Spring Family Fling: April 5-April 7, 2024
Experience the beauty of springtime in Northern Virginia during Spring Family Fling! This event is a smaller, spring version of our fall Family Weekend. We invite you to bring your whole family to reconnect with your student the Mason way! Stay tuned for more information. Questions? Email families@gmu.edu or call (703) 993-2475.
Schedule of Events
Friday, March 31, 2023| Event Title | Location | Time (ET) | Description | Virtual Option Available | Additional Cost? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Weekend Check-In | Johnson Center, Dewberry Lobby | 11:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. | Check-in and get your Family Weekend Pass to enjoy all the events of the weekend! | No | N/A |
| Family Weekend Welcome | Dewberry Hall | 3:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Join us for the official kick-off welcome for the 2023 Family Weekend!! | No | No |
| Faculty Spotlight | Dewberry Hall | 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. | Engage with Dr. Mary Ellen O’Toole who served as an FBI agent for nearly 28 years. For more than half of that time, she worked in the Bureau’s prestigious Behavioral Analysis Unit, which is the unit featured in the hit TV series, Criminal Minds. | No | No |
| Faculty Spotlight | Dewberry Hall | 4:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. | Professor Mary (Missy) Cummings was one of the U.S. Navy’s first female fighter pilots. Her research interests include the application of artificial intelligence in safety-critical systems, assured autonomy, human-systems engineering, and the ethical and social impact of technology. She is a Professor in the George Mason University College of Engineering and Computing and is the director of the Mason Autonomy and Robotics Center (MARC). She is an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Fellow, and recently served as the senior safety advisor to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. | No | No |
| Faculty Spotlight | Dewberry Hall | 5:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. | Dr. Daigo Shishika is an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at George Mason University. His work with other faculty and students currently centers creating lighter-than-air autonomous balloons – “blimps” – that operate with remote control. Students will be present to showcase these blimps following the lecture. | ||
| October Super Smash Bros, Table Tennis, and Corn Hole Tournament | The HUB (Corner Pocket) | 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. | Join us for a night full of fun tournaments of Super Smash Bros, Table Tennis, and Corn Hole for opportunities to win prizes! | No | No |
| Women’s Volleyball | Recreation Athletic Complex (RAC) | 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. | Support the Women’s Volleyball team as they take on Loyola University Chicago | No | No |
| Mind-Bending Stories with Ruth Joffre | Fenwick Library (2nd Floor Reading Room) | 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. | Join us for our 25th Annual Fall for the Book event by listening & learning from author Ruth Joffre. | No | No |
| Shabbat Dinner | Johnson Center, Bistro | 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. | Join Mason Hillel and Mason Chabad for Shabbat Services and Dinner! | No | No |
| Mason Madness | Eagle Bank Arena | 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. | Make EagleBank Arena rock by kicking off our Basketball season with opportunities to win prizes! | No | No |
| Fairfax Library Foundation Presents: A Life in Books & Film: Nick Hornby | Stacy C. Sherwood Center, 3740 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax | 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. | Nick Hornby’s award winning books and screenplays have thrilled readers and movie goers for over twenty-five years. From About a Boy to the cult-classic High Fidelity to Fever Pitch, his novels and memoirs have made their way to the silver screen and television. Hornby’s career has spanned genres with his trademark blend of humor and unsentimental emotion, including his Oscar-nominated screenplays for Brooklyn and An Education, and Emmy-winning work on the short form series State of the Union. His newest book, Dickens and Prince: A Particular Kind of Genius, is a warm, and entertaining reflection on art, creativity, and the unlikely similarities between Victorian novelist Charles Dickens and modern American rock star Prince. Hornby, in conversation with writer Stephen Goodwin, will discuss his remarkable career and the power of art in this thoughtful and entertaining conversation. | No | No; Register for a FREE ticket here |
