Mustang Family Weekend 2025

Discover how your student has made Cal Poly their home!

Join us at Mustang Family Weekend to:

• Reconnect with your student.
• Meet fellow Cal Poly families.
• Engage in Learn by Doing lectures and labs led by esteemed faculty. 
• Explore campus through interactive tours. 
• Enjoy live music and fun activities. 
• Attend athletic events.* 

… and SO MUCH MORE! 

 

Registration is for the ENTIRE FAMILY and includes:

• One Mustang Family swag bag full of Cal Poly gear.
• One weekend campus parking pass.
• Entrance to dozens of exclusive campus events, activities and programming, including
  • College and department receptions and socials.
  • Meet and greets with college deans and faculty.
  • Student showcases.
  • Club sports games.

*Add-On Events

Mustang Family Weekend registrants can add on the following Cal Poly Athletic events for an additional discounted fee during checkout. Seating is limited. Purchase your tickets today!

If you would like to purchase additional add-on tickets (Football, Soccer, BBQ, etc.) Please contact Cal Poly Ticket Office at tickets@calpoly.edu, or by calling 805-756-4849. A valid Mustang Family Weekend Registration must be purchased to receive the discounted ticket price. 

PLEASE NOTE

• Attendees must purchase a Mustang Family Weekend Registration in order to receive discounted add-on tickets.
• Cal Poly students receive free admission into the General Admission Sections for football and soccer games with their student ID. If you would like your student to sit with you in a reserved seating section you will need to purchase them a ticket
• Cal Poly students DO NOT receive free access to the Mustang Corral BBQ and must purchase a ticket to enter.

Weekend Schedule

More events continue to be added to the schedule. Please check back often for updates.

Friday, Oct. 31

Check-In 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.| Mustang Way (Near University Union)

