WKU Events
Saturday, September 28th
- Time: All Day
On September 12, the Kentucky Museum launches a new fundraising campaign called “Adopt an Artifact.” With a special invitation from “Nunu,” the Ancient Egyptian sarcophagus on display in the Decorative Arts Gallery, the South Central Kentucky community is invited to make a gift and “adopt” an artifact to support future conservation and care.
To donate to the SpiritFunder, visit our GiveCampus site.
- Location: Kentucky Museum
- Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Held in conjunction with the National Basketry Organization 2019 Biennial Conference this exhibit is unique in it's focus on basketry and in it's inclusion of the full range of work being executed by well-known and emerging artists.
- Location: Richardson Quilt Gallery
- Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Kentuckians have practiced the art of weaving for more than 200 years.
Techniques represented in Even Coverlets Get the Blues range from overshot, double weave, and tied-biederwand to hooked rug making.
- Location: Kentucky Museum - Grand Gallery
- Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
This exhibit tells the stories of freshmen year from participants in a student success intiative, WKU Freshmen Guided Pathway (FGP). This cohort of first-time, full-time students who graduated from one of five high schools in Warren County represent the typical WKU freshman in terms of academic achievement prior to admission and their demographic makeup.
- Location: Kentucky Museum Courtyard
- Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Anel Lepić and Muhamed “Hamo” Bešlagic, two HAD Collective artists from Bosnia, carved murals in the Kentucky Museum courtyard.
- Location: Kentucky Museum Front Lawn
- Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
WKU’s Cultural Enhancement Series and the Kentucky Museum host award winning artist Patrick Dougherty in October 2018 on WKU’s campus in Bowling Green, Ky. Dougherty created Highbrow, a sculpture made from intertwined tree saplings, on the Museum's front lawn.
- Location: Kentucky Museum - Kentucky Room
- Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
- Time: 6:30pm
Our World Burning Photo Exhibition
September 24 - November 22
The Thomas Fire burns in the Los Padres National Forest, near Ojai, Calif., on Dec. 8, 2017. A group of closely knit photojournalists find safety in numbers as they work together to document some of California’s largest and most dangerous fires. Photo by Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times
EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION AND REMARKS
School of Media Gallery Hours
M-W 9am – 9pm
Th–F 9am – 5pm
Sunday 3pm – 9pm
Free parking after 4:30 M-F in the Chestnut St. Lot South / Closed Oct. 10, 11 and 13 for fall break
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHERS
Photographer Justin Sullivan is seen here seeking a low angle while covering the Camp Fire of 2018. “Being with a group that is well trained and understands how to navigate these dangerous fires is so important to me,” Sullivan says. “Being in a car with someone when you’re driving down roads that have fire on both sides with trees and power lines falling all around is so much better than trying to navigate it on your own.” Photo by Noah Berger.
Freelance photographer Noah Berger has spent 24 years covering the San Francisco Bay Area for editorial, corporate and government clients. He works for national and international news outlets including the Associated Press, Reuters, San Francisco Chronicle and LA Times. On the corporate side, Noah covers transportation and infrastructure for government agencies and works often with health care organizations. A native of New York, Noah lives in Alameda – an island across the bay from San Francisco – with his wife and 9-year-old son.
Renée C. Byer is a catalyst for change. She is an award-winning documentary photojournalist and Emmy nominated multimedia field producer best known for her in-depth work focusing on the disadvantaged and those who otherwise would not be heard. Her ability to produce photographs with profound emotional resonance and sensitivity earned her the Pulitzer Prize for feature photography in 2007 and dozens of national and international honors, including the World Understanding Award from Pictures of the Year International, and Pulitzer Finalist in 2013.
Known for her ability to translate stark statistics into images that connect us to our humanity, she has traveled throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, covering some of the most important issues of our time. Byer’s stories have deepened our understanding of the environment, climate change, extreme poverty, genetically modified food, healthcare, women at war, domestic violence, and the drought and economic crisis in California.