| Event Title | Location | Time (ET) | Description | Virtual Option Available | Additional Cost? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Weekend Check-In | HUB 3rd floor | 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | If you didn’t checkin 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 | Patriot Circle | 8:00am-11:00am | Interested in running our annual 5K to help fundraise for a special cause here at Mason? Sign up and participate in the Mason Nation Thriving Together 5K. | Yes | Yes. You can register here |
| Mason Observa-TOUR-y | Shenandoah Parking Deck Roof and Research Hall | 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. | Experience the partial solar eclipse with the College of Science. Peak time of when the moon will block the most sunlight will be at 2pm. There will also be tours of Mason’s Observatory happening in Research Hall across the street! | No | No |
| Great Falls Hike | HUB 3rd Floord | 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Buses to leave promptly at 8:45 | 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 ($25/ per person) |
| Historic Fairfax Bus Tour | HUB 3rd floor | 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Buses to leave promptly at 8:45 | Join us for our historic Fairfax Bus Tour led by a historical tour guide to the Fairfax Historic Courthouse, Fairfax Museum, and Historic Blenheim Estate! Group will be split into separate rotating timed tours. | No | Yes ($25/ per person) |
| Gunston Hall Tour | HUB 3rd floor | 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Buses to leave promptly at 8:45 | Go visit George Mason’s historical home, Gunston Hall. Learn about the history of our namesake and enjoy the property in the peak of fall. | No | Yes ($25/ per person) |
| Fairfax Fall Festival | Downtown Fairfax | 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. | Enjoy the Fairfax City Fall Festival and stop by the New Student and Family Programs tent for some goodies and enjoy vendors from all over Northern Virginia | No | No |
| Craft Hour- Design Your Own Dog Mask | Downtown Fairfax, Old Town Hall | 10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Author Joan Waites will take you on a magical quest with Bo, the fluffy black dog, as he eagerly explores the New Mexico desert alongside his owner, Georgia O’Keeffe. Unbeknownst to Bo, a clever lizard watches his every move as he sets off to find vibrant flowers in the seemingly barren desert. Could the desert hold hidden treasures that will become the subjects of Georgia’s breathtaking paintings? Immerse yourself in their enchanting journey as you decorate a wearable Bo dog mask, and find inspiration in unexpected places. | No | No |
| Success Coaching: Patriot Families Edition | The HUB; Meeting Rooms 3,4,5 | 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | Join Student Success Coaching to learn how to support your students, direct them to mason resources, and participate in a mock coaching experience. Participants will leave with an honorary Success Coach certificate! | No | No |
| Craft Hour- Decorate an áo Dài | Downtown Fairfax, Old Town Hall | 10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. | Decorate your own áo dài, make butterflies, and enjoy a yummy treat at this fun and crafty event with Hanh Bui, author of The Yellow Áo Dài. | No | No |
| Mason Family- Blood Drive with iNova | HUB 3rd floor | 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. | You don’t have to be a doctor to save a life. Donate blood during the course of our Mason Families Give Back program. Schedule an appointment ahead of time by going tohttps://bit.ly/MFGBDonate2022. | No | No |
| Start Your Own Graphic Novel Series | Downtown Fairfax, Old Town Hall (Downstairs) | 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. | Jonathan Roth, creator of the Rover and Speck graphic novel series, takes kids aged 6-11 on a ride through creating their own characters and putting them in their own graphic novels. | No | No |
| Making Comics with Laura Lee | Downtown Fairfax, Old Town Hall (Downstairs) | 1:00 p.m.-2:00p.m. | Draw along as Laura Lee Gulledge demonstrates her creative process by drawing live an original character + building a story world co-created on the spot with participants. Plus, learn how to tell your own short comic stories in a mini comic zine format. | No | No |
