NSU Family Day 2025 - Hosted by First Year Experience

Northwestern State University invites you to join us for Family Day!

Family Day is designed for the members of your family to visit your student’s home-away-from-home! Family Day will be held Friday and Saturday, October 24-25, 2025. Spend time on campus and in the Natchitoches community with your student. Game day activities, a family tailgate party, and Northwestern State football are highlights of the day.

A complete Family Day package includes a ticket to the Northwestern State vs Lamar University game purchased individually. Children three years and older must have a ticket to attend the game. NSU students must have a ticket for the tailgate dinner. Close proximity game day parking will be $10 cash.

Lodging

For a complete listing of area hotels and bed and breakfast inns, please visit Natchitoches.com.

Several NSU student clubs and organizations will host family day programs during NSU Family Day. Double-check with your student for specific details on fraternity and sorority events, a visit to the residence hall, and other special programs.

Schedule of Events

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025

7:30 AM – Dusk | Let’s Play a Round of Golf
Families can play 18-holes of golf for $25 a person (includes cart rental) all weekend long at the Northwestern Hills Golf Course.

10:00 AM | Downtown Walking Tours
Discover why Natchitoches has been a destination of travelers since 1714– take a FREE guided walking tour of the Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District!

3:30-5:20 PM | Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band Practice
Head over to Turpin Stadium to hear the best sounding band in the land as they rehearse for Saturday’s game against Lamar University!

4:00 -10:00 PM | Buccaneer Bayou Mini Golf at Dark Woods Adventure Park

Join us for a game of mini golf with the whole family! Mention NSU Family Day for 10% off your round of mini golf!

7:00 - 11:00 PM | Dark Woods Haunted Attraction at Dark Woods Adventure Park

Discover why Dark Woods Haunt is one of Louisiana’s must-see Halloween attractions—two terrifying haunts, movie-quality sets, and screams around every corner

7:30-9:30 PM | Opera: Puccini and Friends

Join us for an unforgettable evening as the talented NSU students take the stage in Opera: Puccini and Friends. From heart wrenching arias to dazzling ensembles, this performance celebrates the timeless beauty of opera through the works of Giacomo Puccini and other beloved composers. Don’t miss your chance to witness the passion, artistry, and brilliance of our amazing student performers! $5.00 admission.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025

7:30 AM – Dusk | Let’s Play a Round of Golf
Families can play 18-holes of golf for $25 a person (includes cart rental) all weekend long at the Northwestern Hills Golf Course.

8:00 AM | N-Side View Day
Do you have a younger sibling in high school that you want to see NSU through your eyes? N-Side View Day offers a behind-the-scenes glance into college and university life. Parents and students will discover student organizations, meet academic departments, learn about the admissions process, and receive helpful tips from faculty and current students. Register here!

7:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Purple Pizzazz Pom Line Youth Clinic

Calling all dancers ages 4-15! The NSU Purple Pizzazz Pom Line will host their Youth Clinic ($50 per participant) giving young participants an exciting opportunity to learn dance techniques, sideline traditions, and fun routines directly from the team. Participants will be grouped by age, receive a clinic T-shirt, and join the Pom Line to cheer on the sidelines during the game. To cap off the day, they’ll take center field to perform with the team during halftime, showcasing the skills they learned. This spirited experience is designed to build confidence, spark school pride, and create lasting memories for every participant. Walk-ins are welcomed; however, shirts are not guaranteed.

10:00 AM | Downtown Walking Tours
Discover why Natchitoches has been a destination of travelers since 1714– take a FREE guided walking tour of the Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District!

10:00 AM | Shopping and Dining in Historic Downtown Natchitoches
Enjoy the sites of more than fifty historic homes and buildings, distinct shopping, and outstanding Louisiana dining (on your own).

12:00 PM | Family Day Check-In at the NSU Tailgate Field
Check-in at the Family Day Headquarters located on the east side of the Tailgate Field (behind the stadium). Pick up tailgate picnic tickets, game tickets, and t-shirts at this location.

12:30 PM | NSU Family Tailgate Party – Music, Exciting Events & Family Fun!
Tailgate at Turpin Stadium with live music, enjoy a variety of novelty acts, games, contests, and activities for the entire family.

1:00 PM | Volleyball vs SFA

Head over to Prather Coliseum to cheer on the Demons as they take on SFA in this Southland Conference matchup! This is our Fork Cancer game and Alumni weekend so wear your pink and pack Prather!

1:00 – 3:00 PM | Tailgate Picnic
The tailgate meal will include hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, and a drink. Individual dinner tickets may be purchased for $10.

2:00-10:00 PM | Buccaneer Bayou Mini Golf at Dark Woods Adventure Park

Join us for a game of mini golf with the whole family! Mention NSU Family Day for 10% off your round of mini golf!

3:00 PM | Pre-Game Pep Rally at the Tailgate Field
Show your Demon Spirit! Performances by the NSU Cheerleaders, Purple Pizazz Pom Line, Demon Dazzlers, and NSU Spirit of Northwestern pep band will get you ready to cheer for the Demons!

3:30 PM | Pre-Game Show
Family seating will be available on the East Side student section of Turpin Stadium.

4:00 PM | Northwestern State vs Lamar University

7:00 - 11:00 PM | Dark Woods Haunted Attraction at Dark Woods Adventure Park

Looking for a fun activity after the game? Discover why Dark Woods Haunt is one of Louisiana’s must-see Halloween attractions—two terrifying haunts, movie-quality sets, and screams around every corner.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2025

3:00-5:00 PM | Lyrica & Orpheus Concert

Come experience the extraordinary voice of NSU’s premier vocal ensembles as they present a concert of musical excellence.These performance showcases the incredible talent and dedication of our student singers. Don’t miss this inspiring celebration of music!

ORGANIZATION EVENTS

Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority Open House

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Contact: Ardyn Jardell, ajardell359903@nsula.edu

Alpha Omicron Pi Tailgate

12:00 PM—3:30 PM

Contact: Kayden Larkins, klarkins326881@nsula.edu

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Tailgate

12:00 PM—3:30 PM

Contact: James Taylor, jtaylor324976@nsula.edu

Purple Pizzazz Pom Line Tailgate

12:00 PM—3:30 PM

Contact: Raegan Washington, washingtonr@nsula.edu

Questions?

Please email the First Year Experience Team at fye@nsula.edu.

T-shirt Design