Your Guide To ASU Family Weekend

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. 4-6, 2024, 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. 4:

Family Wellness: Access to fitness and wellness facilities and classes
6 a.m.–11 p.m. | Sun Devil Fitness and Wellness Complex | Family Weekend badge required

Banking in College
10–11:30 a.m. | Experience Center, College Avenue Commons | Family Weekend badge required

Visit the ASU Art Museum
11 a.m.–5 p.m. | ASU Art Museum | Free

Family Pickleball Mixer: Tempe
12–7:30 p.m. | Sun Devil Fitness and Wellness Complex | Family Weekend badge required

Sankofa Family Reunion
10:30–11:30 a.m. | Memorial Union, Alumni Ballroom | Family Weekend badge required

Alumni Association: Family Photos with Sparky
2–4 p.m. | Old Main Lawn | Event for ASU Alumni families only (registration required)

Family Weekend Shabbat at Hillel at ASU
5:30–8:30 p.m. | 1012 S Mill Ave, Tempe AZ 85281 | Separate registration required

Family Weekend Shabbat with Chabad at ASU
6:30 p.m. | Separate Registration Required

Earth and Space Exploration Evening and Open House
6–9 p.m. | ISTB 4 (Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building 4) | Registration and Family Weekend badge required

NPHC Step Show
7 p.m. | Student Pavilion, Senita Ballroom A | Registration and Family Weekend badge required

PAB After Dark
7–10 p.m. | Palo Verde Beach | Family Weekend badge required

Sun Devil Volleyball vs. BYU
5 p.m. | Desert Financial Arena | Ticket purchase required

Sun Devil Women’s Soccer vs. Utah
7 p.m. | Sun Devil Soccer/ Lacrosse Stadium | Ticket purchase required

Saturday, Oct. 5:

Family Wellness: Access to fitness and wellness facilities and classes
6 a.m.–11 p.m. | Sun Devil Fitness and Wellness Complex | Family Weekend badge required

Gold Rush 5K
7 a.m. | SDFC-Tempe Field | Family Weekend badge and additional fee required

Pat Tillman Veterans Center: Family Matters Brunch
9–11 a.m. | Memorial Union, Turquoise| Registration required for military dependent students and their families

Visit the ASU Art Museum
11 a.m.–5 p.m. | ASU Art Museum | Free

3D Astronomy Show: ASU Explores the Solar System
1–2:30 p.m. | ISTB 4 (Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building 4) | Registration and Family Weekend badge required

ASU Family Block Party
TBD, 3.5 hours before kickoff | Memorial Union, North Stage & 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. Kansas
TBD | Mountain America Stadium | Ticket purchase required

Sunday, Oct. 6:

Family Wellness: Access to fitness and wellness facilities and classes
6 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

Desayuno Hispanohablante
9–10:30 a.m. | Memorial Union, Alumni Room (2nd Floor) | Family Weekend badge required

Visit the ASU Art Museum
11 a.m.–5 p.m. | ASU Art Museum | Free

Fall Events

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.

Sept. 28 & 29: B oots in the Park (music festival) at Tempe Beach Park

Oct. 4: Polo G Concert at Mullett Arena

Oct. 4: Gammer at Sunbar

Oct. 4: M ajestic Mariposas and Music in the Garden at Desert Botanical Garden

Oct. 5: Majestic Mariposas, Guelaguetza, Dog Days at the Garden at Desert Botanical Garden

Oct. 5: ASU Football: ASU vs. BYU at Mountain America Stadium (formerly Sun Devil Stadium)

Oct. 5: Beans on Toast & Jeshua Marshall at Yucca Taproom

Oct. 11-13: Four Peaks Oktobe rfest at Tempe Town Lake

For a full schedule of happenings, throughout Family Weekend and beyond, check out our Calendar of Events.

Things to Do

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 G olf 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. Swing by Gertrude’s, the on-site restaurant that’s best-known its seasonal menus, botanic-infused cocktails and lovely garden patio.

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.

Dining

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 breakfa st and burgers to international favorites and perfect patio dinin g, 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.

Where To 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

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.