Family Weekend

Family Weekend provides the opportunity for FIU parents and families to visit our campuses, engage in the life of the University and our city, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the FIU student experience.

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Family Weekend is Friday, September 25, to Sunday, September 27, 2026!

FIU Panther Families, we invite you and your student(s) to join us from Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27 for Family Weekend! Enjoy a fun-filled weekend where you can connect with your student(s), meet fellow proud FIU families, and join us to cheer on our FIU Football team as they take on the Long Island University Sharks on Saturday, September 26. This year’s weekend is especially exciting, featuring opportunities for families to enjoy the FIU second annual Pig Roast*. This tradition brings great food, great company and Panther pride together, and we have made it simple to join the fun.

*Please note that the 2nd Annual Pig Roast is an add-on event and is not included with your registration. A separate ticket is required.

Family Weekend Packages Are Now Available!

Family Weekend packages are available for purchase through Eventbrite. Pricing is per individual attendee and includes access to our signature Family Weekend programs and events. Guests will also have the option to purchase a discounted add-on ticket for the annual Pig Roast event (coming soon via Eventbrite). Currently enrolled FIU students do not need to purchase a Family Weekend package to participate in Family Weekend events or the tailgate.

Family Weekend FAQs

Review the information below for answers to frequently asked questions regarding Family Weekend registration, programming, accommodations, accessibility, parking, and other event details.

  • How do I request accommodations to participate in Family Weekend?

    Need an accommodation or accessible materials? Contact the Office of Universal Access and Digital Compliance at accommodations@fiu.edu or 305-348-1576.

  • Is registration required for Family Weekend? What is included in the package?

    To officially participate in Family Weekend, yes, you will need to purchase a Family Weekend package to attend the events hosted by Orientation & Family Programs. There are also some events for which tickets can be purchased separately.

    Each Family Weekend package will include:

    • One (1) clear FIU-themed bag filled with FIU goodies
    • One (1) official Family Weekend T-shirt
    • One (1) admission ticket to the Family Weekend Kickoff (located inside the FIU Soccer Stadium) and FIU Men’s Soccer game on Friday, September 25
    • One (1) admission ticket to the Family Weekend Tailgate on Saturday, September 26 (located inside the Pig Roast Tailgate area)
    • One (1) ticket to the FIU Football game on Saturday, September 26

    Join fellow Panther families for a weekend filled with fun, traditions, and Panther pride!

    Please note: Family Weekend package pricing is per individual family member. Some events may require a separate RSVP. Families may also add an optional discounted ticket to the annual Pig Roast event. Currently enrolled FIU students do not need to purchase a Family Weekend package to participate.

    Children 12 and under may attend Orientation & Family Programs Family Weekend events at no additional cost; however, separate ticket requirements apply for the FIU Football game at Pitbull Stadium and the Pig Roast event. Please see our Children’s Ticket Policy FAQ (located below) for additional details.

  • Where should I stay during Family Weekend, and are there any hotel or lodging blocks available?

    We encourage families and guests to book accommodations as early as possible once Family Weekend dates are announced, as hotels and vacation rentals in the Miami area tend to fill quickly.

    To take advantage of the full Family Weekend experience, we recommend arriving in Miami on Thursday evening or early Friday morning and departing on Sunday.

    FIU has secured special Family Weekend group rates at the following hotels near the Modesto Maidique Campus (MMC):

    We recommend reserving your room as soon as possible, as the FIU group block is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Are children required to have a ticket for Family Weekend events and the football game?

    Children 12 and under may attend Orientation & Family Programs Family Weekend events at no additional cost. However, if your child will be attending the FIU football game on Saturday, September 26, 2026, please note that FIU Athletics has a separate ticket policy.

    All guests 2 years of age and older must have a valid ticket for admission to FIU Athletic events at Pitbull Stadium. Children under the age of 2 may enter free of charge but must sit on the ticket holder’s lap and may not occupy an individual seat. You can purchase additional FIU football game ticket by visiting go.fiu.edu/footballgame

  • Where can I park for Family Weekend?

    If you're visiting the Modesto Maidique Campus (MMC) for 2026 Family Weekend, complimentary parking is available for campus visitors, but you must register your car prior ro your arrival.

    A parking registration link will be shared here closer to the opening of Family Weekend registration. Registered guests may park in any unmarked student space in the Blue Garage (PG2) or in designated parking lots near Pitbull Stadium. Additional paid parking is available closer to the stadium.

