Engage

Family Weekend Schedule

We are thrilled to host our families on the Tampa campus for Family Weekend 2026! Family Weekend is open to families, friends, and USF students who attend any of our three campus locations. 

Registration is required, and wristbands must be shown for access to all Family Weekend events.

All Family Weekend events, times, and locations are subject to change.

View some of our highlight programs happening each day and the rest of the schedule below:

Family Weekend Event Highlights

Friday, October 2nd Saturday, October 3rd Sunday, October 4th
Check-In Check-In Help Desk
Comedy Shows Morning Market Bingo & Brunch
Live After 5 Cardio Step Fitness Class Riverfront Park
Family Movie Night Bulls Family Tailgate USF Volleyball vs Temple
Bulls Nite Out USF Football vs Temple  

Friday, October 2nd

8AM-8PM | USF Bookstore

Stop by the USF Bookstore during Family Weekend to stock up on Bull gear, gifts, and supplies! Whether you鈥檙e looking for the perfect green-and-gold spirit wear, a souvenir to take home, or academic essentials for your student, the Bookstore has you covered.

馃晵 Special Family Weekend hours of operation!

 鉁 Family Perks: Show your Family Weekend wristband at checkout and receive:

  • 20% off one apparel or gift item during your visit (excludes Adidas, lululemon, Our Shirt, & Sale items)
  • 20% off Kahwa Cafe menu items

10AM-5PM  |  Self-Guided Tour of CAM

Contemporary Art Museum (CAM)

- the exhibit presents four major bodies of work by the celebrated Anglo-American artist that honor and question ideas around travel, memory, monuments, and history-making. Harvey鈥檚 artworks memorialize lost places and interrogate existing ones; additionally, they turn a warm eye toward human beings鈥 relationships with their lived environment, while asking us to envision new ways of being in the future.

1-7PM  |  Check-in & Help Desk

Marshall Student Center (MSC) Atrium

Your first stop! Check in and receive your Family Weekend swag and wristband! You can also stop by if you have any questions or need assistance.

1-3PM  |  Esports Living Lab Open House

Recreation Center (REC) Room 005 

Join us for an Open House at the USF Esports Living Lab鈥攁n immersive, free gaming and media experience featuring 40 high-end PCs, console stations, a private gaming suite, and a production studio for students to explore and engage.

1-4PM | Photos with Rocky

Marshall Student Center (MSC) Atrium 

Strike a pose with USF鈥檚 favorite mascot, Rocky D. Bull! Capture a fun family memory during Family Weekend with a photo you鈥檒l treasure long after the weekend ends.

1-4PM  |  Fraternity & Sorority Life Open House 

Marshall Student Center (MSC) 2300

Discover how USF鈥檚 fraternities and sororities foster leadership, scholarship, service, and lifelong friendships! Families are invited to stop by the Fraternity & Sorority Life Open House to meet members, design and create buttons, learn about the values and traditions of our Greek community, and explore how students can get involved. Whether you鈥檙e curious about the history of Fraternity & Sorority Life at USF or want to hear firsthand from student leaders, this drop-in event is a great way to connect and learn more.

1-4PM | Bulls Backyard Bash: OTSS & OVS Family Weekend Block Party

John & Grace Allen Building (ALN) Lawn & Courtyard

Celebrate Family Weekend with the Office of Transfer Student Success (OTSS) and the Office of Veteran Success (OVS) at the John & Grace Allen (ALN) Lawn & Courtyard! Enjoy lawn games, tie-dye T-shirts, free USF swag, snacks, and the opportunity to meet student organizations while connecting with the staff who support transfer and veteran students at USF!

2-4PM | Student Services Block Party!

Student Services Breezeway

 Join us for Bubbles in the Breezeway, a family-friendly event filled with games, popsicles and more. Learn about the wraparound support ensuring your Bull鈥檚 academic success.

2-4PM | Experience CAS: Open House

Interdisciplinary Sciences Building (ISA) 5020

Join USF College of Arts and Sciences advisors and faculty to learn more about opportunities for students to "do their degree" while earning their degrees!  Our faculty will highlight student experiences outside of the classroom in various disciplines.  

Visit our open house to learn more about research, internships, and career opportunities in CAS!

