Office of the Dean of Students
Parent and Family Weekend
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Whether you are a local from the Hub City area, or from outside of south Mississippi, Parent and Family Weekend is a wonderful time to connect with your student in their new home, visit campus and the Hattiesburg community, meet other Golden Eagle families and mingle with university administrators, faculty and staff.
We will be hosting our 2026 Parent and Family Weekend on September 18-19. During Parent and Family Weekend, you will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of family-friendly activities. More information about what the weekend has in store will be coming soon. If you plan to join us, we recommend organizing your accommodations as soon as possible.
Parent and Family Tailgate fees are nonrefundable.
Friday, September 18, 2026
Friday Night @ Spirit Park | 6pm
As you make your way to Hattiesburg for the weekend, stop by Friday Night @ Spirit Park, a beloved tradition that happens before various games throughout the season! This pep-rally will be an opportunity to check in with our staff for the weekend so you will leave with everything you need to prepare for our tailgate and game day!
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Parent & Family Tailgate | Noon
Our Parent and Family Tailgate will be held prior to the Southern Miss vs. UConn football game. We will have music, games and activities for all ages, a catered meal, periodic prize drawings, and maybe even a special guest or two!
Eagle Walk | Time TBA
Southern Miss vs. UConn | 6pm
Cheer for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles as they take on the Warhawks!
Sunday Suggestions
Lucky Rabbit Market
The Lucky Rabbit is a 15,000 square foot variety store filled with unique finds and nostalgic treasures from long ago. Brandon and Abby Thaxton created the Lucky Rabbit in 2013. They had a small budget, but big vision. Nearly 9 years later, the store has grown to become one of Hattiesburg’s local favorite places to visit and bring the family. The unique shop boasts over-the-top displays, such as vintage arcades, old cola machines, working payphone booths, and old video game systems. Additionally, Brandon and Abby focus on fun displays that are great for photos, such as a 1978 Westfalia Volkswagen Bus, a cute vintage camper, and nostalgic TV show recreations.
Hattiesburg Pocket Museum
Peer into the window of Hattiesburg's famous tiny museum! Their exhibits are ever-changing and always interesting. We hope you'll be moved to explore the side streets, back alleys, dirt roads, & nooks and crannies of Downtown Hattiesburg, as you have to find what you are looking for. We recommend following them on Facebook to learn more!
Hattiesburg Zoo
The Hattiesburg Zoo has something wild for everyone! From amazing animals to high-ropes adventures, the Zoo offers excitement for every family member.
Hattiesburg Lunch
As a premier city of the Gulf South, you can expect a variety of delicious tastes in Hattiesburg! We recommend getting out and grabbing a bite to eat before you head home. Our staff will certainly have some recommendations if you need them, and Visit Hattiesburg has a list of all of our options for you to browse.
Accommodations
If you are looking for accommodations for the weekend, you are in luck! Visit Hattiesburg offers a robust list of options ranging from hotels to campgrounds. Be sure to ask if they offer a USM rate, as some hotels may offer discounts!