Family Weekend (Spring)
Friday, April 11, 2025
University Art Gallery Exhibits
The Art Gallery will be open with two student shows from 9am to 4pm. Come see works by students Tyanna Buie and Ruby Warner. https://www.wiu.edu/cofac/artgallery/exhibitions.php
Lee Calhoun High School Invitational
High School meet hosted by Western Illinois University. For more information visit https://goleathernecks.com
Location: Hanson Field, Western Illinois University
Time: Field events start at 1:00pm and Running events begin at 2:00pm (both subject to change due to entries and weather)
Cost: Free
Battle of the Yard
The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) & National Pan-Hellenic council (NPHC) present Battle of the Yard. Come join us for an event filled with performances, informational presentations, stepping, and strolling by our 3 national MGC and NPHC organizations.
Location: University Union Heritage Room
Time: Doors open at 6:00pm; Show starts at 7:00pm
Cost: Tickets can be purchased the day of the event for $8 or online for $5 with a service fee of $1.58 at https://tinyurl.com/wiumgcnphc25 .
Choral Concert at 7:30pm featuring WIU Concert Choir, Dr. Jason Hawkins, conductor & University Singers, Dr. Brian J. Winnie, conductor https://www.wiu.edu/wiucalendar/index.sphp?control=view&id=37344
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Pastries with the President
Come grab coffee and donuts and meet WIU’s first female President, Dr. Kristi Mindrup. Hosted by Alumni Relations and New Student and Family Programs
Location: Alumni House-1009 W. Adams Street
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Cost: Free
WIU Bookstore
Be sure to stop by the University Bookstore to grab some swag! Special discounts on select merchandise will be available.
Location: University Union Concourse
Time: 10:00am-3:00pm
Make It Macomb
Explore local businesses for their Family & Friends Weekend discounts and specials. For a sample of businesses offering Family Weekend deals, see below. Note: this list is not exhaustive.
Location: Macomb Square and surrounding areas
Time: 12:00pm-5:00pm
- Bold Brew-FFW Special: Try a Rocky Road Latte or a Rocky Razzle Lotus. Guests receive 10% off all drinks. located right across from the train station, Bold Brew is a drive through coffee shop that specializes in gourmet, fresh-roasted coffee along with specialty coffee and tea-based drinks. Open Saturday from 6:30am-5:00pm and Sunday from 8:00am-2:00pm.
- The Crafty Coop-located in downtown Macomb, the Crafty Coop is a Paint your Own Pottery & Craft studio. Beginning at 1:00pm, families can….
- Larry A’s Pizza-a popular Macomb spot that serves authentic italian dishes, including pizza, calzones, salads and sandwiches. Located on E. Jackson Street. Open 11:00am-1:30pm; 4:00pm-9:00pm. FFW special: Two large-one topping pizzas for $25.99.
- Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria-family owned restaurant that has been serving high quality pizza, pasta and sandwiches since 1979. $11 all you can eat pizza buffet or $3 off a large pizza. Located in downtown Macomb. Open 11:00am-10:00pm (buffet until 3:00pm)
- Sports Corner-Bar & Grill. Popular spot for food, drinks and sports. Located at 124 N. Randolph in downtown Macomb. Open 11:00am-11:30pm and noon-10:00pm Sunday.
- The Old Dairy-Located right off the Square Old Dairy is a traditional, family owned restaurant that has breakfast, lunch and brunch options. Open 7am-2pm
- Escape MJ’s-Work your mind and have fun as a family in as little as 60 minutes! Open 12:00pm-10:00pm Saturday and 12:00pm-9:00pm Sunday. Book your space now at Escapemjs.com and use code WIU125 for a Family & Friends Weekend discount.
- Sullivan Taylor Coffee House-local coffee shop located in downtown Macomb. Known for its cozy atmosphere, friendly staff and a wide selection of specialty drinks and treats. Open Saturday 8:00am-6:00pm and Sunday 8:00am-4:00pm
- The Wine Sellers-full service wine bar and speciality retailer located in downtown Macomb. Open 12:00pm-8:00pm.
WIU Volleyball Tournament
Location: Western Hall-Western Illinois University
Time: Games are scheduled at 10:00am (WIU v Quincy); 11:30am (Quincy v Bradley); and 1:00pm (WIU v Bradley)
Cost: Free
WIU Women’s Tennis
Come watch the WIU team take on Tennessee State University
Location: WIU Tennis Facility
Time: 1:00pm
Cost: Free
University Art Gallery Exhibits
The Art Gallery will be open with two student shows from 1pm to 4pm. Come see works by students Tyanna Buie and Ruby Warner. https://www.wiu.edu/cofac/artgallery/exhibitions.php
Grad Blast Send Off
Have a student who’s about to graduate? Alumni Relations would like to help you celebrate their success.
Location: TBA
Time: 3:00pm-6:00pm
Cost: No Cover Charge
Monopoly & Mocktails with the Mayor
Bring your Monopoly game, grab a mocktail and play for a chance to win some fantastic prizes! Oh and you get to meet the Mayor of Macomb, Michael Inman.
Location: University Union-Heritage Room
Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
Cost: Free
Photos with Ray
Who doesn’t want an opportunity to get their photo taken with our 4-legged mascot, Ray!
Location: University Union-Heritage Room Gallery
Time: 5:30pm
Cost: Free
Bingo!
Who doesn’t love bingo? Come out and play for a chance to win family friendly prizes! Hosted by the University Union Programming Board and New Student and Family Programs. Free popcorn!
Location: University Union-Grand Ballroom
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Cost: Free
Sunday, April 13, 2025
THE PRESIDENT’S INTERNATIONAL STRING QUARTET RECITAL
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: COFAC Recital Hall
Description:
This performance is free and open to the public. https://www.wiu.edu/wiucalendar/index.sphp?control=view&id=37357
Family Brunch at WIU Dining Centers
$10 cash per person or $4 if using student meal plan
- Value Meal #1 (both locations)
Classics Line: 1 entree, 2 sides and a fountain beverage
- Value Meal #2 (both locations)
Grill: Burger, fries and a fountain beverage
- Value Meal #3 (Thompson only)
Pizza, fries and a fountain beverage
Location: Corbin/Olson and Thompson Dining Centers
Time: 11:30am-1:00pm
Cost: $10 cash per person or $4 if using student meal plan
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