ASU Family Weekend 2021: Complete Guide to Events, Activities & Family Fun in Tempe
Family Weekend at Arizona State University is a cherished fall tradition in Tempe, drawing parents and loved ones to share campus life with their Sun Devil students. Discover the full lineup of events and experiences during ASU Family Weekend, November 5-7, 2021.
Celebrate ASU spirit, pride, and traditions alongside your student and family. Enjoy a variety of engaging activities across all four campuses, with Tempe highlights including fitness classes, college-specific events, a family block party, and more. Virtual participation options are available if you can't attend in person.
Visit the ASU Family Weekend website for the latest details and registration.
ASU Event Highlights (Tempe Campus)
November 5, 2021
- Alumni Family Pictures with Sparky | Old Main | 2-4 p.m.
ASU alumni are invited to bring their families to Old Main for a special commemorative photo with Sparky, the Sun Devil mascot. - Memorial Union After Dark: Family Devils! | Memorial Union | 6-9 p.m.
Sun Devils and families welcome! Enjoy games, crafts, film screenings, free food, live music, and more at this central campus hub.
November 6, 2021
- Gold Rush Obstacle Race | Sun Devil Fitness Complex | 8 a.m.
Challenge yourself with running, climbing, jumping, and fun at this family-friendly obstacle race. Additional $5 registration fee applies. - ASU Family Block Party | Memorial Union | 3.5 hours before kickoff
Ignite Sun Devil spirit with food, interactive games, and entertainment at this lively pre-game gathering. - Sparky’s Touchdown Tailgate: Salute to Service | 6th St. & College Ave. | 3 hours before kickoff
Gear up for game day with live entertainment, food trucks, beer garden, giveaways, the Sun Devil Marching Band, and Sparky appearances. - USC vs. ASU Football Game | Sun Devil Stadium | 7:30 p.m.
Watch the Sun Devils battle the USC Trojans in this epic Pac-12 showdown. Purchase tickets online or at the stadium.
November 7, 2021
- Spirit Hike | Base of “A” Mountain, 5th St. & College Ave. | 8:30-10 a.m.
Join Sparky and the Student Alumni Association for an invigorating hike to the summit of iconic “A” Mountain. - Family Yoga | Coca-Cola Sun Deck, Sun Devil Stadium | 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Relax with a family-friendly yoga session hosted by ASU Family and ASU 365 Community Union.
Additional Fall Events in Tempe
Complement your ASU visit with these local happenings:
- November 2-7: Mean Girls | ASU Gammage
- November 5: Music in the Garden: The Sugar Thieves | Desert Botanical Garden
- November 5-6: Stray Cat Theatre | Tempe Center for the Arts
- November 6-7: Phoenix Pride | Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix
View the full Tempe events calendar here.
Top Things to Do in Tempe
Tempe offers diverse attractions from dining and hiking to unique experiences:
- Explore the ASU Art Museum's current exhibits: “Undoing Time: Art and Histories of Incarceration,” Pilot Projects: Hugh Hayden ‘Pillory,’ DinnerWhere, and Leo Villareal “Point Cloud (ASU).”
- Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or boats at Boat Rentals of America on Tempe Town Lake.
- Wander 50,000 desert plants at the Desert Botanical Garden.
- Tour Four Peaks Brewery for insights into craft brewing and history.
- Try axe throwing at LumberJaxes, Hotshots, or Class Axe Throwing.
- Visit the Phoenix Zoo for tigers, orangutans, giraffes, and interactive encounters.
- Shop and dine at Tempe Marketplace with 100+ stores and year-round events.
- Embark on a self-guided mural tour of Tempe's vibrant street art.
Dining Options
- Discover family-friendly restaurants in Tempe perfect for groups.
- From breakfast spots to international cuisine near ASU Tempe, see our University Eats recommendations.
Parking & Transportation
Navigate ASU's expansive Tempe campus with our expert tips on parking, transit, and event access for a seamless visit.
Hotels Near Campus
Stay close to the action: Top hotels within 2 miles of ASU Memorial Union for Family Weekend convenience.
