family stay?
Parents & Family Weekend is a busy weekend in Tallahassee, particularly when combined with a home football game. Families are strongly encouraged to reserve accommodations early.
Hotel and lodging costs are not included with Parents & Family Weekend registration.
Visit Info, Events & Things to do in Tallahassee | Visit Tallahassee to help plan your trip and for “things to do in Tallahassee”.
- Will transportation be provided between events?
.
- Is there Wi-Fi available for campus guests?
FAMU Guest is an unencrypted wireless network provided for visitors at Florida A&M University. To connect, select the network on your device, enter your name and phone number, and agree to the terms. A text message will be sent with credentials valid for 72 hours.
Visit FAMU Wireless and click "FAMU Guest Network"
- What if I lose something during the weekend?
Lost items should be turned in to or reported at the designated Parents & Family Weekend check-in/help area while it is open.
After the event, guests may be directed to the appropriate University lost-and-found location.
Lost items can be turned in at the Check-In location when open or to any staff member during the tailgate.
- Where can I purchase FAMU apparel and merchandise?
Families looking for official FAMU apparel and merchandise should shop through University-authorized/licensed retailers and vendors.
Additional approved vendors may also be available during Parents & Family Weekend activities.
Check out the FAMU Bookstore:
Student Services Center, 601 Robert and Trudie Perkins Way, Tallahassee, FL 32307 | Business and Auxiliary Services
850-599-3070 | bksfamu@bncollege.com - What should we do during breaks in the schedule?
Enjoy the Hill!
Use open time to visit your student’s favorite campus spots, take family photos, explore campus, visit the bookstore, grab a meal, or simply spend time together.
Parents & Family Weekend is intentionally about more than moving from event to event—make time to experience FAMU through your Rattler's eyes.
- Where can I learn the FAMU Alma Mater?
College of love and charity
We gather 'round thy noble shrine;
We lift our voice in praise to thee,
And ask a blessing all divine.(Chorus)
FAM-U! FAM-U! I love thee
I'll fight and win what'er the battle be
The Orange and the Green thy Sons shall e'er defend
And loyal to thy voice of love attend
FAM-U! FAM-U! FAM-U! I love thee!On gridiron, diamond, track and field,
Thy sons the vict'ry never yield¬-
And while they tread a broader life
Thy love shall stay them in the strife.(Repeat Chorus)
God ever keep us true to thee;
Thy faith that truth shall make men free.
Shall guide thy loyal sons aright
And fend them thru' the skeptic night.(Repeat Chorus)
- Is there a waitlist if Parents & Family Weekend is sold out?
Possibly. A waitlist may be made available at the discretion of the event host. If a ticket becomes available due to a cancellation or increased capacity, individuals on the waitlist may receive an email with an opportunity to purchase.
Joining the waitlist does not guarantee a ticket, as available tickets may be limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you do not see an option to join the waitlist, it may not be available, may have reached capacity, or may have been closed.
Please note that some items maybe unavailable if you receive a waitlisted ticket/registration.
- Still Have Questions?
Efferson Student Union & Activities
Office of Student Activities
1628 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL 32307Phone: (850) 599-3400 | Email: esua@famu.edu
Tip: To better help us direct your email to the right staff member, In the subject line put Parents and Family Weekend Inquiry: ________
I would also add a dedicated Parents & Family Weekend email address here if ESUA has one, rather than relying solely on the general office telephone number.
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