By Emily Clark ′15
Whether you’ve got mom, pop, and the whole clan in tow, or you are spending this Parent and Family Weekend solo, there are tons of great activities on and off campus to keep everyone entertained. Explaining to your parents how your dorm room got so messy in just one month? You’re going to have to figure that one out yourself.
1. Catch some Friday night entertainment
If you’re into loud music, coordinated dance routines, and tons of school spirit, spend your Friday night watching Kappa Delta All-Sing in the Mallory Gymnasium. This campus-wide event, which raises money for Prevent Child Abuse America, features Greek and various other organizations performing skits and dance routines. Doors open at 6:30, the show starts at 7:00, and tickets are available for pre-purchase or at the door.
However, if something more relaxed and in the Memphis community is more your style, grab your parents, a blanket, and head to Free Friday Flicks at Beale Street Landing for an outdoor movie. On the 19th starting at 7:00pm they’re playing Footloose. Admission is free, and concessions will be available for purchase.
2. Hit the Farmer’s Market
Skip the long waits for brunch and head downtown for the Memphis Farmer’s Market, which features more than baskets of fruits and vegetables. There’s live music, pre-prepared foods, samples, crafts, contests, and food trucks. It’s a perfect place to grab breakfast, and then wander down South Main to pop into art galleries and local shops. The market begins at Central Station on Front Street in downtown, and is open from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.
3. Day trip to the fair
Rhodes College Parent’s Weekend lines up perfectly with opening weekend of the Mid-South Fair. From free live music to livestock, carnival games to amusement park rides, and crafts and more varieties of deep fried food than you can imagine, this fair has it all. Don’t let the address fool you – this Mississippi-based fair is only 20 minutes from Rhodes’ campus. It’s open from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Gate admission is $12, and parking is free.
4. Catch a sporting event
While the football team is away this Family Weekend, there are myriad other opportunities to support the Lynx with your parents. On Saturday, the Field Hockey team plays Hendrix College on Saturday at 1 p.m., and Men’s Soccer plays Belhaven University at 2 p.m. Sunday features Women’s Soccer versus Elmhurst College at noon. Stay tuned for more information from the Pack and other on-campus organizations about tailgating and game apparel.
5. Go to the Levitt Shell
There are two free concerts at the Shell in Overton Park. On Saturday night, local Memphis favorite Star and Micey will be performing, and on Sunday, Rhodes’ very own Jazz Band will perform, accompanied by Joyce Cobb. Grab a blanket, some to-go food from a restaurant in Overton Square, and snag a spot on the lawn. Star and Micey is at 7:00, and the Rhodes Jazz Band is at 7:30, but make sure to get there early if you want to find a parking spot.