University Community

Moms Weekend to feature arts activities, special events, International Street Fair

Ohio University will celebrate Moms Weekend April 4-6 with a wide variety of events for Bobcats and their family members.

The 2025 Moms Weekend celebration will include special performances, the International Street Fair, arts exhibits and sales, a pop-up thrift Market, The Food Show, and much, much more.

All members of the OHIO community are invited to the Moms Weekend events, which include the following activities. You can find the full list of events here. (opens in a new window)

Friday, April 4

A dancer leaps high into the air while other dancers in colorful costumes dance around him at the 2024 World Music and Dance Concert

Ohio University Ceramics Sale (opens in a new window) – 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Jennings House, 54 East Union Street.

The Food Show (opens in a new window) – Noon – 2 p.m. at Nelson Commons. All members of the OHIO community are invited to explore free samples and giveaways, while also helping to shape the future of campus dining by filling out an event survey. Meal swipes or payment are required for entry. All OHIO Moms will get in free with their students’ meal swipe.

OHIO Thrift Market Pop-Up (opens in a new window) – 1-6 p.m. on the Morton Field. Join Ohio University and local thrifts like Goodwill and Rural Action's UpCycle for a pop-up thrift market. You can read more about the event here.

Dairy Barn Fest 2025 (opens in a new window) – 3-8 p.m. at the Dairy Barn, 8000 Dairy Lane. Dairy Barn Fest is a spring celebration showcasing 40 plus local artists selling handcrafted items including jewelry, paintings, pottery and more. Admission is free.

Econ Seminar (opens in a new window) – 3-4:30 p.m. at Bentley Hall Room 124. The seminar will feature speaker Dr. Daniel Karney, associate professor of economics at Ohio University.

Commuter Mom Madness (opens in a new window) – 4-8 p.m. at Jefferson Hall Room 160. This fun event will feature an evening of painting wine glasses, mugs and birdhouses while enjoying great music, delicious food and a laid-back atmosphere.

Moms Weekend: “Mama Mia!” (opens in a new window) – 7 p.m. at the Athena Cinema. Admission to the popular film is $8. You can find more information here. (opens in a new window)

Dancers in colorful costumes perform at the 2024 World Music and Dance Concert
Photo by James K. Hamilton

13th World Music and Dance Concert (opens in a new window) – 7:30-9 p.m. at the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. You can find detailed information about the event on the World Music and Dance Concert website. You can purchase tickets here. (opens in a new window)

Saturday, April 5

An OHIO student and her mother choose food items at the 2024 Tea With The President event

Moms Weekend Day Hike (opens in a new window) – Join Outdoor Pursuits and travel to Hocking Hills and experience some of the best hiking the state has to offer. You can find more information or register here (opens in a new window), or you can call 740-593-9901 to register over the phone.

Ohio University Ceramics Sale (opens in a new window) – The sale continues from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Jennings House, 54 East Union Street.

Moms Weekend - Flowers For Moms (opens in a new window) – 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the fourth floor of Alden Library. Stop by and make a quick button, or sit for a bit and get creative and crafty by making bookmarks. The library will also have wildflower seed bookmarks (while supplies last). The event is free and open to everyone.

Moms Weekend Move and Groove (opens in a new window) – 10-10:45 a.m. at the Charles J. Ping Student Recreation Center. This energetic session is the perfect way to bond, break a sweat, and share some laughs while dancing to upbeat music. The event is free, but registration is required. You can register here. (opens in a new window)

Moms Weekend Tea with the President (opens in a new window) – 10 a.m. – noon at 29 Park Place. Mix and mingle with other families, meet President Lori Stewart Gonzalez and Dean of Students Kathy Fahl, and enjoy pastries, tea and coffee. This event is free and open to everyone.

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

Dairy Barn Fest 2025 (opens in a new window) – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Dairy Barn, 8000 Dairy Lane. Dairy Barn Fest is a spring celebration showcasing 40 plus local artists selling handcrafted items including jewelry, paintings, pottery and more. Admission is free.

The 2024 International Street Fair on Union Street

International Street Fair (opens in a new window) – 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.  on Union Street in front of the College Green. International Week culminates in a lively celebration of art, flavor, and dance. Wander through a global village of booths and activities on Union Street in front of College Green.

Moms Weekend Cycle (opens in a new window) – 11-11:45 a.m. in the Charles J. Ping Student Recreation Center. The Moms Weekend Cycle is a fun and uplifting cycling class designed for Bobcats and their moms to enjoy together. Registration opens 23 hours before the class begins and space is limited. You can register for the class here. (opens in a new window)

Moms Weekend: “Mama Mia!” (opens in a new window) – 11a.m. at the Athena Cinema. Admission to the popular film is $8. You can find more information here. (opens in a new window)

An Ohio student and her mother look at items at the 2024 Pop Up Market in Alden Library

Moms Weekend StartUp Market (opens in a new window) – Noon – 3 p.m. at the CoLab on the third floor of 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 this student-led art market.

Moms Weekend Book-Making (opens in a new window) – 1-3 p.m. at the Little Professor Book Center, 65 Court St. In this workshop, you’ll use handmade paper and other high-quality materials to craft a unique journal, scrapbook, or keepsake. Cost is $20 for mom and student.

Ohio University Program Council Presents Moms Weekend 2025: Abby Lee Miller (opens in a new window) – 2-4 p.m. at the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. Hosted by the University Program Council, this event is free and open to Ohio University students and their families as part of the Moms Weekend Celebration. Doors open at 1 p.m., and those interested in attending are advised to arrive early as seating will be limited.

RHA Moms Weekend Paint and Sip (opens in a new window) – 2-4 p.m. at Jefferson Hall Room 160. Join OHIO’s Residence Hall Association for the Moms Weekend Paint and Sip. A variety of fun canvases and pottery will be available to paint.

Sunday, April 6

A parent and child sit on the College Green, with their bikes nearby, while listening to performers play music
Photo by Zoe Cranfill

Brunch and Bouquets (opens in a new window) - 10 a.m. – noon at the Baker University Center Ballroom. This free, come-and-go style event features a delicious brunch, a DIY bouquet-making station (while supplies last), a photo booth, and exclusive Moms Weekend stickers. 

Outdoor Yoga Series (opens in a new window) – Noon – 12:45 p.m. at the front lawn of the Charles J. Ping Student Recreation Center. This all-levels yoga session is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, unwind, and find your flow in a peaceful, open-air setting. Registration opens 23 hours before the session begins. You can register here. (opens in a new window)

Ohio University Dance Team Competition Sendoff (opens in a new window) – 5-6 p.m. at the Convocation Center. All members of the OHIO community are invited to join the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts School of Dance's competitive Jazz and Pom teams as they present their routines in preparation for the 2025 Dance Team Union College Classic. You can find more information here.

For more information on Moms Weekend and all of OHIO’s Family Weekends, including a schedule for Family Weekends in the 2025-26 academic year, see the Family Weekends website.

Published
April 2, 2025
Author
Staff reports