Friday, September 25
List of Events
The Wittliff Collections Open
8:30am - 4:30pm | Alkek Library, 7th Floor
Price: Free!
Experience the artistic process that springs from the Southwestern imagination by touring the Wittliff Collections, founded by Austin screenwriter and photographer Bill Wittliff and his wife, Sally. No ticket purchase necessary.
Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
9:30am - 5:00pm | The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
Price: $9.00 per person by showing proof of Family Weekend participation and/or Texas State student ID card. Tickets purchased on site.
Take a tour on the glass-bottom boats and learn more about Spring Lake. Boats run every 30 minutes starting at 10:00am, and last boat departs at 4:30pm.
Float the River
10:30am - 1:00pm | Sewell Park Outdoor Center
Price: $6.00 per tube
Come tube the San Marcos River with your Bobcat on your own schedule! Tubes are available for reservation at timeslots throughout the day for you and your family! Float the San Marcos River at your own pace, and get excited to ride down the (optional) tube chutes at the end!
Note: No shuttle is provided, but there is a scenic paved riverwalk back to Sewell Park. Tubes must be returned to the Outdoor Center. Portions of this river are deep enough that standing may be difficult. Tube chutes have strong current. Participants are encouraged to know how to swim and/or wear a life jacket (provided upon request).
Flex at the Rec
12:00 - 11:00pm | Student Recreation Center
Price: Free!
Family Weekend participants may tour and work out at the Student Recreation Center. Families must register for Family Weekend. Upon arrival, entrants must be registered for Family Weekend, and complete a waiver.
Float the River
1:00 - 3:30pm | Sewell Park Outdoor Center
Price: $6.00 per tube
Come tube the San Marcos River with your Bobcat on your own schedule! Tubes are available for reservation at timeslots throughout the day for you and your family! Float the San Marcos River at your own pace, and get excited to ride down the (optional) tube chutes at the end!
Note: No shuttle is provided, but there is a scenic paved riverwalk back to Sewell Park. Tubes must be returned to the Outdoor Center. Portions of this river are deep enough that standing may be difficult. Tube chutes have strong current. Participants are encouraged to know how to swim and/or wear a life jacket (provided upon request).
Welcome Hour
1:30 - 4:00pm | LBJ Student Center, LBJ Grand Ballroom
Price: Free!
The start of Family Weekend! You'll be welcomed to campus by university staff members, photo opportunities, refreshments and more. This will be a great start to your visit!
Off-Campus Housing Fair
1:30pm - 4:00pm | LBJ Student Center, LBJ Grand Ballroom
Price: Free!
Off-Campus Housing Fair: Come explore housing options in the San Marcos community and learn how to help your student transition from on-campus living to off-campus living. Thanks to a partnership between the City of San Marcos and Texas State Off-Campus Living, participating apartment communities have been vetted for quality and compliance. You'll also have access to valuable resources from our on-campus offices.
Get your questions answered and feel confident supporting your student in their next chapter!
Raft Through San Marcos
3:00pm - 6:00pm | Sewell Park Outdoor Center
Price: $20.00 per person, with a capacity of 20 people
Join Outdoor Center staff members on a paddle raft trip through town on the San Marcos river! Trip is first-come, first served, or call ahead (512-245-2940) and make a reservation for you and your family!
Note: Participants must weigh at least 60 pounds. Trips start and end at the Sewell Park Outdoor Center, transportation is provided.
Climb On!
4:00pm – 9:00pm | Student Recreation Center
Price: Free!
Family Weekend participants may receive instruction from Climbing Center staff members and climb the two 52’ climbing towers and a large bouldering area within the Student Recreation Center. No experience is needed, just a little courage! Much of the facility is dedicated to beginners. You must be registered for Family Weekend to participate.
Float the River
3:30pm - 6:00pm | Sewell Park Outdoor Center
Price: $6.00 per tube
Come tube the San Marcos River with your Bobcat on your own schedule! Tubes are available for reservation at timeslots throughout the day for you and your family! Float the San Marcos River on your own pace, and get excited to ride down the (optional) tube chutes at the end!
Note: No shuttle is provided, but there is a scenic paved riverwalk back to Sewell Park. Tubes must be returned to the Outdoor Center. Portions of this river are deep enough that standing may be difficult. Tube chutes have strong current. Participants are encouraged to know how to swim and/or wear a life jacket (provided upon request).
