Parent and Family Weekend

Bobcat Volleyball vs. Eastern Washington University

7:00pm

Cheer on the Bobcats! show your MSU spirit, and make sure to wear your blue and gold! Get tickets to the volleyball game here..

∗Starred events are included with registration and endorsed by MSU. All other events listed are provided through local businesses and are not associated with MSU.∗ 

8:00am – 5:00pm

Take a Hike. Visit the Outdoor Recreation Center adjacent to the Roskie Hall parking lot and Intramural Fields. Those interested in area hikes should stop by to receive maps and directions.

Outdoor Recreation Center, 1401 West Lincoln Street, Bozeman, MT 59715

Enjoy a Gallery. There are three campus galleries to enjoy:

Helen E. Copeland Gallery located in Haynes Hall;

School of Architecture gallery located just inside the East entrance of Cheever Hall;

The Exit Gallery located in the Strand Union Building;

Or take in one of the local galleries found on scenic Main Street

∗Visit a Museum. Check out the world-famous Siebel Dinosaur Complex and more, at the Museum of the Rockies. Those registered for the Parent & Family Weekend will receive admissions throughout the Museum of the Rockies. 

Do you prefer something with fewer feathers and more recent historical advancements? We recommend the American Computer & Robotics Museum  located at 2023 Stadium Drive, Bozeman, MT 59715

Take a Tour. Self guided walking tour or Bozeman driving tour.

Tour our new Wellness Center. Engage with wellness center staff for a tour of our brand-new facility.  Admission to the facility is included with parent and family registration.

11:00am – 6:00pm

∗Check-In.Pick up your Parent & Family Weekend lanyard/pass for events at the Strand Union Building, located at 765 W Grant St. 

1:00pm

Public Skate at Ressler Motors Ice Rink – GCF Fairgrounds 

1:30pm - 3:00pm

∗Photos with Spirit. Alumni Plaza. 

2:00pm – 3:00pm

Dr. Michelle Flenniken presents "Highlights from MSU's Honey Bee Virology Research Program." Join us in SUB Ballroom A to learn about the importance of honey bees, the role of Montana beekeepers in honey and crop production, and the importance of scientifically addressing global challenges.

3:00pm – 4:00pm

Dr. Bruce Pitman  presents "Advice for Parents on How Best to Navigate the College Years."Dr. Bruce Pitman served as the dean of students at the University of Idaho for 41 years, one of the longest continuous serving deans of students in the history of American higher education.  In this role, Dr. Pitman provided countless hours of compassion and care for his students and their families, managing major public relations issues including student accidents and fatalities.  He was also there during times of incredible family joy, celebrating tens of thousands of students as they walked across the stage and received their university degrees. Located inSUB Ballroom A. 

4:30pm – 6:00pm

∗Welcome Reception. Join us in Inspiration Hall, found on the second floor of the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering.

6:00pm

Bozeman Straw Bale Maze is a family friendly event that offers a maze constructed with over 5,000 hay bales, corn sensory bins, a tractor ride to a pumpkin patch, a trampoline PowerJump, a petting zoo, yard games, and so much more. More information found at Bozeman Hay Maze.

6:30pm – 8:30pm

Drink and Draw. Join fellow creatives at Valhalla Meadery for locally made meads and painting.

Friday Night Jazz. Enjoy craft pizza and Bozeman's local Big Band at Red Tractor Pizza.

Paint & Sip – Sunflower Bouquet at Bunkhouse Brewery.They have everything you need to enjoy a night painting and socializing, you just have to bring yourself!

7:00pm – 10:00pm

*Swing Dancing. Join us for a fun night of swing dancing hosted by ASMSU in partnership with the MSU Country Dance Club at the Gallatin County Fair Grounds (exhibit #3). Don't forget to bring some extra spending money as there will be a cash bar and snacks. No swing dance experience required!

