Start planning for one of Tempe’s most memorable fall traditions.
Each fall, Sun Devil parents and family members descend on Tempe to experience a glimpse of campus life with their ASU student. Taking place Nov. 6 – 8, 2026, ASU Family Weekend is a celebration of Arizona State University spirit, pride and tradition.
As part of Family Weekend, ASU provides plenty of fun activities across all four campuses. Tempe programming includes fitness classes, college-specific events, a block party and more. Check out everything you need to know about visiting Tempe for this beloved occasion. For additional event details, registration information and college-specific festivities, visit the ASU Family Weekend website.
ASU Family Weekend events taking place on the Tempe Campus include:
Friday, Nov. 6, 2026:
Family Wellness: Access to fitness and wellness facilities and classes
6 a.m.–9 p.m. | Sun Devil Fitness and Wellness Complex | Family Weekend badge required
Family Pickleball Tournament
Time TBD | Sun Devil Fitness and Wellness Complex | Registration and Family Weekend badge required
Visit the ASU Art Museum
11 a.m.–5 p.m. | ASU Art Museum | Free
PAB Family Weekend Pop-Up
12–1 p.m. | Memorial Union, North Stage | Free
Music, giveaways, and tabling from student organizations and local vendors.
ASU Library Tours
2–3 p.m. | Hayden Library | Registration and Family Weekend badge required
2026 Alumni Family Photos with Sparky
2 to 4 p.m. | Old Main Lawn | Separate registration required
*Event for ASU Alumni families only.
PAB Family Weekend After Dark
6–8 p.m. | Memorial Union | Free
Students and their families are invited to enjoy some fun and free activities together.
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026:
Family Wellness: Access to fitness and wellness facilities and classes
Hours TBD | Sun Devil Fitness and Wellness Complex | Family Weekend badge required
Gold Rush 5K
7:30 a.m. | SDFC-Tempe Field | Family Weekend badge and additional fee required
Barrett Family Weekend Breakfast
9 to 11 a.m. | Barrett Tempe Complex | Family Weekend Badge Required
*Event for Barrett families only.
Pat Tillman Veterans Center: Family Matters Brunch
10a.m. – 12 p.m. | Memorial Union, Turquoise | Registration required
*Military dependent students and their families are invited.
Visit the ASU Art Museum
11 a.m.–5 p.m. | ASU Art Museum | Free
ASU Family Block Party
TBD, 3.5 hours before kickoff | outside Memorial Union & Student Services Lawn | Family Weekend badge required
Sparky’s Touchdown Tailgate
TBD, 3 hours before kickoff | 6th Street & College Avenue | Free
Sun Devil Football vs. Colorado
TBD | Mountain America Stadium | Ticket purchase required
Firebird
7 p.m. | ASU Gammage | Separate ticket purchase required
Dance Theatre Returns to ASU Gammage. In the legendary Firebird, the timeless Russian folk tale of love triumphing over evil is reimagined in a lush Caribbean world. John Taras’ powerful choreography, set to Stravinsky’s iconic score, comes alive through Geoffrey Holder’s unforgettable sets and costumes.
Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026:
Family Wellness: Access to fitness and wellness facilities and classes
9 a.m.–11 p.m. | Sun Devil Fitness and Wellness Complex | Family Weekend badge required
Desayuno Hispanohablante
10–11:30 a.m. | Memorial Union, Alumni Room (2nd Floor) | Family Weekend badge required
Family Weekend Brunch with Hillel at ASU
10 a.m.–12 p.m. | Hillel Jewish Student Center | Separate registration required
Visit the ASU Art Museum
11 a.m.–5 p.m. | ASU Art Museum | Free
Tempe Events Taking Place this Weekend
Before or after ASU sanctioned events, check out one of Tempe’s many fall events. Students can explore their home away from home, and parents can rejoice in experiencing something new.
Beginning Oct. 9, 2026: Super Bloom by Graphic Rewilding | Desert Botanical Garden
Nov. 6, 2026: Music in the Garden: Jaleo | Desert Botanical Garden
Nov. 6, 2026: Jose Madero Concert | Marquee Theatre
Nov. 7, 2026: Caitlin Peluffo Comedy Show | Tempe Improv
Nov. 7, 2026: “Firebird” | ASU Gammage
Nov. 7, 2026: Sun Devils Football: ASU vs. Colorado at Mountain America Stadium
Nov. 7, 2026: Badfish: A Sublime Tribute Band Concert | Marquee Theatre
Nov. 7 & 8, 2026: Arizona Theatre Company presents “Proof” | Tempe Center for the Arts
Nov. 8, 2026: Tempe Farmers Market | City Hall
Nov. 8, 2026: 2nd Sundays on Mill | Downtown Tempe
Nov. 8, 2026: Maria Bamford Comedy Show | Tempe Improv
For a full schedule of happenings, throughout Family Weekend and beyond, check out our Calendar of Events.
