Family & Friends Weekend

There's no better way for you to feel like you're a part of the Knox community than by attending Family and Friends Weekend. Not only do you get a chance to visit your student on campus and learn what his or her life is like at Knox, you get a chance to experience life as a Knox student as well. You can attend classes, watch athletic events, eat in the Hard Knox Cafe, and more!

Family and Friends Weekend 2019 is Friday through Sunday, October 18-20. There is no charge to attend. Plan on spending the night? Check the accommodations page for hotels in the area.

Below is a sample schedule for Family and Friends Weekend. The schedule for 2019 will be finalized later this summer.

Friday Events

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.: Family and Friends Weekend Information Table Open
Seymour Gallery, Seymour Union
Need a campus map or directions? Looking for a class schedule or listing of local restaurants? Stop by the Information Table for all of this and more.

8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.: Attend Knox Classes
Share in the academic experience by participating in one of our specially selected classes. Pick up the list of classes at the Information Table or view the schedule (PDF).

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.: History Comes Alive
Old Main and Alumni Hall
Take time to explore the Wilson Gallery showcasing the history of Old Main—a National Historic Landmark and the only remaining building from the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. The Whitcomb Heritage Center, located on the third floor of Alumni Hall, houses a museum-quality display of the historical context of Knox College.

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.: Bookstore Open
Lower Level, Seymour Union
Enjoy a 20% off special for our family and friends!

10:00 a.m.-2 p.m.: Health & Counseling Services Open House
Furrow Hall
Please feel free to stop by, meet out staff, and check out all of the services we have to offer!

4:00-6:30 p.m.: Share Shop Open
Lower Level, Conger Neal
The Knox College Share Shop is an on-campus resource for reusing materials and fostering a sharing economy. This student-run "store" includes clothing, home goods, electronics, books, shoes, and much more! Stop by if you have items to donate or to "shop" for free.

8:00-10:00 p.m.: Team Trivia Night
Lincoln Room, Seymour Union
Join Union Board for Team Trivia Night! Categories will include Knox College, Disney, and general pop culture. Prizes will be awarded and snacks provided. Bring everyone to have the best shot at winning!

8:00-10:00 p.m.: Movie Night
Taylor Lounge, Seymour Union
Trivia not your cup of tea? Head over to Kresge to join Union Board for a showing of Lilo and Stitch.

Saturday Events

8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.: Family and Friends Weekend Information Table Open
Seymour Gallery, Seymour Union
Need a campus map or directions? Looking for a class schedule or listing of local restaurants? Stop by the Information Table for all of this and more.

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.: History Comes Alive
Old Main and Alumni Hall
Take time to explore the Wilson Gallery showcasing the history of Old Main—a National Historic Landmark and the only remaining building from the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. The Whitcomb Heritage Center, located on the third floor of Alumni Hall, houses a museum-quality display of the historical context of Knox College.

9:00-9:50 a.m.: Meet and Greet with New Athletic Director Daniella Irle
Knox-Lombard Athletic Hall of Fame, T. Fleming Fieldhouse

10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: Bookstore Open  Lower Level, Seymour Union
Enjoy a 20% off special for our family and friends!

10:15 a.m.: Prats Field Ribbon Cutting
Prats Field
Join the K Club and Prairie Fire Athletics to dedicate the newly renovated Jorge Prats Soccer Field. Former professor of modern languages and coach from 1962-2000, Jorge Prats will be in attendance to help dedicate the new turf field.

11:00 a.m.: Men's Soccer vs. Ripon College
Prats Field

12:00 Noon: Football vs. St. Norbert College
Knosher Bowl

12:00 noon -11:00 p.m.: Galesburg's 2nd Annual Food Truck and Art Fest 
Downtown Galesburg
Food trucks, artists, and live music from across Illinois and Iowa. Sponsored by the Young Professionals of Galesburg.

12:00 noon-1:00 p.m.: PB&J Cook-Off
Taylor Lounge, Seymour Union
Do you have the best PB&J in town? Then join us for the Fifth Annual Family and Friends Peanut Butter and Jelly Cook-off! Sandwiches will be judged on creativity, plating, and effort with fabulous prizes for the winners. All materials will be provided. Everyone is invited to attend—Iron Chefs and Iron Eaters alike. Sponsored by Union Board.

12:00 noon-2:00 p.m.: Family Photo Session
South Lawn, Old Main
Scrambling to find the perfect family photo to use on your holiday card? Let us ease some of your stress and take that photo for you! The quad makes a beautiful backdrop for a Knox-themed family photo, and we'll send you your pictures for free.

1:00 p.m.: Volleyball vs Lake Forest
Memorial Gymnasium

1:30 p.m.: Women's Soccer vs. Ripon
Prats Field

2:00-4:00 p.m.: Tours of the Old Jail
Old Jail
Enjoy the exclusive "Family and Friends Weekend Only" tour of the Old Jail, a piece of Knox County history right here on campus! Sponsored by Delta Delta Delta sorority.

3:00-5:00 p.m.: Tour the Knox Farm
Corner of Berrien and Academy Streets
The Knox Farm comprises an outdoor field and two season-extending growing structures. Used for education, experimentation, and production of food for on-campus use (over 2,000 lbs. per year for the Hard Knox Cafe!), the farm is staffed entirely by students.

4:00-6:30 p.m.: Share Shop Open
Lower Level, Conger Neal
The Knox College Share Shop is an on-campus resource for reusing materials and fostering a sharing economy. This student-run "store" includes clothing, home goods, electronics, books, shoes, and much more! Stop by if you have items to donate or to "shop" for free.

8:00-10:00 p.m.: Music & Hors d'oeuvres on the Patio
Gizmo Patio (rain location: Taylor Lounge, Seymour Union)
Unwind after a full day with light hors-d'oeuvres and an outdoor music concert by the duo Mockingbird. Mockingbird's easy sound is a blend of swing, old time & ballads.  Brought to you by the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council.

Sunday Events

8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.: History Comes Alive
Old Main and Alumni Hall
Take time to explore the Wilson Gallery showcasing the history of Old Main—a National Historic Landmark and the only remaining building from the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. The Whitcomb Heritage Center, located on the third floor of Alumni Hall, houses a museum-quality display of the historical context of Knox College.

10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.: Brunch
Hard Knox Café, Seymour Union
The Hard Knox Café welcomes all families and friends. Cost for brunch is $9.00 for adults; $6.00 for children age 12 and under.

11:00 a.m.: Men's Soccer vs. St. Norbert College
Prats Field

1:00 p.m.: Tour Green Oaks Biological Field Station
Eastern Knox County (directions available at the Information Table)
Located near the Spoon River (about 20 miles east of the Knox campus), Green Oaks benefits the Knox community by providing a place for learning, research, contemplation and recreation. It encompasses 700 acres of forest, grassland and aquatic habitat and is the second site in the nation where a tallgrass prairie was restored.

1:30 p.m.: Women's Soccer vs. St. Norbert College
Prats Field

Photo & Video Policy

During campus events, the Office of Communications may take photos and audio or video recordings to be used on the Knox College website, in other digital communications and print publications, and for publicity purposes. Visitors to Knox College have the opportunity of opt-out of having their photograph and/or video presence captured and used for these purposes. Learn more about the media policy.