Open Mic Night. Open to ages 18 and up, laugh out loud to local comedians at Bozeman/s comedy club, Last Best Comedy.

∗Starred events are included with registration and endorsed by MSU. All other events listed are provided through local businesses and are not associated with MSU.∗ 

7:00am-10:00am

∗Breakfast

Enjoy many breakfast options with your student within the comfortable atmosphere of Rendezvous Dining  Hall.

Please plan to visit during the following hours of 7am-10am and show your name tag to enter.

8:00am

Alpha Omicron Pi's 27th Annual Run for Roses (5k and 1 mile race) in support of Arthritis Foundation. Check-in for participants will begin at 8:00 am on Saturday, October 12th at Montana Hall on the MSU Bozeman Campus. The 5k and one mile races will begin at 8:30 am at Montana Hall and end at the Alpha Omicron Pi house where a light breakfast and snacks for participants will be provided. All donations raised will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation to support Juvenile Arthritis research and provide resources to families whose children struggle with Juvenile Arthritis. Register to race for the Arthritis Foundation here. We recommend registering in advance.

Location:  Montana Hall(Please park in Bobcat Lot 11 located off of S. 7th Avenue near the MSU parking garage and North Dome Fitness Center.)  

8:00am – 5:00pm

Take a Hike. Visit the Outdoor Recreation Center located on West Lincoln Street adjacent to the Roskie Hall parking lot and Intramural Fields. Those interested in area hikes should stop by to receive maps and directions.

9:00am – 12:00pm

Bozeman Winter Farmers’ Market at Gallatin County Fairgrounds.

Wellness center Recreation facility available. Admission to the facility is included with parent and family weekend registration.

10:00am

Montana Meltdown  is a fixed time running event with 24 hour, 12 hour, and 4 hour race options on Oct 12 (into 13th) at Gallatin County Regional Park. You can register for the Montana Meltdown on Ultrasignup here.

Bozeman Straw Bale Maze is a family friendly event that offers a maze constructed with over 5,000 hay bales, corn sensory bins, a tractor ride to a pumpkin patch, a trampoline PowerJump, a petting zoo, yard games, and so much more. More information found at Bozeman Hay Maze.

12:00pm

Public Skate at Ressler Motors Ice Rink – GCF Fairgrounds 

1:00pm

Bobcat Volleyball.Montana State vs Idaho Vandals. Show your MSU spirit and cheer for the Bobcats!

2:00pm - 4:00pm

Crochet and Knitting Workshop. Bring your knitting and crochet to the Bozeman Public library for a  chance to get help on tricky projects, ask questions about knitting and crochet, learn new techniques or start your very first knitting or crochet project. Registration is preferred but not required and can be found here.

5:00pm - 7:45pm

∗Parent & Family Tailgate. Join us for a tailgate to mix and mingle with other parents and families before cheering on the Bobcats! There will be yard games and food provided, as well as drinks available for purchase.

Location: Kagy Fields, 1 Bobcat Circle, Bozeman, MT 59718

7:30pm

The Rhythms of Beethoven, Rossini, and Akiho. Delight in memorable arias and a witty blend of humor and romance while listening to the overture from Rossini’s most popular opera, The Barber of Seville at Willson Auditorium.

Tickets for the opera can be purchased here.

8:15pm

Bobcat Football. Montana State vs Idaho Vandals. Cheer on the Bobcats. Show your MSU spirit and make sure to wear blue and gold or your Parent & Family Weekend t-shirt! 2024 Bobcat Football tickets  will go on sale on August 5th at 10:00 am.

Clear bag policy for all attendees.  Bring the bags handed out at orientation over summer or purchase one at the check in table. 

Location: Bobcat Stadium, 1 Bobcat Circle, Bozeman, MT 59718

9:00pm

Adult Karaoke. Who doesn't love sing and have a good laugh? Karaoke will be at 49Er Diner in Livingston.

Live music from Brendan Nolan at Bozeman Taproom