Family Weekend: October 16 – 18, 2026
Click HERE to Register for Family Weekend!
(Additional on-campus events and offerings will be added to the schedule throughout the summer. Check back regularly for schedule additions!)
2026 Schedule of Events
Friday, October 16, 2026
| Event Title | Location | Time (ET) | Description | Virtual Option Available | Additional Cost? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Weekend Check-In | Johnson Center, Dewberry Lobby | 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Check-in and get your Family Weekend Pass to enjoy all the events of the weekend! | No | N/A |
| George Mason Family Letters to Lift Spirits | Johnson Center, Bistro | 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Hosted by the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being Join us for a feel-good Family Weekend activity! Write heartfelt, uplifting cards that will be shared with George Mason students during midterms and finals to brighten their day. A small gesture with a big impact. Snacks & drinks provided. Come spread some kindness! | No | N/A |
| Family Weekend Welcome & Faculty Spotlight | Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Join us for the official kick-off welcome for the 2026 Family Weekend!! | No | No |
| Family Weekend Shabbat | Fenwick Library A-101 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Mason Hillel and GMU Chabad join together to welcome all Jewish students and their families to bring in Shabbat with the Jewish community at Mason. Services will begin at 5:00 p.m. with dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. RSVP encouraged! | No | No |
| The Auld Shebeen Irish Pub & Restaurant - Live Traditional Irish Music | 3971 Chain Bridge Rd | 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Enjoy live traditional Irish music while dining on traditional Irish Fare and American favorites. All ages welcome. | No | Yes |
| Mason by Moonlight | Johnson Center, South Plaza | 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Step into the magic of Mason by Moonlight—a twilight celebration where families sip, stroll, and discover under the stars! Enjoy non-alcoholic beverages as jazz fills the night air, and explore the creative worlds of the Center for Visual and Performing Arts and the innovative edge of the School of Engineering. Take a guided tour through our serene food forest and see firsthand where fresh ideas—and fresh food—are grown. It’s a night of connection, conversation, and campus charm… all aglow with Mason spirit! | No | No |
| Mackenzie's Tunes and Tonics - Live Music | 3950 University Dr., Ste 210 | 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. | Enjoy artisonal craft tonics, flavorful kitchen fare and live music! | No | Yes |
| National Symphony Orchestra | Center for the Arts | 8:00 p.m. | John Adams, conductor Leila Josefowicz, violin Astor Piazzolla (arr. John Adams): Three Tangos Sergei Prokofiev: Lieutenant Kijé – Suite John Adams: Scheherazade. Some stories belong to the outsiders. Violinist Leila Josefowicz joins composer and conductor John Adams for a program of rebels, heroes, and characters who defy convention. Adams puts his own twist on the tangos of Piazzolla, while Prokofiev’s Lieutenant Kijé gives a fictional military hero unexpected life through satire. The music culminates in Adams’ Scheherazade.2, a fierce reimagining of Rimsky-Korsakov’s legendary heroine. Here, Scheherazade is no longer simply a storyteller, but a woman fighting for her own survival—with Josefowicz as her fearless musical voice. Tickets: $97, $68, $42 | No | Yes |
| The Auld Shebeen Irish Pub & Restaurant - Karaoke in the Cellar | 3971 Chain Bridge Rd | 9:30 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. | Hosted by “Benji Harris” of LiveMix Entertainment, this lively weekly karaoke night is held in the basement Cellar level of the pub. The downstairs area features a dedicated bar, dart boards, and an energetic late-night party atmosphere. No cover, 21+ for karaoke. | No | No |
| Event Title | Location | Time (ET) | Description | Virtual Option Available | Additional Cost? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Weekend Check-In | The HUB, Side Pocket | 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | If you didn't check in on Friday, check-in Saturday and get your Family Weekend Wristband to enjoy all the events of the weekend! | No | N/A |
| Mason Nation Thriving Together 5K (Merten Hall Lawn) | Fairfax Campus | Fun Run Start Time - 7:30am 5K Time - 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Interested in participating in our annual 5K or 1-mile walk/run to help fundraise for a special cause here at Mason? Participate in the annual George Mason 5K and Fun Run! All proceeds this year will go towards George Mason's Disability Services Fund which helps further support students through scholarships, programming and events. Registration will open soon. Check back soon for more information! | No | Yes |
| Mason on Location Great Falls Hike (Morning Rotation) | The HUB, 3rd Floor | 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Buses to leave promptly at 8:45 a.m. | Join us and Outdoor Adventures for a beautiful fall hike at the incredible Great Falls. Hike along the Potomac with your family and enjoy some beautiful views along with it. | No | Yes |
| Honors College's Open Door | Merten Hall, 1201 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Delve into the Honors College through an exploration of our curriculum, Principles of Research and Inquiry activities, and community experiences. Led by Peer Mentors, families will sample three events and get their choice between three Research and Inquiry activities to sample. Come learn more about the Honors College Community! RSVP required via Mason 360 | No | No |
