The University of Tennessee at Martin will celebrate its annual Family Weekend with a slate of events and celebrations Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18.
Family Weekend welcomes current students and their families to campus by sharing athletics events, campus events and other activities.
Family Weekend begins Oct. 17 with check-in from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Paul Meek Library, where students and families can pick up their pre-ordered T-shirts or bundles. The library will also have Donuts with the Deans during that time, a come-and-go event in the North Windows area of the building. Students and families will be able to meet the university’s academic deans and enjoy complementary coffee and donuts.
From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., the Phillip W. Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center will host “Skyhawk Family Showdown,” a “Family Feud”-style game show where Skyhawk families compete for prizes.
The Family Weekend Tailgate Party will be held prior to the football game from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the Grove at Veterans Park adjacent to Hardy M. Graham Stadium. Free food and a performance by Traveling Max, along with games, a balloon artist and a photo booth are part of the pregame fun. Pre-ordered T-shirts and Family Weekend bundles may also be picked up at this event.
The Skyhawks take on Ohio Valley Conference rival Gardner-Webb at 2 p.m. at Hardy M. Graham Stadium. Tickets are $20 at the gate, and students get in for free.
The Skyhawk Drive-In Movie, “Project Hail Mary,” will close out the Saturday activities at 8 p.m.
On Oct. 18, the Family Weekend Brunch will be provided from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Skyhawk Dining Hall in the Boling University Center. Meals are $15.10 plus tax, and meal plans will be accepted from UT Martin students.
Families can take in a Skyhawk men’s basketball exhibition game against Central Arkansas at 2 p.m. in the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center, the first home competition for the team for the 2026-27 season. Tickets are $10 at the gate and students are admitted free.
For any questions regarding UT Martin Family Weekend, contact John Abel, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students, at jabel1@utm.edu. Information can also be found at www.utm.edu/familyweekend.
For more information about UT Martin, visit www.utm.edu or call 731-881-7000.
PHOTO: UT Martin celebrates Family Weekend on Oct. 17-18, an opportunity for students to share the campus sights and activities with their families. The photo shows families enjoying a picnic on campus during last year’s Family Weekend.
