Show your Family Weekend access pass at the front desk and play for free in Corner Pocket all weekend. Enjoy free billiards, table tennis, video games, air hockey, foosball, and more!

Sponsored by Corner Pocket

The veterans of George Mason University and the Cadets of Mason’s ROTC Patriot Battalion cordially invite veterans and their families to attend the 2018 Veterans Day Luncheon. RSVP to Sophie Smith at arotc@gmu.edu.

Sponsored by The Army ROTC Patriot Battalion and the Office of the President

Come celebrate the 243rd anniversary of the United States Marine Corps! All are invited to enjoy light refreshments and free game play in Corner Pocket, located in The Hub.

Sponsored by Corner Pocket and Mason Student Centers

German Perilla, Director of the Honey Bee Initiative at The School of Business and College of Science, will host a honey tasting and exhibition showcasing the Mason honey bee program. Come see what all the buzz is about!

Sponsored by the School of Business and the College of Science

Send your favorite Mason student an extra hug by creating a custom care package to be delivered after Family Weekend. Choose from a variety of snacks and fun items that are sure to evoke a smile and help get them through the end of the semester. Cash, check and credit card will be accepted on-site.

Your first stop during Family Weekend is to visit the check-in desk to pick up your access pass, special event tickets, and a schedule of events for the weekend! 

We know you’ll want to remember this weekend, so stop by our photo booth to capture the moment with your family in front of some unique Mason backdrops! 

Families are welcome to use Mason’s state-of-the-art recreation facilities throughout the weekend. Show your Family Weekend access pass to gain access to one of our three facilities on the Fairfax campus. Sponsored by Mason Recreation

Recreation Athletic Complex: Noon–10 p.m.
Aquatic and Fitness Center: Noon–8 p.m.
Skyline: Noon-Midnight

Join the Mason Libraries for a fun, family-friendly workshop on identifying fake news. This interactive session addresses the many faces of news today from the slightly misleading to the biased to the truly outrageous.

Premiere works by emerging choreographers performed by the Mason Dance Company.

*Family Weekend participants receive a 15% discount when purchasing tickets online after August 1 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online at cfa.gmu.edu using the discount code FAMILY18.

Get ready for the flu season with your flu shot! Student Health Services will be offering flu shots to Mason students ($25), faculty ($30), and visiting family members ($30) at this special flu clinic. Flu shots are offered to individuals 18 years and older. Only check, Mason Money and credit card are accepted.

Sponsored by Student Health Services 

Students and their families are invited to stop by to mingle with Mason faculty and staff from the following academic Colleges and Schools:
– College of Health and Human Services
– College of Humanities and Social Sciences
– College of Science
– Schar School of Policy and Government
– School of Business

Join other Mason students and families in video game open play! Multiple games on XBox 1, PS4 and a raspberry pie gaming unit will be available. Snacks and board games will also be available.

Sponsored by Patriot Tech

Join us for an evening of fun including a movie, pizza, and games!

Sponsored by University Life at the Science and Technology Campus 

Drop in anytime between 5-6:30 p.m. for the official kickoff of Family Weekend including dinner, games for the entire family, raffle prizes and more! If attending the men’s basketball game, plan to depart the kickoff celebration by 6:30 p.m. in order to make it to Eagle Bank Arena in time for tip-off.

Co-sponsored by the College of Education and Human Development

Sample menu:
Southern fried chicken, rotisserie chicken, pulled pork sliders, cole slaw, macaroni and cheese, roasted vegetables, corn muffins, assorted desserts and a selection of domestic, local and craft beers. Gluten-free options will be available.

By invitation only.

Sponsored by the MasonLIFE Program

George Mason University Hillel and Chabad are thrilled to announce our first annual Family Weekend Shabbat! Please join us for a meaningful night of services, conversation, and amazing food. This week we invite Mason family members to join us!

Mason Hillel & Chabad Shabbat dinners are free for students weekly. This week we want to share that experience with you and your family. Dinners are generously sponsored by Mason families, alumni, community members and generous foundations. Registration is required.

Sponsored by the George Mason Hillel

Come prepared to dance and sweat yourself into shape with this Latin influenced workout!

*All participants must be at least 16 years of age. Appropriate workout attire required, including shirt and close-toed athletic shoes.

Cheer the Patriots to victory at their second home game of the season!

*Students must purchase a ticket if they want to sit with their family. For more information, view the Men’s Basketball Game FAQs.

Visit the College of Science’s on-campus observatory for an introductory tour and observation of the night sky through our 0.8-meter diameter telescope (weather permitting). Depending upon conditions, we will observe available planets, stars, galaxies, and more!

Sponsored by the College of Science

Premiere works by emerging choreographers performed by the Mason Dance Company.

*Family Weekend participants receive a 15% discount when purchasing tickets online after August 1 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online at cfa.gmu.edu using the discount code FAMILY18.