TIME	TITLE	HOST	LOCATION	DESCRIPTION	Candy?
7:30 a.m. -6 p.m.	Mustang Shop Open Hours	Mustang Shop	Bldg. 65	Visit the Mustang Shop and get all of your Cal Poly gear
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Exhibitions at Kennedy Library	Special Collections and Archives, Kennedy Library	Bldg. 35, 1st Floor	Three exhibitions tell stories about and within the Cal Poly community, displaying artwork and archival material from our collections.
9 - 5 p.m.	Mustang Family Weekend Check-in	Parent and Family Programs	Mustang Way	Check-in for Mustang Family Weekend and receive your complimentary swag bag! Stop on by any time if you have questions about the weekend or would like to learn more about the resources available to you.	X
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Self-Guided Walking Tour	Parent and Family Programs	Mustang Way	Explore Cal Poly with a self-guided walking tour! Visit our booth to receive a printed copy, or print your own: Campus & College Tour Self-Guided Walking Tour
9 - 10 a.m.	Donuts with the Dean of Students	Dean of Students	Bldg. 81 Lawn	Join the Dean of Students for a casual meet and greet. Enjoy donuts and coffee!	X
9 - 10 a.m.	Coffee and Conversations at the New Tutoring & Learning Center	Tutoring and Learning Center, Office of Writing and Learning	Bldg. 35, Rm. 209	Meet the peer educators and staff of the Tutoring & Learning Center to learn about free resources that provide students with a little “TLC” for their academic journey.	X
10:10 - 11 a.m.	Promoting Your Student's Career Success	Career Services	Bldg. 124, Rm. 117	Come hear how Career Services is working to help empower your student(s) to achieve a lifetime of meaningful career success.
10 a.m. - Noon	Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies Halloween Studio Showcase	Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies	Bldg. 181, Rm. 104	Peek inside the Expressive Technology Studios: Ghostly projections, 3D sound, robot meet n’ greet. Plus! Learn how your student can combine engineering and liberal arts.	X
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.	Get to Know Kennedy Library	Robert E. Kennedy Library	Bldg 35 Front Lobby	Discover library resources, grab free SWAG, and explore a self-guided tour to learn how the Kennedy Library supports student success and engagement.
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.	Poly Floral and Plant Shop hours	Plant Science Department	Bldg. 48	Join us for our sale of honey, jams, and plants! Meet student employees and learn how to purchase flowers and navigate our online system.	X
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.	Exhibitions at Kennedy Library	Special Collections and Archives, Kennedy Library	Bldg. 35, Rm. 409	Three exhibitions tell stories about and within the Cal Poly community, displaying artwork and archival material from our collections.
11 a.m.	Exhibition Tour with Student Curator	Special Collections and Archives, Kennedy Library	Bldg. 35, 1st Floor	Tour the exhibition "Chicanos at Cal Poly: Who We Are and How We Show Up" with curator and graduate student Mia Lawrence (HIST ‘26).
11 - Noon	Guardian Scholars Office Hours	Guardian Scholars Program - Dean of Students	Bldg. 106 Courtyard	For all Guardian Scholars - come visit the Guardian Scholars Center. All family and friends are welcome.	X
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.	Transfer Center Open Office Hours	Transfer Center	Bldg. 52, Rm. E30	Come stop by and see the Cal Poly Transfer Center! We have staff and current Cal Poly transfer students ready to chat with you about what it means to be a Cal Poly transfer student!	X
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.	Students with Dependents Program Office Hours	Students with Dependents	Bldg. 81 Lawn	Learn about the Students with Dependents Program, enjoy snacks and have some family friendly fun!	X
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.	Your Experience. Your ASI.	Associated Students Inc.	Bldg. 43 Plaza	Experience all ASI has to offer during Mustang Family Weekend! Enjoy live music, crafting, a photo booth, and more.	X
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.	DRC Meet and Greet	Disability Resource Center	Bldg. 124	Join the Disability Resource Center team to learn about the services offered, great tech tips for success and enjoy some delicious treats	X
Noon - 1 p.m.	Film Screening of Digitized Films and Videos from the Archives	Special Collections and Archives, Kennedy Library	Bldg. 35, Rm. 103	Screening of recently digitized films from the archives, including 1950s family films from architect William Cody and films showcasing Cal Poly students from 1930s-1980s. Popcorn!
Noon -  1:30 p.m.	Cal Poly Alumni Legacy Lunch at Mustang Family Weekend	Cal Poly Alumni Engagement	Bldg. 28	Cal Poly alumni parents and their students are invited to a special event celebrating multi-generational Mustangs. Separate ticket purchase required.	X
Noon - 2 p.m.	Building 15 Chat and Tour	EOP, Cal Poly Scholars, TRIO, LaCasa, BAEC	Bldg. 15 Lobby	Join the programs of building 15 to learn more about their offerings and rich community.	X
1 - 2 p.m.	Coffee and Conversations with RSE	Residential Student Experience (RSE)	Bldg. 108 Lawn	Come join RSE team members for Halloween treats and insight into what your students are learning in the residential neighborhoods.	X
1 - 2 p.m.	Living Off-Campus in SLO County	Off-Campus Housing Program	Bldg. 180, Rm. 114	Discover off-campus housing options, how to be a competitive applicant in SLO County, and explore resources available to you.	X
1 - 2 p.m.	Service & College Success	Center for Service in Action	Bldg. 65, Rm. 219	How can service help students transition IN, THRU, & OUT of the university. Service can be leveraged for career readiness. Service is good for students' holistic wellbeing.
