Southern Arkansas University to host Family Day on September 26

Southern Arkansas University will host one of its most treasured traditions, Family Day, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, beginning at 11:30 a.m. with a full schedule of family-friendly events planned throughout the day. Festivities will wrap up with an exciting Mulerider football game at 6:00 p.m. in Wilkins Stadium.

“Family Day is always a special opportunity to bring our Mulerider families together and give them a chance to experience campus alongside their students,” said Kandice Herron, dean of student and parent experiences. “We’re looking forward to a great day filled with activities, connection, and plenty of Mulerider spirit.”

The complete schedule of events is as follows:

  • 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Organization Fair Tables and Family-Friendly Events (SAU Duck Pond)
  • 11:45 a.m. — Beds arrive for Best-Decorated judging (Crescent Drive, in front of Fincher Hall)
  • 1:00 p.m. — 46th Annual Residence Hall Association Bed Race (Crescent Drive, in front of Fincher Hall)
  • 2:00 p.m. — Family Reception (SAU Duck Pond)
  • 2:00 p.m. — Great Greek Canoe Race (SAU Duck Pond)
  • 3:00 p.m. — Mulegating (Alumni Center)
  • 4:00 p.m. — Family Picnic (Alumni Center)
  • 5:00 p.m. — Pep Rally (Alumni Center)
  • 6:00 p.m. — Mulerider Football (Wilkins Stadium)

SAU student organizations help kick off the day with the Organization Fair from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., providing activities for everyone, including bingo, carnival games, inflatables and snow cones near the SAU duck pond. The 46th Annual Residence Hall Association Bed Race pits two teams of three students against each other in each heat, with two members pushing decorated, adapted beds as a brave and helmeted third teammate holds on.

A short walk down Farm Road, past the Downing Softball Complex, will bring visitors to SAU’s Mulegating festivities beginning at 3:00 p.m. at the Alumni Center — SAU’s adaptation of tailgating before each Mulerider home football game. Mulegating for Family Day is sponsored by select local businesses.