2-4PM | Global Learning Open House

Global Student Center Lobby (FAO 100)

Stop by USF Global Learning to discover how study abroad and other global learning opportunities can help students expand their academic, professional, and personal horizons. Explore study abroad programs around the world and remote global learning opportunities, learn about resources and funding options, visit the Global Student Center, and connect with our team to learn how students can take their USF experience beyond the classroom.

2-4PM  | Office of Multicultural Affairs Open House

Marshall Student Center (MSC) 3200

Calling all Bulls and their families 鈥 come join us for the Office of Multicultural Affairs Open House during Family Weekend! Step inside MSC 3200 and get to know the heart of USF鈥檚 multicultural community. This is your chance to:

  • Meet the passionate staff and student leaders behind OMA
  • Discover the programs, support services, and resources that promote belonging
  • Learn about our vibrant cultural organizations and how students can get involved
  • Experience a warm, welcoming space that celebrates diverse connections

Whether you鈥檙e curious, looking for ways to get plugged into campus life, or just want to see where your student finds community at USF, we鈥檇 love to see you there.

Join us as we build bridges across cultures at USF. Go Bulls! 馃悅

2-4PM | Teaching Kitchen: Game Day Bites (RSVP for free) 

Argos Exchange

Join us for a live cooking demo as our Campus Chef leads a hands-on Teaching Kitchen session featuring tasty game-day bites! This interactive experience is free, but has limited capacity鈥RSVP is required by your student on  to secure your spot. Hosted by

2-4PM  | USF History & Tradition Tours

Marshall Student Center (MSC) Atrium

Join the for a unique campus tour highlighting USF鈥檚 history and traditions! You will also be able to complete several of the 56 traditions that encompass the essence of what it means to be a USF Bull through the USF HornsUp App.

Tours every 30 minutes, last tour will depart at 3:30 p.m. 

2-4PM  |  Judy Genshaft Honors College Open House

Judy Genshaft Honors College (HON) Atrium

All are invited to explore the exceptional opportunities and unique advantages of the Judy Genshaft Honors College and take a tour of the beautiful building, offered every 10 minutes (last tour is at 3:50PM).

鉁 Family Perks: Show your Family Weekend wristband and receive:

  • 20% off a Buddy Brew coffee!

4PM | Whose Laugh Is It Anyway?

Marshall Student Center (MSC) Oval Theater 

Enjoy an uproarious, family-friendly improv spectacular in the spirit of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, starring the quick-witted players of Yes, Sand鈥攁 local improv comedy troupe from St. Petersburg, FL.

6PM | Whose Laugh Is It Anyway? (18+)

Marshall Student Center (MSC) Oval Theater 

Get ready for an uncensored, no-holds-barred night of improv comedy! This 18+ show brings the sharp wit and outrageous humor of Yes, Sand鈥擲t. Petersburg鈥檚 own improv troupe鈥攖o the stage in a Whose Line Is It Anyway?-style performance that鈥檚 as unpredictable as it is hilarious.

This show is uncensored and intended for adults 18+ only. Viewer discretion is advised.

5-8PM | Live After 5

Outside Marshall Student Center (MSC)

Family Weekend starts here!

Join us for an evening packed with music, games, and larger-than-life fun for the whole family. Dance along to live music from Allon Sams, then jump into the action with an 18-hole putt-putt course, carnival games, a surf simulator, soccer pool, and a giant obstacle course.

Think you can take on your family? Settle it with a competitive round of 4-player joust. Looking for something a little more laid-back? Get creative with dot-art plaques and boomerangs, meet our balloon artist, or leave with a one-of-a-kind caricature of your family.

One of the perks of being a registered Family Weekend guest? A free sweet treat! Each registered attendee will receive a ticket redeemable for a complimentary treat from one of four food trucks: Pineapple Express, Nikki鈥檚 Sweets Shop, Ice Cream Sammies, or Craving Donuts.

Be sure to stick around until 7PM for a special announcement as we recognize and celebrate our 2026 Family of the Year!

6PM | Volleyball Game vs. Rice

Yuengling Center

Start Family Weekend with some Bulls Volleyball! Join us as USF Volleyball takes on Rice right here on campus. Bring your family, show your Bulls pride, and start your Family Weekend with an exciting night of USF Athletics! 

No additional purchase required. Show your wristband at the ticket office to get in for free!

