Family Weekend Schedule
Welcome Racer Families for Family Weekend 2024!
View the 2024 schedule below or download the schedule:
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Detailed Event Schedule (coming soon)
The schedule is subject to change. Check for updates.
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.)
- Galleries open to explore current exhibitions on 6th & 7th floor in Fine Arts:
- 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.