Family Weekend 2026 is one of EKU’s signature events celebrating our Colonel families! Join us October 2-4, 2026, for a fun-filled weekend featuring local Richmond events, campus traditions, and special time together on our beloved Campus Beautiful. This weekend is all about connecting, exploring, and celebrating EKU spirit as a family. Whether you’re cheering at a game, enjoying downtown Richmond, or simply soaking in the campus atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Apply to win the 2026 EKU Family of the Year! Each year, as part of Family Weekend, we select families that are deeply invested and engaged history with EKU! We always love having Alumni in our current parent network! Please have your student’s email and classification ready.
For additional questions, please email: ekufamily@eku.edu.
Family Weekend 2026 Schedule
Explore Richmond
Take time to explore and enjoy Richmond during your Family Weekend visit! From local cuisine to outdoor recreation, and mini golf to museums, there is something for everyone! Information on lodging, dining, attractions, and shopping.
Take advantage of these discounts being offered for EKU students and their families:
- Dreaming Creek Brewery: $1 off our EKU beers – 1874 Blonde Ale and Gold Toe IPA
- Kentucky Shelf Life: BOGO – Buy one shirt at full price and receive 50% off a second shirt of equal or lesser value
- Madison Garden Bar & Grill: One free soft drink with meal purchase ($10 min. spend)
- Purdy’s Coffee: Mention this ad and receive a free drink coupon for a future visit
- Rejuvenate RX: 20% off botox, filler or laser hair removal
- Tacos Paisa: 15% off your total bill (one per person)
You can also download the Richmond KY App for up-to-date information and to enrich your visit!
The Vine
Friday, October 2, 2026, 6:30 PM
The Vine at Chenault Vineyard
2284 Barnes Mill Rd. Richmond, KY 40475
Event Details
EKU FAMILY WEEKEND + LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC
EKU students, faculty, parents & alumni: this one’s for YOU! Celebrate EKU Family Weekend with an unforgettable night at The Vine at Chenault Vineyards, featuring Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry and special guest Walker Montgomery on Friday, October 2nd!
Use code EKU15 for 15% OFF tickets exclusively for the EKU community.
We want to see a SEA OF MAROON filling the amphitheater!
Thank you and Go Big E!
For tickets and more information, please visit: thevineky.com
Millstone Festival
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Main Street in Downtown Richmond
Event Details
The annual Millstone Festival returns to Main Street in Downtown Richmond’s historic district, offering live entertainment, craft and community vendors, family activities, food and drinks. Hosted by the City of Richmond, the Millstone Festival celebrates local heritage, the community and Madison County’s long history in the milling industry.
ON-CAMPUS PARKING INFORMATION
There are three parking lots open for visiting guests for the duration of Family Weekend.
- Alumni Coliseum Lot
- Brockton Lot
- Commonwealth Employee Lot
All parking options are marked on the parking map in pink squares at the bottom of the website, if you have any questions, please call our office at 859-622-3855. View the full itinerary for Family Weekend.
Free Friday at the Student Recreation Center
Open Recreation at the SRC, 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Be our guest (for FREE) at the Student Recreation Center and enjoy Basketball, Volleyball, Racquetball, Pickleball, Esports and more. LEARN MORE!
Pool Time
Student Recreation Center, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Have a splashing good time at our Aquatic Center! Enjoy our 4 lap lanes, play a family game of aquatic volleyball or basketball, or relax in our spa. LEARN MORE!
Climb Time
Student Recreation Center, 12:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Join us at the SRC climbing center and see if you can make it to the summit! LEARN MORE!
EKU Challenge Course
EKU Challenge Course, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Take a spin on our zip-line or have your breath taken away by our giant swing on EKU’s Challenge Course. The Challenge Course is located behind the Stratton Building. We will have a shuttle running from the Student Recreation Center (SRC) starting at 1pm with the last shuttle leaving the SRC at 3:15pm. GET DIRECTIONS AND LEARN MORE!
Important Challenge Course Notes:
- If you would like to participate, please be at the course no later than 3:30pm.
- If you are under 18 years of age you will need a guardian to sign the waiver.
- You must wear appropriate clothing (preferably athletic wear) and shoes (close-toed w/laces).
Family Dinner
Case Kitchen, 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Case Kitchen is cashless; Master & Visa cards are the only accepted payment.
Kick-off your Family Weekend experience by enjoying dinner at Case Kitchen!
Our prices are $11.00+tax for Dinner (Mastercard & Visa only at Case Kitchen)
Free Guest Day at the Student Recreation Center
Open Recreation at the SRC, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Be our guest (for FREE) at the Student Recreation Center and enjoy Basketball, Volleyball, Racquetball, Pickleball, Esports and more. LEARN MORE!
Family Weekend Brunch
Case Kitchen, 10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Case Kitchen is cashless; Mastercard & Visa cards are the only accepted payment.
Enjoy brunch on campus with your Colonel before departing.
Breakfast ($9+tax per guest, Mastercard & Visa only at Case Kitchen)
Lunch/Dinner ($11+tax per guest, Mastercard & Visa only at Case Kitchen)
Millstone Festival Shuttles
Shuttles to Downtown Richmond, Millstone District, 11:00am-3:00pm
The Millstone Festival will be taking place on Main Street in Downtown Richmond from 11am – 8pm. As part of the Family Weekend experience, we will be providing shuttles for our Family Weekend participants during a portion of the festival.
Colonel-Val
Alumni Coliseum Parking Lot, 2 -5:00 p.m.
Join us for a fun Colonel carnival, the signature event of Family Weekend, with your family and friends! EKU Colonel-Val includes a Super Fun Slide, Berry Go Round Ballistic Swings, bumper cars, mechanical pumpkin, mini golf, games, giveaways, dancing, activities, free food and more! Bingo with cool prizes will be hosted on the EKU Baseball field, and you can see the EKU Marching Colonels perform a preview of their show. We can’t wait to see you there!
LEARN MORE!
EKU Football vs. North Alabama
Roy Kidd Stadium, 6:00 p.m. kickoff
Cheer on our Colonels during our second home game of the year! The 2026 Family of the Year and Legacy Family of the Year will be recognized during the game.
Price: Families of students can purchase tickets for just $10 in select sections, or receive $5 off any ticket priced $20 or higher by clicking HERE
Please note: Current EKU students with a valid EKU I.D. get in free of charge.
Family Weekend Brunch
Case Kitchen, 10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Case Kitchen is cashless; Mastercard & Visa cards are the only accepted payment.
Enjoy brunch on campus with your Colonel before departing.
Breakfast ($9+tax per guest, Mastercard & Visa only at Case Kitchen)
Lunch/Dinner ($11+tax per guest, Mastercard & Visa only at Case Kitchen)