  • Do you have a refund policy?

    All Family Weekend package sales are final. Refunds will not be issued for any purchases. If you are unable to attend Family Weekend, you or your FIU student may still pick up the items included with your package, including FIU giveaways and the Family Weekend t-shirt, at a later date. Additional pickup details will be shared closer to Family Weekend.

  • If I purchased a Family Weekend package but can no longer attend, can I receive a refund?

    All Family Weekend package sales are final, and refunds will not be granted. If you are unable to attend, you or your FIU student may pick up the items included with your package (such as FIU giveaways and the Family Weekend t-shirt) at a later date. Additional details regarding pickup will be provided closer to Family Weekend. Please e-mail family@fiu.edu to inform us and/or if you have any additional questions about your Family Weekend package. 

     

  • What happens if it rains during Family Weekend?

    Family Weekend events will take place rain or shine. The Family Weekend KickOff, the Family Weekend Tailgate, 2nd Annual Pig Roast, soccer game, football game, and participating indoor events will proceed as scheduled. Refunds will not be issued due to weather conditions.

  • What are some things to do in Miami during Family Weekend?

    Explore the diverse experiences that Miami and the surrounding areas have to offer while planning your visit! Families and guests are encouraged to explore the local attractions, dining, shopping, and cultural experiences throughout South Florida on their own.

    Suggested areas to explore include:

    Please note: These recommendations are provided for informational purposes only and are not part of the official Family Weekend programming

  • Questions?

    Contact Orientation & Family Programs at family@fiu.edu or call us at (305) 348-6414 for additional support and for questions. 

Family Group Photo
Family Group Photo
Family Group Photo

Download the Family Weekend Guidebook on the FIU Orientation Mobile App!

The 2026 Family Weekend Guidebook will be available closer to the start of Family Weekend. Download the FIU Orientation app to stay on top of everything Family Weekend has to offer. In the app, you’ll find:

  • Full weekend schedule
  • MMC campus map
  • Campus dining and retail info
  • Exclusive discounts at FIU Barnes & Noble, 8th Street Campus Kitchen, and stadium concessions, and more!

➡️ Find it in the App Store or Google Play. Just tap “Find Guides” in the app and search for “2025 FIU Family Weekend”—no login required.

2026 Family Weekend Schedule

The schedule is continuously being updated below, so we encourage everyone to check back regularly for the latest details and additions!

Claim your free participant lanyard!

If you are an FIU family member participating in Family Weekend festivities, stop by Orientation and Family Programs, located in Graham Center Room 189 (Modesto Maidique Campus), to pick up your complimentary Family Weekend participant lanyard. Lanyards will be available for pickup Wednesday, September 23 through Friday, September 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, September 26 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The participant lanyard is a complimentary gift for families to wear while enjoying Family Weekend activities around campus, enjoying great retail and dining discounts, and access to free events.

Please note: Each Family Weekend package already includes one lanyard per package purchased.

Events marked with an asterisk (*) below are Orientation & Family Programs Family Weekend Signature Events.

Workout at the Wellness and Recreation Center (Campus Recreation)

  • Hours of Operation: TBD for Fall 2026
  • Campus Recreation would like to welcome you to Family Weekend!  While you are on campus, please visit FIU’s state-of-the-art Wellness and Recreation Center (WRC). The Wellness and Recreation Center has everything you and your student need to pursue and live a fit and healthy lifestyle, including cardio and selectorized equipment, free weights, fitness classes, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and racquetball/squash courts. Parents and family members (18 years of age or older) can visit the Wellness and Recreation Center as a guest at the Modesto Maidique Campus and/or Biscayne Bay Campus.
  • Visits are valid on Friday, September 25, through Sunday, September 27. Utilization of the facility will be free of charge to currently enrolled students (with their One Card) and their family members. Family members must present a valid state driver's license or identification at the point of entry and communicate that you are participating in Family Weekend. You must show your Family Weekend Participant Lanyard on your visit to check in. You will be asked to sign a waiver to utilize the facility and participate in programming. Minors are not permitted to work out in the facility, however, they may tour the facility with a family member. If you are interested in participating in a fitness class, please visit us at wrc.fiu.edu for class availability. Admittance is on first-come, first-served basis. Looking forward to your visit! Go Panthers!

