More detailed information about the weekend will be released as the date approaches.
Schedule of Events
Family Weekend consists of events that are free and others that require admission. We want your experience to be truly memorable. We kindly request that you let us know you’re attending our free events so we can plan accordingly. Your RSVP helps us prepare a fun and welcoming experience for all our students and families.
We’re excited to celebrate Family Weekend with you—see you soon!
Friday, September 18
The Mansion and Melodies
Location: Allison Mansion
Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm
Cost: FREE
Start Family Weekend with a Friday night on campus— live music, lawn games, and family! Spend time with your student and meet their friends and faculty, while connecting with other family members.
Try your hand at yard games or enjoy live music.
Don’t miss the chance to tour our historic Allison Mansion while you’re here. Allison Mansion — built by Indy 500 racing pioneer James Allison — is a living landmark. Today it serves as the President’s Office, the Alumni House, and a venue for special events; guided tours will give you and your family a behind-the-scenes look at its rooms, stories, and role on campus.
Come for the music, stay for the people and the history. Everyone’s welcome — students, families, and friends.
Drinks and light snacks will be available.
Saturday, September 19
Mike Holman Marian Mile
Location: Allison Mansion
Time: Registration/Check-In begins at 8:00am with the race starting at 9:00am.
Cost: $30 with proceeds going to Marian’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams
The Mike Holman Marian Mile will be a fast, downhill finish road mile through the beautiful campus of Marian University. This point-to-point race will finish directly in front of Historic Allison Mansion.
This event is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. There will be separate Elite and Open divisions. Proceeds from the event will go directly to support the Marian University Cross Country program. Automated, chip-timing will be used during the event.
In addition, participants who register for the event will receive an event t-shirt (unisex sizing) and post-race snacks. An included event shirt will only be guaranteed to those that register before September 1, 2026. Additional event shirts may be available on a limited basis for purchase. Come support the Knights and join us on Saturday, September 19th at 9am for this special event!
Registration link: Register for the Mike Holman Marian Mile
Nursing Student Success
Location: Marian Hall 310
Time: 9am-11am
Cost: Free
Are you a parent of a first-time nursing student? Or would you like to learn more about how to better support your student through prerequisite science and nursing coursework? Please join our success session to learn more about the nursing student experience and tips for your student in their nursing school journey! Please, RSVP here.
Registration link: Register for Nursing Student Success
Family Fun
Location: The Quad
Time: 9am-10:45am
Cost: Free
Facepainting, inflatables, and outdoor games are available for you and your family! Join us for fun on the quad for this free event. Picnic lunch available for purchase.
Picnic Brunch
Location: Dining Commons
Time: 9am-1pm
Cost: $11
Come enjoy brunch in the Dining Commons! Get out of the heat and spend time with your student, connect with other families, and enjoy the vibrant energy of campus life.
Skip the line! You can pre-purchase brunch for just $11 or pay on-site. Students with a Marian meal plan do not need to pre-purchase. They can use their meal plan. Either way, bring your appetite—we’ll have plenty of brunch favorites waiting for you!
Knightro’s Alley
Location: The Quad
Time: 9am-10:45am
Cost: Free
Gather your loved ones and join us in Knightro’s Alley for family friendly activities, highlighting our incredible academic programs and amazing student success resources. Knightro’s Alley has something for everyone and is a free event.
Family Tailgate
Location: Amphitheatre Lot
Time: 9am-10:45am
Cost: $30
Don’t miss a picnic lunch on the quad, music, and fun at this year’s tailgate! Whether you purchase a tailgating parking pass or just enjoy the experience, this is one event you don’t want to miss!
Single-game tailgating parking passes are available for purchase and are subject to limited availability. Once purchased, you will receive an assigned space number, and a tailgate pass sent via email prior to game day. Drivers must display the parking pass to access lots. Glass bottles, staked tents, charcoal grills, fire pits, and kegs are prohibited. A typical size tent is 10 x 10. Tailgate lots open at 9am and there is no overnight parking.
Cooling Station
Location: Mother Theresa Hackelmeier Memorial Library
Time: 10am-6pm
Cost: Free
During Family Weekend, the Library will be open as a designated cooling station for guests who need a break from the heat. Stop in to cool down, rest your feet, and grab a cup of water—all are welcome! It’s a great spot to recharge before heading to the game.
Marian vs. Madonna Football Game
Location: Ascension St. Vincent Field
Time: 11:05am
Cost: $8 if purchased in advance, $10 if purchased day of
Get ready for an epic home game as the Marian Knights take on Madonna (Mich.) University. Kick-off is at 11:05am
Save 20% and register in advance for a reduced rate of $8. Tickets will be emailed to you.
Advanced Purchase General Admission: $8
General Admission at the gate: $10
Reserved Seating: $12
MU students and children under 5 free
This is a ticketed event. Note: Students can access the game for free with their student ID. MU students do NOT need to purchase a ticket unless they want reserved seating.
Champion Zone
Location: Ascension St. Vincent Field
Time: 9:30am-end of the 3rd quarter
Cost: $35 if over 21; $20 if under 21
Enhance your game day experience with access to Marian University’s Champion Zone! Meet Marian families under our covered tent located near the end zone. Large screens ensure you never miss a moment of the big game.
The Champion Zone is open prior to kick-off and throughout the game.
Champion Zone Admission (over 21): $35
Champion Zone Admission (under 21): $20
Family Mass Location: Bishop Chartrand Memorial Chapel
Time: 15 minutes following the end of the football game
Cost: Free
Meet our campus chaplain, Fr. Rick Martignetti, and join us as we celebrate Family Mass.
Sunday, September 20
Family Mass
Time: 10:30am
Location: Bishop Chartrand Memorial Chapel
Join us for Family Mass at the Bishop Chartrand Memorial Chapel.