Campus plans events for visiting parents

It happens every year.

About a month into fall semester, swarms of parents overtake the IU campus for Parents Weekend. 

With the amount of events and activities taking place within a two-day span, the pressure of deciding what to do consumes students’ minds.

Here are a few options to keep parents busy this weekend.

Explore art

Art lovers can explore the IU Art Museum’s collections this weekend. The museum houses pieces by Monet and Picasso, as well as ancient jewelry and African masks. Docent-led tours will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Spend an evening at the opera

Want to experience an IU opera? Parents can pay student ticket prices with a coupon available online for the 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday performances of “Cosi fan tutte.” Tickets start at $10 and must be purchased at the Musical Arts Center box office.

Sunday brunch

Families can attend brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Tudor Room on the first floor of the Indiana Memorial Union. There is a charge for each person to be admitted for the brunch, which will be an all-you-can-eat buffet. Call 812-855-9866 to make a reservation.

Dine on Fourth Street

Experience the tastes of the world by eating at an ethnic restaurant on Fourth Street. The restaurants in this area feature Indian, Turkish, Tibetan, Italian and Thai cuisine, among others. For a list of Bloomington restaurants, visit bloomingtononline.net.

Tour the Lilly Library

History abounds at IU’s rare book and manuscript library. From the New Testament of the Gutenberg Bible, to a collection of some of the world’s smallest books, to the Slocum Room featuring more than 400 mechanical puzzles, the Lilly Library suits the interests of many individuals. Organized tours will be at 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Attend the IU vs. Penn State football game

Cheer the Hoosiers to victory Saturday at Memorial Stadium, where they’ll face Pennsylvania State University. The IU Parent Association will organize a
pregame gathering two hours prior to kickoff. A tent will be set up on the south side of the stadium inside Hoosier Village. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

The game begins at noon, and reduced ticket prices for parents are available if purchased in advance. Visit IUhoosiers.com for more information.

Bowling in the Back Alley

Parents can bowl for free this weekend when accompanied by an IU student at the Back Alley, located on the Mezzanine level of the Indiana Memorial Union. Shoe rental is also included. Glow-in-the-dark “cosmic” bowling is available on weekend evenings.

For more information and for a complete schedule of events, visit studentaffairs.iub.edu/parents.

— Kourtney Liepelt