Family Weekend Schedule

Welcome Racer Families for a Racer Journey!

View the 2023 schedule below or download the schedule:

The schedule is subject to change. Check for updates.

Friday, September 29, 2023

(Clara M. Eagle Art Gallery - Mary Ed Mecoy Hall - 6th floor of Fine Arts Building)

The mission of the Murray State University Galleries, in all of its activities, is to serve the students and scholars of the Murray State University community by originating and hosting diverse, dynamic exhibitions. Gallery events and exhibitions are free and open to the public.Learn more about University galleries.

(Waterfield Library Breezeway)

Get ready for the Journey! Students or families can pick up their family’s passport for the Racer Journey on Saturday and their bag to fill with Racer swag. Bags and passports are first available for guests who registered for lunch. The Journey is open to all.

(Racer Arena)

Support the Lady Racers and watch an exciting game at Racer Arena.

(Lovett Auditorium)

A longstanding favorite event on campus, Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority will host the Mr. MSU Pageant, where Murray State men perform their talents to compete for the crown. Guests may buy tickets at the door for $10 and proceeds will benefit the Arthritis Foundation for arthritis research.

Saturday, September 30, 2023

(Wellness Center)

Start your Saturday off right by participating in our Racer 5k! Check-in begins at 7:15 am; Race starts at 8:00 am. Register online prior to the event at www.Racer5k.com. Registration also accepted in person the morning of the event.

Learn more about how to register.

(North end by the MSU Gates)

Get ready for the Journey! Students or families can pick up their family’s passport for the Racer Journey later today and their bag to fill with Racer swag. Bags and passports are first available for guests who registered for lunch.

(Various stops around campus)

Murray Calloway County Transit shuttles will be making a loop between the Wellness Center, Residential College area, lunch (Biology Building), Quad and the Curris Center for families on Saturday, September 30 between 10 am and 2 pm. Look for the large white transit shuttles. The main pick up and drop off spot will be the Curris Center but they will make other stops along the route. View route map

(All around campus)

Snap a photo of you and your family around campus based on the clues found in your Racer Journey Passport and enter the photo contest by submitting your pictures on Instagram or Facebook with #yourracerjourney Prize winners (students) will be determined following Family Weekend and winners must stop by 425 Wells Hall to pick-up their prize. Grand Prize is an MSU Bucket of Swag: Blanket, foam finger, long sleeve shirt, mug, warm cap. Prizes also given to 2nd through 10th place winners.

(Wellness Center)

Families and guests are welcome to tour or exercise at Murray State’s 73,000 square foot recreation facility free of charge.

(Residential College Lobbies)

Visit the place where your student lives and/or participates in educational activities and intramural sports while at Murray State and enjoy light breakfast items in the lobbies of the Residential Colleges. The Outstanding Parent/Family Member for each Residential College will also be recognized at each reception. The receptions are complimentary.

(CFSB Center, Front Entrance)

Walk through the Hall of Champions with your family and learn more about Murray State’s athletic history. Located at the front of the CFSB Center, the Hall of Champions highlights the greatest individuals and championship teams in Racer history. Admission is complimentary.

(Lunch: Clock Tower Breezeway of the Biology Building

Enjoy lunch while visiting with family and participating in the Racer Journey. In the case of inclement weather, the Family Lunch will be relocated to Winslow Dining Hall.

(Passport Stops)

With passport and lunch in hand, explore where your Racer learns and thrives in our academic buildings and student support offices. You will get a passport stamp at each location, engage in an activity or talk with staff and fill your Family Weekend tote bag as you travel on the Journey. Stop in the Quad for a game or two or for an ice cream treat.

Racer Journey Passport Stops: Academic Buildings, Quad, Waterfield Library Participating units will have activities and information for guests.

Full stop details

(Racer Arena)

Support the Lady Racers and watch an exciting game at Racer Arena.

(Lovett Auditorium)

Fall Fanfare, a scholarship fundraising concert performed in the manner of a variety show, is a family-friendly musicale for music lovers of all ages. Featuring performances by various student ensembles at Murray State University such as various choirs, percussion ensemble, flute quartet, wind ensemble, jazz combos and more, the show concludes with a special appearance by the Racer Band. You don’t want to miss it! Tickets on sale through the Family Weekend registration system or at the door.

(Starts at Entry B of the CFSB Center)

Cheer on our Racer football team as they prepare to play Indiana State. Greet the team as they walk out of the CFSB Center and cheer for their success as they walk around Stewart Stadium to the South Gate. (Starts at Entry B of CFSB and goes around Stewart Stadium to end at the south entrance to the Stadium)

(Stewart Stadium)

Cheer on the Racer Football Team with your family as they face Indiana State! And, Clear the track! Racer 1 has been helping fans celebrate touchdowns with a victory lap around the field. Celebrate with us as we recognize the Outstanding Family Members and their student during halftime.

(208 Faculty Hall)

Enjoy an international film experience with family. Movie: Goliath (France, 2022). This law-related, well-crafted, “must-see” thriller focuses on the question of “people’s health vs. chemical pollution and corporate lobbying.” It spurs reflection on the world of greed that affects us and the Faustian deal sealed between some scientists and corporations to manipulate the masses with disinformation. Screened at the European Parliament in Brussels as a call for action, the film nourishes the belief that little David can defeat the giant Goliath…. Viewing is complimentary.

