Viking Family Weekend

Friday, September 25 

Family Weekend Check In 

3-5 pm
O’Keefe Complex  

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 from 1:00 PM–3:00 PM 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 leaves at 4:50 pm.

Hosted By: The Alliance  

Family Weekend Kick-Off/Dinner 

5 pm
Marsh Dining 

Kick off Family Weekend with Dinner at Marsh Dining! Students tap in with your clipper card; and families grab a ticket from our Orientation staff to grab dinner! It’s buffet style, so enjoy as much as you can! 

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, Facility, and Families as apart of Family Weekend. We hope to see you there! 

Hosted By: The Alliance  

“Drive-In" Movie Night featuring 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 Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts

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 7:00pm.) 

Hosted By: Theatre and Speech Communication Department 

Saturday, September 26 

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 will be set up inside the fitness center. 

Hosted By: Campus Life and Recreation  

Field Hockey Game vs. Fitchburg  

10 am
Alumni Field 

Hosted By: Athletics 

Viking Festival 

11 am-3 pm
O’Keefe Complex

Come have fun and enjoy the variety of a Viking Festival. Enjoy food trucks, watch our Athletic games, outdoor actives, face painting, henna and more!

Hosted By: Orientation 

Intramural Golf  

First Tee Time: 10:15 am 
Olde Salem Greens – 75 Wilson 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 minimum one week prior to the event. 

Hosted By: Campus Life and Recreation 

Scoops with the Cops 

11 am-1 pm
Harrington Campus Cafe  

An ice cream social with the university police, allowing students and families to connect!

Hosted By: Criminal Justice Academy and Salem State University Police

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. West Conn. 

12 pm 
Tennis Courts  

Hosted By: Athletics 

Women’s Soccer vs. Framingham 

1 pm
Alumni Field 

Hosted By: Athletics 

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