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 Oct. 24-26, 2025, 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, Oct. 24, 2025:
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
10–6 p.m. | 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
Financial preparation and management in college
11 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–2 p.m. | Memorial Union, Arizona Ballroom | Family Weekend badge required
PAB’s Gold Patrol
12–1 p.m. | Memorial Union, North Stage | Family Weekend badge required
Participate in the ASU tradition of “Sun Devils wear gold on Friday” and explore music, giveaways, tabling from student organizations and local vendors.
Open rehearsal: “Still/Here”
12–1 p.m. | ASU Gammage | Free
Thirty years after its premiere, the groundbreaking and timeless “landmark of 20th-century dance,” returns, underscoring its ongoing resonance with today and its ability to evoke a spirit of survival.
ASU Library Tours
2–3 p.m. | Hayden Library | Registration and Family Weekend badge required
2025 Alumni Family Photos with Sparky
2 to 4 p.m. | Old Main Lawn | Separate registration required
*Event for ASU Alumni families only.
Sankofa Family Reunion
5–6 p.m. | Memorial Union | Family Weekend badge required
Family Weekend Shabbat at Hillel at ASU
6:45 p.m. | Chabad at ASU: 971 S. Ash Ave, Tempe | Separate Registration Required
NPHC Step Show
7 p.m. | Student Pavilion, Senita Ballroom A | Registration and Family Weekend badge required
An annual cultural event held by historically Black Greek-lettered organizations through the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).
Family Weekend with the Programming and Activities Board (PAB)
7–9 p.m. | SDFC East Fields
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025:
Family Wellness: Access to fitness and wellness facilities and classes
9 a.m.– 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
Pat Tillman Veterans Center: Family Matters Brunch
10–11:30 a.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, 2.5 hours before kickoff | 6th Street & College Avenue | Free
Sun Devil Football vs. Houston
TBD | Mountain America Stadium | Ticket purchase required
“Still/Here“
7:30 p.m. | ASU Gammage | Separate Ticket Purchase Required
Discounted for Family Weekend Participants with code “FAMILY.”
Thirty years after its premiere, the groundbreaking and timeless “landmark of 20th-century dance,” returns, underscoring its ongoing resonance with today and its ability to evoke a spirit of survival.
Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025:
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
“A” Mountain Spirit Hike
8:30–10:30 a.m. | Base of “A” Mountain, 5th Street/College Ave. | Family Weekend badge required
Sun Devil Athletics Morning Huddle
10 to 11:30 a.m. | Coach’s Club | Registration and Family Weekend Badge required
*A breakfast for student athletes and their families
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. 11, 2025: Framerate: Desert Pulse installation | Desert Botanical Garden
Oct. 24, 2025: WWE Friday Night Smackdown | Mullett Arena
Oct. 24, 2025: Perry Wayne at Sunbar
Oct. 24 & 25, 2025: Strange Garden | Desert Botanical Garden
Oct. 24–26, 2025: Fork n’ Film: The Nightmare Before Christmas | The Westin Tempe
Oct. 24–26, 2025: Black Theatre Troupe presents “Caroline, Or Change” | Tempe Center for the Arts
Oct. 25, 2025: Sun Devils Football: ASU vs. Houston at Mountain America Stadium (formerly Sun Devil Stadium)
Oct. 25, 2025: Cyclops at Sunbar
Oct. 26, 2025: Haunted Brewery Tours | Four Peaks Brewery
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.
For the latest information on the Valley Metro Rail, the Tempe Streetcar and other transportation tips for while you’re in Temp, check out our transportation guide.
