OHIO to celebrate Moms Weekend with special events

Ohio University will celebrate Moms Weekend April 10-12, and all members of the OHIO community are invited to the special events.

This year’s Moms Weekend events will include a wide variety of arts and crafts activities, the International Street Fair, ziplining at The Ridges and much, much more.

Moms Weekend is the final Family Weekend of the academic year. For the full schedule of Moms Weekend events, as well as the dates for the Family Weekends during the 2026-2027 academic year, see the Family Weekends website.

For parking information for Moms Weekend, see the Transportation and Parking Services website.

Friday, April 10

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Cats' Cupboard Baby Item Drive – All day at the Baker University Center. This event will also be held Saturday and Sunday. The Cats' Cupboard Food Pantry supports Bobcats who are parents by supplying them with basic baby items such as formula, wipes, food, and formula. If you would like to support this group, you can bring any items to the Third Floor of Baker University Center any time throughout Moms Weekend.

Moms Eat Free at Culinary Services – 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Moms eat free with their Bobcat's Meal Swipe.

Spring Ceramic Sale – 9:30 a.m.  until 4 p.m. at Jennings House on East Union Street. This event will also be held on Saturday. 

The US Foods Show – Noon until 2 p.m. at Nelson Commons. Help Culinary Services pick future menu items while enjoying free samples and giveaways.

XR Showcase/GRID Lab 20th Anniversary Celebration  - 1-5 p.m. on all three floors in Scripps Hall. The XR showcase will highlight student-produced VR and Game Development projects.  This event will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Game Research and Immersive Design (GRID) Lab. The GRID Lab will debut three new projects.

Dairy Barn Craft Festival 2026 – 3-8 p.m. at the Dairy Barn on Dairy Lane. This event features 40+ artists and makers. Visitors can expect a thoughtfully curated selection of original, handmade artwork, along with opportunities to connect with artists. You can find more information here.

Moms Weekend Ziplining – 3-6 p.m. at the Challenge Course on The Ridges. This activity will also be held on Saturday and Sunday. Bring your mom to experience Outdoor Pursuits' Zipline at the Ridges. Registration is required for this event and costs $20 per person. You can find more information and register here.

Commuter Moms Craft-tacular Weekend – 4-8 p.m. at Jefferson Hall 160. Celebrate Moms Weekend with a fun, creative break designed for commuters.

Physics Colloquium | Shaping the Halo: Deformation Effects in Weakly Bound Nuclei – 4:10-5 p.m. at Walter Hall 145. The Physics and Astronomy Colloquium Series presents Live-Palm Kubushishi of Ohio University, discussing "Shaping the Halo: Deformation Effects in Weakly Bound Nuclei.”

Art Expo – 5-6 p.m. at the Living Learning Center. The Art Expo features student artwork.

Tote Bag Painting – 5-7 p.m. at Baker University Center 213. Customize tote bags while enjoying free cookies and lemonade.

Annual Museum Studies Exhibition Opening: Material Matters – 5:30-7 p.m. at the Kennedy Museum of Art at The Ridges. Join the Kennedy Museum of Art and the Museum Studies Fundamentals class of 2025-2026 for the opening reception of Material Matters. The exhibition is curated, designed, and installed by 26 undergraduate and graduate students from multiple disciplines.

Ohio Hillel Friday Night Shabbat Dinner – 6 p.m. at Hillel Ohio University. You can find more information here.

Mama Mia at the Athena Cinema – 7 and 8 p.m. at the Athena Cinema. This event will also be held on Saturday.  A film dedicated to the unconditional love between a mother and her child, Mama Mia is a worldwide sensation and one of the highest-grossing musical comedies of all time. You can find ticket information and additional details here.

Fridays Live! Hosted by Fridays Live Seniors – 10 p.m. at 9 S. College St. Fridays Live is a live sketch comedy show that airs at 10 p.m.

Saturday, April 11

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Memories With Mom - Button and Magnet Making – 10 a.m. until noon at the Fourth Floor Lobby in Alden Library. Stop by for a fun morning of button and magnet-making.

Moms Weekend Tea with the President – 10-11:30 a.m. at 29 Park Place. Mix and mingle with other families, meet President Lori Stewart Gonzalez and Dean of Students Kathy Fahl, and enjoy some pastries, tea and coffee.

Moms Weekend Farmers Market – 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Nelson Commons.  This event is sponsored by Culinary Services.

University Courtyard Art and Craft Market – 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the University Courtyard Apartments Clubhouse at 366 Richland Ave. Featuring several local artists and vendors, this Moms Weekend event is free and open to the public.

International Street Fair – 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Union Street between Court Street and University Terrace.  All members of the OHIO community are invited to this family-friendly event to enjoy the activities, watch the performances on the International Street Fair stage, and try the food during this global block party. You can find more information here.

Save The Glass Event and Lunch Buffet at Latitude 39 – 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the first floor of Baker University Center. You can more information on the cost of the buffet and the menu here.

Backwoods Bash at the Ridges –Noon until 4 p.m. at the Outdoor Pursuits Challenge Course at The Ridges. Enjoy painting with Passion Works, an open climbing wall, gourmet grilled cheese from the Rhythm and Food trailer, and live music. This event is free to attend and does not require registration.

Moms Weekend StartUp Market – Noon until 3 p.m. at the CoLab in Alden Library. The StartUp Market will feature OHIO student businesses selling unique items like pottery, jewelry, stained glass and other fantastic items. Enjoy free food and beverages while you browse the market.

Moms Weekend Book Making – Noon until 2 p.m. at Little Professor Book Center at 65 S. Court St. You can find registration information here.

Moments With Moms - 1-4 p.m. at the Jackie O’s Taproom at 25 Campbell St. This event will feature live music, crafts, and ice cream. This event has free entry for all with the opportunity to purchase food and merchandise with proceeds benefitting Passion Works Studio.

Moms Weekend Charm and Perfume Bar – 1-3 p.m. in Patton Hall 105. Mix your own perfume and create a charm jewelry bracelet or bag charm Tickets are required for this event. You can find more details and ticket information here. 

Residence Hall Association Moms Weekend Paint and Sip – 2-4 p.m. in the Living Learning Center. This event will feature a variety of canvases, paintable frames, totebags, and provided paint.

Moms Weekend Wine and Cheese – 3-5 p.m.  at Hillel at Ohio University. You can register for this event here.

'Genesis' A Variant Fashion Show – 4:15-6 p.m. at Galbreath Chapel on the College Green. This spring fashion show will showcase student designers, vendors and musicians.

Sunday, April 12 

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Brunch and Bouquets – 10 a.m. until noon in the Baker University Center Ballroom. Enjoy a complimentary brunch alongside your mom or loved ones while creating your own custom bouquet to take home.

Athens Festival of Colors – 2-4 p.m. at the West State Street Park, Shelter 2. The festival will feature upbeat music, cultural performances and an interactive Indian dance lesson that welcomes participants of all ages and backgrounds. Attendees will have the opportunity to celebrate together by tossing colorful powders—an iconic Holi tradition symbolizing joy, equality, and community spirit. This free, family-friendly event is open to everyone.

Kennedy Museum of Art Community Open Studio- Material Matters – 2-4 p.m.  at the Kennedy Museum of Art at The Ridges. Tour the 2026 Museum Studies exhibition Material Matters and participate in hands-on activities led by Museum Studies students. Participants will learn woven coaster-making with yarn and a cardboard cutout, and paper quilt-making activity with construction paper and scissors.

For more information on Moms Weekend and all of OHIO’s Family Weekends, see the Family Weekends website.