Family Weekend at Appalachian State University promotes the engagement of Mountaineer families through unique programming opportunities in the High Country. Paired with a sporting event and community events, Family Weekend provides families with a chance to experience Boone through the eyes of a student. It is an exciting time in the Boone area and we hope you are able to visit your student's favorite coffee shops, experience a mountaintop hike at sunrise, shop in our downtown stores, or take a nap in a hammock.

Family Weekend is designed for you and your student, so we give you some open time in the schedule to plan your own fun.

Fall Family Weekend

Appalachian State University
September 27 - 29, 2024

Each Fall, App State hosts events for Mountaineer Families to enjoy the App State experience together, showcasing a variety of campus and community events, and offering an opportunity for students to show their families their favorite App State places and things to do on campus and in Boone.

Spring Family Weekend

Appalachian State University
March 28-30, 2025

We’re thrilled to welcome Mountaineer families to the High Country for an unforgettable Spring Family Weekend! We’ve planned a variety of exciting events just for you, all free to attend (excluding athletic events). From scavenger hunts to bingo and meals in between, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Spring Family Weekend Schedule

Friday, March 28, 2025
Time Activity
Time5:00 p.m. Activity

Mountaineer Family Challenge
Across Campus

Embark on a fun, family-friendly digital scavenger hunt across App State’s beautiful campus! Solve clues, complete challenges, and discover key landmarks that help build our shared community along the way. Suitable for all ages.

Ready to join the hunt? Follow these steps:

  1. Download Scavify from the App Store or Google Play Store
  2. Allow notifications
  3. Click “Sign Up” to create your account
  4. Click "Find a Hunt"
  5. Search "Mountaineer Family Challenge
  6. Click "Join"

The location-based hunt will go live at 5 p.m. in Boone.

Find more details about the scavenger hunt on Scavify.

Time5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Activity

Handmade Market
Plemmons Student Union - International Hallway

Take home a piece of Family Weekend! Browse the Handmade Market for unique, handcrafted treasures, keepsakes and art created by App State students.

Time6:00 p.m. Activity

App State vs. Old Dominion Baseball Game
Beaver Field at Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium

Join us for an exciting day at the ballpark! The game starts at 6 p.m., but be sure to arrive early to grab free App State swag while supplies last. Complimentary parking is available for parents and families in the Greenwood Lot, with a convenient, free shuttle service running to and from the stadium from 5 p.m. through the end of the game.

Tickets - $10

Time7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Activity

Family Bingo
Plemmons Student Union - Grandfather Ballroom (Room 137)

Win prizes and create cherished family memories! Family Bingo is free and fun for all ages. Bring your competitive spirit and join the excitement.

RSVP for Family Bingo


Capture the Moment!
Plemmons Student Union - Three Top Mountain (Room 169)

Celebrate Family Weekend with a family photo! Strike a pose and take home a memento of the moment! Each family gets a 4 x 6 App State magnetic frame with their photo inside, available at no cost while supplies last.

Time8:00 - 10:30 p.m. Activity

Late Night Pancake Dinner at Rivers Street Cafe
Central Dining Hall

End your day with a delicious late-night pancake dinner at Rivers Street Cafe inside Central Dining Hall! Enjoy free fluffy pancakes and time to relax with your student in a fun, all-you-care-to-eat setting.

Saturday, March 29, 2025
Time Activity
TimeAll Day Activity

Mountaineer Family Challenge
Across Campus

Embark on Day 2 of the fun, family-friendly scavenger hunt across App State’s beautiful campus. Didn’t join in yesterday? It’s not too late to start! Suitable for all ages.

Ready to join the hunt? Download Scavify from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Find more details about the scavenger hunt on Scavify.

Time9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Activity

Enjoy Breakfast at Rivers Street Cafe or Park Place at the Pond
Central Dining Hall or Trivette Hall

Start your day with a hearty, all-you-care-to-eat-breakfast - on us! Share a meal with your student, enjoy a variety of delicious options, and fuel up for a day of memorable Family Weekend experiences.

Time10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Activity

King Street Farmers’ Market
Watauga Agricultural Conference Center, 252 Poplar Grove Rd., Boone, NC 28607

The King Street Farmers’ Market features a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, sweet treats, flowers, skincare, soaps, arts, and much more. The market is located indoors, for an all-weather shopping experience.

TimeNoon - 2:30 p.m. Activity

Enjoy Lunch at Rivers Street Cafe or Park Place at the Pond
Central Dining Hall or Trivette Hall

Have lunch on us! Check out our all-you-care-to-eat meal options designed to meet a variety of tastes and diets.

Time12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Activity

Family APPy Hour Drop-In Social
Kidd Brewer Stadium North End Zone - Grandview Ballroom

Join us for Family APPy Hour! Drop in to enjoy a variety of delicious baseball-themed appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages, connect with other families, and admire the beautiful views.

RSVP for Family APPy Hour.

Time3:00 p.m. Activity

App State vs. Old Dominion Baseball Game
Beaver Field at Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium

Cheer on the Mountaineers as they take on Old Dominion for day two of the baseball series! Join the crowd for a thrilling game day experience and show your App State spirit. Free swag will be available for our App State parents and families while supplies last.

Complimentary parking is available for parents and families in the Greenwood Lot, with a convenient free shuttle service running to and from the stadium from 2 p.m. through the end of the game.

Tickets - $10

Time3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Activity

Family Trivia
Plemmons Student Union - Grandfather Ballroom (Room 137)

Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun. This event will challenge your knowledge across generations with a variety of questions and offers a great time for everyone.