Sunday, October 1, 2023

(Pat Spurgin Rifle Range)

Support the Rifle Team as they compete against a long-time rival.

(Wellness Center)

Families and guests are welcome to tour or exercise at Murray State’s 73,000 square foot recreation facility free of charge.

Area Attractions and Events

Explore More at Tour Murray!

The Arboretum at Murray State

6 a.m. to 9 p.m. | 300 Hickory Dr, Murray, KY

Come take a stroll, go for a run, play on the playground or walk your dog through these student-maintained gardens. 

Downtown Farmer’s Market (Saturday Only)

Saturday, 7 a.m. to Noon | Court Square, Downtown Murray

Shop fresh, local produce, snack on scrumptious baked goods, pick-up arts and crafts made with care by local artisans, socialize and spend quality time with family while learning about Murray’s friendly, inviting atmosphere. Meet the vendors and find out more information.

Central Park

7 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Gil Hopson Drive, Murray, KY

Enjoy a day at Central Park! It is home to a dog park, skate park, community theatre, amphitheater, playgrounds, walking trails, picnic pavilions, baseball and softball diamonds and more.

Land Between the Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area

Dawn to Dusk 

Bike, drive, hike, picnic, relax, swim and watch wildlife… all for free! Learn more information about LBL.

Woodlands Nature Station at Land Between the Lakes

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 3146 Silver Trail Road, Cadiz, KY

An environmental educational attraction, the Nature Station serves as a gateway to the 8,500-acre Nature Watch Area. You can also set out on scenic hiking trails, sunset canoe trips, kayak tours and photo tours while you’re there.

Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 238 Visitor Center Drive, Golden Pond, KY

When you visit the Golden Pond Planetarium, you will enjoy a variety of entertaining and educational programs presented with a projection system which displays images on a 40-foot theater dome.

Elk and Bison Prairie

Dawn – Dusk | Elk & Bison Prairie Road, Golden Pond, KY

Elk and bison, along with numerous other types of wildlife, roam free within this 700-acre enclosure. Travel the 3.5-mile loop in your vehicle while appreciating the prairie in fall.

Miller Memorial Golf Course

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 2814 Pottertown Road, Murray, KY

Named as one of the best golf courses in America, Miller Memorial Golf Course is a great place to spend an afternoon in Murray. 

Kayak and Canoe Rentals at the Wellness Center

Noon to 9 p.m. | Wellness Center at Murray State

Rent kayaks or canoes from the Wellness Center on campus, and enjoy a day exploring Kentucky Lake!

Please email msu.family@murraystate.edu with questions.

Playhouse in the Park

701 Gil Hopson Drive, Murray, KY

Playhouse in the Park is one of the oldest continuously producing theaters in the country. For more information about how you can help in continuing the tradition of community theater in Murray and Calloway County, contact Playhouse in the Park at playhousemurrayky@gmail.com.

Racer Journey Passport Stops

Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business

  • The Murray State News will open up their newsroom in Wilson Hall Room 111 for families to visit and see their full operation. 
  • The United Systems Suite for Computer Science and Information Systems students will host an open house for families to see one of our new technology/workspace areas in Business Building South Room 253.
  • Visitors will be greeted in the College of Business main lobby (16th Street Main entrance) and will get the opportunity to see our newer finance classroom in 104 Business Building.

College of Education and Human Services

  • Department of Adolescent, Career and Special Education
    • Snap a family photo at the booth and add a family goal to the bulletin board with Dr. Chadwick and SOFCS members. There will also be an FCS/CTE showcase. Alexander Hall Room 322
    • Enjoy Frisbee or yarn ball toss highlighting the importance and benefits of regular physical activity on the lawn south of Alexander Hall
    • Participate in mindful quarter pass game highlighting brain research and the benefits of movement on learning/focus in Alexander Hall
    • Create with mindful coloring highlighting the importance and benefits of regular mindfulness and self-care in Alexander Hall
  • Department of Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education
    • Join faculty and staff and participate in inspirational Rock Star painting, hands-on science Sphero/Lego robots, and a team building fun balloon activity in Alexander Hall.
  • Kentucky Academy of Technology Education (KATE)
    • Participate in a Virtually Reality Demo with KATE staff. Alexander Hall Room 2214