| Mason Observa-Tour-Y | Research Hall | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Experience the GMU observatory with the College of Science. We will be offering tours of the observatory located in Research Hall as well as filtered telescopes for participants to observe the Sun! | No | No |
| Bagel Brunch with Mason Hillel | Fenwick Library A Lounge | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Meet with Mason Hillel staff and students over a delicious brunch with bagels, lox, and pastries! Drop-in any time to see the Spiritual and Interfaith center and schmooze with Hillel. RSVP encouraged! | No | No |
| Student Success Coaching: Patriot Families Edition | Johnson Center Bistro | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Come join this interactive presentation with Student Success Coaching to learn strategies for having intentional, success-driven conversations with your students. | No | No |
| Green & Gold Grub | Merten Hall Lawn | 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Enjoy lunch, games, music, and the chance to meet our Parent and Family Council! | No | No |
| Irish Traditional Music | The Auld Shebeen Irish Pub & Restaurant 3971 Chain Bridge Rd | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Enjoy an Irish Traditional Session with local musicians, all ages welcome! | No | Yes |
| Mason 2 Main St: Family Weekend | Old Town Fairfax | 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Mason students and their families are invited to explore our charming downtown, discover local shops and restaurants, and enjoy special offers, activities, giveaways and more from participating businesses. Just minutes from campus, Old Town Fairfax is the perfect place to eat, shop, stroll and make a few family memories together. Come see what’s happening on Main Street—and become a regular! | No | No |
| Cozy at Commonwealth | Commonwealth Brewing Co., 10426 Main St. | 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Enjoy vendors, music, and coffee at Commonwealth Brewing Co.! | No | Yes |
| Mason on Location - Great Falls Hike (Afternoon Rotation) | The HUB, 3rd Floor | 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Buses to leave promptly at 1:15 p.m. | Join us and Outdoor Adventures for a beautiful fall hike at the incredible Great Falls. Hike along the Potomac with your family and enjoy some beautiful views along with it. | No | Yes |
| Mason on Location - National Museum of African American History and Culture | The HUB, 3rd Floor | 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Buses to leave promptly at 1:15 p.m. | Join us and visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture with your family! | No | Yes |
| Mason on Location - National Gallery of Art | The HUB, 3rd Floor | 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Buses to leave promptly at 1:15 p.m. | Join us and visit the National Gallery of Art with your family! | No | Yes |
| Mason on Location - National Museum of Natural History | The HUB, 3rd Floor | 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Buses to leave promptly at 1:15 p.m. | Join us and visit the National Museum of Natural History with your family! | No | Yes |
| Mason on Location Tour – Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Museum | The HUB, 3rd Floor | 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Join us and visit the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Museum with your family! | No | Yes |
| Mason Club Football v. University of Pittsburg (Pitt) | Recreation Athletic Complex (RAC) Field | 2:00 p.m. Kickoff | Mason Club Football takes on Pitt in an exciting matchup as the Patriots defend their home turf against the Panthers squad. Join us at RAC Field to experience the energy of game day firsthand! Admission is free. | No | No |
| Faculty Spotlight with Professor Geller | The HUB, Rooms 1 and 2 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | UFOs: Yesterday, Today and TomorrowUFOs: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow The concept of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), now called UAP (unidentified aerial phenomena), will be discussed in an historical context. UFO stories, will be presented from history. The current media hype about some recently released photographs will be reviewed within the context of historical examples, within a Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes approach. Recent and upcoming documentaries on the topic will also be discussed. | No | No |
| Student Parent and Caregivers Meetup | The HUB, Rooms 3-4-5 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Contemporary Student Services (CSS), in partnership with the Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC), invites students who are parenting/caregiving and their families to The HUB for an afternoon of connection, community, and family-friendly fun. Guests will enjoy light refreshments, engaging activities for children, and opportunities to connect with fellow student parents and caregivers while learning more about Mason's resources and support services. Registration for Family Weekend not required. | No | No |
| Mason Families Give Back | The HUB, Side Pocket | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Give back to the Mason community by participating in a variety of service activities hosted by campus and community partners! | No | No |
| Mason's Got Talent: Student Performance Showcase | The HUB, HUB Ballroom | 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Enjoy an evening full of live performances from Mason students! | No | Yes |
| Mason Moves & Family Grooves | Johnson Center, Dance Studio | 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Ready to kick up your heels? Join our friends from W.I.L.D. (We're Into Line Dancing) for a fun-filled line dancing lesson that's perfect for all experience levels. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or stepping onto the dance floor for the first time, this event is a great way to laugh, move, and make memories together. No partner or experience required. Just bring your energy and your Patriot spirit! | No | No |