| Mason Families Give Back | The HUB (Various Locations) | 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. | Give back to the Mason community by participating in a variety of service activities hosted by campus and community partners! | Yes | N/A |
| Women’s Volleyball | Recreation Athletic Complex (RAC) | 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. | Support the Women’s Volleyball team as they take on Loyola University Chicago | No | No |
| Carter School Family Feud | The HUB; Meeting Rooms 3,4,5 | 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. | Join the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution for a fun afternoon of Family Feud! Prizes and food will be provided. | No | No |
| Pickleball with Mason Recreation | The RAC | 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. | Join Mason Recreation for an evening of Pickleball. Snacks provided! | No | No |
| Mason’s Got Talent: Student Performance Showcase | HUB Ballroom | 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. | Enjoy an evening full of live performances from Mason students! | No | Yes |
| Men’s Soccer | George Mason Stadium | 7:00 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. | Support the Men’s Soccer team as they take on University of Dayton | No | Yes (Special Family Weekend price at $5 a person) – Purchase Here |
| The George Mason Friends Present: Breaking the Mold with Marlon James | Johnson Center, Cinema | 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. | Marlon James has won high praise for his Dark Star Trilogy – which Entertainment Weekly describes as “drenched in African myth and folklore.” Now James is back with the second installment, Moon Witch, Spider King, which flips the story on its head, retelling it from the Moon Witch’s perspective – a tale that’s “part adventure tale, part chronicle of an indomitable woman who bows to no man.” | No | No;Register for a FREE ticket here |
| Mason by Moonlight | Johnson Center, South Plaza | 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Experience Mason under the stars with an assortment of activities hosted by the College of Engineering and Computing and College of Visual and Performing Arts. | No | No |
| Jazz4Justice: Celebrating the Legacy of Anthony Maiello | Center for the Arts | 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. | In our 22nd annual Jazz4Justice we will team up with Legal Services of Northern Virginia to continue our mutual mission to do good in the community. We are honored to have Distinguished Professor of Music Anthony Maiello as our special guest conductor. We will also perform several of Professor Maiello’s arrangements for Jazz Ensemble including “The George Mason Shuffle.” Proceeds from the evening benefit LSNV to continue its mission of service to the Northern Virginia community as well as providing financial support for the Mason Jazz Studies department for scholarships, trips, recordings and student projects. | No | Student tickets are free Click here to purchase additional tickets |
| Event Title | Location | Time (ET) | Description | Virtual Option Available | Additional Cost? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stay Connected: Breakfast and Bingo | The HUB Ballroom | 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 ($20/ per person) |
| Women’s Soccer | George Mason University Stadium | 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. | Support the George Mason Women’s Soccer team as they take on The George Washington University | No | Yes (Special Family Weekend price at $5 a person) – Purchase Here |
Other Supplemental Offerings
Friday, March 31| Event Title | Location | Time (ET) | Website | Description | Virtual Option Available | Additional Cost? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Snow Queen | Creative Cauldron at ArtSpace Falls Church 410 S Maple Avenue Falls Church, VA 22046 | 7:30 p.m. | https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=140281 | Our Learning Theater Ensemble revives our original adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s longest and most highly acclaimed tale that has inspired numerous films and adaptations from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to Disney’s Frozen! This classic tale of bravery and friendship follows the journey of young Gerda as she attempts to rescue her best friend Kai from the clutches of the Snow Queen. With the help of some unique friends and little magic Gerda is determined to break the Snow Queen’s spell and melt the ice that has taken hold of Kai’s heart before he is lost to her forever! | Adults $20 Students $18 Family 4-Packs $65 (buy four seats together and save!)Use Code 4PK | |