1:10 - 2 p.m.	Learn by Doing Research! How to Find & Apply to Student Research Opportunities at Cal Poly	Office of Student Research	TBD	For parents, supporters & students. Learn how to find and apply to student research opportunities at Cal Poly. Meet the Director of the Office of Student Research & team.	X
1 - 3 p.m.	Student Diversity and Belonging Center Tours	NAICC/DREAM	Bldg. 172, Rm. H1-46	Come visit the Student Diversity and Belonging centers! Our spaces are open for all. Learn about the services we provided surrounding ethnicity, gender, race, and sexuality.	X
1 - 3 p.m.	Student Diversity and Belonging Center Tours	APIDA/MCC, GEC, MnM, and PRIDE	Bldg. 65, Rm. 111F & 217	Come visit the Student Diversity and Belonging centers! Our spaces are open for all. Learn about the services we provided surrounding ethnicity, gender, race, and sexuality.	X
1 - 3 p.m.	Student Diversity and Belonging Center Tours	BAEC and La CASA	Bldg. 15	Come visit the Student Diversity and Belonging centers! Our spaces are open for all. Learn about the services we provided surrounding ethnicity, gender, race, and sexuality.	X
1:30 - 3 p.m.	Mustang Familia: Spanish-Speaking Panel	Office of University Diversity and Inclusion & Parent and Family Programs	Building 65, Rm. 220	The Mustangs Family Weekend Spanish-Speaking Supporter Panel is an in-person event for those who accompany our first-generation Latino/a/e/x students. We invite parents, guardians, siblings, relatives and other mentors or friends of students to attend this event. Our staff and student panelists will represent these identities and offer insights into their experiences navigating and accessing resources at Cal Poly.
1:30 - 3 p.m.	Mustang Familia: Panel en Español	Office of University Diversity and Inclusion & Parent and Family Programs	Building 65, Rm. 220	El panel de apoyo en español se llevará a cabo durante el Fin de Semana de Mustangs y es un evento en persona para los que acompañan a nuestros estudiantes Latino/a/e/x de primera generación. Invitamos a padres, guardianes, familiares y otros mentores o amigos de los estudiantes a asistir a este evento. Nuestros panelistas de personal administrativo y estudiantes representarán estas identidades y ofrecerán información sobre sus experiencias navegando y accediendo a recursos en Cal Poly.
1:30 p.m.	ME Meet and Greet and Tours	Mechanical Engineering	Bldg. 197, Rm. 107	Come Meet Faculty and go on tours of our labs, light refreshments and candy!	X
2 p.m.	BMED Family Weekend Meet and Greet and Tour	Biomedical Engineering	Bldg. 197, Rm. 104	Please come chat with Department Chair Dr. Kristen O'Halloran Cardinal and BMED students and take a tour of the Biomedical Engineering facilities!
2 p.m.	Civil & Environmental Engineering Meet & Greet	Civil & Environmental Engineering	Bldg. 13, Rm. 118	Please come chat with Department Chair Dr. Bing Qu to learn more about the department and all our offerings while enjoying some light refreshments and candy!	X
2 - 3 p.m.	Living Off-Campus in SLO County	Off-Campus Housing Program	Bldg. 180, Rm. 114	Discover off-campus housing options, how to be a competitive applicant in SLO County, and explore resources available to you.	X
2 - 3 p.m.	Mustang Family Weekend Campus Tour	Admissions & Recruitment	Bldg. 172H, Rm. H1-10	Poly Reps leading visitors on a 60-minute general campus tour. Pre-register Required
2:10 - 3 p.m.	Study Abroad 101	International Center	Bldg. 180, Rm. 107	This presentation will guide you through important topics related to study abroad, such as financial preparations, academic planning and program options.	X
2 - 3:30 p.m.	Spanish & World Languages Drop-in Hours	World Languages and Cultures	Bldg. 47, Rm. 28C	Discover opportunities to study Spanish and other world languages! Strengthen your bilingual skills, expand cultural understanding, and connect with global perspectives	X
3 - 4 p.m.	OCOB Fireside Chat with the Dean	Orfalea College of Business	Bldg. 03, Rm. 213	Connect with the Dean to learn more about how Orfalea College of Business experiential learning and innovative programs are shaping future business leaders. This will include an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the student experience.	X
3:10 - 5 p.m.	IME Department Meet & greet	Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering	Bldg. 192, Rm. 220	The IME Dept will be holding a Meet & Greet our Faculty and Staff, Short presentation by the Department Chair John Pan  - Refreshments Served.	X
4 - 5 p.m.	Electrical Engineering EE Ice Cream Social	Electrical Engineering Department	Bldg. 20A Lobby	Meet Electrical Engineering faculty and staff and enjoy ice cream with students.
4 - 6 p.m.	PAC Mixer	Parent Advisory Council (PAC)	Bldg. 65, Rm. 220	This fun and informative event is a great opportunity to connect with fellow Mustang parents, meet current Parent Advisory Council members, and Campus Leadership. If you're curious about getting involved, asking questions, or simply want to learn more about the Parent Advisory Council, this event is for you! RSVP Today!
5 - 8 p.m.	First Year ARCH/ARCE Model Show	Architecture	Bldg. 05, Rm. 105	The model show will exhibit three-dimensional interpretations of two-dimensional works of abstract art. Models from first year students are suspended in the gallery.	X
6:30 p.m.	Mustang Family Weekend Music Faculty Showcase	Music Department	Bldg. 45, Rm. 218	Featuring Cal Poly’s applied music faculty, who are recognized across the region for their expertise in solo and chamber ensemble performance. More information	X
TBD	TBD	Campus Health and Wellbeing	Bldg. 27, Lawn	TBD

