Schedule of Events

Bearkat Family Weekend Early Check-In
Lowman Student Center - Room 144
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Students or registered guests can pick-up purchased items which may include: t-shirt and wristband, breakfast ticket, and lunch ticket.

Huntsville State Park (Wristband Access Only)
565 Park Road 40
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
The Huntsville State Park will extend free entry ($7 value, per person) to Bearkat Family Weekend guests, with wristband. Camping would require reservation and fee.

From the Huntsville State Park website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/huntsville

Pine Trees and Wildflowers

Lose yourself among the majestic trees and natural beauty of the East Texas Pineywoods. Rent a canoe, explore our trails or just relax by the lake. We are a short drive north of Houston, in the Sam Houston National Forest.

Things to Do

At Huntsville State Park, you can camp, hike, bike, picnic, fish, swim, paddle, geocache and study nature. We have 21 miles of trails, playgrounds, a bird blind and nature center. Alligators live in the park; read our alligator safety tips.  

On the lake

Enjoy water activities on the 210-acre Lake Raven:

• Fish for crappie, perch, catfish and bass. We have a boat ramp, fishing piers and fish cleaning stations. We allow motor boats, but at idle speed only.
• Swim in our designated area from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (no lifeguards). Read our swimming safety tips before you swim.
• Rent a kayak. Self-service kayak rentals are available near Raven Lodge. 

Bearkat Course - Bearkat Family Weekend Special
Bearkat Course
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Parents play for the student rate on those three days! $35 for 18-holes with cart. Starting times made up to one week in advance by calling 936.294.GOLF.

Bearkat Family Weekend Check-In
Lowman Student Center - Room 144
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Students or registered guests can pick-up purchased items which may include: t-shirt and wristband, breakfast ticket, and lunch ticket.

Home Away From Home
Farrington Building - Room 116
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Stop by and meet the Global Engagement Center staff. We will have snacks, freebies, and information about the services we provide for study abroad and international students.

City of Huntsville Tourism - Visit Sam Houston Statue
7600 Highway 75 S
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
A visit to the world's tallest statue of an American hero offers a great perspective of Huntsville. A tribute to courage, the Sam Houston Statue was designed and constructed by artist David Adickes. He dedicated the statue to the City of Huntsville on October 22, 1994. It is the world's tallest statue of an American Hero at 67 feet tall on a 10 foot sunset granite base. Within the Visitor Center, you will find an assortment of visitor information including unique videos, brochures, maps, and a friendly Texas ambassador to help plan your day. Also check out our souvenir Gift Shop full of Texas treasures, collectibles and memorabilia.

LSC Kat Club Games and Activities(Wristband Access Only)
Lowman Student Center Kat Klub
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The Kat Klub welcomes you to come partake in some fun and games! Free play for billiards, table tennis, video games, tabletop games and bowling. Games include: Jenga, Dominos, Cards, Chess, Checkers, Connect 4. Time may be limited to 30 minute increments when busy. Also featuring a coloring sheet station!

Library Treasure Hunt
Newton Gresham Library
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Library Treasure Hunt - A treasure has been hidden inside the library! You'll need to learn all you can about the library in order to get it! Join us in the library for a fun activity that will help you learn what you need to use the library, while having fun in the process.

Lunch On Your Own
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Venture out to one of Huntsville's fine local eateries, whenever you get hungry.

Silent Disco hosted by Campus Activities & Traditions
Lowman Student Center Room 320
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Silent disco is a unique and immersive party experience where participants can listen and dance to music throught wireless headphones rather than speakers. Grab your parents and show them how we 'SILENT DISCO'!

College Classroom Experience
Lowman Student Center Theater
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Come experience what attending a college class is like at SHSU. The First-Generation Center & First Gen Advisory Board welcome you to get the full Bearkat student experience as one of our esteemed professors conducts a typical class lesson.

Student Organization Fest
Frank Parker Plaza
4:30 - 6:30 PM
Head out to beautiful Frank Parker Plaza, in the center of campus, to engage in activities hosted by Student Involvement: Leadership & Service. Visit student organization tables to learn how to join and to interact with student leaders from various types of organizations. 

Friday Night Picnic (Pre-sale Ticket Required)
Frank Parker Plaza
5:30 - 7:30 PM Come-and-Go
Enjoy a picnic dinner, outside on Parker Plaza, in the center of the beautiful SHSU campus, while enjoying an acoustic concert from Houston famous J.B. Barnett.  J.B.'s original music is a fusion of soulful melodies with catchy, witty, and inspiring lyrics.  He also plays a multitude of covers and is often compared to the likes of Jack Johnson, John Mayer, and Jason Mraz.

• Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork (or) Chipotle Citrus Pulled Chicken - Served on a Hawaiian Roll
  Relish Trays (onions, Jalapeno's, Pickles)
• Macaroni & Cheese
• Luau Lava Baked Beans (Hawaiian Style, little sweet, BBQ, Pineapple, and a little spice)
  (regular baked beans available by request)
• Sugar Cookies & Sunset Lemon Cookies

Beverages: Bottled Water & Canned Pepsi Products
Catered by Aramark

Faculty Recital, Boyce Jeffries, Percussion
GPAC - Recital Hall
7:30 - 9:30 PM
Each semester, the School of Music hosts recitals to celebrate the work of musicians and showcase the vibrant, diverse talents of distinguished faculty. This recital is open to the public with free admission. For more information, contact the School of Music at 936.294.1360. For a full calendar of College of Arts & Media events, visit shsu.edu/camevents. 

Bearkat Soccer vs. Southern (Ticket Required)
Joseph Pritchett Field
7:30 PM
Go here for tickets. You will not need to purchase a ticket for your SHSU student.

Huntsville State Park (Wristband Access Only)
565 Park Road 40
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
The Huntsville State Park will extend free entry ($7 value, per person) to Bearkat Family Weekend guests, with wristband. Camping would require reservation and fee.

From the Huntsville State Park website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/huntsville

Pine Trees and Wildflowers

Lose yourself among the majestic trees and natural beauty of the East Texas Pineywoods. Rent a canoe, explore our trails or just relax by the lake. We are a short drive north of Houston, in the Sam Houston National Forest.

Things to Do

At Huntsville State Park, you can camp, hike, bike, picnic, fish, swim, paddle, geocache and study nature. We have 21 miles of trails, playgrounds, a bird blind and nature center. Alligators live in the park; read our alligator safety tips.  

On the lake

Enjoy water activities on the 210-acre Lake Raven:

• Fish for crappie, perch, catfish and bass. We have a boat ramp, fishing piers and fish cleaning stations. We allow motor boats, but at idle speed only.
• Swim in our designated area from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (no lifeguards). Read our swimming safety tips before you swim.
• Rent a kayak. Self-service kayak rentals are available near Raven Lodge. 

Bearkat Course - Bearkat Family Weekend Special
Bearkat Course
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Parents play for the student rate on those three days! $35 for 18-holes with cart. Starting times made up to one week in advance by calling 936.294.GOLF.

College Fair
LSC Collaborative Lounge and Atrium
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Before or after you get your breakfast, stop by to meet and interact with representatives from your student's home college! Event may include college dean's faculty, staff members, and student organizations.

Welcome Breakfast (Pre-sale Ticket Required)
Lowman Student Center - Orange Ballroom
8:00 - 10:00 AM Come-and-Go
SHSU Alumni Association hosts a fun kick-off to the Saturday activities! Come enjoy a delicious breakfast, and learn about exciting opportunities their office supports: including eligibility for the coveted 2024 SHSU Tuition Draw (24 hours of in-state tuition), as well as engagement opportunities for your current student through the Student Alumni Association (SAA). A Bearkat Spirit gear giveaway ($50) will be drawn every 15 minutes, during breakfast! Special guest welcomes from SHSU administrators.

• Belgian Waffle topped with Crispy Chicken Tenders
• Southern Style Cheesy Eggs
• Hash Browns Potatoes
• Savory Warm Orange Maple Syrup

Beverages: Coffee, Orange Juice, Water
Catered by Aramark

Photos at the Chair
Sammy's Huge Chair outside the back of the Lowman Student Center
8:30 - 11:00 AM
Stop by to have your family photo snapped, to commemorate the weekend! Photos will be available for online gallery download after the event.The link for photo gallery will be posted here once it is complete. 

Photos Outside of Austin Hall
Austin Hall
8:30 - 11:00 AM
Stop by to have your family photo snapped, to commemorate the weekend! Photos will be available for online gallery download after the event.The link for photo gallery will be posted here once it is complete. 

BINGO - (Wristband Access Only)
Lowman Student Center - White Ballroom
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Join Student Government Association (SGA) for competitive BINGO! You'll have a chance to win some amazing prizes!