7PM | Men's Soccer Game vs. FIU

Corbett Soccer Park Stadium

Bring the whole family and cheer on the Bulls! Join us as USF Men's Soccer takes on FIU under the lights of Corbett Stadium (located on campus). Experience the energy of a USF soccer match, support our Bulls, and make a night of it with your family. 

No additional purchase required. Show your wristband at the ticket office to get in for free!

8-11PM | Bulls Nite Out

Marshall Student Center (MSC) Ballroom

Keep the Family Weekend fun going at Bulls Nite Out! Join the Campus Activities Board for an evening of games, crafts, activities, and opportunities to connect with your Bull family. Relax, have fun, and enjoy a night of entertainment and memories together on campus!

8PM | Family Movie Night: Toy Story 5 (2026)

Marshall Student Center (MSC) Oval Theater 

Grab your family, your friends, and some popcorn鈥攊t鈥檚 showtime! Sponsored by , this Family Weekend favorite brings the action and excitement of the brand-new movie to the big screen. Snacks, laughs, and super-powered fun await!

 

Saturday, October 3rd

8AM-5PM  |  USF Bookstore

Stop by the USF Bookstore during Family Weekend to stock up on Bull gear, gifts, and supplies! Whether you鈥檙e looking for the perfect green-and-gold spirit wear, a souvenir to take home, or academic essentials for your student, the Bookstore has you covered.

馃晵 Special Family Weekend hours of operation!

鉁 Family Perks: Show your Family Weekend wristband at checkout and receive:

  • 20% off one apparel or gift item during your visit (excludes Adidas, lululemon, Our Shirt, & Sale items)
  • 20% off Kahwa Cafe menu items

9-11AM | Give Back Together at the USF Botanical Gardens

 Spend your Family Weekend enjoying the beauty of nature while making a difference at the 91社区 Botanical Gardens!

During this special Family Weekend service opportunity, families will work together outdoors to help prepare the gardens for the upcoming Fall 2026 Plant Festival.

Volunteers will help with hands-on gardening projects, including removing weeds from garden beds near the front entrance and helping maintain the Medicinal Garden. The work is a great opportunity for families to spend quality time together, enjoy the outdoors, and leave a lasting impact on one of USF's most beautiful spaces.

What to Bring: Water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and other sun protection
Provided: Ice and water will be available for volunteers

9AM-1PM  |  Check-in & Help Desk

Marshall Student Center (MSC) Atrium

Haven't checked in for Family Weekend yet? Stop by and let us know you're here and receive your Family Weekend swag and wristband! You can also stop by if you have any questions or need assistance.

If you happen to miss check-in or need further assistance, you can visit the New Student & Family Engagement office (MSC 1300) on the first floor of the Marshall Student Center. 

9:30AM-12PM | Saturday Morning Market

Outside Marshall Student Center (MSC)

Explore and discover a variety of activities, vendors, and experiences while enjoying time on campus. Stop by after breakfast to connect with the USF community, create something memorable, and celebrate the Bull family experience!

9AM-4PM  |  Family Adventure Climb 馃

USF Riverfront Park ()

Harness up with your friends and family for a chance to climb 3 different levels on the USF Challenge Course! If you've ever seen ziplining and wanted to try it, this is your chance! Test your balance on our log, make the leap across the Bulls Bridge, swing from rope to rope, or race across our double zip-line!  

This event can take up to 3 hours to complete. Contact USF Challenge Course at challengecourse@usf.edu for questions or additional information.

10AM-5:30PM  |  Riverfront Park: Boating & Canoeing

USF Riverfront Park ()

Come out and enjoy some time on the Hillsborough River at USF Riverfront Park. We have canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free with your Family Weekend wristband. Check in at the Boathouse.

10:30-11:15AM | Cardio Step Fitness Class

Recreation Activities Center (REC) 22B

For a special Family Weekend throwback, Cardio Step is making a return! This upbeat class combines choreographed step movements, cardio exercises, and strength training set to energizing music. It's a fun way to get moving, build endurance, and enjoy an engaging workout experience. Please wear sneakers and comfortable clothing to move around in. A water bottle and a sweat towel are recommended as well. 

Only the student will need to register, and they will enter the number of guests coming with them! Your student can register using the link below, and registration will open on 9/24 at 6PM. Spots are limited. 

