Annual Tradition Will Kick Off Countdown to 19 Presidential Inauguration Celebration
MACON, Ga. — Mercer University’s Office of Campus Life will welcome students’ families to the Macon campus Oct. 9-11 to celebrate Family Weekend 2026.
The annual tradition invites families to explore Mercer’s campus and experience life as a Mercer Bear. Students, parents, siblings and other relatives can spend time together while meeting members of the University’s administration and faculty and participating in arts, athletics, educational programs and social activities.“We are so excited to host families on the Macon campus for Family Weekend,” said Meredith Keating White, executive director of campus life and student involvement. “There are many opportunities for connection, fun and education for our Mercer families who come to campus to check on their bear and engage with the wonderful experiences Mercer has to offer.”
Registration is recommended, and tickets are on sale now. Families may purchase a pass online through Oct. 8 or register on-site in the Godsey Science Center lobby from 4:30-7 p.m. Oct. 9 and 8-11:15 a.m. Oct. 10.
The $25 family registration includes Friday evening events, a continental breakfast and educational sessions on Saturday, tailgate activities, a restaurant discount card, the option to register for a Tower Tour and the opportunity to purchase Family Weekend T-shirts for an additional $7 each.
This year, Family Weekend will launch Countdown to 19, a series of events leading up to the Oct. 29 inauguration of Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D., as Mercer University’s 19th president.
Events planned for Family Weekend 2026 include:
Friday, Oct. 9
Ice Cream Social with President Elkins, Faculty and Staff
5-6:30 p.m., outside the Godsey Science Center
Cubstock Student Talent Show
7-8:30 p.m., Toney Auditorium in Willingham Hall
Saturday, Oct. 10
Family Weekend Concert
11-11:50 a.m., McCorkle Music Building
Football Tailgate
12-2 p.m., Black Field
Mercer Football vs. Western Carolina
3 p.m., Five Star Stadium
Sunday, Oct. 11
Tower Tours
10 a.m.-1 p.m., Godsey Administration Building
A complete schedule and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the Family Weekend website. For more information, contact the Office of Campus Life at campuslife@mercer.edu or (478) 301-2692.