Orange You Glad You are a Bearkat
Huntsville Downtown Square
10:00 AM - 7:30 PM
The City of Huntsville's Main Street Program and Downtown Business Alliance invite you to downtown Huntsville to enjoy great shopping and snacking. Participating businesses will offer orange treats! Come out and see our beautifully decorated Sam Houston window displays!

Life on the Houston Farm
Sam Houston Memorial Museum Complex
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Come step back in time with the Sam Houston Memorial Museum & Republic of Texas Presidential Library to learn about our university's namesake. Walk the actual property once owned by Sam and Margaret Houston. Visit with costumed interpreters to learn about life on the Houston Farm and Texas in the 1850s. See the Houston family home, known as the Woodland Home, on its original site and the Bear Bend Cabin, reported to be Sam's hunting lodge; and the Houston Mercantile in the Roberts-Farris Cabin, representing the Maryville, Tennessee store of the early 1800s that Sam worked in when he was a young man. Then tour the Memorial Museum (free admission during this time) and view the permanent exhibits of the museum, including the largest collection of Houston artifacts and memorabilia anywhere.
https://samhoustonmemorialmuseum.

City of Huntsville Tourism - Visit Sam Houston Statue
7600 Highway 75 S
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
A visit to the world's tallest statue of an American hero offers a great perspective of Huntsville. A tribute to courage, the Sam Houston Statue was designed and constructed by artist David Adickes. He dedicated the statue to the City of Huntsville on October 22, 1994. It is the world's tallest statue of an American Hero at 67 feet tall on a 10 foot sunset granite base. Within the Visitor Center, you will find an assortment of visitor information including unique videos, brochures, maps, and a friendly Texas ambassador to help plan your day. Also check out our souvenir Gift Shop full of Texas treasures, collectibles and memorabilia.

LSC Kat Club Games and Activities(Wristband Access Only)
Lowman Student Center Kat Klub
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The Kat Klub welcomes you to come partake in some fun and games! Free play for billiards, table tennis, video games, tabletop games and bowling. Games include: Jenga, Dominos, Cards, Chess, Checkers, Connect 4. Time may be limited to 30 minute increments when busy. Also featuring a coloring sheet station!

BINGO hosted by Fraternity & Sorority Lift (FSL)(Wristband Access Only)
Lowman Student Center Orange Ballroom
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
BINGO with FSL will be an energy-charged atmosphere with BINGO, prizes, and entertainment. Come enjoy the game and learn more information about how you (your student) could find community, earn service hours, and develop leadership skills by joining the FSL community.

On-Campus Lunch (Ticket Required)
Old Main Market
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Students who have meal plans do not need a ticket. If you do not wish to use your ticket to dine at our buffet, multi-station style markets - you may choose to use your $10 lunch ticket, as a voucher towards $10 value of food items at any open retail food concept on campus.  No cash back or credit will be given if the full value of the voucher is not redeemed.  Anything costing over the $10 balance will be paid by customer.  Retail food concepts on campus scheduled to be open on this day are: Chick-Fil-A, Freebirds World Burrito, Pastabilities. Ticket/Voucher will only be available for redemption Saturday, September 14, 2024 11am-2pm and will expire after this time.

Honors Ice Cream Social (Honors Students Only)
Lowman Student Center - Room 241A
2:30 - 3:30 PM
Honors students, bring your family and cool off with some ice cream! We look forward to meeting your supporters, sharing ice cream, and playing games!

Bearkat Alley
Zone 2 Lot 12
4:00 - 6:00 PM
Bearkat Alley is the official tailgate area during football season! The Department of Campus Activities & Traditions hosts a variety of organizations and departments who tailgate together near Bowers Stadium. Enjoy a variety of food, giveaways (like t-shirts & rally towels) and Bearkat Spirit! Bearkat Alley is located in Zone 2 Lot 12 (or the Coliseum Lot). Bearkat Alley entrance is FREE for ALL students, parents, and fans! We hope to see you there! Eat Em Ep KATS!

Bearkat Family Weekend Block Party (Wristband Access Only)
Zone 2 Lot 12
4:00 - 6:00 PM
Come out and enjoy food, fun, and experience Bearkat Pride at the official Bearkat Family Weekend tailgate. There will be corn hole, covered seating for wristband guests, and LIVE music by Rodell Duff - Good Days (Official Video).