It’s open mic night! Our talented Mason Patriots will showcase their skills in improv, spoken word, voice and more. Light refreshments will be served.

Families are welcome to use Mason’s state-of-the-art recreation facilities throughout the weekend. Show your Family Weekend access pass to gain access to one of our three facilities on the Fairfax campus. Sponsored by Mason Recreation

Recreation Athletic Complex: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.

Aquatic and Fitness Center: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Skyline: Noon-Midnight

In case you did not check in on Friday, come by the check-in desk between 8 a.m.-1 p.m. to pick up your access pass, special event tickets, and schedule of events.

George Mason Ultimate is hosting it’s annual Patriot Games home tournament! More information is available at facebook.com/events/468344906965304.

Visit gomason.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=328 for more information. Go Patriots!

Mason’s close proximity to Washington, D.C. makes this bus tour a must for those interested in sightseeing and learning more about the nation’s capital. The tour will take participants all around the monuments and special landmarks of D.C. and will make one stop where participants can get off the bus and explore the monuments by foot. The bus will depart promptly at 9 a.m. Snack bags will be provided for every participant.

Join us for a trip to Lorton, VA to see George Mason’s home, Gunston Hall. Guests will receive a guided tour of the mansion with outbuildings, 550 acres of grounds and hiking trails to visit. For more information about Gunston Hall, visit gunstonhall.org. The bus will depart promptly at 9 a.m. Snack bags will be provided for every participant. 

Great Falls is one of Northern Virginia’s most popular hiking destinations. With over 800 acres of land just 15 miles from the Nation’s Capital, the park is filled with rich history and beautiful landscapes. Families will enjoy a short hike guided by staff and students from Mason Outdoor Adventure. The bus will depart promptly at 9 a.m. Snack bags will be provided for every participant.

Sponsored by Outdoor Adventures 

Join fellow Mason students and families for various service projects, benefiting the Fairfax Humane Society, local assisted living facilities and fire stations, and the Patriot Pantry. Stay for the entire time or drop in to help these great causes!

We encourage you to bring any of the following items for the Patriot Pantry: pre-made meals/pre-made on the go snacks, granola bars/snack bars, chips and crackers, rice, cereal, non-perishable milk, healthy snacks, peanut butter, oatmeal, pasta, pasta sauce, canned meat (chicken, beef, pork, etc.), deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, toothbrushes/toothpaste, laundry detergent/dryer sheets, body wash, and shaving cream/razors, college-ruled paper, notebooks, planners, folders, binders, scantrons, #2 pencils, highlighters and index cards. You can also order popular food items through the Patriot Pantry’s online Amazon Wish List or you can contribute monetarily to the Student Food and Housing Insecurity Fund.

Sponsored in part by LEAD and the Student Support and Advocacy Center

Visit Mason’s Science and Technology Campus and participate in a free climb at The EDGE! Participants will enjoy a tour of the facilities, team-building activities, and at least an hour of open climb.

*Participants must arrange their own transportation. You cannot participate if you are under 10 years old, have a heart condition, kidney/liver transplant, or are pregnant.

Sponsored by The EDGE

By invitation only.

Sponsored by Annual Giving

Are you interested in getting more involved in the Mason community? Come learn more about this opportunity for Mason families to get involved!

Show your Family Weekend access pass at the front desk and play for free in Corner Pocket all weekend. Enjoy free billiards, table tennis, video games, air hockey, foosball, and more!

Sponsored by Corner Pocket

Ever wonder what goes on inside the real criminal minds? Come listen to Dr. Mary Ellen O’Toole, Director of the Forensic Science program at Mason, share her experience as one of the FBI’s most senior and accomplished profilers. During her career, she worked on many high-profile cases, including the Elizabeth Smart abduction, the Unabomber case, the Green River Killer, and the Natalee Holloway investigation.

Calling all future Mason Patriots! Mason students can bring their siblings, cousins and friends to enjoy crafts, Wii games, giveaways, and more! Feel free to drop Little Patriots off here and explore other programming like our Faculty Spotlight!

Visit Mason’s Science and Technology Campus and participate in a free climb at The EDGE! Participants will enjoy a tour of the facilities, team-building activities, and at least an hour of open climb.

*Participants must arrange their own transportation. You cannot participate if you are under 10 years old, have a heart condition, kidney/liver transplant, or are pregnant.

Sponsored by The EDGE

Enjoy an afternoon of music, art and camaraderie at the Hylton Performing Arts Center! Take in short vocal and instrumental performances by community arts groups, an art exhibition by veterans, music lessons and activities for family members of all ages designed to celebrate and honor the military.

Sponsored by the Hylton Performing Arts Center

Play the Patriot way and join us for an afternoon of interactive games and activities! Mason students and their families are invited to take over Skyline for a Mason (horse) basketball tournament, corn hole, four square and giant jenga.

