Family Weekend Returns to Sacred Heart
Get ready for a weekend packed with fun, food and family time
Key Highlights
- Sacred Heart University’s Family Weekend takes place Friday, September 25, through Sunday, September 27, 2026
- The weekend includes SHU athletic events, live music, dance and choir performances, family meals, bingo, and other campus activities
- Featured events include Pioneer football against the University of New Hampshire and a concert by Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band
- Families can attend free activities throughout the weekend, while some events require advance registration or a separate ticket
- The weekend concludes Sunday with Family Mass, breakfast with SHU President John J. Petillo, and the Family Weekend Concert Choir
Sacred Heart University is rolling out the red carpet for its annual Family Weekend, a tradition that gives students and their loved ones the chance to reconnect, make new memories and experience campus together.
From exciting athletic events and live performances to opportunities to relax, explore campus and enjoy time with family, there’s something for everyone throughout the weekend. Whether you’re cheering on the Pioneers, enjoying a family meal, or exploring the Fairfield area, Family Weekend is all about experiencing the Pioneer community together.
Here’s What You Can Expect
With a mix of free activities and ticketed events, families can create a weekend that’s as relaxed or adventurous as they’d like. For more information and the complete schedule, visit the Family Weekend schedule.
Tip: visit the Family Weekend schedule webpage for the most up-to-date details during the weekend.
Full Weekend Schedule
Check-In
3-9 p.m. | Linda McMahon Presentation Room
Welcome SHU Families! Pick up your name badge at Family Weekend check-in; this will serve as your ticket to all registered events. Check-in will be held in the Presentation Room, located on the first floor of Linda McMahon Commons.
Purpose, Values, & Meaning at Work and in Life: In Conversation with Suzy Welch
4 p.m. | West Campus, East Theatre
Join SHU’s Parents & Family Council for an inspiring conversation with Suzy Welch about defining your core values, making intentional decisions, building a meaningful career and living with purpose. Registration Required
Red’s Happy Hour
4-8 p.m. | Red’s Pub
Be sure to stop by Red’s, Sacred Heart University’s on-campus pub, during your Family Weekend visit. Alumni Engagement and the Office of Parents & Families will be on hand to share upcoming regional chapter events and other ways to stay connected with the Pioneer community. Admittance to those who are 21+ only with valid ID. No exceptions.
Big Red Bingo
5 p.m. | Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts
Join the Student Events Team at the crowd favorite Bingo with great prizes and a guarantee of 10 games per session! Due to the popularity of this event, you must attend the time slot you signed up for, and each person is limited to one card. Ticketed Event/ Registration Required
Women’s Ice Hockey vs. Providence College
6 p.m. | Martire Family Arena
Head to the Martire Family Arena to cheer on the women’s ice hockey team as they take on Providence College!
Big Red Bingo
7 p.m. | Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts
Join the Student Events Team at the crowd favorite Bingo with great prizes and a guarantee of 10 games per session! Due to the popularity of this event, you must attend the time slot you signed up for, and each person is limited to one card. Ticketed Event/ Registration Required
Family Weekend Wine and Cheese
7:30-9 p.m. | 63’s
Start the weekend off right by connecting with fellow SHU families in a laid-back, welcoming setting, complete with light bites and drinks. Unwind, mingle and toast to an exciting Family Weekend ahead! Ticketed Event/Registration Required.
Check-In
8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Linda McMahon Presentation Room
Welcome SHU Families! Pick up your name badge at Family Weekend check-in; this will serve as your ticket to all registered events. Check-in will be held in the Presentation Room, located on the first floor of Linda McMahon Commons.
Family Weekend Tent Tailgate
9-11:45 a.m. | Health & Recreation Field
Gear up for game day at the Family Weekend Tent Tailgate! The Recreation Field will be transformed into a tent village where families can gather before kickoff. This event is only available to lottery winners. Ticketed Event/Registration Required
Big Red Bingo
10 a.m. | Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts
Join the Student Events Team at the crowd favorite Bingo with great prizes and a guarantee of 10 games per session! Due to the popularity of this event, you must attend the time slot you signed up for, and each person is limited to one card. Ticketed Event/ Registration Required
SHU Marching Band Skull Session
10:45 a.m. | Amphitheater Steps
The SHU Marching Band performs a 30-minute concert before every home football game and then will make their way up to Sikorsky Credit Union Field! Come enjoy the music and get ready for game day!
Food Truck Break
11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Pioneer Village Quad
In addition to campus dining options, Family Weekend guests can enjoy a variety of food trucks throughout the afternoon. Fiesta Tacos, Drowsy Whaler, Blind Rhino and Cinnabomb will be on campus with food and sweet treats available for individual purchase.
Pioneer Football vs. University of New Hampshire
Noon | Sikorsky Credit Union Field
Let’s go Pioneers! Cheer on your Pioneers as they play the University of New Hampshire Wildcats! General Admission. Ticketed Event/Registration Required SHU Students must be registered for this event.
The Outpost
Noon | Sikorsky Credit Union Field
Football ticket holders can stop by The Outpost on a first-come, first-served basis. Once it hits capacity, admission will be closed.
Live Music and Cider
2-5 p.m. | Pioneer Pavilion
Stop by the Pioneer Pavilion in your free time to enjoy some live music and grab some apple cider! This casual, come-and-go experience gives families a place to relax between scheduled Family Weekend activities.
Men’s Soccer vs. St. Peter’s University
6 p.m. | Park Ave Field
Come cheer on our men's soccer team as they take on St. Peter’s University!
Dance Program Family Weekend Showcase
6 p.m. | Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts
Enjoy a sneak peek at several new works from SHU Dance Company, SHU Dance Ensemble, SHU Claddagh Dancers and SHU Inception Dance Crew that will be featured during the upcoming fall season. Ticketed Event/Registration Required
Arena Concert: Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band
8 p.m. | Martire Family Arena
Get ready for a special night of music as Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band bring "A Springsteen Celebration" to the Martire Family Arena. The high-energy performance celebrates the music of Bruce Springsteen through iconic hits and storytelling. The exclusive SHU family concert begins at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Ticketed Event through Ticketmaster
Family Mass
9 & 11 a.m. | Chapel of the Holy Spirit
Family Weekend Mass will be held at 9 and 11 a.m. All are welcome!
Champagne Continental Breakfast with the President
9:30 - 11 a.m. | 63’s
Conclude your Family Weekend experience by joining Sacred Heart University President Dr. John Petillo, along with faculty and staff, for a deluxe continental breakfast. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy one last meal together, reflect on the weekend, and say farewell before heading home. Ticketed Event/Registration Required
Family Weekend Concert Choir
1 p.m. | Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts
The Family Weekend Concert Choir will feature SHU Choirs offering a sneak peek into several new pieces to be showcased during the upcoming fall season. Free Event/Registration Required
Family Weekend at Sacred Heart is the perfect way to experience the Pioneer spirit firsthand. From cheering on SHU teams and enjoying live performances to sharing a meal or simply spending time together on campus, the weekend offers plenty of opportunities to reconnect and make new memories. Families can also explore Fairfield and the surrounding area, with local restaurants, coffee shops, beaches, shopping and attractions throughout Fairfield County just waiting to be discovered. Check out SHU’s Pioneer Picks for recommendations and local favorites.
Don’t miss the chance to step into your student’s SHU experience, enjoy some quality family time and celebrate what makes the Pioneer community so special.