Downtown Wine Walk benefiting United Way of Hays & Caldwell Counties
5:30 - 8:30pm | Various Locations on the San Marcos Square
Price: Tickets are available starting at $30.00 per person at EventBrite (The first 50 purchasers can use promo code “TXSTfamily” for a 25% discount on your entire purchase)
Sip, stroll, and celebrate Family Weekend in Downtown San Marcos while supporting United Way of Hays & Caldwell Counties! Visit 10 local downtown businesses, including 2026 Texas State Family Choice Award-winning businesses, with curated wine and food pairings along the way. Guests will get to experience some of the best Downtown San Marcos has to offer while supporting United Way and their partner agencies serving individuals and families across Hays and Caldwell Counties.
Raft Through San Marcos
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Sewell Park Outdoor Center
Price: $20.00 per person, with a capacity of 20 people
Join Outdoor Center staff members on a paddle raft trip through town on the San Marcos river! Trip is first-come, first served, or call ahead (512-245-2940) and make a reservation for you and your family!
Saturday, September 26
University Camp Day Visit
8:00 am - 8:00 pm (arrive anytime) | Texas State’s University Camp, Wimberley, Texas
Price: Free!
With 126 acres, University Camp hosts over four miles of hiking and biking trails and sweeping views of the Blanco River and the river valley. Offering a variety of year-round outdoor recreation such as swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing, University Camp is an ideal location for special events, family gatherings, or a day getaway! Each student may bring one vehicle for themself and their guests.
For More Info
Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
9:30am - 5:00pm | The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
Price: $9.00 per person by showing proof of Family Weekend participation and/or Texas State student ID card. Tickets purchased on site.
Take a tour on the glass-bottom boats and learn more about Spring Lake. Boats run every 30 minutes starting at 10:00am, and last boat departs at 4:30pm.
Dean's List Recognition Event Celebrating Bobcat Excellence: Family Weekend Edition
10:00am - 12:00pm | Student Recreation Center
Price: Free, by invite only
This casual come and go event honoring the Spring 2026 TXST President’s List (4.0 GPA) and Dean's List (3.5+ GPA) recipients provides the opportunity for students and families to meet President Damphousse and their college dean, grab a selfie, and network with other honorees. Eligible students will receive a unique invitation to the President's List/Dean's List Recognition Event at the start of the fall semester to RSVP for the event. For more information, visit the Academic Engagement website.
Service/Volunteer Event
10:00am - 12:00pm | LBJ Student Center, Room 314
Price: Free!
Join us for a come-and-go service opportunity; bring your family by to engage in some or all of the three meaningful service projects available:
- Card-writing for active duty military
- Assembling hygiene kits for Southside Community Center
- Making cat and dog toys to donate to the San Marcos Regional Animal shelter with old t-shirts (some shirt material will be provided but if you have any old shirts you'd like to use, please bring those!)
Raft Through San Marcos
10:00am – 1:00pm | Sewell Park Outdoor Center
Price: $20.00 per person, with a capacity of 20 people
Join Outdoor Center staff members on a paddle raft trip through town on the San Marcos river! Trip is first-come, first served, or call ahead (512-245-2940) and make a reservation for you and your family!
Float the River
10:30am - 1:00pm | Sewell Park Outdoor Center
Price: $6.00 per tube
Come tube the San Marcos River with your Bobcat on your own schedule! Tubes are available for reservation at timeslots throughout the day for you and your family! Float the San Marcos River AT your own pace, and get excited to ride down the (optional) tube chutes at the end!
Note: No shuttle is provided, but there is a scenic paved riverwalk back to Sewell Park. Tubes must be returned to the Outdoor Center. Portions of this river are deep enough that standing may be difficult. Tube chutes have strong current. Participants are encouraged to know how to swim and/or wear a life jacket (provided upon request).
The Wittliff Collections Open
11:00am - 4:30pm | Alkek Library, 7th Floor
Price: Free!
Experience the artistic process that springs from the Southwestern imagination by touring the Wittliff Collections, founded by Austin screenwriter and photographer Bill Wittliff and his wife, Sally. No purchase necessary.
Texas State Volleyball Game vs. Colorado State
Time: 12:00pm | Strahan Coliseum at the University Events Center (UEC)
Price: Family Weekend general admission tickets may be purchased at a discount at txst.com/tickets by using promo code FAMILY in the promo code box.
Fans are encouraged to wear Maroon to the game to cheer on your Texas State Bobcats in a Pac-12 match-up versus the Colorado State Rams.
Note: All Texas State students receive free general admission to all home athletic events with their Texas State student ID.
Flex at the Rec
12:00 - 8:00 pm | Student Recreation Center
Price: Free!
Family Weekend participants may tour and work out at the Student Recreation Center at no charge.Upon arrival, entrants must be registered for Family Weekend and complete a waiver.
Float the River
1:00 - 3:30pm | Sewell Park Outdoor Center
Price: $6.00 per tube
Visit the Outdoor Center for remaining first-come first-served opportunities.