| Cirque FLIP Fabrique | George Mason Center for the Arts, Concert Hall | 8:00 p.m. | https://www.fxva.com/event/cirque-flip-fabrique/37300/ | In this all-new, high-energy production, the seven acrobats of FLIP Fabrique don high heels, then football shoulder pads to dazzle audiences of all ages. Muse playfully pirouettes around and tackles the perennially complicated questions of gender archetypes—circus-style. Set to an original score by beatmaker Millimetric and featuring live onstage vocals by singer Flavia Nascimento, this performance combines breathtaking artistry and athleticism. Prepare for whimsy and wonder as mighty women, elegant men, and gravity-defying humans rejoice in who they are. Based in Quebec City, Canada, FLIP Fabrique is hailed around the world for its performances that are equally as fun and accessible for everyone as visually stunning. Raves The New York Times, “this troupe offers acts that don’t seem humanly possible.” | No | Price: $35-$55, half-price for youth through Grade 12 |
| Washington Wizards vs Orlando Magic | Capital One Arena, Washington DC | 7:00 p.m. EDT | https://www.nba.com/wizards/schedule?cid=nba:organic:onebox:ticketlink:global | No | Yes | |
| GMU Men’s Tennis | Fairfax, VA Tennis Courts | TBA | https://gomason.com/calendar | |||
| Fall for the Book- True Crime and and a Killer Child | Tallwood House, 4200 Roberts Road, Fairfax. Or reserve your free ticket to watch via Zoom. | 1 p.m. | https://fallforthebook.org/october14schedule/?_ga=2.183895142.1562178764.1665411667-1947219114.1665071255&_gl=1*8ce7ys*_ga*MTk0NzIxOTExNC4xNjY1MDcxMjU1*_ga_VGX2EC41J5*MTY2NTQxMTY2Ny4zLjAuMTY2NTQxMTY2Ny4wLjAuMA.. | Join this free livestream/in person conversation to learn the true crime tale that shook a small Iowa town. | Yes | No |
| Sketch Jam | TBD. | 6-9pm ET | https://mason360.gmu.edu/illustrators/rsvp_boot?id=1675701 | BYO art supplies and draw with other artists at Mason. | No | Not applicable |
| Our HairStory | JC Cinema Fairfax, Virginia, United States | 6-9pm ET | https://mason360.gmu.edu/MyNatural/rsvp_boot?id=1785770 | My Natural and Reign Modeling Troupe will be cohosting Our HairStory, a production showcasing the beauty and diversity of black hair throughout history. | No |
| Event Title | Location | Time (ET) | Website | Virtual Option? | Extra Cost? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A21’s Walk for Freedom | Constitution Gardens Washington District of Columbia, United States | 10:00 am – 11:30 am | https://www.a21.org/shop-event.php?intid=3291 | No | No | |
| The Snow Queen | Creative Cauldron at ArtSpace Falls Church 410 S Maple Avenue Falls Church, VA 22046 | 2:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. | https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=140281 | Adults $20 Students $18 Family 4-Packs $65 (buy four seats together and save!)Use Code 4PK | Our Learning Theater Ensemble revives our original adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s longest and most highly acclaimed tale that has inspired numerous films and adaptations from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to Disney’s Frozen! This classic tale of bravery and friendship follows the journey of young Gerda as she attempts to rescue her best friend Kai from the clutches of the Snow Queen. With the help of some unique friends and little magic Gerda is determined to break the Snow Queen’s spell and melt the ice that has taken hold of Kai’s heart before he is lost to her forever! | |
| Cirque FLIP Fabrique | George Mason Center for the Arts, Concert Hall | 2:00 p.m. | https://www.fxva.com/event/cirque-flip-fabrique/37300/ | No | Price: $35-$55, half-price for youth through Grade 12 | In this all-new, high-energy production, the seven acrobats of FLIP Fabrique don high heels, then football shoulder pads to dazzle audiences of all ages. Muse playfully pirouettes around and tackles the perennially complicated questions of gender archetypes—circus-style. Set to an original score by beatmaker Millimetric and featuring live onstage vocals by singer Flavia Nascimento, this performance combines breathtaking artistry and athleticism. Prepare for whimsy and wonder as mighty women, elegant men, and gravity-defying humans rejoice in who they are. Based in Quebec City, Canada, FLIP Fabrique is hailed around the world for its performances that are equally as fun and accessible for everyone as visually stunning. Raves The New York Times, “this troupe offers acts that don’t seem humanly possible.” |
