Parents & Family
Family Weekend (Spring)
Friday, April 11, 2025
University Art Gallery Exhibits
The Art Gallery will be open with two student shows from 9am to 4pm. Come see works by students Tyanna Buie and Ruby Warner. /cofac/artgallery/exhibitions.php
Lee Calhoun High School Invitational
High School meet hosted by Â鶹´«Ã½ Illinois University. For more information visit
Location:Ìý Hanson Field, Â鶹´«Ã½ Illinois University
Time:Ìý Field events start at 1:00pm and Running events begin at 2:00pm (both subject to change due to entries and weather)Ìý
Cost:Ìý Free
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry
Location:Ìý St. Paul Gym, 322 W. Washington Street
Time:Ìý 4:30pm -6:30pm
Cost:Ìý $12 (adults) $6 (kids)
Park Place of Macomb
Location:Ìý 127 E. Carroll Street
Time:Ìý 5:00pm - 9:00pm
The Wine Sellers:Ìý Live Music with No Reason (mellow rock/pop/folk)
Location:Ìý 121 S. Randolph Street
Time:Ìý 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Battle of the Yard
The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) & National Pan-Hellenic council (NPHC) present Battle of the Yard.Ìý Come join us for an event filled with performances, informational presentations, stepping, and strolling by our 3 national MGC and NPHC organizations.ÌýÌý
Location:Ìý University Union Heritage Room
Time:Ìý Doors open at 6:00pm; Show starts at 7:00pm
Cost:Ìý Tickets can be purchased the day of the event for $8 or online for $5 with a service fee of $1.58 at .
Choral Masterworks Concert
Choral Concert at 7:30pm featuring Â鶹´«Ã½ Concert Choir, Dr. Jason Hawkins, conductor & University Singers, Dr. Brian J. Winnie, conductor /wiucalendar/index.sphp?control=view&id=37344
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Pastries with the President
Come grab coffee and donuts and meet Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s first female President, Dr. Kristi Mindrup.Ìý Hosted by Alumni Relations and New Student and Family Programs
Location:Ìý Alumni House-1009 W. Adams Street
Time:Ìý 10:00am-12:00pm
Cost:Ìý Free
Â鶹´«Ã½ Bookstore
Be sure to stop by the University Bookstore to grab some swag!Ìý Special discounts on select merchandise will be available.
Location:Ìý University Union Concourse
Time:Ìý 10:00am-3:00pm
Easter Egg Hunt
Location:Ìý HyVee, 1600 E. Jackson Street
Time:Ìý 10:00am
Cost:Ìý FREE
Make It Macomb
Explore local businesses for their Family & Friends Weekend discounts and specials.Ìý For a sample of businesses offering Family Weekend deals, see below.Ìý Note: this list is not exhaustive.ÌýÌý
Location:Ìý Macomb Square and surrounding areasÌý
- Bold Brew-FFW Special: Try a Rocky Road Latte or a Rocky Razzle Lotus. Guests receive 10% off all drinks. located right across from the train station, Bold Brew is a drive through coffee shop that specializes in gourmet, fresh-roasted coffee along with specialty coffee and tea-based drinks.Ìý Open Saturday from 6:30am-5:00pm and Sunday from 8:00am-2:00pm.Ìý
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The Crafty Coop-located in downtown Macomb, the Crafty Coop is a Paint your Own Pottery & Craft studio.
Reservations are HIGHLY recommended this week due to the anticipation of a busy, busy weekend!Everyone paints for the price of a STUDENT during Â鶹´«Ã½ Family Weekend, $5 per painterÌý*Friday to Sunday*Please message the studio on Facebook or call during business hours to make a reservation, 309-331-0965ÌýOur Open Studio Hours are:Wed-Fri 4:30-7:30 PMSaturday 10 AM-6 PMSunday 12-5 PMHundreds of pottery options available to choose from, over 50 paint color choicesÌýPottery ranges in price from $2-$40+, most in the $10 to $20 rangeÌýCreate masterpieces and memories with usÌýPSA: We have 5 foster kittens in the studio plus our resident catsÌýIf you or a member of your party are allergic to cats, we do offer take home kits for painting in your own space. Pick your pottery, pick your paint, paint at home and return for firing once completed.ÌýÌýCall or message the studio with any questions.ÌýÌý
- Spellbound Stories-popluar place with collectibles, comics, cards, toys and games.Ìý Located at 5 East Side Square.Ìý Pokemon League at 1:00pm (FREE) and Yugioh Tournament at 5:00pm ($5)Ìý
- Larry A’s Pizza-a popular Macomb spot that serves authentic italian dishes, including pizza, calzones,Ìý salads and sandwiches.Ìý Located at 1506 E. Jackson Street.Ìý Open 11:00am-1:30pm; 4:00pm-9:00pm. FFW special: Two large-one topping pizzas for $25.99.
- Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria-family owned restaurant that has been serving high quality pizza, pasta and sandwiches since 1979.Ìý $11 all you can eat pizza buffet or $3 off a large pizza.Ìý Located in downtown Macomb.Ìý Open 11:00am-10:00pm (buffet until 3:00pm)
- Sports Corner-Bar & Grill.Ìý Popular spot for food, drinks and sports.Ìý Located at 124 N. Randolph in downtown Macomb.Ìý Open 11:00am-11:30pm and noon-10:00pm Sunday.ÌýÌý
- The Old Dairy-Located right off the Square Old Dairy is a traditional, family owned restaurant that has breakfast, lunch and brunch options.Ìý Open 7am-2pm
- Hibbett Sports-receive $10 off your $30 purchase.Ìý Be sure to mention FFW to access the coupon.Ìý Located in East Chase Village at 1690 E. Jackson Street.Ìý Open 10:00am -8:00pm Saturday and Sunday 12:00pm -5:00pm
- Sandra's-authentic mexican food.Ìý Food truck at Elks Lodge, 401 S. Deere Road from 12:00pm - 8:00pm
- Escape MJ’s-Work your mind and have fun as a family in as little as 60 minutes!Ìý Open 12:00pm-10:00pm Saturday and 12:00pm-9:00pm Sunday.Ìý Book your space now at Escapemjs.com and use code Â鶹´«Ã½125 for a Family & Friends Weekend discount.Ìý
- Sullivan Taylor Coffee House-local coffee shop located in downtown Macomb.Ìý Known for its cozy atmosphere, friendly staff and a wide selection of specialty drinks and treats.Ìý Open Saturday 8:00am-6:00pm and Sunday 8:00am-4:00pm
- The Wine Sellers-full service wine bar and speciality retailer located in downtown Macomb. Open 12:00pm-8:00pm.Ìý
- Hobby Lobby (new business) located in Prarie Crossing, 1325 E. Jackson Street.Ìý Open Friday and Saturday from 9:00am - 8:00pm.Ìý
- TJMaxx (new business) Grand Opening Saturday at 8:00am.Ìý Located in Prarie Crossing, 1325 E. Jackson Street
- Dat Wing Spot - from fried checken to fried corn, this new restraurant has wings and more!Ìý Located at 928 W. Jackson Street.Ìý Open Friday and Saturday from 12:00pm -8:00pm and Sunday, 12:00pm - 6:00pmÌý
Â鶹´«Ã½ Volleyball Tournament
Location:Ìý Â鶹´«Ã½ Hall-Â鶹´«Ã½ Illinois University
Time:Ìý Games are scheduled at 10:00am (Â鶹´«Ã½ v Quincy); 11:30am (Quincy v Bradley); and 1:00pm (Â鶹´«Ã½ v Bradley)
Cost:Ìý Free
Â鶹´«Ã½ Women’s Tennis
Come watch the Â鶹´«Ã½ team take on Tennessee State University
Location:Ìý Â鶹´«Ã½ Tennis Facility
Time:Ìý 1:00pm
Cost:Ìý Free
Â鶹´«Ã½ Women's Soccer
Come watch the Â鶹´«Ã½ team take on Valparasio University
Location:Ìý John MacKenzie Alumni Field
Time:Ìý 2:00pm
Cost:Ìý Free
University Art Gallery Exhibits
The Art Gallery will be open with two student shows from 1pm to 4pm. Come see works by students Tyanna Buie and Ruby Warner. /cofac/artgallery/exhibitions.php
Grad Blast Send Off
Have a student who’s about to graduate?Ìý Alumni Relations would like to help you celebrate their success.ÌýÌý
Location:Ìý The Ritz -215 N. Randolph Street
Time:Ìý 3:00pm-6:00pm
Cost:Ìý No Cover Charge
Monopoly & Mocktails with the Mayor
Bring your Monopoly game, grab a mocktail and play for a chance to win some fantastic prizes!Ìý Oh and you get to meet the Mayor of Macomb, Michael Inman.ÌýÌý
Location:Ìý University Union-Heritage Room
Time:Ìý 5:30pm-7:00pm
Cost:Ìý Free
Photos with Ray
Who doesn’t want to take a selfie with our 4-legged mascot, Ray!ÌýÌý
Location:Ìý University Union-First Floor Lobby (Murray Street Entrance)
Time:Ìý 5:30pm
Cost:Ìý Free
Bingo!
Who doesn’t love bingo?Ìý Come out and play for a chance to win family friendly prizes!Ìý Hosted by the University Union Programming Board and New Student and Family Programs.Ìý Free popcorn!
Location:Ìý University Union-Grand Ballroom
Time:Ìý 7:00pm-9:00pm
Cost:Ìý Free
Sunday, April 13, 2025
The President's International String Quartet Recital
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: COFAC Recital Hall
Description:
This performance is free and open to the public. /wiucalendar/index.sphp?control=view&id=37357
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Family Brunch at Â鶹´«Ã½ Dining Centers
$10 cash per person or $4 if using student meal plan
- Value Meal #1 (both locations)
Classics Line:Ìý 1 entree, 2 sides and a fountain beverage
- Value Meal #2 (both locations)
Grill:Ìý Burger, fries and a fountain beverage
- Value Meal #3 (Thompson only)
Pizza, fries and a fountain beverageÌý
Location:Ìý Corbin/Olson and Thompson Dining Centers
Time:Ìý 11:30am-1:00pm
Cost:Ìý $10 cash per person or $4 if using student meal plan
Guest Chamber Recital:Ìý New Downbeat
Location:Ìý COFAC Recital Hall
Time:Ìý 1:00pm -2:00pm
Cost: FREE Ìýand open to the public.Ìý /wiucalendar/index.sphp?control=view&id=37358
Student Vocal Recital:Ìý Jocelyn Diers & Samantha Martinez
Location:Ìý COFAC Recital Hall
Time:Ìý 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Cost:Ìý FREE and open to the publicÌý /wiucalendar/index.sphp?control=view&id=37359
Junior Recital:Ìý Gabe Zahnle, piano w/Mattias Luitjens, piano
Location:Ìý COFAC Recital Hall
Time:Ìý 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Cost:Ìý FREE and open to the publicÌý Ìý /wiucalendar/index.sphp?control=view&id=37360
Classic Guitar Ensemble:Ìý Dr. George Turner, Director
Location:Ìý COFAC Recital Hall
Time:Ìý 8:00pm - 9:00pm
Cost:Ìý FREE and open to the publicÌý /wiucalendar/index.sphp?control=view&id=37361
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