Saturday, Nov. 1

Check-In 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.| Mustang Way (Near University Union)

TIME	TITLE	HOST	LOCATION	DESCRIPTION	Candy?
8 - 9:30 a.m.	Mustang Band Open Rehearsal	Music Department		Check out the “Pride of the Pacific” Mustang Marching Band as it rehearses for pre-football game activities at noon, and kickoff at 2 p.m.!
8:30 a.m. -6 p.m.	Mustang Shop Open Hours	Mustang Shop	Bldg. 65	Visit the Mustang Shop and get all of your Cal Poly gear
9 - 5 p.m.	Mustang Family Weekend Check-in	Parent and Family Programs	Mustang Way	Check-in for Mustang Family Weekend and receive your complimentary swag bag! Stop on by any time if you have questions about the weekend or would like to learn more about the resources available to you.	X
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Self-Guided Walking Tour	Parent and Family Programs	Mustang Way	Explore Cal Poly with a self-guided walking tour! Visit our booth to receive a printed copy, or print your own: Campus & College Tour Self-Guided Walking Tour
9 - 10 a.m.	Coffee with the Bailey College: Breakfast and Welcome with Dean Wendt	Bailey College Dean's Office	Bldg. 180 Lawn & Patio	Join the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics dean, associate deans and department representatives for breakfast and an overview of the college.
9 - 10 a.m.	Learn about National and International Fellowships and Scholarships!	National and International Fellowships and Scholarships	Bldg. 52, Rm. E48	We’ll provide opportunities for parents and students to learn about the possibilities that fellowships and scholarships offer.
9 - 11 a.m.	Parents' Breakfast with Landscape Architecture	Landscape Architecture	Bldg. 34 Patio	Enjoy continental breakfast with Landscape Architecture Department faculty and staff, with a special appearance by CAED Dean Mark Swackhamer.	X
9 - 11 a.m.	EE Activity Session	Electrical Engineering Department	Bldg. 20A, Lobby	Experience a hands-on activity session
9 a.m. - Noon	Rocket Launch Competition	Aerospace Engineering	TBD	AERO 121 students compete against each other with their rockets they designed.
10 a.m.	Print your own shirt! Print a sticker of yourself!	Graphic Communication	Bldg. 26-A	Come print your own shirt or tote bag using screen printing, and/or upload a selfie photo and print stickers of yourself, your dog, or whomever! Experience a little of what Graphic Communication offers! Run by the student enterprise University Graphic Systems. Additional Cost Required
10:10 - 11 a.m.	Statistics Department Q&A	Statistics Department	Bldg. 180, Rm. 272	Students and supporters are invited to participate in a Q&A session with representatives from the Statistics Department.
10:10 - 11 a.m.	Biological Sciences Department Session	Biological Sciences	Bldg. 180, Rm. 114	Students and supporters are invited to meet and hear from representatives from the Biological Sciences Department.
10:10 - 11 a.m.	Kinesiology & Public Health Department Session	Kinesiology & Public Health	Bldg. 180, Rm. 113	Students and supporters are invited to meet and hear from representatives from the Kinesiology & Public Health Department.
10:10 - 11 a.m.	Liberal Studies Department Session	Liberal Studies	Bldg. 180, Rm. 261	Students and supporters are invited to meet and hear from representatives from the Liberal Studies Department.
10:10 - 11 a.m.	Physics Department Session	Physics	Bldg. 180, Rm. 262	Students and supporters are invited to meet and hear from representatives from the Physics Department.
10:10 - 11 a.m.	Statistics Department Session	Statistics	Bldg. 180, Rm. 272	Students and supporters are invited to meet and hear from representatives from the Statistics Department.