Sponsored by Mason Recreation

We know you’ll want to remember this weekend, so stop by our photo booth to capture the moment with your family in front of some unique Mason backdrops! 

Visit Mason’s Science and Technology Campus and participate in a free climb at The EDGE! Participants will enjoy a tour of the facilities, team-building activities, and at least an hour of open climb.

*Participants must arrange their own transportation. You cannot participate if you are under 10 years old, have a heart condition, kidney/liver transplant, or are pregnant.

Sponsored by The EDGE

Enjoy featured wines and good conversation with Mason families while browsing artwork and viewing special performances by College of Visual and Performing Arts programs.  Included in the $12 registration price is one glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres. Included in the $5 registration price is hors d’oeuvres only. NOTE: Must be 21 years of age to purchase wine. IDs will be checked at the door.

Sponsored in part by the College of Visual and Performing Arts 

Join us for dinner and an evening of entertainment, including student performances and the presentation of the 2017 Alan and Sally Merten Family of the Year Award.

Sample menu: Bake potato soup, mixed green salad, seared chicken with cream sauce and caramelized apples, pork loin, broccolini, carrots, wild rice, roasted vegetables and assorted desserts. Kids menu and gluten-free options will be available.

Premiere works by emerging choreographers performed by the Mason Dance Company.

*Family Weekend participants receive a 15% discount when purchasing tickets online after August 1 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online at cfa.gmu.edu using the discount code FAMILY18.

Virginia Opera presents Mozart’s wildly popular Don Giovanni, an enthralling opera from its thrilling overture up through its breathtaking final scene. This womanizing scoundrel, better known as Don Juan, has a list of amorous conquests so long it takes his attendant an entire aria just to name them all! Three of the Don’s former lovers pursue him attempting to get revenge, and in the end, the devious rogue finally gets his comeuppance when he refuses to repent from his evil ways. This captivating masterpiece is filled with deep human tragedy, uproarious comedy, powerful music, and the soaring voices of the Virginia Opera in a luscious production. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.

*Family Weekend participants receive a 15% discount when purchasing tickets online after August 1 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online at cfa.gmu.edu using the discount code FAMILY18.

George Mason Ultimate is hosting it’s annual Patriot Games home tournament! More information is available at facebook.com/events/468344906965304.

Join us for the seventh annual Family Weekend 5K Run/Walk. The course will take you across Mason’s beautiful campus, so come prepared to walk, run, and enjoy the scenery! The registration fee includes official timing, snacks, a t-shirt, and some friendly competition with Mason students and families! The race will be held rain or shine.

Families are welcome to use Mason’s state-of-the-art recreation facilities throughout the weekend. Show your Family Weekend access pass to gain access to one of our three facilities on campus. Sponsored by Mason Recreation 

Recreation Athletic Complex: 9 a.m.–Midnight
Aquatic and Fitness Center: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Skyline: Noon-Midnight

Rise and shine for breakfast and a chance at winning some awesome Mason gear! Our closing breakfast will feature live jazz music performed by our very own Mason students, optional bingo and an appearance from the Patriot, Mason’s mascot, who will be available for family photo ops!

Sample menu: Waffle station, scrambles eggs, cereal station, omelet station, crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, potatoes, pastries and croissants. Gluten-free options will be available.

Show your Family Weekend access pass at the front desk and play for free in Corner Pocket all weekend. Enjoy free billiards, table tennis, video games, air hockey, foosball, and more!

Sponsored by Corner Pocket

Virginia Opera presents Mozart’s wildly popular Don Giovanni, an enthralling opera from its thrilling overture up through its breathtaking final scene. This womanizing scoundrel, better known as Don Juan, has a list of amorous conquests so long it takes his attendant an entire aria just to name them all! Three of the Don’s former lovers pursue him attempting to get revenge, and in the end, the devious rogue finally gets his comeuppance when he refuses to repent from his evil ways. This captivating masterpiece is filled with deep human tragedy, uproarious comedy, powerful music, and the soaring voices of the Virginia Opera in a luscious production. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.

*Family Weekend participants receive a 15% discount when purchasing tickets online after August 1 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online at cfa.gmu.edu using the discount code FAMILY18.

Come prepared to dance and sweat yourself into shape with this Latin influenced workout!

*All participants must be at least 16 years of age. Appropriate workout attire required, including shirt and close-toed athletic shoes.

Join us for one of the hottest workouts in the pool! Flow MotionFITT, where strength, balance, cardio endurance and functional movement patterns meet on the mat to enhance your performance in the water. This 60-minute class will tone and strengthen your core like never before. We throw everything on the mats! Ripples, bumps and FUN! All levels are welcome. Comfort in deep water is REQUIRED.

*All participants must be at least 16 years of age.

Under the direction of Dr. Stan Engebretson, join the School of Music for a wonderful afternoon of vocal pop music presented by Mason a cappella groups! This performance is free and non-ticketed.