1-4PM  |  Self-Guided Tour of CAM

Contemporary Art Museum (CAM)

- the exhibit presents four major bodies of work by the celebrated Anglo-American artist that honor and question ideas around travel, memory, monuments, and history-making. Harvey鈥檚 artworks memorialize lost places and interrogate existing ones; additionally, they turn a warm eye toward human beings鈥 relationships with their lived environment, while asking us to envision new ways of being in the future.

Time TBD | Bulls Family Tailgate

Raymond James Stadium Lot 6D ()

Get game day ready with your Bull family at the Family Weekend Tailgate! Join us before kickoff outside of Raymond James for an exciting pregame celebration filled with food, music, games, and plenty of USF spirit!

Connect with fellow families, show off your green and gold pride, and get ready to cheer on the Bulls!

Family Weekend wristband is required for participation. 

Time TBD | Bulls Blitz: Ride to the Game! (return rides after 4th quarter)

Marshall Student Center (MSC) Entrance (Tampa Campus Bulls Blitz only) 

Bulls Blitz offers transportation to home football games! Family members registered for Family Weekend can ride if they: 

  • Check in for Family Weekend first to receive your Family Weekend wristband.
  • Sign a non-liability waiver at Bulls Blitz Check-in (out front of the Marshall Student Center) or online, and wear both the Family Weekend and Bulls Blitz wristbands (received at Bulls Blitz Check-in) to ride.
  • Are accompanied by their USF student (student must have a USF ID).

馃搵 ITINERARY:

  • Tampa Campus Departure: First bus departs at TBD 鈥 last bus leaves at TBD from the Marshall Student Center Theater Lot.
  • Kickoff: TBD
  • Return to Tampa Campus: Return service begins immediately following the start of the 4th quarter from the same drop-off location at Raymond James Stadium.
    • Riding Bulls Blitz is first-come, first-served; anticipated wait time may be longer on the return bus.
    • Return buses have limited seats, and you must be wearing your wristband to board.
    • You can鈥檛 ride the return bus if you didn鈥檛 ride to the game, but you do not have to ride back if you rode to the game. 

If you plan to ride Bulls Blitz, please complete the form linked above. Each person riding the bus MUST complete this form. Family members will be asked to present their photo ID upon check-in. Parents/guardians completing the form for a minor will be asked to present their ID on behalf of the minor.

Completing the form does NOT guarantee a seat 鈥 seating is first-come, first-served.

Time TBD | Football Game vs. Temple 馃

Raymond James Stadium ()

Come out and cheer on the USF Bulls as they take on Temple in an electrifying home football game! Join us for an unforgettable game and show off your Bull spirit! A link to purchase discounted tickets is sent via email to those registered for Family Weekend. This is an add-on experience; an additional purchase is required.

Parking and transportation at Raymond James Stadium are on your own. Individual parking passes can be purchased (using card only) on the day of the game in the nearest day-of-game parking lots or . ADA drop-off locations: South of Lot B Entrance, North of Tampa Bay Blvd. in southbound lanes, Lot A in Mass Transit.

Bag Policy: No bags larger than a small clutch (4.5鈥漻6.5鈥) will be permitted to be brought into the stadium.

Discounted Tickets: You must register for Family Weekend to receive the link. 

If you need help purchasing tickets, please contact 1-800-Go-Bulls or email Bullstickets@usf.edu 

 

Sunday, October 4th

9-11AM  | Help Desk

Marshall Student Center (MSC) 1300

Stop by the New Student & Family Engagement Office if you haven鈥檛 already checked in to receive your Family Weekend swag and wristband! You can also stop by if you have any questions or need assistance.

9AM-12PM  |  Family Adventure Climb 馃

USF Riverfront Park ()

Harness up with your friends and family for a chance to climb 3 different levels on the USF Challenge Course! If you've ever seen ziplining and wanted to try it, this is your chance! Test your balance on our log, make the leap across the Bulls Bridge, swing from rope to rope, or race across our double zip-line!  

This event can take up to 3 hours to complete. Contact USF Challenge Course at challengecourse@usf.edu for questions or additional information.

10AM-1PM  |  Bingo & Brunch with USF Dining 馃

The HUB 

Join us for Bingo and Brunch, where you can enjoy delicious brunch favorites at a discounted rate, while playing rounds of Bingo for exciting prizes!! It鈥檚 a perfect blend of tasty food, fun games, and great company鈥攄on鈥檛 miss out on this enjoyable social experience! No RSVP required.