Top Things to Do During Your Visit
Take to the Lake: Visit Tempe Town Lake for endless water recreation offerings. Whether you prefer motorized donut boats (for up to 10 people), a pedal boat for two or a solo stand-up paddleboard or kayak session, Boat Rentals of America – Tempe Town Lake offers a roster of options for getting out on the water.
Hit the Trails: Early fall temps allow for late morning and early evening hiking, both of which are perfect for experiencing golden hour in the Sonoran Desert. Check out our Hiking Guide to find out where to find our favorite trails, from “A” Mountain to Papago Park. Just be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat and proper hiking shoes.
Rent a Bike: For a 40-square-mile city, it’s amazing that there are 217 miles of Tempe bike paths, from Sonoran Desert trails to bike lanes on city streets. In 2019, the League of American Bicyclists designated Tempe a Gold-Level Bicycle-Friendly Community Award winner. So what are you waiting for? Just hit The Bicycle Cellar for a variety of rental options, and then check out the top six bike rides Tempe is known for.
Book a Tee Time: Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills is Arizona’s only fully lit, 18-hole golf course and practice facility that’s available day and night. This trendy, player friendly oasis offers views of the surrounding mountain ranges and skylines, and keep an eye out for Sonoran Desert animals after dusk. For even more golf courses in Tempe, check out our Golf Guide.
Explore the Sonoran Desert Landscapes: The Desert Botanical Garden is a gorgeous Sonoran Desert oasis. Discover the tranquil vibrancy of 50,000 desert plants — including towering Saguaros and vibrant sunflowers — all nestled against the red rocks of the Papago Buttes. Explore via five thematic trails that cover such topics as conservation and desert living.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side: Fall is the perfect season at the Phoenix Zoo. Stop by Orang-Hutan, the Orangutan habitat and the Sumatran tigers of the “Isle of the Tiger” habitat. And don’t miss out on the Camel rides, a favorite of both the kiddos and adults. Backstage Adventures offer tours behind the scenes with rhinos, flamingoes, elephants, stingrays and many other zoo residents.
Explore More: From hot air balloon rides and horseback riding to river rafting and offroading, the Grand Canyon State is known for adventure. If your itinerary includes excursions beyond Tempe, be sure to check out these tours and sightseeing opportunities.
Where To Dine
In Tempe, the culinary landscape is as diverse as those who call the city home. Whether you seek flavor, ambiance, convenience, sophistication or an international experience, you’ll find it here. While Tempe is known for its laid-back vibe, there’s no shortage of elevated experiences too. Romantic views, curated wine lists, top-notch ingredients and noteworthy chefs catapult this city from its college town roots into the realm of world-class dining. Just be sure to make your reservations in advance.
From breakfast and burgers to international favorites and perfect patio dining, you’ll have no trouble finding a restaurant near ASU that your entire party agrees on. Plan ahead by checking out our curated list of family friendly restaurants as well as our University Eats blog for additional dining recommendations during Family Weekend.
Boor Your Stay
The first step in planning your visit for Family Weekend, is selecting a hotel property. Whether your ideal stay includes luxe rooms, poolside lounging, rooftop views, local vibes, nightlife, family fun, price range or location, Tempe’s diverse portfolio of accommodations has plenty of options for your stay.
From hotels within 2 miles of ASU and properties with rooftop pools to brands with on-site restaurant options and places to stay that will welcome your pet, Downtown Tempe hotels look forward to welcoming you. If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect room, check out our comprehensive list of Tempe hotels here.
Parking & Transportation
Park on campus like a pro: ASU is one of the largest public universities, so it is safe to say that you may need some pointers navigating the campus. Check out a few helpful tips on parking and transportation to make getting around easier.
Check out Tempe TRiP, a new tool designed to make it easier to get around and find parking availability in Downtown Tempe. Find parking availability (in real time) and closest to your desired destination.
For the latest information on the Valley Metro Rail, the Tempe Streetcar and other transportation tips for while you’re in Tempe, check out our transportation guide.
