Viking Family Weekend

Friday, September 25 

Family Weekend Check In - 3-7 pm  

O’Keefe Complex Center 

Check in and park at the O’Keefe Complex to start your Family Weekend Journey! Shuttles will be provided to take you off to your next destination! 

Hosted By: Orientation

Petals of Appreciation - 3-5 pm  

Marsh Dining 

Join the Greek Council in Marsh Dining to create and pick up a handmade pipe cleaner flower bouquet for someone you love during Family Weekend! Whether it's for your parents, siblings, grandparents, or another special family member, these colorful bouquets are a thoughtful way to show your appreciation and make Family Weekend even more memorable. 

Hosted By: Greek Council  

Viking Shuttles - 3-5 pm

Pick up/Drop off: O’Keefe, Marsh Bus Stop, Salem Willows, Downtown, Forest River Park.  

Explore Salem from the University to Downtown and all our local spots that students love to explore! Rides are available to the locations and will make loops. LAST SHUTTLE WILL BE AT 4:50 pm 

Hosted By: The Alliance  

Kick-Off Dinner - 5-7 pm 

Marsh Dining 

Start the weekend with a delicious buffet-style dinner at Marsh Dining! Grab your dinner ticket from our Orientation Staff at check-in, then sit back, relax, and enjoy as much as you like! 

Students with unlimited meal plans can simply tap in with their ClipperCard Hosted by: Orientation 
 

Queer Arts Festival - 5-7 pm  

Bertolon Cafe 

Join The Alliance in our yearly celebration of LGBTQ+ student-made artwork. A gallery of submitted artwork will be on view, and a small portion of the event will be dedicated to independent student vending. The event is free to attend and open to Salem State Students, Faculty, and Families as part of Family Weekend. We hope to see you there! 

Hosted By: The Alliance

“Drive-In” Movie Night ft. Grease - 7-9 pm 

Marsh Quad

Join Program Council for a nostalgic night under the stars during Family Weekend! Grab your blankets or lawn chairs and head to Marsh Quad for an outdoor showing of Grease. Before the movie begins, enjoy classic drive-in snacks, themed refreshments, and fun photo opportunities. Whether you're coming with family, friends, or fellow Vikings, this is the perfect way to spend a fall evening on campus. This event is free and open to all Salem State students, families, and friends as part of Family Weekend. We can't wait to see you there! 

Hosted By: Program Council   

First Year Lab Experience - 7:30-9:30 pm 

Sophia Gordan Center for Creative and Performing Arts, 356 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA 

Cheer on our first-year Theatre Arts students at the fabulous, unique production they devised during their first month at Salem State! This showcase performance is free and open to all Salem State students, families, and friends as part of Family Weekend. (No reservations are required- the house will open at 7 pm.) 

Hosted By: Theatre and Speech Communication Department  

Saturday, September 26 

Family Weekend Check In - 9am
 
O’Keefe Complex Center
 
Check in and park at the O’Keefe Complex to start your Family Weekend Journey! Shuttles will be provided to take you off to your next destination!
 
Hosted By: Orientation
 

Gassett Fitness Center Extended Hours - 8 am-6 pm 

Gassett Fitness Center 

The Gassett Fitness Center will have extended hours on Saturday, 9/26. Students will receive free guest passes for family members! Cornhole and pickleball will be set up inside the fitness center.

Hosted By: Campus Life and Recreation

Field Hockey Game vs. Fitchburg State University - 10 am 

Alumni Field 

Hosted By: Athletics 

Viking Family Festival - 11-3 pm

O'Keefe

Get Ready for the Family Viking Festival! 
It’s time to PLAY, EAT, EXPLORE & CELEBRATE! 🎉 Bring the whole family for an afternoon packed with excitement, Viking spirit, and campus pride! 
Here’s what’s in store: 

Take the leap with Bungee Extreme! Soar up to 30 feet in the air as you bounce, flip, and somersault alongside three other participants. This four-person aerial adventure is sure to get your adrenaline pumping! 

Think you can be the last one standing? Take on Meltdown, an eight-player challenge that puts your agility, stamina, and reflexes to the test. Dodge, duck, and jump over spinning foam arms as you battle to stay on your podium! 

Get ready for a spooktacular battle with Halloween Laser Tag! Grab your laser blaster, navigate the Halloween-themed arena, and challenge your friends and family to see who can score the most points. 

Create a sign that’s uniquely yours! Choose from a variety of fun sign designs and customize it with your own words. With more than a dozen layouts to choose from, you’ll find the perfect sign to make and take home.

Get creative with face painting and henna, snap some fun photos, and explore student organization tables featuring activities, games, and giveaways. Grab a bite from our food trucks, and don’t forget to cheer on our Vikings at University athletic games. 

Whether you’re looking for thrills, creativity, great food, or a chance to show your Viking pride, there’s something for everyone at the Family Viking Festival! 🛡️💙 

Come for the fun. Stay for the Viking spirit!
 

Intramural Golf  - First Tee Time: 10:16 am 

Olde Salem Greens – 75 Willson St, Salem, MA 01970 

Campus Life and Recreation invites you to play a free round of golf at Olde Salem Greens during Family Weekend! Nine holes of golf, carts, rental clubs, and transportation are provided. Families are welcome! Registration is required at a minimum of one week prior to the event. 

Hosted By: Campus Life and Recreation

Register for this event. 

Scoops with the Cops - 11 am-1 pm 

Central Campus Cafe  

An ice cream social with the university police, allowing students and families to talk and learn from UP. 

Hosted By: Criminal Justice Academy & SSUPD  

Tau Sigma Honor Society Induction Ceremony - 11:30 am-12:30 pm 

Vets Hall, Ellison Campus Center 

Celebrate the transfer students who are being inducted into the national transfer honor society. 

Hosted by: First Year Experience 

Esports Lounge Family Weekend Hours - 12-4 pm 

Ellison 010-Esports Lounge 

Salem State's Esports Lounge will open during the afternoon on Saturday, 9/26! Students will receive free guest passes for family members. Try out our high-end gaming PCs, consoles, VR headsets, and board games! 

Hosted By: Campus Life and Recreation

Women’s Tennis vs. Western Connecticut State University - 12 pm 

Tennis Courts  

Hosted By: Athletics 
 

Women’s Soccer Vs. Framingham State University - 1 pm 

Alumni Field 

Hosted By: Athletics 
 

Career Services Open House - 1-4 pm
Carrer Center, Ellison Campus Center 

Students and their supporters are welcome to stop by, meet the Career Services team, explore career readiness resources, shop the Career Closet, and enjoy light refreshments.
 

Music Alumni Recital - 7 pm 

Recital Hall 

This annual concert brings together Salem State music alumni for a live performance in the recital hall. The program is always eclectic as these talented musicians come to the stage working in a range of musical styles.  

Hosted By: Center for Creative and Performing Arts