10 a.m. - Noon	Coffee with CAFES	College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences	Bldg. 156, Patio	Parents, supporters and students are invited to join the CAFES leadership team and academic advisors as we share more about our programs, student support services and opportunities to get involved. Coffee and treats will be provided.
10 a.m. - Noon	Letterpress printing in the Shakespeare Press Museum	Graphic Communication	Bldg. 26, Rm. 116	Experience the Art of Letterpress at the Shakespeare Press Create beautiful keepsakes using traditional letterpress techniques at Cal Poly's historic Shakespeare Press. Perfect for all ages—no experience necessary!
10 a.m. - Noon	CLA Learn By Doing Showcase	College of Liberal Arts	Bldg. 6 Lobby	Meet with the CLA Dean, enjoy light refreshments, and learn how CLA brings Learn by Doing to life through research, internships, study abroad and more.
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.	Visit and Tour the renovated Kennedy Library	Kennedy Library	Bldg. 35	Visit the renovated Kennedy Library, and see everything we have for students and Learn by Doing. Guided and self-guided tours will be available.
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.	Exhibitions at Kennedy Library	Special Collections and Archives, Kennedy Library	Bldg. 35, 1st Floor & Rm. 109	Three exhibitions tell stories about and within our Cal Poly community, displaying artwork and archival material from our collections.
11 - 2 p.m.	Marine Science Exploration	Biological Sciences		Student-led hands-on marine science activities with live marine invertebrates or artifacts.
11 a.m.	Mustang Corral BBQ	Cal Poly Athletics	O'Neill Green	Enjoy BBQ, drinks, music and fun before heading to Spanos Stadium to root on the Mustangs. Add-on ticket (additional fee).
11 a.m.	Construction Management Tailgate	Construction Management	Bldg. 186, Spot 23	Join CM students and their families/supporters at the tailgate before the Cal Poly and Portland State football game.
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.	Pre-Health Parents & Supporters Reception	Bailey College of Science and Mathematics	Bldg. 180, Lawn	Join us for the Pre-Health Parents & Supporters Reception, hosted by the Bailey College, to connect and partner in supporting students’ journeys and futures in healthcare professions.
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.	Army ROTC Meet and Greet	Department of Military Science and Leadership	Bldg. 34, Rm. 117	Army ROTC program information with Cadre
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.	Poly Floral and Plant Shop hours	Plant Science Department	Bldg. 48	Join us for our sale of honey, jams, and plants! Meet student employees and learn how to purchase flowers and navigate our online system.	X
12:30 p.m.	Arboretum Tour	Plant Sciences	Bldg. 48X	Tour of the Leaning Pine Arboretum, a student managed 5-acre display garden of Mediterranean climate region plants and trees.
2 p.m.	Cal Poly Football vs. Portland State	Cal Poly Athletics	Spanos Stadium	Cheer on the Mustangs at an exciting game against Portland State. Add-on ticket (additional fee).
3 - 8 p.m.	Free Bowling	Mustang Lanes	Bldg. 65, Rm. 118	Enjoy free bowling courtesy of Parent and Family Programs. Please pick up your ticket at check-in
7:30 p.m.	Spanish Night with Pablo Sainz-Villegas & Friends	Performing Arts Center	Bldg. 6	Internationally renowned Spanish guitarist, Pablo Sainz-Villegas, invites audiences on a musical journey through Spain to explore its incredibly rich and diverse culture. Along with his trio of fellow musicians, Pablo and friends will perform iconic, evocative and romantic pieces from his homeland in a program of the most fiery pieces ever written for guitar. Intertwined will be stories and shared feelings and emotions inspired by Spain, its culture and its one of a kind music. Join Pablo and friends on this journey and enjoy the guitar as you never have before! Additional Tickets Required

