- Port-Sky Café open from 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
- Book Store open 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Bedford Fall Foliage: October 8–9 (transportation not provided)
- Heartslog Festival: Saturday, October 8, from 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (transportation not provided)
Find your way around campus using our interactive campus map.
Check-in and Registration
10:00 a.m.–noon
Laurel Pavilion
Welcome to Family Weekend! Pick up your family weekend registration items, an updated schedule, and a complimentary spirit pack! Family Weekend shirts will be available while supplies last. Limit three per student ID.
We will also collect non-perishable food items for the campus food pantry: Ivyside Eats. Popular items include cereal, macaroni and cheese, Chef Boyardee, or other quick meals. Monetary donations will also be accepted.
A Morning with Henry Thoreau
10:45 a.m.
Meet at the Lion Shrine
Join Penn State Altoona English professors Jeannette Lang, Sandy Petrulionis, Jeffery Stoyanoff, and Patricia Jabbeh Wesley for a brief talk about our English program at the site of our student-built replica of Thoreau's Walden Pond cabin. An optional short hike in Seminar Forest will follow.
Family Weekend Carnival
Noon–4:00 p.m.
Slep Quad
In the event of rain, some of the activities will move inside the Slep Student Center from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Enjoy some relaxing family time while hanging out near our campus’s student center. Events and activities include the following:
- Caricature artist
- Keepsake photos
- Play games, craft, and support student organizations
- Grab some Penn State Creamery Ice Cream (while supplies last)
- Meet our talented faculty, staff, and students as they host a variety of activities, games, fundraisers, and information about their missions
- Music by the Corner Brothers
Groups hosting activity tables include Altoona Benefiting THON, Student Government Association, Latin Hispanic Club, Black Student Union, and Alumni Blue & White Society.
Study Away Information Session
Noon–12:30 p.m.
Lower Level of the Eiche Library
Dr. Beth Seymour, Study Away Coordinator
Victoria Hesser, Study Away Program Assistant
Find out about study away programs offered by Penn State Altoona, including opportunities outside of the United States of America, as well as domestically.
Secure your spot for Paint Your Own Pottery
1:00 p.m.
Laurel Pavilion pop-up tent
Register for the 6:00 p.m. Paint Your Own Pottery activity. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You will be asked to provide your Penn State Altoona student’s name and email address at the time of registration.
The New Cathedrals: A Brief Presentation on the History of Stadium Construction in North America
2:00–2:30 p.m.
Fireside Lounge, Slep Student Center
Presented by Dr. Bob Trumpbour, professor of communications
This presentation gives an overview of sports construction history in North America, beginning with the construction of very modest ballparks to the more recent multi-billion-dollar venues that have been built in the 21st century.
Secure your tickets for Sunday brunch
2:00 p.m.
Laurel Pavilion pop-up tent
Claim your tickets for the 11:00 a.m. Sunday brunch with our undergraduate research team. Tickets are free and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You will be asked to provide your Penn State Altoona student’s name and email address at the time of registration.
Student Internship Information Session
3:00–3:30 p.m.
Fireside Lounge, Slep Student Center
Presented by faculty member Lauren Jacobson and staff members Sherri McGregor and Tom Shaffer
This presentation will focus on the benefits of internships and other forms of community-based learning for students at Penn State Altoona. We will also offer examples of the types of internship experiences former students have had while at Penn State Altoona and the resources available to students for finding an internship that is a good fit for them.
Books and Bites
4:00–5:00 p.m.
Mountain View Room, Port-Sky Café
Features faculty members Steven Sherrill, Jerry Zolten, Patricia Jabbeh Wesley, Mark McNicholas, Sandy Petrulionis, and Bob Trumpbour.
Stop in for some hors d’oeuvres and meet some of our faculty authors. Each student in attendance will receive a book by one of our featured authors while supplies last.
Men's and Women’s Tennis vs Washington & Jefferson
4:30 p.m.
Tennis Courts
Need Dinner Plans?
Feel free to check out Port-Sky Café or local options as suggested by students and staff, including the Knickerbocker, Bill Sell's Bold, Lena’s, Mama Randazzo’s, Al’s Tavern, the Athenian Café, Tim’s American Café, Marzoni’s, and Allegheny Creamery & Crepes.
Check out our flyer at registration for more information about these suggestions!
Paint Your Own Pottery
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Pond View Lounge, Slep Student Center
Hosted by Clay Cup in Altoona, PA
Make sure to sign up at 1:00 pm at the Laurel Pavilion. Only ninety spots are available.
Show us your creative side! We will supply pottery pieces and paint. You will paint your masterpiece and leave it here. A few weeks after the event, we will contact your Penn State Altoona student to pick up your finished product. Free event.
Movie Night: Lightyear
8:00 p.m.
Fireside Lounge, Slep Student Center
Legendary space ranger Buzz Lightyear embarks on an intergalactic adventure alongside ambitious recruits Izzy, Mo, Darby, and his robot companion, Sox.
Spirit Bingo
9:00 p.m.
Auxiliary Gym, Adler Athletic Complex
This free event will surely be one of your favorite weekend events! Your chance of winning one of our great Penn State-themed basket prizes is significantly higher if you attend! Arrive early to guarantee yourself a seat. Don’t be afraid to show up decked out in your favorite Penn State gear. Your Penn State Altoona student must present their Penn State ID to claim a prize for any family member.
Karaoke
9:30–10:30 p.m.
Pond View Lounge, Slep Student Center
Join the Cheerleading Team for Karaoke!