RSVP for Family Trivia.

Time4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Activity

Capture the Moment!
Plemmons Student Union - Three Top Mountain (Room 169)

Celebrate Family Weekend with a family photo! Strike a pose and take home a memento of the moment! Each family gets a 4 x 6 App State magnetic frame with their photo inside, available at no cost while supplies last.

Time5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Activity

Dinner
Central Dining Hall or Trivette Hall

Share a meal with your student and enjoy a complimentary all-you-care-to-eat dining experience designed to meet a variety of tastes and diets.

Time7:00 p.m. Activity

Harlem Globetrotters Basketball Game
Holmes Convocation Center

You love the dunks, alley-oops, long shots, magic, history, and laughs! Don’t miss your chance to see what fans love about the Harlem Globetrotters plus more as the world-famous team levels-up every game with new challenges.

Use the code GRPHGI to access discounted tickets.

Buy tickets

Sunday, March 30, 2025
Time Activity
TimeAll Day Activity

Mountaineer Family Challenge
Across Campus

Embark on Day 3 of the fun, family-friendly scavenger hunt across App State’s campus! It’s free to participate and you can start or catch up any time—don’t head out of town without giving it a go! Suitable for all ages.

Ready to join the hunt? Download Scavify from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Find more details about the scavenger hunt on Scavify.

Time9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Activity

Enjoy Breakfast at Rivers Street Cafe or Park Place at the Pond
Central Dining Hall or Trivette Hall

Kick off your morning with a free and hearty all-you-care-to-eat breakfast at Rivers Street Cafe or Park Place at the Pond! It’s the perfect way to fuel up for the final day of Family Weekend activities while enjoying quality time with your student.

Time11:00 a.m. - Noon Activity

Yoga on the Mountain
The Art of Living Retreat Center, 639 Whispering Hills Rd., Boone, NC

Enjoy an indoor mountain- view yoga class led by some of this region’s favorite instructors. Rain or shine, come together in community for a serene and joyful morning. Ages 18+. Mats and essentials provided. Transportation to the class is not provided.

imited to 40 attendees. Advance registration is required.

Register for Yoga on the Mountain

TimeNoon - 2:30 p.m. Activity

Enjoy Lunch at Rivers Street Cafe or Park Place at the Pond
Central Dining Hall or Trivette Hall

Grab a free bite to eat with your student at Rivers Street Cafe or Park Place at the Pond and enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat dining experience before heading to the baseball game.

Time1:00 p.m. Activity

App State vs. Old Dominion Baseball Game
Beaver Field at Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium

Cheer on the Mountaineers as they take on Old Dominion for the final day of an exciting baseball series! Free swag will be available for our App State parents and families while supplies last.

Complimentary parking is available for parents and families in the Greenwood Lot, with a convenient free shuttle service running to and from the stadium from noon through the end of the game.

Tickets - $10

All Weekend
Activity
Activity

GuitarFest
Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts

Now in its 28th year, GuitarFest offers an intensive weekend of education and camaraderie for classical guitarists from across the nation. The three-day annual festival, which began in 1997, includes a guitar orchestra, master classes and recitals by national and international guitar celebrities, and the opportunity to compete to win handcrafted guitars by famous makers.

GuitarFest will be held Friday, March 28 - Sunday, March 30 and is free for App State students with their AppCard! Family members may purchase a conference registration to attend all GuitarFest concerts and events. The guitar vendor fair and historic sheet music exhibit are free to attend.

Visit the Hayes School of Music for more details.

Activity

Trailblazing Together
Town of Boone, NC

Explore the natural beauty around campus and bond with your student by hitting one of our local hiking trails! From easy strolls to more challenging climbs, there’s a trail for every skill level. Enjoy quality time together, breathe in the fresh air, and create memories surrounded by stunning scenery.

Check out our High Country hiking guide.

Activity

Free Entry to the Student Recreation Center (SRC)
Student Recreation Center

Join your student at the Student Recreation Center for free admission this weekend. Enjoy an indoor climbing wall, weight room, indoor track, pool and more. Visit the UREC website to read more about the facility.

Activity

Families Eat Free at Rivers Street Cafe and Park Place at the Pond!
Central Dining Hall or Trivette Hall

Campus Dining is excited to welcome all families and students, regardless of meal plan status, to the Boone campus for Family Weekend. This is a great opportunity to visit our All Access dining halls! Both All Access dining halls will be available to you at no charge all weekend.

Rivers Street Cafe Hours:

  • Friday, March 28: 4 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 29: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m & 4 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 30: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Park Place by the Pond Hours:

  • Friday, March 28: 4 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 29: 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 30: 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Students must accompany family members and show their AppCard at the door to receive free meals throughout the weekend.

Activity

Free Parking for Families all Weekend

Enjoy free parking in the College Street Parking Deck, Rivers Street Parking Deck, or surface lots throughout campus this weekend.

Free Parking Hours:

  • Friday, March 28: 5 p.m. - 11:59 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 29: 12:00 a.m. - 11:59 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 30: 12:00 a.m. - 11:59 p.m.

Make sure to take advantage of the free AppalCART over the weekend. Download ETASpot for up-to-date route information.



Explore the High Country

Explore Downtown Boone
Downtown Boone Development Association

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and home to Appalachian State University, Boone offers a unique small town experience.

Find information about events, parking and the downtown Boone business directory.

Hiking & Area Guide
Explore Boone

Discover the top trails and outdoor adventures in the Boone area.

Explore Boone also includes information about area accommodations, events, restaurants and more.