Family Weekend Resource Tabling Fair*

  • Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Location: Graham Center (GC) Piano Lounge (behind the Welcome Desk)
  • Kick off Family Weekend by connecting with campus departments, programs, and resources! Visit with representatives from across FIU to learn more about the services, opportunities, and experiences available to support your student’s success and help your family stay connected to the Panther community.
  • Participating Offices/Departments:
    • Barnes and Noble Bookstore
    • Center for Academic Success
    • College of Arts, Sciences and Education (CASE) – Center for Advising/Student Success
    • College of Business/Advising
    • FIU Alumni/Parent Philanthropy
    • Housing and Residential Experience
    • National Student Exchange
    • Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing Health Sciences Student Services
    • Office of Scholarships
    • Pre-Law Advising
    • Student Health and Wellness
    • Student Life and Development (Alumni Outreach)
    • Transfer and Transition Services
    • University Credit Union
Campus Tours - Modesto Maidique Campus
  • Time (60 minute duration):
    • Tour 1 departing at 12:00 p.m. (Noon)
    • Tour 2 departing at 2:00 p.m.
  • Departure point: Orientation and Family Programs, Graham Center Room 189 (across FIU Barnes and Noble Bookstore Entrance)
  • Register at go.fiu.edu/campustour
  • This free, guided walking tour of our Modesto Maidique Campus features views of important buildings, the library, dining facilities, and more. Enjoy exploring our campus with your student during Family Weekend!
    • Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your tour time departure. Wear comfortable shoes!

Visit the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum

  • Hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Location: FIU Modesto Maidique Campus, 10975 SW 17th Street, Miami, FL 33199
  • Whether you’re exploring our exhibitions, bringing the kids along, or enjoying a treat at Vicky Café, we want your visit to be exceptional. Be sure to check out our family-friendly activities, including origami making, museum bingo, and coloring stations—fun for children and their families alike!
  • Admission to the Frost Art Museum is always free and open to the public. We look forward to your visit to the Frost Art Museum!

Family Weekend Kickoff @ the FIU Men's Soccer Game*

  • Location: Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium
  • Kick off Family Weekend with an exciting evening at the FIU Men's Soccer Game vs. the University of Memphis Tigers! Doors open at 6:00 PM, with kickoff at 7:00 PM. Join fellow Panthers for light snacks, refreshments, and an evening of soccer as we celebrate the start of Family Weekend. One soccer game ticket is included with each Family Weekend package.
  • Currently enrolled FIU students receive free admission with their FIU One Card.
    • Guests who do not have a Family Weekend package must purchase an individual gameday ticket to attend the Kickoff event and the soccer game. To purchase individual gameday tickets, please visit go.fiu.edu/FamilyWeekendSoccer

Special Retail & Dining Discounts during Family Weekend

Make the most of your Family Weekend visit with special savings at FIU’s retail and dining locations.

 

FIU Bookstore

Visit the FIU Barnes & Noble Bookstore located inside the Graham Center (GC) at the Modesto Maidique Campus from Wednesday, September 23 through Saturday, September 26, from where all FIU family members will get a 10% off discount on an FIU emblematic clothing item and/or gift. You must show the Family Weekend participant lanyard upon checkout at both locations to receive the discount.

Enter the Family Weekend Bookstore Basket Giveaway sponsored by FIU Barnes and Noble! 

  • Stop by the MMC Barnes & Noble Bookstore between September 23–26 to enter the Barnes & Noble Bookstore Basket Giveaway! Just scan the sign at the front register to participate. The winner will be emailed and/or called, and can claim their prize at the Family Weekend Tailgate on Saturday, September 26, between 1:00 - 5:00 PM.

8th Street Campus Kitchen

All Family Weekend participants wearing the Family Weekend participant lanyard will receive a 10% discount on the entry price at 8th Street Campus Kitchen from Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27. It is a state-of-the art, all you care to eat dining experience featuring a variety of stations and cuisines! Please make sure to pick up your complimentary participant lanyard in the Orientation and Family Programs Office, Graham Center Room 189.

For campus retail and dining hours during your visit, go to: https://shop.fiu.edu/hours/

Pitbull Stadium

Family Weekend participants wearing their official participant lanyard will receive a 10% discount at the permanent concession stands inside Pitbull Stadium on Saturday, September 26, during gametime. Please present your lanyard at checkout to redeem the discount.

Note: Please note that Chick-fil-A is not a participating food option for discounts at Pitbull Stadium. Discounts also do not apply to portables, the Huts, or food trucks.