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 2020 is Friday through Sunday, October 9-11. There is no charge to attend.

Plans are still being made for this year's event, but you can look at last year's schedule below.

Friday Events - October 18, 2019

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.: Family and Friends Weekend Information Table Open
Old Main, Room 101
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).  (Seating is limited in some classes)

10:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.:  Visit our Whale Skeleton!
Tours begin in the Atrium of the Umbeck Science-Math Center (SMC)  Enter the building here
Knox's newest member of the teaching staff is approximately 40 years old, male, 55 feet long, weighed approximately 50 tons while living, and is a member of an endangered species. The fin whale skeleton specimen that will hang in Knox's new science building atrium will fundamentally change our ability to teach the concept of size in classes from Biology to Art to Theater. Come talk with Biology professor Nick Gidmark about how this specimen came to Knox, the work it took to restore the skeleton, and its teaching implications at Knox and beyond.  Tours start at 10:00 am and 10:30 am.  

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.: Visit the Knox Bookstore
Lower Level, Seymour Union

1:00-4:00 p.m.:  Cookies, Cider & Careers, Oh My!
Bastian Family Center for Career Success Open House
2nd Floor, Alumni Hall
Please feel free to stop by, meet our 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
Taylor Lounge, Seymour Union
Join Union Board for Team Trivia Night! Prizes will be awarded and snacks provided. Bring everyone (up to teams of 6) to have the best shot at winning!

7:00-11:00 p.m.: Walk of the Dead Haunted Trail
Behind Lakeside Water Park & Nature Center
1033 S. Lake Storey Road
Looking for a spooky local adventure? Admission is $15  and all proceeds support Lakeside Nature Center Programs.  Closed-toe shoes required - recommended for ages 12+

Saturday Events - October 19, 2019 

8:30 a.m.-12:00p.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.

9:30-11:00a.m.: Coffee & Donuts at the HOPE Center
HOPE Center (House of Peace & Equity),  305 S Cherry Street
Visit Knox’s newly opened HOPE Center & enjoy coffee & donuts to start your day. This beautiful space is home to the offices of Spiritual Life, Intercultural Life, and International Student Services.

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.

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Family Photo Session
West Lawn, Old Main (Rain Location: Alumni Hall)
Let our professional photographer take your family photo! Our campus makes a beautiful backdrop for a Knox-themed family photo and we will even send you your pictures for free.

9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: Visit the Knox Bookstore
Lower Level, Seymour Union

11:00 a.m.: Women's Soccer vs. Beloit College
Prats Field

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 Sixth 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.

1:30 p.m.: Men's Soccer vs. Beloit College
Prats Field

2:00-4:00 p.m.: Tours of the Old Jail
Old Jail
Knox College may be the only college in the country with a restored lock-up on its campus! Enjoy an 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.: IFC Family and Friends Meet and Greet
Gizmo Patio  (Rain Location: Taylor Lounge)
Music, food, and games sponsored by the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council

7:00-11:00 p.m.: Walk of the Dead Haunted Trail
Behind Lakeside Water Park & Nature Center
1033 S. Lake Storey Road
Looking for a spooky local adventure? Admission is $15  and all proceeds support Lakeside Nature Center Programs.  Closed-toe shoes required - recommended for ages 12+

Sunday Events - October 20, 2019 

9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: Visit the Knox Bookstore
Lower Level, Seymour Union

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.

10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.: Brunch
Hard Knox Café, Seymour Union
The Hard Knox Café welcomes all families and friends to enjoy brunch on campus!  Special Family & Friends pricing for brunch is $10 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under.

11:00 a.m.: Women's Soccer vs. Lake Forrest College
Prats Field

1:30 p.m.: Tour Green Oaks Biological Field Station
Eastern Knox County (directions available HERE and 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. You won’t regret making time for this memorable tour.

1:30 p.m.: Men's Soccer vs. Lake Forrest 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.