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YSU Family Weekend 2025
YSU’s annual Family Weekend will take place the weekend of October 3rd through 5th, and we invite all students to have their families join them to share in the campus experience. Family can mean something different to everyone, and we are excited to have the opportunity to host the members of YSU’s extended family for a fun, family-friendly weekend!
Any questions can be directed to John Michael Haky, Associate Director of Residence Life, at jmhaky@ysu.edu
Family Weekend Events
Friday, October 3, 2025
First Fridays Downtown Youngstown
Friday, October 3rd. 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. The Phelps Street Gateway.
First Fridays Downtown Youngstown takes place every first Friday of the month in and around Downtown Youngstown at various locations. During First Fridays, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy live music, shopping, local dining, entertainment, arts, activities, recreation, and more. For more details, visit firstfridaysyoungstown.org. Visit the Family Weekend table for more Family Weekend information and opportunities.
YSU Volleyball vs Northern Kentucky
Friday, October 3rd. First serve is at 5:00 p.m. at Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center
Come cheer on our Penguins as they face off against the Norse of Northern Kentucky! Admission is free for all (no registration required).
More information on the YSU Volleyball schedule and game promotions can be found at https://ysusports.com/sports/womens-volleyball/schedule
YSU’s University Theatre presents Arsenic & Old Lace
Friday, October 3rd. 7:30 p.m. at YSU Ford Theater (Bliss Hall)
YSU’s University Theatre presents its production of Arsenic & Old Lace, a 1939 play by American playwright Joseph Kesselring. Tickets for this event may be purchased by visiting ysu.tix.com.
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Family Weekend Bingo
Saturday, October 4th. First call is at 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Kilcawley Center Chestnut Room Dining Area
Start off the day with several rounds of exciting YSU Bingo for some fantastic prizes!
YSU Volleyball vs Northern Kentucky
Saturday, October 4th. First serve is at 1:00 p.m. at Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center
Come cheer on our Penguins as they face off against the Norse of Northern Kentucky! Admission is free for all (no registration required).
More information on the YSU Volleyball schedule and game promotions can be found at https://ysusports.com/sports/womens-volleyball/schedule
Family Picnic
Saturday, October 4th. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Daniel H. Becker Family Fountain Commons
Families! Friends! Fun! Join other YSU family and friends for an afternoon of food, games, socializing, and more as members of the penguin community.
Football Game vs South Dakota State
Saturday, October 4th. Kickoff is at 6:00 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium
Come cheer on our Penguins as they face off against the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State! YSU students receive free YSU Football season tickets, and current YSU students can register for up to two complimentary tickets (see Family Weekend Registration information below).
More information on the YSU Football gameday and promotions can be found at https://ysusports.com/sports/2022/3/10/tickets-and-marketing-football-gameday.aspx
YSU’s University Theatre presents Arsenic & Old Lace
Saturday, October 4th. 7:30 p.m. at YSU Ford Theater (Bliss Hall)
YSU’s University Theatre presents its production of Arsenic & Old Lace, a 1939 play by American playwright Joseph Kesselring. Tickets for this event may be purchased by visiting ysu.tix.com.
Family Weekend Registration
By registering their family for Family Weekend, current YSU students and their family receive:
- Up to 2 tickets to the Football Game vs. South Dakota State on Saturday, October 4th (6:00 pm) (current students admitted free)
- A Parking Pass for a designated campus parking facility
- Students currently living in YSU-owned housing will also receive up to 2 YSU Family Weekend scarves as part of their registration.
Registration forms must be submitted no later than Friday, September 26, 2025, at 5:00 pm.
Students and families who need to request more than the two complimentary football tickets may purchase additional tickets at the special Family Weekend rate of $7 per ticket. Requests for additional tickets must be submitted through the Family Weekend registration form, and any additional ticket fees will be billed to the student’s account.
Football tickets will still be available after the September 26, 2025, deadline, but must be purchased through the Athletics Ticket Office at the regular ticket costs.
(YSU log-in required)
Family of the Year Nominations
Housing & Residence Life at Youngstown State University is excited to honor a YSU family by recognizing a Family of the Year. Families are an essential part of the support network for our students. Thus, we ask for you to honor those that support you by nominating them for YSU’s Family of the Year. The award celebrates the role that families play in the lives of students and the Penguin community. The selection of the Youngstown State University’s Family of the Year is based upon the nomination by YSU students and the review and selection by members of YSU's Division of Student Affairs.
Barnes & Noble Bookstore
Be sure to visit our YSU bookstore for all the amazing YSU gear and swag!
Present the below coupon during Family Weekend 10/03/25-10/05/25 and receive 10% off your purchase.
Bookseller instruction: follow transaction-level $ off coupon keystrokes. Enter coupon code HELLO25
Printer Friendly PDF of Coupon
*Offer not valid on textbooks, course materials, diploma frames, technology, regalia, Apple products, or gift cards.
Offer cannot be combined with any other promotion or offer and excludes clearance merchandise. Coupon is not redeemable for cash.
Navigating the YSU Campus
Beyond Campus
There is more to do in Youngstown! While you are in town, you can check out these other attractions and events happening during Family Weekend.
Click on the images below for more information on that topic