| First Friday Poetry and Open Mic | 750 CENTER ST HERNDON, VA 20170-3712 | 7:00 p.m.-9 p.m. | https://www.fxva.com/event/first-friday-poetry-and-open-mic/35781/ | No | No | Are you a writer, a poet who would like to share their work – or do you like to listen ? We welcome everyone to Arts Herndon to enjoy the written and spoken word. Refreshments and friendship are on hand to make for a great evening ! Come join us at First Friday in Arts Herndon |
| GMU Women’s Lacrosse vs George Washington University | GWU, Washington DC | 1:00 p.m. | https://gomason.com/calendar | |||
| Women’s Tennis vs Monmouth University | Fairfax Campus Tennis Courts | TBA | https://gomason.com/calendar | |||
| Fall for the Book- Alumni Journeys: Writing Around the Globe | Horizon Hall Atrium, Ground Floor | 1:00 pm | https://fallforthebook.org/october15schedule/?_ga=2.186444905.1562178764.1665411667-1947219114.1665071255&_gl=1*b3tj13*_ga*MTk0NzIxOTExNC4xNjY1MDcxMjU1*_ga_VGX2EC41J5*MTY2NTQxMTY2Ny4zLjEuMTY2NTQxMzE2Mi4wLjAuMA.. | No | No | |
| Fall Choral Festival Concert | Center for the Arts Concert Hall | 4pm ET | https://dpb-web.instantencore.com/program/32052/fall-chorale-festival-con/page/32052/home?cid=5206347 | No | No | |
| Fall for the Book- George Mason Friends Present Gene Luen Yang | Harris Theater, 4471 Aquia Creek Lane, Fairfax | 5:00 pm | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/george-mason-friends-present-gene-luen-yang-tickets-404902192357 | No | No | |
| Ice Hockey. Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens | Capital One Arena | 7 pm ET | https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/15005CE5B8401E06?brand=capitals&artistid=806039&wt.mc_id=NHL_TEAM_WAS_SCHEDULE_GM2&utm_source=nhl.com&utm_medium=client&utm_campaign=NHL_TEAM_WAS&utm_content=SCHEDULE_GM2 | No | Yes | |
| Movies on the Lawn: Encanto | The Great Lawn, 1010 Butternut Street Northwest Washington, DC 20012 | 5:00 pm ET | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/movies-on-the-lawn-encanto-tickets-315402085127?aff=ebdssbdestsearch | No | No | |
| Fall for the Book- Fairfax Library Foundation Presents Emily St. John Mandel | Harris Theater, 4471 Aquia Creek Lane, Fairfax | 7:30 pm | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fairfax-library-foundation-presents-emily-st-john-mandel-tickets-404906555407 | No | No | |
| Tina. Tina Turner Musical. | The National Theatre. | https://www.broadwayatthenational.com/show/tina/ | No | Yes |
| Event Title | Location | Time (ET) | Website | Description | Virtual Option Available | Additional Cost? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyke Marsh Sunday Morning Bird Walks | 6401 George Washington Memorial Parkway Alexandria, VA 22307 | 8:00 a.m. | https://www.fxva.com/event/dyke-marsh-sunday-morning-bird-walks/17970/ | Friends of Dyke Marsh organizers lead bird walks every Sunday morning. Meet at 8 a.m. in the south parking lot of the Belle Haven picnic area. Walks are led by experienced birders and everyone is welcome to join us. | No | No |
| Mosaic FRESHFARM Sunday Farmers Market | 2910 District Avenue Fairfax, VA 22031 | 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. | https://www.fxva.com/event/mosaic-freshfarm-sunday-farmers-market/14820/ | FRESHFARM is thrilled to partner with EDENS on the FRESHFARM Mosaic Market, which operates every Sunday year-round. Located in the thriving shopping district of the Mosaic neighborhood in Fairfax, this family-friendly market is the perfect spot to shop for locally grown fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, grass-fed meats and pastured eggs, dairy products, ferments, sweet and savory baked goods, pastries, kombucha, cold-pressed juices, coffee, ice cream, prepared foods, handmade dog treats, and more! This market location is also open Thursdays from 3pm to 7pm. | No | No |
| Malcolm X Park Drum Circle | 16th St. NW & W St NW, Washington, DC 20009 | 3pm | https://washingtonparks.net/rhythm-in-the-park-drum-circle/ | The 40 year tradition is still going strong in Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park. What started as a small group of African American drummers and dancers has evolved into a multicultural mix of tight-rope walkers,hula-hoopers,yogis, and jugglers. The scene, every Sunday, is inviting and positive, so you bring the whole family to this lively celebration of life! | No | No |
