Family and Friends Day

Family and Friends Day Schedule

ESU Family and Friends Day Fun Run (9am)

This race is a unique, untimed, fun-themed five-kilometer activity that will be held on the ESU campus on September 19, 2026. During this run, participants will have fun interactive stations to interact with! The fun continues at the finish line with the Family and Friends Day events beginning soon after. Even if you aren't participating in the run, you can still come out to cheer on your friends and family! While the Family and Friends Day Fun Run event is all about fun, the 5k also focuses on promoting healthy living. This event is ideal for first-time 5k runners. Runners who pre-register by August 31st will receive a special Family Day 5k T-shirt.

• Location - Kellogg Circle
• Registration Required

Feathered Friends of the Prairie (10am-11am)

Join PAROC and the Grassland Heritage Foundation for a morning dedicated to grassland bird conservation, perfect for avid birdwatchers, prairie enthusiasts, and nature beginners alike. The event kicks off at 10:00 AM with guest speaker Bob Gress presenting "A Changing World for Kansas Birds," highlighting conservation efforts across the state. Due to limited seats, registration is required for the presentation.

• Location - Prophet Aquatic Research & Outreach Center
• Registration Required

Planetarium Show (10am + 11:30am)

Join us at the Peterson Planetarium on Saturday, September 19, for a captivating all-dome presentation of "Super Massive Black Holes – Unveiling the Invisible!" Discover the hidden giants that lurk at the centers of galaxies and explore how astronomers uncover these mysterious objects through an immersive journey that reveals the science behind the universe's most fascinating phenomena. Attendees will also enjoy a live night sky tour presented by Planetarium Director Mark Brown, highlighting the stars, constellations, and planets visible in the evening sky, with the full experience lasting approximately one hour. Due to limited seats, registration is required for the show. 

• Location - Peterson Planetarium
• Registration Required

Birdwatching: Feathered Friends of the Prairie (11am-12pm)

After the 10am presentation, all are welcome to join expert ornithologists Dr. William Jensen and Emporia State University graduate student Sarah Beismeier for birdwatching in Campus Prairie and Campus Woods, alongside a variety of hands-on, bird-themed activities such as birdhouse and birdfeeder crafting.

Hornet Walk (1pm-1:30pm)

Hornet Walk, taking place 3 hours before kickoff, begins the Hornet Football game day experience.  Join the Hornets, ESU Cheer, and the Marching Hornets as they leave the team meal in the Memorial Union, walk down the pedestrian mall to Morse Drive, and then into Welch Stadium.

• Location - Morse Drive, Welch Stadium parking
• Route Map

Fan Fest (1:30pm-3pm)

Kick off the tailgate with us at the Fan Fest, where you can check in to receive your official shirt and swag while enjoying snacks, crafts, and the opportunity to check out student vendors. The event wraps up at 3:00 PM, giving everyone plenty of time to head out and join in on the Live at the Hive tailgate activities.

• Location - Visser Hall

The National Teachers Hall of Fame (Located in Visser Hall) will also be open and available for tours during this time.

**Stop here to get your stamp allowing free entry into the Hornet Football game!

Live at the Hive (1:30pm-4pm)

Get hyped for Hornet Football at Live at the Hive—the ultimate pregame experience. We're bringing the energy with Hornet Jam Live from the parking lot, featuring DJ Rusty Turner, tailgate games, axe throwing, a mechanical bull, inflatables, food trucks, and special appearances from ESU Cheer, Marching Hornets, Coaches, and Corky!

• Location - Visser Hall Parking Lot

Hornet Football Kickoff (4pm)

Get loud and cheer for the Hornets as they play against the University of Nebraska Kearney! Stingers UP!

ESU Athletics has a Clear Bag Policy. The following bags are allowed into the stadium:

• Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags not exceeding 12" x 6" x 12"
• One-gallon clear plastic storage bags
• Small clutch bags approximately 4.5" x 6.5" (with or without a strap or handle)
• Medically necessary items (subject to inspection)
• Diaper bags accompanying an infant or small child (subject to inspection)

International Observe the Moon Night (7pm-10pm)

Keep Family Day going after the final whistle by heading to Radius Taproom for International Observe the Moon Night. This free, all-ages community event offers hands-on STEM fun, lunar exploration, and—weather permitting—guided telescope views of craters, mountains, and seas. Grab a snack or drink and cap off a day of Hornet pride with an unforgettable evening under the night sky!

• Location - Radius Taproom