29th Annual Family Weekend
Please note that each signature event has a separate reservation.
The reservation system will open in mid-August 2026.
When: Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
Where: Various locations across campus and San Diego
Family Weekend is in the fall semester and celebrates SDSU students, families and friends! It invites parents and family supporters to get a glimpse into their student’s life at SDSU. It is one of SDSU’s most long-standing traditions and brings thousands of students, parents and family supporters and alumni together. Several events are hosted throughout the weekend specifically for attendees. The signature events have included a picnic, brunch and a football tailgate.
About
Please check back at a later date for general dates.
We would like to invite all SDSU students and their parents and family supporters, with a special invitation to fall 2026 admitted first-year, transfer, graduate students, alumni, and their parents and family supporters.
There will be various events happening throughout the weekend at several locations. Most locations are at SDSU’s San Diego campus, but some are off campus, such as our Family Weekend Tailgate at Snapdragon Stadium.
- 20% OFF tickets (and no additional online fees) to the San Diego State Aztecs vs. Texas State football game during Family Weekend on Saturday, October 3, 2026. A link for discounted tickets will be provided in your confirmation email. Offer lasts as long as tickets are available.
- A welcome packet full of resources and a lanyard with a name tag.
- Access to discounts at the SDSU Bookstore and Bartell Hotels.
- Access to visit departmental open houses and workshops, and a student organization expo on Friday, featuring 450+ registered student organizations on campus.
- Opportunity to take campus and historical/cultural tours and experience receptions.
- FREE Kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Rental at Mission Bay Aquatic Center.
- ALL of the benefits listed above.
- A meal for each registered family member (meal varies based on Signature Event).
- Family Weekend t-shirt included for all 13 + children/adults registrants (youth sizes not available). Registration to a Signature Event must be made by the Early Bird Deadline (11:59 p.m. on Monday, August 24) in order to receive a shirt. Family Weekend shirts will be available for purchase during Family Weekend Check-In (while supplies last).
- The opportunity to mingle with other SDSU families, faculty, staff, alumni and administrators at your selected Signature Event.
- Opportunity to win additional giveaways, such as an overnight stay at a Bartell Hotel for the next time you visit your student!
Pre-Family Weekend
We know you’re going to plan an amazing weekend with your student and we want to provide you with information to make the most of your time together. Please review the information and resources below.
Attendees are encouraged to wear SDSU apparel. Wear casual clothing (i.e., a light jacket, hat/sunglasses and comfortable shoes for walking around campus). Optional: A reusable water bottle and sunscreen.
We will try to arrange support services/accommodations for you if you require special assistance. We cannot guarantee that all requests will be accommodated. Please note, we do not have wheelchairs or mobility devices to loan for Family Weekend. If you require a wheelchair or mobility devise, please bring one with you.
Please let us know of your needs by filling in the appropriate section of the online reservation at the time you register.
Hotel
If you need to make travel accommodations, special discounts can be found on the Bartell Hotels and SDSU page. Bartell Hotels offers eight unique hotels and you are encouraged to make reservations early. Ask for the “SDSU Friends and Family Rate.”
Air
We are excited to share that we have partnered with Alaska Airlines to offer Aztec students and families 50% off the first month of Alaska Flight Pass. Flight Pass is an annual subscription for frequent flights within California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah, all without breaking the bank. Visit the Alaska Flight Pass site to learn more (terms and conditions apply) and enter code AZTECS50OFF at checkout to save 50% on your first month's subscription.
We also offer Aztec Parents Association members a preferred discount of 10% on any Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air flight to San Diego, CA through December 31, 2026. View details on the Aztec Parents Association page.
Day-of Family Weekend
We encourage use of the MTS trolley or bus to reach SDSU. SDSU is conveniently located on the MTS Green Line trolley and many MTS stations offer free parking. Google Maps and the Transit App provide directions to SDSU Station via transit. The Green Line Guide is designed to help you navigate public transportation to and from SDSU with ease. Carpooling is strongly encouraged for those who drive, as campus parking is limited.
If you choose to drive, a paid valid parking permit is required on campus at all times. A 1-day parking permit will be available for purchase through the “Know before you go” email. The digital permit will be valid during Family Weekend only and cannot be switched.
A valid parking permit is required on campus at all times. Regulations are enforced at all times. Do not park outside of a parking structure or in any reserved, faculty-staff, or other specially marked space. Failure to obtain a valid parking permit may result in a citation.
To pay for additional parking, visitors are encouraged to use the PayByPhone app or a pay station. For more information about parking and transportation options, visit the Parking and Transportation website.
First stop: At check-in we will give you a welcome packet, schedule of events, and a lanyard with a name tag. We’d like you to wear your name tag lanyard so that we can address you by name and get to know you.
Friday, October 2
General Check-In (All Families)
- 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Goldberg Courtyard, Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, SDSU
- 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
- Top of Scripps Cottage Hill by Campanile Walkway, SDSU
Check-In will be temporarily closed 2:30-4:30 p.m. to allow staff to relocate materials.