| Sully Historic Site Tours | Sully Historic Site 3650 Historic Sully Way Chantilly, VA 20151 | Recurring weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday | https://www.fxva.com/event/sully-historic-site-tours/29322/ | Enjoy a 45-minute tour of the 1794 dwelling, built for Richard Bland Lee, Northern Virginia’s first Congressman. The story includes his family, political career and the life of the enslaved community that supported Sully. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, Sully is on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Forgotten Road Tours of the outbuildings and representative slave quarter cabin are offered by reservation online or at the Visitor Center, March – November 20 at 2 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays, weather permitting, except during special events. Forgotten Road tour fees are the same as House Tour fees. | No | Tour fees are $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for children (5-15), seniors (65+) and students; children under 5 are free. Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Tickets are released on the 15th of the previous month. Tickets can be purchased on-line or at the Visitor Center. |
| The Snow Queen | Creative Cauldron at ArtSpace Falls Church 410 S Maple Avenue Falls Church, VA 22046 | 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. | https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=140281 | Our Learning Theater Ensemble revives our original adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s longest and most highly acclaimed tale that has inspired numerous films and adaptations from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to Disney’s Frozen! This classic tale of bravery and friendship follows the journey of young Gerda as she attempts to rescue her best friend Kai from the clutches of the Snow Queen. With the help of some unique friends and little magic Gerda is determined to break the Snow Queen’s spell and melt the ice that has taken hold of Kai’s heart before he is lost to her forever! | Adults $20 Students $18 Family 4-Packs $65 (buy four seats together and save!)Use Code 4PK | |
| Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers | Capital One Arena, Washington DC | 1:00 p.m. | https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nyr-vs-wsh/2023/04/02/2022021217 | 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, bus tours, service opportunities, and much more!
Family Weekend is October 13-15, 2023. 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?We have different price points for adults, children (ages 5-12), children (ages 4 and under), and Mason students. Adults cost $30, Children (ages 5-12) cost $10, and children (ages 4 and under) & Mason Students are FREE.
- Entrance to all indicated (no-additional fee) on-campus Family Weekend activities (excludes Mason on Location area tours)
- Access to the 3 recreation facilities on the Fairfax campus, including group fitness classes!
- Free parking on the Fairfax campus for the weekend
- Family Weekend T-Shirt for ALL participants
- A Family Weekend Mug (1 per family)
- Discounts at select on-campus dining locations and select locations in downtown Fairfax
- Discounted tickets at the Center for the Arts and Hylton Performing Arts Center
- Special discounts at the University Bookstore on the Fairfax campus
Four Mason on Location area tours will be offered – three tours on Saturday, October 14. Tours cost $25 per person. All tours depart at the same time.
Yes! When you check in for the family weekend (on either Friday evening or Saturday morning), ask our staff if there are open spots for any of the tours and if you can be put on a waitlist. If a spot is or becomes available for you, we will be able to take Visa and Mastercard payments on-site.
Registration
How do I register for Family Weekend?Registration opens on Monday, July 10, and closes on Friday, August 25 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Only Visa and MasterCard are accepted. You can register using the following site: https://gmu.campusesp.com/events/FamilyWeekend2023 Please note that the Mason on Location area tours fill up quickly and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
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.