Bearkat Football vs. Hawaii 
Bowers Stadium
6:00 PM

Football Ticket Information:

Limited tickets are still available for the football game versus Hawaii. Saturday’s game starts at 6pm and will conclude with a drone show postgame. Don’t miss any of the action--Hurry and purchase your tickets today!

Purchase Your Last Minute Football Tickets Here!

• Please note that general admission football tickets are in the student section on the east side of the stadium.  If you wish to sit alongside your student where they already have a free ticket, this is what you should purchase.
  
  • If you prefer a different seating option, other than general admission, and want your student to sit with you you will need to purchase them a ticket in your seating section.
• You will receive a receipt for your tickets upon checkout. All football tickets will be digital tickets delivered to the email address provided at checkout 2 weeks prior to the listed game date. For questions or issues regarding football tickets, contact the Bearkat Ticket Office at (936) 294-1729.
• You do not need to purchase a football ticket for your student, as students have free admission to all SHSU athletic events with ticket download.
• Any football ticket questions should be directed to Montel Gardner, Ticket Sales Manager, mxg221@shsu.edu or 936-294-3220.
• If you require ADA seating please contact Montel Gardner directly, so that he may assign you the appropriate seating.
• To ensure that all guests have a safe and enjoyable experience at Bowers Stadium, we have implemented a clear bag policy for the 2023 football season.
  • Approved items for entry include: 
    • 1-gallon plastic freezer bag
    • 12" X 6" X 12" clear plastic bag
    • Clutch with wrist strap (no larger than 4.5" X 6.5" X 1")
  • Prohibited items:
    • Backpacks
    • Fanny packs
    • Camera cases
    • Chairback seats
    • Outside food and drink
    • Artificial noise makers
    • Concealed weapons
    • Umbrella
    • Diaper bags
    • Strollers
    • Any other items deemed dangerous or inappropriate by game staff

Drone Show following the conclusion of the BFW Football Game
Bowers Stadium
9:30 PM (subject to game end time)
Stay through the end of the Bearkat Family Weekend Football Game to watch the first ever Sam Houston State University Drone Show!

Huntsville State Park (Wristband Access Only)
565 Park Road 40
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
The Huntsville State Park will extend free entry ($7 value, per person) to Bearkat Family Weekend guests, with wristband. Camping would require reservation and fee.

From the Huntsville State Park website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/huntsville

Pine Trees and Wildflowers

Lose yourself among the majestic trees and natural beauty of the East Texas Pineywoods. Rent a canoe, explore our trails or just relax by the lake. We are a short drive north of Houston, in the Sam Houston National Forest.

Things to Do

At Huntsville State Park, you can camp, hike, bike, picnic, fish, swim, paddle, geocache and study nature. We have 21 miles of trails, playgrounds, a bird blind and nature center. Alligators live in the park; read our alligator safety tips.  

On the lake

Enjoy water activities on the 210-acre Lake Raven:

• Fish for crappie, perch, catfish and bass. We have a boat ramp, fishing piers and fish cleaning stations. We allow motor boats, but at idle speed only.
• Swim in our designated area from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (no lifeguards). Read our swimming safety tips before you swim.
• Rent a kayak. Self-service kayak rentals are available near Raven Lodge. 

Bearkat Course - Bearkat Family Weekend Special
Bearkat Course
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Parents play for the student rate on those three days! $35 for 18-holes with cart. Starting times made up to one week in advance by calling 936.294.GOLF.

City of Huntsville Tourism - Visit Sam Houston Statue
7600 Highway 75 S
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
A visit to the world's tallest statue of an American hero offers a great perspective of Huntsville. A tribute to courage, the Sam Houston Statue was designed and constructed by artist David Adickes. He dedicated the statue to the City of Huntsville on October 22, 1994. It is the world's tallest statue of an American Hero at 67 feet tall on a 10 foot sunset granite base. Within the Visitor Center, you will find an assortment of visitor information including unique videos, brochures, maps, and a friendly Texas ambassador to help plan your day. Also check out our souvenir Gift Shop full of Texas treasures, collectibles and memorabilia.

LSC Kat Club Games and Activities(Wristband Access Only)
Lowman Student Center Kat Klub
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Kat Klub welcomes you to come partake in some fun and games! Free play for billiards, table tennis, video games, tabletop games and bowling. Games include: Jenga, Dominos, Cards, Chess, Checkers, Connect 4. Time may be limited to 30 minute increments when busy. Also featuring a coloring sheet station!.