August 31, 2026
SIU’s Family Weekend will bring football, shared memories and fun
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Prepare for three days of Saluki pride as Family Weekend 2026 rolls into Southern Illinois University Carbondale Sept. 11-13, with football, tailgating, and a ton of fun events and activities for everyone.
“Saluki Family Weekend is one of our favorite traditions at SIU because it gives students the opportunity to share their Saluki experience with the people who have supported them every step of the way,” said Charles Walker, interim director of New Student Programs. “It’s also a great way for families to experience the excitement, tradition, and spirit that make SIU such a special place. Whether they’re cheering on the Salukis at the football game, enjoying the tailgate, or participating in activities across campus, we look forward to welcoming families back to Carbondale and creating unforgettable memories together.”
Starting the weekend
The weekend launches on a solemn note starting at 5:45 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, with the annual 9/11 Saluki Stair Climb at SIU’s Banterra Center. This year’s stair climb commemorates the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the War on Terror and pays tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attack. The event is free and open to the public, but registration and a waiver are required. Learn more and register here 9/11 Saluki Stair Climb webpage.
Be sure and stop by the Family Weekend Welcome Station, from noon to 4 p.m. on Sept 11 at the Student Center lawn. Here visitors can learn everything about events during the weekend, get directions, map out their activities, and meet up with old and new Salukis.
The Student Programming Council (SPC) will bring an evening of laughter, competition, family fun and a test of skills with “Every Game Show Ever” at 6 p.m. on Sept. 11 in the Student Center Auditorium. SIU students, families and supporters are invited to attend, and no advance tickets are required. Billed as “The Ultimate Interactive Comedy Game Show,” the competition will transform the auditorium into a high-energy, interactive game show experience featuring comedy, audience participation, competition and prizes. The show puts a playful spin on familiar favorite game shows.
Time to get crafty
The Craft Shop in the Student Center is sponsoring a two-day Family Weekend Craft Sale featuring arts, crafts and one-of-a-kind creations. The sale, in the Student Center’s first-floor Art Gallery, will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept 11, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept 12. Admission is free.
All are welcome at the Saluki Tie-Dye drop-in workshop from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 11-12 at the Craft Shop, located on the lower level of the Student Center. A limited number of pre-printed screenprint patterned Saluki T-shirts will be available along with a wide array of colors, including Saluki maroon and black. The cost is $25 ($20 for SIU students). All ages are welcome, and participants can bring up to three additional items to Tie-Dye. Pre-registration is suggested but not required.
Get ready for football
What’s Family Weekend without football? The Saluki Family Tailgate is 3-5 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Saluki Row practice field, south of Saluki Stadium. Tailgate with New Student Programs in SIU style with Smokin' K's BBQ, a photo booth, Saluki swag, giveaways, games and activities. Food service starts at 3 p.m. and continues until the food is gone. The tailgate is sponsored by New Student Programs, Achieve Program, Health and Wellness Promotion Services, University Housing and the Student Recreation Center. Register for tailgate.
At 6 p.m. the Salukis face regional rival Southeast Missouri State University at Saluki Stadium in the “War for the Wheel.” This is the 94th meeting between the two teams. Buy discount tickets online using the promo code “FAMILY” in advance for $15 each. As always, SIU students are admitted at no charge.
The 2026 Saluki Family of the Year legacy and non-legacy families will be recognized during halftime of the game.
Experience the Saluki Sprint! New students are encouraged to take part in SIU's long-standing tradition of welcoming students to the Saluki Family. All new students are invited to “sprint” across the field at Saluki Stadium before kickoff! Register online. Students will meet at the south entrance tunnel at 5:30 p.m. to pick up their Saluki Sprint T-shirt, with the sprint starting at 5:50 p.m.
Sunday’s activities
There are a variety of faith services and celebrations on Sunday, Sept. 13.
Close out Family Weekend with a Saluki Family Brunch from 10 a.m. to noon at the SIU Alumni Association’s Guida-Moller Family Alumni Center Tent at Woody Hall. The brunch will feature offerings from Sunny Street Cafe, music, Saluki swag, giveaways, and a giant Plinko game where families can win exciting prizes. The brunch is hosted by New Student Programs, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and Student Engagement. Students need to register their family members to attend the brunch.
Other Saluki Family Weekend fun includes:
- Saluki families can dine at Trueblood and Lentz Dining Halls all weekend for $9 per meal, plus tax, payable at the dining hall entrance by credit or debit card only. Please note that cash is not accepted.
- The 11th Rocky Ledges 5K/10K Trail Fun Run/Walk on Sept. 12. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. with the 10K events starting at 8:30 a.m. and 5K events at 9 a.m. The event is open to individuals and teams of all ages at the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center.
- Looking for a relaxing alternative to the football game? Enjoy a peaceful evening on Campus Lake with your family from 5 to 7 p.m. Take in the scenic views, spend quality time together on the water, and experience one of SIU's most beautiful outdoor spaces at Becker Pavilion.
- The Student Recreation Center is offering complimentary use of its facilities all weekend, and the outdoor Saluki pickleball/tennis courts and trails at Touch of Nature are open and free as well.
- Sharp Museum will host a discussion by Kelly Fisher-Bishop on the photographic work of the late Ray Howk, an SIU Carbondale alumnus, at 1 p.m. on Sept. 12 in the museum auditorium.
Find the complete schedule of events and details on the Family Weekend website.
Family Weekend sponsors include SIU Credit Union, Regions Bank, Banterra, and Drury Inn Marion.