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, please review the FAQs above.
Yes! You can log back in any time before Family Weekend registration closes on Friday, August 25 at 9:00 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.
All Family Weekend fees are non-refundable.
Yes! We will be completing walk-in registrations and can accept Visa or Mastercard payments.
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 Safe Return to Campus website at https://www2.gmu.edu/Safe-Return-Plan. Before arriving on campus, complete your status check with Mason COVID Health✓™.
There are multiple ways to get to the Fairfax campus. Visit https://masonfamily.gmu.edu/where-to-stay/ for directions, entrance locations, and a campus map.
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 MasonFamilyEvents.gmu.edu/Where-To-Stay.
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, which you can download and print here! You must print it and display it on your vehicle’s front dashboard throughout the weekend. You also have the option to park in the other parking decks on campus at your own expense.
GMU is growing and construction is happening in and around our Fairfax campus. Keep up with the latest traffic news by following @MasonParking on Twitter or visiting building.gmu.edu.
If you need overnight accommodations, take advantage of the discounted rates offered by our Marriott partner hotels in Fairfax by visiting MasonFamilyEvents.gmu.edu/Where-To-Stay.
Check-In opens on Friday, October 13 at 11:00 a.m. in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall Lobby and will remain open until 7:00 p.m. Check-In will reopen on Saturday, October 14 at 8 a.m. in the HUB 3rd Floor. Your Mason student may pick up your registration materials at any point during the Check-In period.
Check-In will reopen at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 14 in the HUB 3rd Floor. Your Mason student may pick up your family’s registration materials for you at any point during the Check-In period.
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, there is a cost.
Yes! If you and your family wish to attend Family Weekend but are not registered, we will be opening on-site walk-in registration during both our check-in times (Friday afternoon and Saturday morning). We accept Visa and Mastercard payments.
Events
Are there attendance limits for Family Weekend events?Yes, some of our on-campus activities and Mason on Location area tours will be limited. If a program you’re interested in attending reaches fall capacity, a waitlist will be established on-site in which you will be able to indicate your interest. Additionally, view our activity guides on our Mason Family Website to see what else there is to do in the area.
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, Mason By Moonlight, or Breakfast and Bingo, that simply means that you and your family are guaranteed admission. All other events are open events for you and your family to enjoy.
If your family is not pre-registered for an event, 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.
Yes! All events that do not indicate an additional ticket purchase are open and do not require you to pre-register.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. at EagleBank Arena, and Mason Madness will begin at 7 p.m.
The Mason Madness Tailgate is free to attend. However, if you and your family would like to reserve a parking spot at the tailgate where you can set up a grill, yard games, and other tailgate items, you can purchase a Tailgate Parking Pass here. They will be $10 in advance and $20 on the day of. Note- this is NOT the Family Weekend Parking Pass (See “Where Should I Park?” above).
EagleBank Arena is committed to the well-being of fans, guests, employees, players, and performers. Please review the new health and safety protocols prior to your first visit to the arena at www.eaglebankarena.com.
- A to Z guide: www.eaglebankarena.com/article/eaglebank-arena-a-to-z
- Security policy: www.eaglebankarena.com/article/security-policy
- COVID-19 safety: www.eaglebankarena.com/article/safe-return-to-eaglebank-arena
Accessibility
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.
Yes. Visit https://www.eaglebankarena.com/article/accessible-seating for information on accessible services at EagleBank Arena.
Virtual Options
I am unable to attend Family Weekend in person. How can I participate virtually?We are committed to helping you make your own Family Weekend experience, and to help, we created Activity Guides to help you engage with your family whether you are at home, in Fairfax/Northern Virginia, or in Washington D.C. View the guides at digital activity guides to find local activity options good for social distancing, dining, and shopping to keep your Mason family entertained throughout the fall season.
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 Families@gmu.edu, phone at (703) 993-2475, or our live chat at MasonFamily.gmu.edu.