Miami University’s Family Weekend is set to take place Oct. 16-18, bringing students and their families together for a weekend filled with sports, entertainment, food, and activities around campus. The university describes Family Weekend as a signature event that celebrates student life while giving families an opportunity to experience Miami alongside their students.

The weekend includes events for a wide range of interests, meaning families can choose what they want to participate in instead of having to follow one set schedule. Some events are centered around Miami traditions and athletics, while others give visitors a chance to explore Oxford and experience some of the activities that students have access to throughout the year.

One of the biggest events of the weekend will take place Friday night. Nick Offerman, known for his role as Ron Swanson on “Parks and Recreation,” will perform at Millett Hall at 8:30 p.m. Friday. Offerman is also an author and woodworker, and Miami is promoting his appearance as one of the two signature events of Family Weekend.

Friday will also give families several opportunities to spend time on campus before the evening performance. The Family Weekend Welcome Center will be open in the afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. Families can also participate in activities such as the Family Weekend Silent Auction, a Kendra Scott pop-up shop, and the Miami University Traditions Walk. Other events throughout the day include a pickleball tournament, skating at Goggin Ice Center, Miami swimming and diving against Cincinnati, a baseball fall scrimmage against Ohio State, and Family Weekend Bingo.

For students and families interested in the arts, Friday will also feature the Stars and Stripes Symphony Orchestra Concert at 7:30 p.m. The Oxford Area Community Theater will present “Vincent” that evening as well. With events happening at different times throughout the day, families can attend several activities without having to stay in one location.

Saturday will bring another major Family Weekend event when Miami football takes on Akron at Yager Stadium at 3:30 p.m. Families can arrive early for the Pregame Fan Fest, which will feature live music, food trucks, and games. Miami is also offering a Family Weekend Friends and Family ticket package, as well as individual game tickets.

The football game is not the only activity happening Saturday. Earlier in the morning, families can visit the Oxford Farmers Market, attend Yoga in the Park, watch the Dance Theatre Family Weekend Showcase, or visit the Myaamia Center Open House. The Apple Butter Festival at Hueston Woods State Park will also take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving families an option away from campus.

After the football game, the weekend continues with several events around campus. The Family Weekend Food Truck Fest, hosted by Miami Activities and Programming, will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will also include the Family Weekend Silent Auction and another Kendra Scott pop-up shop. Later that evening, students and their families can participate in Family Feud with Miami Activities and Programming from 7 to 9 p.m.

For families who want to stay out later, Goggin Ice Center will host a Moonlight Skate from 9:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday. There will also be an A Capella All Stars Fall Concert and another showing of “Vincent” by the Oxford Area Community Theater.

Family Weekend will continue Sunday with a smaller schedule of activities. Families can return to Hueston Woods for the Apple Butter Festival, participate in Empty Bowls Family Pottery Painting with Wesley Campus Ministry, or go skating at Goggin Ice Center during the Sunday public skate.

For families traveling to Oxford, Miami has also provided information about parking and getting around campus. From noon Friday through 7 a.m. Monday, free parking will be available on campus lots and streets that pass through campus, with some exceptions for areas reserved around Millett Hall and Yager Stadium for events. Parking restrictions will still apply to designated and accessible spaces.

Families should also be aware that parking in Oxford itself is different from parking on campus. City parking meters and restrictions will still be enforced, including around the Uptown area. The university recommends that visitors pay attention to posted signs and avoid restricted areas.

With so many events scheduled throughout the weekend, Family Weekend gives students a chance to show their families more of what life at Miami is actually like. Instead of simply visiting campus and seeing a residence hall, families can attend a football game, explore Oxford, watch a performance, eat at a food truck event, or participate in activities with students.

For first-year students especially, Family Weekend can be a chance for families to become more familiar with the environment their student has been living in since arriving at college. Families can see parts of campus, meet other members of the Miami community, and experience some of the traditions and activities that make up student life.

Overall, Miami’s Family Weekend offers much more than one major event. From Nick Offerman on Friday to the Miami-Akron football game Saturday and activities continuing through Sunday, the weekend gives families multiple ways to spend time together while experiencing Miami University and the Oxford community.

Students and families planning to attend should check Miami University’s Family Weekend page and Miami Central for the most current schedule information, since event details and schedules can change.