| George Mason Men's Soccer Game | George Mason Stadium | 7:00 p.m. | Patriots take the pitch versus rival George Washington. All registrants of Family Weekend are eligible for a special $5 ticket rate while STUDENTS ARE FREE on Mason360. Tickets can be purchased here or at the gate using your Family Weekend wristband! Stick around after the game for fireworks! | No | Yes |
| Live Traditional Irish Music | The Auld Shebeen Irish Pub & Restaurant 3971 Chain Bridge Rd | 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Enjoy live traditional Irish music, all ages welcome! | No | Yes |
| VOCES8 - Let's Fly Away | Center for the Arts | 7:30 p.m. | Grammy Award-nominated British a cappella ensemble VOCES8 makes its Center for the Arts debut with a performance that’s sure to inspire through the joy of song. As the world’s top streaming classical vocal group, VOCES8 is praised for “gorgeous sound, impeccable ensemble and intense responsiveness to text, harmony and melodic shape—all of the highest quality” (BBC Music Magazine). The group has performed at many notable venues from Wigmore Hall to Sydney Opera House with an extensive repertory that ranges from pop and jazz to classical music more than 800 years old. “Close harmony singing doesn’t get much more flawless than this” (The Times). This performance will be ASL interpreted. Tickets: $65, $55, $45 (prices include fees); half-price for youth through Grade 12. | No | Yes |
| Event Title | Location | Time (ET) | Description | Virtual Option Available | Additional Cost? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast and Bingo | The HUB Ballrom | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Enjoy breakfast on your final day of Family Weekend with opportunities to win prizes and learn how to stay involved in the Mason community post Family Weekend. | No | Yes |
| Sunday Brunch | Commonwealth Brewing Co., 10426 Main St | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Enjoy brunch at Commonwealth Brewing, Co. | No | Yes |
| $1 Oysters | Kelly's Oyster House & Bar, 4069 Chain Bridge Rd | 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Enjoy Only the Freshest Oysters at Kelly's, Plus Delicious Seafood, Salads, Sandwiches, and a Full-Size Sports Bar! · Join Us Sundays for $1 Oysters! | No | Yes |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
What is Family Weekend?
Since 2003, Mason has welcomed students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, families and chosen families, and supporters to campus for Family Weekend. At Mason, we believe family is made up of many different people – parents, siblings, cousins, roommates, classmates, best friends, significant others, children, and more. Family Weekend is an opportunity to come together to connect, have fun, celebrate and make new memories, which is why our schedule includes events for people of all ages. Family Weekend features several events that showcase the best of Mason and all it has to offer, including a signature athletic event, faculty spotlights, student performances, Mason on Location, service opportunities, and much more!
When is Family Weekend?
Family Weekend is October 16-18, 2026. Events begin Friday afternoon, so make plans to arrive early so you don’t miss out on the fun!
PRICING
How much does it cost to participate in Family Weekend?
- Student admission is free!
We have different price points for adults, children (ages 5-12), children (ages 4 and under), and Mason students. Prices listed in online registration form.
What does the cost include?
- Entrance to all on-campus Family Weekend activities (excludes Mason on Location area tours, Mason’s Got Talent, and Breakfast and Bingo that have additional ticket costs associated with them)
- Access to the 3 recreation facilities on the Fairfax campus, including group fitness classes
- Access to extra play hours at Corner Pocket
- Free parking on the Fairfax campus for the weekend
- Family Weekend T-shirt
- 1 Family Weekend mug per family
How much does it cost to participate in the Mason on Location area tours?
Multiple Mason on Location area tours will be offered on Saturday, October 17th, 2026. For detailed pricing information, visit https://gmu.campusesp.com/
Are Walk-Ins available for the Mason on Location area tours
Yes! Arrive early to the Mason on Location check-in that you hope to attend. If there are open spots, we will be able to take Visa and Mastercard payments on-site.
REGISTRATION
How do I register for Family Weekend?
Registration opens on Friday, June 12, 2026 and closes on October 2, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Only Visa and MasterCard are accepted. On-site (walk-in) registrations will also be accepted. Please note that the Mason on Location area tours fill up quickly and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Do I have to pay for my Mason student to attend Family Weekend events?
The on-campus Family Weekend activities are free for Mason students, but they must register online in advance. You are also able to register them in your own registration by adding a “Mason Student Ticket” to your cart. If they want to attend a Mason on Location area tour, there is a cost.
I am a Mason faculty/staff member. How do I register for Family Weekend?
Mason faculty/staff tickets can be purchased through the Mason Family Connection. Visit gmu.CampusESP.com, scroll to the bottom of the page, click “Are you faculty? Log in here” and sign in with your Mason credentials. For detailed pricing information, visit the FAQs above.
Will I be able to make changes to my Family Weekend registration once submitted?