Sunday, Nov. 2

Check-In 9 a.m. - Noon| Mustang Way (Near University Union)

TIME	TITLE	HOST	LOCATION	DESCRIPTION	CANDY?
9 - 5 p.m.	Mustang Family Weekend Check-in	Parent and Family Programs	Mustang Way	Check-in for Mustang Family Weekend and receive your complimentary swag bag! Stop on by any time if you have questions about the weekend or would like to learn more about the resources available to you.	X
9 a.m. - Noon	Self-Guided Walking Tour	Parent and Family Programs	Mustang Way	Explore Cal Poly with a self-guided walking tour! Visit our booth to receive a printed copy, or print your own: Campus & College Tour Self-Guided Walking Tour
11 a.m. - 2 p.m	Physics Department Picnic	Physics Department	Cuesta Park 2500 Loomis St, SLO	Physics department picnic and games to celebrate students and their families	X
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.	Mustang Shop Open Hours	Mustang Shop	Bldg. 65	Visit the Mustang Shop and get all of your Cal Poly gear
2 p.m.	National Geographic Live: Rise of T. rex	Performing Arts Center	Bldg. 6	Along the way, uncover the entire landscape—from plants to fish to mammals—where these memorable dinos reigned 66 million years ago. Dr. Lindsay Zanno is one of the world’s leading experts on the evolution of theropod dinosaurs and has discovered more than a dozen new species, including Siats, one of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs on the continent, and Moros, North America’s tiniest tyrannosaur. Additional Ticket Required

Thursday, Oct. 30

For our guests arriving on Thursday evening

TIME	TITLE	HOST	LOCATION	DESCRIPTION	Candy?
6 - 8 p.m.	Mustang Shop Trick or Treat	Mustang Shop	Downtown Bookstore	Visit the Mustang Shop and get all of your Cal Poly gear	X
6 - 9 p.m.	Downtown Farmer's Market	Downtown SLO	Higuera Street	Enjoy SLO and visit the various booths downtown. Shop unique trinkets and try some amazing food!	X
7:30 p.m.	Christian Elliott plays The Mark of Zorro (1920)	Performing Arts Center	Bldg. 6	Set to the rich tones of the Forbes Pipe Organ, audiences will watch legendary silent film actor Douglas Fairbanks Sr. bring to life Don Diego Vega—a seemingly foppish nobleman in Spanish California who secretly transforms into Zorro, a daring vigilante fighting injustice. With exhilarating sword fights, daring stunts, and clever disguises, the film highlights Fairbanks’ athleticism, charisma, and iconic screen presence. With its blend of humor, romance, and adventure, the film’s influence has extended far beyond its time—inspiring countless masked hero stories and establishing Zorro as a timeless cultural icon. Additional Ticket Required

Parking

Please review the following instructions to access your Mustang Family Weekend parking permit:

Complimentary Parking (One Permit Per Registration)

• Click on this link: https://www.joinoffstreet.com/cal-poly-mustang-family-weekend
• Fill out Vehicle information
• Click on “Complimentary Parking”
• Enter Code:(check your confirmation email)
• Follow the remaining prompts
• Print out email confirmation

Additional Parking:

Need more parking? Select "Purchase Additional Parking" after securing your initial pass.

Parking Notes:

• Parking in Grand structure is limited, parking in H-Lots is preferred. Please review a map of parking here
• Vehicle information is required for parking permit access. Guests with rental cars are advised to enter vehicle information after obtaining their rental.
• Questions about parking? Contact Parent and Family Programs: calpolyparent@calpoly.edu or 805-756-6700.

Book Your Stay

Looking for hotel accommodations? Check out VisitSLO.com or call 1-877-SLO-Town for assistance.

While you’re in town for Mustang Family Weekend, stop by the SLO Visitors Center located at 895 Monterey Street, just a block away from the Mission in the heart of downtown. The center is open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and its helpful team is ready to assist you with suggestions to explore and enjoy all that San Luis Obispo has to offer. For more information or inspiration, go to VisitSLO.com.