This year, Family Weekend will take place Friday through Sunday, October 25-27. A number of free or low cost events are available for families to attend, including Broncopalooza '24 and the annual homecoming game. Check out the calendar of events below for more information.
Featured Weekend Events
Want to make the most of Family Weekend but don't know where to start? We've highlighted an event each day to help you out. Start with Family Dinner at the Student Center Dining Center on Friday night. Then meet Buster Bronco and take in the WMU Homecoming football game Saturday. Round out your weekend with a sing-along viewing of Encanto on Sunday.
Friday, Oct. 25
Stuff a Plush
5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Have some family fun by creating your own stuffed animal - first come, first serve while supplies last!
Student Recreation Center Open!
5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
The Student Recreation Center is open to families to enjoy! Families will need to sign in with their student in the lobby upon arrival. Get some exercise, shoot some hoops, or participate in some friendly competition on the volleyball courts.
Pumpkin Painting at the Student Center
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy a festive fall activity by painting pumpkins with the Western Student Association! We’ll provide the pumpkins and paint – you bring the imagination! First come, first serve while supplies last.
WMU Family Selfie Challenge
5 p.m. until Saturday at 6 p.m.
Explore campus and take selfies at several iconic WMU locations to be entered for a prize – a WMU-themed gift basket. The WMU Family Selfie Challenge is open from Friday at 5:00p.m. until Saturday at 6:00p.m. – entries must be submitted by 6:00p.m. Saturday to be entered for the prize. Winners will be notified by email and can pick up their WMU-themed gift basket at the Info Desk at the Student Center.
NPHC Marchdown Step-Show
7 p.m.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council, which consists of fraternities and sororities commonly referred to as the Divine 9, will host their annual Marchdown on Oct. 25th at 7:00p.m. The Marchdown is a high energy step competition between organizations in the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Haunting of Hill House - WMU Theatre
Show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Enter the twisted halls of Hill House as the Williams Theatre is transformed into an eerie haunted house to immerse guests in the thrill of this frightening mystery. Join us this Halloween in the eerily transformed theatre to step into the world of Haunting of Hill House, and for a spine-chilling night of supernatural suspense. Use the promo code WMUFAM5 for a $5 discount!
Saturday, Oct. 26
Historic Walking Tour
10 a.m. - The Oaklands
This historic walking tour, led by Lynn Houghton – regional history curator for the Zhang Legacy Collections Center, will discuss the development of campus around West Michigan and will include information about what was there prior to WMU. Tour lasts 75-90 minutes.
Broncopalooza '24: Back in the Saddle Again
12 - 3 p.m. - Heritage Hall Grand Lawn
12 - 2 p.m. - Photos with Buster
Toe-tapping country hits, Americana anthems and Western-style tunes, spun by DJ J-Zal. Face painting, inflatable games and more for the little buckaroo and buckarettes. Tasty barbecue buffet, hot chocolate, hot cider and donut holes + beer, wine and seltzer. Classic yard games to wrangle your competitive spirit.
Strike a pose with WMU’s unforgettable mascot! Buster will be available at the WMU Homecoming Alumni & Family Tailgate for families to take pictures with him! Just bring your smiles and your cell phones and a staff member will be available to take a family photo.
WMU Men's Soccer vs Bradley University
Kick-off at 12 p.m. - WMU Soccer Complex
Come support WMU’s men’s soccer team as they take on Bradley University at WMU’s Soccer Complex. Event is free of charge.
WMU Football vs. Kent State
Kick-Off at 3:30 p.m. - Waldo Stadium
Fire up, Broncos! Come cheer on the football team for the Homecoming football game against Kent State. Discounted tickets ($12) will be available to families through promo code.
Haunting of Hill House
7:30 p.m. - WMU Theatre
Enter the twisted halls of Hill House as the Williams Theatre is transformed into an eerie haunted house to immerse guests in the thrill of this frightening mystery. Join us this Halloween in the eerily transformed theatre to step into the world of Haunting of Hill House, and for a spine-chilling night of supernatural suspense. Use the promo code WMUFAM5 for a $5 discount!
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Show starts at 8 p.m. - Miller Auditorium
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is back at Miller Auditorium! Tune in for a screening of the original unedited movie with the professional live shadow cast, Rocky Horror in Abundance. Get dressed as your favorite character and join us for an audience participation experience like no other! Add on an exclusive VIP experience to round out the night! The VIP Experience is limited to 200 guests & can be added to your ticket at the time of purchase, while supplies last. Merchandise and prop bags will be available at the show for purchase with cash only.
Sunday, Oct. 27
Student Recreation Center Open!
12 - 4 p.m.
The Student Recreation Center is open to families to enjoy! Families will need to sign in with their student in the lobby upon arrival. Get some exercise, shoot some hoops, or participate in some friendly competition on the volleyball courts.
Haunting on Hill House
Show times: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Enter the twisted halls of Hill House as the Williams Theatre is transformed into an eerie haunted house to immerse guests in the thrill of this frightening mystery. Join us this Halloween in the eerily transformed theatre to step into the world of Haunting of Hill House, and for a spine-chilling night of supernatural suspense. Use the promo code WMUFAM5 for a $5 discount!
Encanto: The Sing-along
Show starts at 4 p.m. - Miller Auditorium
Experience Disney’s® film Encanto while singing along with your favorite GRAMMY®-Award winning songs performed by the live band, “Banda de la Casita.” Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert will include all the music of the Academy Award®-winning film, including iconic hits like “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and “Surface Pressure” performed live while watching the full film.
Fans are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters from the film and to use their voices to transform Miller Auditorium into one big celebration of the Madrigal family.
Live characters do not appear in this event.
Friday Night "Family Dinner"
Dining Services invites our Broncos and their families to a "Family Dinner" on Friday, October 25 at the Student Center Dining, located on the 3rd floor of the Student Center. Join us for dinner, available from 5 - 8 p.m., to get a taste of what it is like to eat on campus at WMU. (Students with active meal plans do not need to purchase tickets; please plan to use a meal swipe!)
The Student Center Dining will feature:
Classics Menu
Grilled Kielbasa, Cheddar and Potato Pierogi, Garlic Roasted Broccoli and a Baked Potato Bar
Delights Menu
W Logo Sugar Cookies
Frosted Cupcakes with Gold Sprinkles
Along with the featured menu from Classics and Delight, the Student Center Dining also includes an extensive salad bar, grilled favorites like grilled chicken breast, hamburgers, grilled cheese, French fries and more, a deli line, hearthstone baked pizzas and a variety of baked desserts made by the bakers of WMU's own Gold'n Brown Bakery!
Meal Tickets for the Family Dinner will be offered in advance for the price of $11 per family member (students with meal plans do not need to purchase a meal ticket). Please purchase family tickets at the link above by Friday, Oct. 4, for the reduced-price rate. Meals may be purchased at the door but will cost the usual $14 for dinner.
Area Hotels
| Hotel | Address | Phone Number |
| Red Roof Inn - Kalamazoo West | 5425 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49009 | 269-200-2030 |
| Delta Hotels by Marriott - Kalamazoo Conference Center | 2747 S. 11th St. Kalamazoo, MI 49009 | 269-375-6000 |
| Staybridge Suites Kalamazoo | 2001 Seneca Ln Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | 269-372-8000 |
| Holiday Inn & Suites Kalamazoo West | 1247 Westgate Dr Kalamazoo, MI 49009 | 269-888-4800 |
| Hilton Garden Inn Kalamazoo Downtown | 303 North Rose Street Kalamazoo, MI 49007 | 269-382-4000 |
| Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center | 100 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49007 | 269-343-3333 |
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