Come tube the San Marcos River with your Bobcat on your own schedule! Tubes are available for reservation at timeslots throughout the day for you and your family! Float the San Marcos River on your own pace, and get excited to ride down the (optional) tube chutes at the end!
Note: No shuttle is provided, but there is a scenic paved riverwalk back to Sewell Park. Tubes must be returned to the Outdoor Center. Portions of this river are deep enough that standing may be difficult. Tube chutes have strong current. Participants are encouraged to know how to swim and/or wear a life jacket (provided upon request).
Family Weekend Tailgate
2:30pm - 4:30pm | Tailgate Central
Price: $22.00 per person. Sales available for pre-purchase here.
Join us for an afternoon full of family-friendly activities and delicious tailgate food in advance of that evening's football game. Enjoy meeting other Bobcat families. Upon arrival, entrants must be registered for Family Weekend, and show their Family Weekend event bracelet to enter the Family Weekend Tailgate.
Float the River
3:30 - 6:00pm | Sewell Park Outdoor Center
Price: $6.00 per tube
Come tube the San Marcos River with your Bobcat on your own schedule! Tubes are available for reservation at timeslots throughout the day for you and your family! Float the San Marcos River on your own pace, and get excited to ride down the (optional) tube chutes at the end!
Note: No shuttle is provided, but there is a scenic paved riverwalk back to Sewell Park. Tubes must be returned to the Outdoor Center. Portions of this river are deep enough that standing may be difficult. Tube chutes have strong current. Participants are encouraged to know how to swim and/or wear a life jacket (provided upon request).
Texas State Football Game vs. University of Incarnate Word
Time: 5:00pm | UFCU Stadium
Price: Family Weekend general admission tickets may be purchased at a discount for $20.00 each (normally $35,00) at txst.com/tickets by using promo code FAMILY in the upper right corner.
Fans are encouraged to wear gold to the game to cheer on your Texas State Bobcats in a Pac-12 match-up versus the University of Incarnate Word Cardinals. For full game day information, please visit the TXST Gameday Website.
Note: All Texas State students receive free general admission to all home athletic events with their Texas State student ID.
Stargazing
7:30pm - 9:30pm | Supple Science Building - Observatory
Price: Free!
Stargaze with us this evening, as the observatory houses a 16-inch telescope making our galaxies visible from both near and far (provided the weather cooperates and the sky is visible). No ticket purchase necessary.
Sunday, September 27
University Camp Day Visit
8:00 am - 8:00 pm (arrive anytime) | Texas State’s University Camp, Wimberley, Texas
Price: Free!
With 126 acres, University Camp hosts over four miles of hiking and biking trails and sweeping views of the Blanco River and the river valley. Offering a variety of year-round outdoor recreation such as swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing, University Camp is an ideal location for special events, family gatherings, or a day getaway! Each student may bring one vehicle for themself and their guests.
For More Info
Family Weekend Brunch
9:00 - 10:30am
Price: $30.00 per person
Start your Sunday with a delicious meal, great company, and plenty of Bobcat spirit. Enjoy classic brunch favorites while connecting with fellow families and students. It’s the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable weekend at Texas State because nothing says “Bobcat Family” like brunch together!
Float the River
10:30am - 1:00pm | Sewell Park Outdoor Center
Price: $6.00 per tube
Come tube the San Marcos River with your Bobcat on your own schedule! Tubes are available for reservation at timeslots throughout the day for you and your family! Float the San Marcos River at your own pace, and get excited to ride down the (optional) tube chutes at the end!
Note: No shuttle is provided, but there is a scenic paved riverwalk back to Sewell Park. Tubes must be returned to the Outdoor Center. Portions of this river are deep enough that standing may be difficult. Tube chutes have strong current. Participants are encouraged to know how to swim and/or wear a life jacket (provided upon request).
Flex at the Rec
12:00 - 11:00pm | Student Recreation Center
Price: Free!
Family Weekend participants may tour and work out at the Student Recreation Center. Families must register for Family Weekend. Upon arrival, entrants must be registered for Family Weekend, and complete a waiver.
Float the River
1:00 - 3:30pm | Sewell Park Outdoor Center
Price: $6.00 per tube
Come tube the San Marcos River with your Bobcat on your own schedule! Tubes are available for reservation at timeslots throughout the day for you and your family! Float the San Marcos River at your own pace, and get excited to ride down the (optional) tube chutes at the end!
Note: No shuttle is provided, but there is a scenic paved riverwalk back to Sewell Park. Tubes must be returned to the Outdoor Center. Portions of this river are deep enough that standing may be difficult. Tube chutes have strong current. Participants are encouraged to know how to swim and/or wear a life jacket (provided upon request).