Yes! You can log back in any time before Family Weekend registration closes on October 2nd, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to make changes to your registration. Once registration closes, you will no longer be able to make changes to your registration. Please note that Family Weekend fees are non-refundable.
Are refunds available?
All Family Weekend fees are non-refundable.
Can I show up and register for Family Weekend on site?
Yes! We will be completing walk-in registrations and can accept Visa or Mastercard payments.
I may need an accommodation (i.e. dietary, mobility, etc.) while on campus during Family Weekend. What is the best way to submit this request?
There is an accommodation question on the Family Weekend registration form. Please mark the type of accommodation you are requesting, provide specific details in the open text box, and we will do our best to meet your needs.
VISITING CAMPUS
Where can I find information about COVID protocols?
All campus visitors are expected to follow the University’s public health and safety precautions and guidelines, as outlined on our Student Health Services website at https://shs.gmu.edu/services/covidservices/isolationguidance/
Where can I find directions and a map of the Fairfax campus?
There are multiple ways to around the Fairfax campus. Visit https://www.gmu.edu/campus-maps for directions, entrance locations, and a campus map.
When should I plan to arrive and depart campus for Family Weekend?
We encourage you to arrive on Friday so you can enjoy the many welcome events planned for that day. Events are scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so we invite you to stay for the entire weekend! If you need overnight accommodations, take advantage of the discounted rates offered by our Marriott partner hotels in Fairfax by visiting https://masonfamily.gmu.edu/resources/where-to-stay/.
Where should I park?
Lot K and the Rappahannock Parking Deck will be available to park in throughout the weekend. We will have staff and signage on site to direct you. A parking pass is required, and a digital copy will be provided in your Family Weekend registration emails. You also have the option to park in the other parking decks on campus at your own expense. If you have an ADA decal or license and display the Family Weekend parking pass, you can park in any ADA parking spot on campus throughout the weekend.
GMU is growing and construction is happening in and around our Fairfax campus. Keep up with the latest traffic news by following visiting building.gmu.edu.
Where should I stay in the area?
If you need overnight accommodations, take advantage of the discounted rates offered by our Marriott partner hotels in Fairfax by visiting https://masonfamily.gmu.edu/resources/where-to-stay/.
When can I check in for Family Weekend?
Check-In opens on Friday, October 16th at 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall Lobby and will remain open until 7:00 p.m. Check-In will reopen on Saturday, October 17th at 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the HUB, 3rd Floor Lobby. Your Mason student may pick up your registration materials at any point during the check-in period.
What if my family cannot come to Family Weekend until Saturday?
Check-In will reopen at 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17th in The HUB, Side Pocket. Your Mason student may pick up your family’s registration materials for you at any point during the Check-In period.
Can my student attend Family Weekend events even if our family cannot attend?
Yes! All Mason students are welcome to attend Family Weekend events regardless of if their family is registered to attend. The on-campus Family Weekend activities are free for Mason students, but they must register online. If they want to attend a Mason On Location area tour or any of the other additional cost events, those would not be free.
EVENTS
Are there attendance limits for Family Weekend events?
Yes, attendance at all indoor, on-campus activities and Mason on Location area tours will be limited. If a program you’re interested in attending reaches fall capacity, visit https://masonfamily.gmu.edu/family-events/family-weekend/ to see what other events are taking place on-campus.
What is event pre-registration and how do I know if my family pre-registered for something?
When your party was registered for Family Weekend, you were able to purchase tickets to events until they hit capacity. The list of events you are pre-registered for can be found in your confirmation email/receipt. If you pre-registered for an event such as Mason’s Got Talent, Breakfast and Bingo, or one of the Mason on Location Tours, that simply means that you and your family are guaranteed admission. There may be extra tickets to these specific events available for purchase on the day of. Either way, other events are open events for you and your family to enjoy!
What if I did not pre-register for an event? Can I still attend?
If your family is not pre-registered for one of the ticketed events, you may still show up. Those present who were able to pre-register will be admitted first, and everyone else will be placed on a waitlist as our staff manages event capacity. You are not guaranteed admission for an event that you did not pre-register for, as the waitlist admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis. We will take payment on-site for these events.
Are there events that don’t have pre-registration?
Yes! All events that do not indicate an additional ticket purchase are open and do not require you to pre-register.
Is there accessible parking?
Yes. If you display your Family Weekend Parking Pass AND ADA parking decal/tag/plate, you can park in ANY accessible parking spot on campus during Family Weekend.
What if I still have questions about Family Weekend?
The New Student and Family Programs team is hard at work and can be reached Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time. If your family has a question or needs assistance, reach out to us via email at [email protected], phone at (703) 993-2475, or our live chat at MasonFamily.gmu.edu.
Pricing for Family Weekend Ticketed Events
- Bus tours: $25
- Mason’s Got Talent: $10
- Breakfast & Bingo: $20