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Enjoy Family & Friends Day at ESU Sept. 19

Emporia, KS (09/15/2026) — Emporia State University is prepared for campus visitors during Family and Friends Day on Saturday, Sept. 19. Planned activities cover more than 12 hours beginning with a fun run and ending with a moon observation night.

Information about all events, including any registration requirements, are online at emporia.edu/familyday.

9 a.m. - ESU Family and Friends Day Fun Run

Kellogg Circle, 12th Avenue and Commercial Street

This race is a unique, untimed fun-themed 5K activity. During this run, participants will enjoy fun interactive stations! The fun continues at the finish line with the Family and Friends Day events beginning soon after. Even if you aren't participating in the run, you can still come out to cheer on your friends and family! While the Family and Friends Day Fun Run event is all about fun, the 5K also focuses on promoting healthy living and is ideal for first-time 5K participants.

10-11 a.m. - Feathered Friends of the Prairie

Prophet Aquatic Research & Outreach Center, 601 E. 18th Ave.

Join PAROC and the Grassland Heritage Foundation for a morning dedicated to grassland bird conservation, perfect for avid birdwatchers, prairie enthusiasts, and nature beginners alike. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. with guest speaker Bob Gress presenting "A Changing World for Kansas Birds," highlighting conservation efforts across the state. Due to limited seats, registration is required for the presentation.

10-11:30 a.m. - Planetarium Show

Peterson Planetarium, Science Building

Enjoy a captivating all-dome presentation of "Super Massive Black Holes - Unveiling the Invisible!" Discover the hidden giants that lurk at the centers of galaxies and explore how astronomers uncover these mysterious objects through an immersive journey that reveals the science behind the universe's most fascinating phenomena. Attendees will also enjoy a live night sky tour presented by Planetarium Director Mark Brown, highlighting the stars, constellations, and planets visible in the evening sky, with the full experience lasting approximately one hour. Due to limited seats, registration is required for the show.

11 a.m.-Noon - Birdwatching: Feathered Friends of the Prairie

Prophet Aquatic Research & Outreach Center, 601 E. 18th Ave.

After the 10 a.m. presentation, all are welcome to join expert ornithologists Dr. William Jensen and Emporia State University graduate student Sarah Beismeier for birdwatching in Campus Prairie and Campus Woods, alongside a variety of hands-on, bird-themed activities such as birdhouse and birdfeeder crafting.

1-1:30 p.m. - Hornet Walk (1-1:30pm)

Feltner Union Square, Pedestrian Mall, Welch Stadium parking area

Hornet Walk, taking place 3 hours before kickoff, begins the Hornet Football game day experience. Join the Hornets, ESU Cheer and the Marching Hornets as they leave the team meal in the Memorial Union, walk down the pedestrian mall to Morse Drive, and then into Welch Stadium. Route Map is available online.

1:30-3 p.m. - Fan Fest

Visser Hall

Kick off the tailgate with us at the Fan Fest, where you can check in to receive your official shirt and swag while enjoying snacks, crafts and the opportunity to check out student vendors. The National Teachers Hall of Fame (located in Visser Hall) will also be open and available for tours during this time. The event wraps up at 3 p.m., giving everyone plenty of time to head out and join in on the Live at the Hive tailgate activities.

1:30-4 p.m. - Live at the Hive

Visser Hall Parking Lot

Get hyped for Hornet Football at Live at the Hive-the ultimate pregame experience. We're bringing the energy with Hornet Jam Live from the parking lot, featuring DJ Rusty Turner, tailgate games, axe throwing, a mechanical bull, inflatables, food trucks, and special appearances from ESU Cheer, Marching Hornets, coaches and Corky!

4 p.m. Hornet Football Kickoff

Welch Stadium

Get loud and cheer for the Hornets as they play against the University of Nebraska Kearney! Stingers UP! Youth in high school and younger are admitted free with paid adult general admission ticket. Order tickets at emporia.link/athletic-tickets.

7-10 p.m. International Observe the Moon Night

Radius Taproom, 17 W. Fourth Ave.

Keep Family Day going after the final whistle by heading to Radius Taproom for International Observe the Moon Night. This free, all-ages community event offers hands-on STEM fun, lunar exploration and - weather permitting - guided telescope views of craters, mountains, and seas. Grab a snack or drink and cap off a day of Hornet pride with an unforgettable evening under the night sky!

About Emporia State University

Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Library and Information Management and Library and Archives, Science and Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.

ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.

For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.

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