Saturday, October 3
General Check-In (All Families)
- 9 a.m.-noon
- Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center, SDSU
- 5-6 p.m.
- Snapdragon Stadium (River Park Entrance), San Diego
- Note: Only families who purchased Tailgate tickets will be able to check in at Snapdragon Stadium
- Snapdragon Stadium (River Park Entrance), San Diego
Check-in will be temporarily closed noon-5 p.m. to allow staff to relocate materials.
Signature Events and Schedule of Events
(Pre-paid tickets required)
We invite you to join us for one of SDSU’s Family Weekend signature events!
- Pre-paid tickets are required for these events. In order to facilitate as many families having an opportunity to join a signature event, families may register for only one signature event during the weekend
- Tickets can be purchased as part of the Family Weekend registration and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out.
- For these events, pricing is per person, including the student.
- Students must have tickets to the signature events if they plan to attend with you.
Friday, October 2
Family Weekend Picnic
Scripps Cottage Hill, SDSU
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Begin Family Weekend with an unforgettable evening of connection, laughter and Aztec pride! Join fellow SDSU families for a relaxed outdoor picnic where you can:
- Reconnect with your student in a beautiful campus setting
- Meet other SDSU families and build lasting community ties
- Enjoy delicious picnic fare (included with ticket purchase)
- Capture memories at our fun photo booth
- Win exciting prizes through opportunity drawings
- Dance or relax to live music from a talented local band
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning Aztec parent, this is the perfect chance to share in your student’s college experience and make meaningful connections. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Saturday, October 3
Family Weekend Brunch
Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center, SDSU
10 a.m.-noon
Celebrate Family Weekend with a meaningful and memorable brunch experience that brings together SDSU families, staff, and administrators in celebration of our shared Aztec journey.
- Enjoy a delicious brunch served at 10 a.m. (included with ticket purchase)
- Connect with other Aztec families and SDSU leadership in a welcoming, informative setting
- Win prizes in an opportunity drawing for SDSU students in attendance
The formal program begins at 10:20 a.m., so come early, grab a plate and settle in for a morning of connection, insight and celebration. This is your chance to deepen your bond with your student and the SDSU community—don’t miss it!
Family Weekend Tailgate
Snapdragon Stadium (Southwest Lawn of Mission Valley’s River Park)
5-7 p.m. (Kickoff at 7:30 p.m.)
Get ready to cheer on the Aztecs and kick off your weekend with high-energy fun at the Family Weekend Tailgate! Join SDSU families for an unforgettable pre-game celebration filled with:
- Classic tailgate fare and festive vibes (included with ticket purchase)
- Games and activities for all ages
- Exciting prizes and giveaways
- Aztec spirit and camaraderie as we rally together before the big game
This is your chance to connect with your student, meet other SDSU families and soak in the electric atmosphere of Aztec Football.
Note: Football game tickets and parking at Snapdragon Stadium are not included in Family Weekend/Signature Event registration and must be purchased separately.
Please check back at a later date for the schedule of events.
Reservations
- Have an email address ready. We will use this address to send your confirmation and to follow up with additional information. Ensure this email address is current and one you check frequently.
- Have a credit card on hand. MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover cards are accepted.
- Know the events you plan on attending. If you select a signature event, you will not be able to cancel for a refund and/or exchange signature events. Please be sure you can attend before selecting the signature event registration.
- Know the names of the people attending. We will be printing name tags, so please enter first and last names with correct capitalization, spelling and punctuation.
- Save a copy of your reservation on your phone or print a copy of your reservation confirmation. The confirmation will also be emailed to you.
- Come back to this website regularly for updates.
- Once a reservation has been received, no refunds will be made for cancellations or no-shows. Please make sure you can attend prior to submitting a reservation.
- We are unable to honor student meal plans at the signature events. If registering for a signature event, please purchase tickets for your student.
- Space is limited for signature events.
If you have any questions, please contact the Orientation, Transition and Family Engagement by emailing [email protected] or call 619-594-1509. Our Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
NO REFUNDS.
Explanation of Fees
Please check back at a later for explanation of fees.
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Football Game Tickets/Seating
- If you purchase football game tickets, families will be seated on the east side of the stadium, which is traditionally known as the “away” side.
- If you want your student to sit with your family, you must buy all the tickets at the same time. Your student cannot use their Student Ticket if they choose to sit outside of the student seating section.
- Use the link in your Family Weekend confirmation email to purchase football game tickets in the Family Weekend section for 20% OFF (and no additional online fees).
- If your student prefers to sit in the student section, they will need to get a Student Ticket, which is separate from the Family Weekend section.
- Student tickets have limited availability and won’t be available until the week before the football game.
- Buy tickets at the same time if you want your student and family to sit together in the Family Weekend section (east side/away side) at the football game.
- Student section tickets are separate, limited, and released shortly before the game.
- For any questions regarding your Football Game ticket, please reach out to the Aztec Athletics Ticket Office Phone: 619-283-SDSU (7378) | Email: [email protected]. More information can be found in their Football Gameday Guide linked here.
We can’t wait to see you!
The reservation system is not open.
Information is subject to change.