College of Humanities and Fine Arts

  • Department of Art and Design
    • Galleries open to explore current exhibitions on 6th & 7th floor in Fine Arts:
      • Ramona Sonia: Tulle, Mary Ed Mecoy Hall Gallery
      • Magic Silver Show: Clara M. Eagle Main Gallery
      • Greely Myatt: Tool, Clara M. Eagle Upper Gallery
    • Enjoy hands-on experiences with different artistic processes:
      • Bookbinding Workshop in Fine Arts Room 611
      • Green Screen Photoshoot in Old Fine Arts Room 1011
      • Wacom Tablet Workshop in Old Fine Arts Room 1012
    • Department of English and Philosophy
      • Shakespeare Activities with Dr. William (Rusty) Jones, department chair. Explore the text work Dr. Jones completes with facsimiles of 16th century books while viewing a slideshow of study abroad trips to Shakespeare's birthplace. Location: Faculty Hall 105
    • Department of Global Languages and Theatre
      • Participate in Alpha Mu Gamma Community Connections presentation and activity in Faculty Hall
    • Department of History
      • Interact with Ancient Greek and Roman Artifacts (jewelry, weapons, coins, etc.) in the Lobby of Waterfield Library
    • Department of Music
      • Enjoy the Fall Fanfare Concert in Lovett at 2:00 pm (Purchase tickets at the door or online prior to the event.)
  • Department of Political Science and Sociology
    • “Social Scientists in the Making” Political Science and Sociology will be hosting a research poster session.  Each poster will feature research by our students for families to look, learn and talk about.  This gives us a chance to feature the skills our students learn, get parents interested in a topic within our field, and let parents see where students take classes.  Faculty Hall Rooms 500 and 509
  • Department of Psychology
    • Plasticity at Play with the Psychology Department: Come play cornhole! The kicker? Try wearing our special goggles! You'll get to experience plasticity - your brain's ability to adjust your behavior based on feedback it receives from the world. This is a great demonstration of how our minds influence how we interact with the world! Location: Quad near Wells Hall

Hutson School of Agriculture

  • Murray State UAS / HSOA Drone demonstrations and Information session on the east side of Oakley Applied Science Building
  • Meet Racer 1 and jockey and snap a selfie! Since 1976, every home-game touchdown has been marked by a thoroughbred, nicknamed Racer One, running a celebratory lap on the running track around the football field. Location: Lawn between the Science Complex of buildings and Alexander Hall.

School of Nursing and Health Professions

  • Simulation lab demonstrating basic anatomical and physiological concepts of the human body. The lab is funded by a USDA grant to increase knowledge for students entering health professions. Location: 311 Mason Hall

Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology

  • Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
    • Participants will be able to view students' research posters on display in the hallways, an exhibition of human and nature relations by an upper level class, check out our state-of-the-art computer classroom and lecture hall, look and touch rocks, minerals, and fossils. They can also help themselves to a small fossil and/or mineral sample. Location: Start in Blackburn 332, and we will move around on the 3rd floor.

University Libraries

  • The University Libraries invite families and students to visit the Makerspace on the lower level of Waterfield Library.  Students and their families will learn about the equipment and services offered in the Makerspace, including 3D printers, a recording space, advanced software and more.  Visitors will have the opportunity to customize and make a button using Makerspace equipment.  
  • Wrather Museum welcomes students and families to tour the History of Murray State exhibit and the newly opened Arts & Entertainment exhibit.  

Alumni Association: The Murray State University Alumni Association connects, celebrates, and engages alumni and friends of Murray State through communication, activities and events to foster lifelong relationships that support the mission of the university. Visit with alumni staff and grab some swag on the Quad.

Career Services: Career Services assists Racers in all areas of career development and planning.  Visit with staff in 100 Oakley Applied Sciences.

Counseling Services: Professionals in the Counseling Center are available to provide a variety of counseling services for Murray State students, including face-to-face sessions, virtual sessions, ongoing counseling, and crisis sessions. Visit with staff on the Quad

Greek Life: Greek organizations offer you opportunities to take leadership roles, give back to the community, and create friendships that will last long after your time at Murray State. Visit with staff in 202 Curris Center

Office of Multicultural Initiatives: The mission of the Office of Multicultural Initiatives, Student Leadership and Inclusive Excellence (OMI) is to advocate and encourage a campus environment that embraces diversity and helps students grow personally and academically.  Visit with staff in 101 Curris Center

Racer One Stop: Connect with Student Financial Services and the Office of the Registrar to answer questions about bills, scholarships, financial aid, declaring/changing majors/minors, degree progress, transfer credit, academic deadlines, myGate, and more. Waterfield Library Gallery, 1st Floor

Student Support Services: Student Support Services (SSS) provides services to students from the first-generation and limited income backgrounds as well as students with disabilities. The program offers several services that inspire, challenge and empower students to persist and graduate from Murray State University. All services by SSS are FREE to qualified students. Visit with staff in 262 Blackburn

Student Disability Services: The Office of Student Disability Services is committed to promoting the full participation of students with disabilities in all areas of university life. Visit with staff in 421 Wells Hall

Veteran and Military Student Success: Murray State University welcomes veterans who have served and continue to serve our country. Visit with staff and relax in the Veterans Lounge in 444 Blackburn Science Building

Wellness Center: Families and guests are welcome to tour or exercise at Murray State’s 73,000 square foot recreation facility free of charge. Visit the facility and staff at 1000 Racer Drive.

Calloway County Tourism Commission: Provide insight and information to people visiting Murray & Calloway County. This includes maps, insight to area attractions and events, along with lodging options at hotels, campgrounds, short-term rentals (VRBO, etc.) and Kentucky Lake resorts. Visit their website and like them on Facebook @experiencekylake.

Take the next step

© Murray State University Department of Web ManagementWe are Racers.