10AM-5:30PM  | Riverfront Park: Boating & Canoeing

 USF Riverfront Park ()

Come out and enjoy some time on the Hillsborough River at USF Riverfront Park. We have canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free with your Family Weekend wristband. Check in at the Boathouse.

12-4PM  |  USF Bookstore

Stop by the USF Bookstore during Family Weekend to stock up on Bull gear, gifts, and supplies! Whether you鈥檙e looking for the perfect green-and-gold spirit wear, a souvenir to take home, or academic essentials for your student, the Bookstore has you covered.

馃晵 Special Family Weekend hours of operation!

鉁 Family Perk: Show your Family Weekend wristband and receive 20% off one item during your visit.

1PM | Volleyball Game vs. Temple

Yuengling Center

Wrap up Family Weekend by cheering on the Bulls! Join us Sunday afternoon as USF Volleyball takes on Temple and bring the whole family to experience the energy of Bulls athletics. 

No additional purchase required. Show your wristband at the ticket office to get in for free!

 

St. Petersburg Experiences

Interested in exploring the St. Petersburg campus and the surrounding area during Family Weekend? We have a few special opportunities available for you to enjoy!

  • USF St. Petersburg Waterfront: The waterfront will be open for guests to enjoy the pontoons and kayaks throughout the weekend.
  • Saturday Morning Market: Explore joyful connectedness and the creative community of St. Petersburg through local food, crafts, and music, which all come together at Al Lang Stadium.
  • Tampa Bay Rowdies Match: The Tampa Bay Rowdies are offering discounted tickets exclusively for Family Weekend guests to their game on 10/3 against Miami FC. Kickoff is at 7:30PM. 
    Visit the "Add-On Experiences" section at the bottom of the page to buy your tickets!
  • The Dal铆 Museum: Explore the world-renowned works of Salvador Dal铆 with discounted admission available to Family Weekend participants. Use code FAMILYDAY online and on-site for $5 off up to 4 adult and senior tickets (not valid on Dome).

Please note: Family Weekend's primary events and programming will take place on the USF Tampa campus. These St. Petersburg opportunities are optional experiences for families who wish to explore the area during the weekend.

CHARIT-A-BULL FOOD DRIVE

Family members can drop off non-perishable donations to support fellow bulls in need. Drop off items at the Marshall Student Center (MSC) Atrium on the Tampa campus OR at the H. William Heller Hall (HWH) 101, New Student & Family Engagement Office on the St. Petersburg campus. All donations go to the Feed-A-Bull Pantry on campus.

Sponsored and brought to you by The Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement (CLCE).

  • High Need: Canned protein (tuna, chicken, sausage, etc.), peanut butter, cereal, rice, pasta, pasta sauce, canned soup, canned fruit, snacks, hygiene products
  • Medium Need: Boxed mashed potatoes, granola bars, canned green beans, oatmeal
  • Less Need: Mac and cheese, Ramen

Find your Fit with campus recreation!

Work out or play alongside your student at one of USF鈥檚 Recreation & Wellness facilities for free on both the Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses! All participants must be accompanied by their USF student, wear their Family Weekend wristband, and sign a waiver at the facility to enter.

View a complete list of facilities and hours of operation. 

Finding Rocky: A Family Scavenger Hunt

Missing Rocky Flyer!

Rocky D. Bull, the best mascot in all the land, is missing! Your family will need to solve a series of puzzles across the Tampa campus to track down our missing bull mascot. Families that complete the game are entered to win prizes like tickets for Family Weekend 2026. Winners will be announced on our Instagram @usf_nsc

Download The Great Game app 鈥 only one person per team needs it; however, having more players is more fun! 

Create an account with your email, then select 鈥淩egister for a Game鈥 and choose USF鈥揟ampa. Start your team with the following steps:

  1. One player taps 鈥淐reate Team鈥 and sets a name and password.
  2. Other players tap 鈥淛oin Team鈥 and log in.
  3. Once your team is ready, head to the start location at the Marshall Student Center and begin your adventure!

Add-On Experiences

Add-on experiences are a great way to expand your Family Weekend fun! The Bulls hand icon denotes add-on experiences that require additional purchase, tickets, or registration. Discount codes and links are provided via email to those registered for Family Weekend! 

Bull Hand denotes an add-on experience for Family Weekend