- Location: Community Gallery
- Time: All Day
In 2019, the Kentucky Building celebrates 80 years of showcasing South Central Kentucky’s unique culture and heritage. In honor of this milestone, the Kentucky Museum presents Out of the Box, an exhibition focused on fostering multidisciplinary discussions about our collective heritage while shining new light on the relevance of our museum in the 21st century.
Using local historical artifacts, photos, and records, we invite you to discover how every object tells multiple stories. Themes and stories are curated in partnership with faculty from 9 WKU departments
- Location: Russell H. Miller Theatre, Fine Arts Center
- Time: 8:00pm - 10:00pm
From stories in the Grimm Brothers’ Collection and Aesop’s Fables. Favorite old fairy tales and fables – with a contemporary twist. Fun for the whole family!
Adults $16 / Students & Seniors (62+) $12
- Time: 8:00am - 1:00pm
Western Kentucky University's annual Parent & Family Weekend begins on Friday, continues with a full day of activities on Saturday & ends with the NEW Future & Legacy Alumni Brunch on Sunday. One of the highlights of the weekend is the WKU Hilltoppers football game against the University of Alabama Birmingham. Registration and Tickets sales will open on August 1st, 2019!
See www.wku.edu/pfw for more information!
- Location: Various locations
- Time: 8:00am - 10:00pm
Parent & Family Weekend (Sept. 27-29) includes a series of events for the entire family beginning Friday with registration and the WKU Baseball alumni game. Some of Saturday's events include the Kentucky Museum, residence hall open house, Festival on the Green, open houses, brunches, and tailgating on South Lawn.
Here is a list of Saturday’s highlights:
Saturday, September 28, 2019
All times are listed in Central Standard Time
Kentucky Museum's - 90’s Morning Party (Drop-in Event)
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
*serving coffee and donuts until we run out!
Note: The Museum will remain open until 4PM.
Location: Kentucky Building, 1444 Kentucky Street (across from CVS)
Parking: Museum visitor parking in Adams St. Lot across from the Museum
Details: Do you remember the 1990s? Join us for a flashback to WKU in the 90s! We will be listening to 90s tunes, playing trivia, looking at photos, and serving coffee and donuts. We invite Topper families to check out our new Facing the Freshmen Year: Essential Conversations exhibit, as well as many other exhibits. The Kentucky Museum is an excellent learning resource for the WKU community, and we welcome visiting families to experience what we have to offer.
No tickets or registration required for this event.
PFW Registration Check-In
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Downing Student Union, 2nd Floor
Details: Check-in at registration for your Parent & Family Weekend pre-ordered WKU Football game, Hilltopper Cookout, Farewell Brunch tickets, and merchandise.
NOTE: PFW event tickets ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP at the Football Ticket Office or the Will-Call Window
African American Museum: Keepers of the Culture
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: 1783 Chestnut Street, Bowling Green KY 42101
Parking: TBA
Details: Areas of Bowling Green, Kentucky were once hubs of African American heritage, hosting culturally vibrant and bright communities such as Shake Rag and Jonesville. The African American Museum was created in 2006 to preserve the rich black culture and contributions that blossomed in these communities. Exhibits exploring historic African American schools feature artifacts such as senior’s letterman's jacket and newspaper clippings about the schools. Seamless incorporations of the accomplishments, contributions, and culture of African Americans in the early 20th century is what makes this museum worth the visit. Courtesy of the African American Museum website.
Pre-Registration requested for this event.
WKU Treasure Hunt
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Downing Student Union, 2nd Floor Lobby
NOTE: All participants are required to register! Test your sleuthing skills to find the answers to our WKU historical Treasure Hunt clues. You’ll need to put on your thinking caps for this one. Come to our registration table located in the first-floor lobby of DSU on Saturday, Sept. 28. You must complete a registration form with your team name and members, receive your clues, a WKU map, and have your starting time recorded! The hunt is expected to last 1-2 hours.
PFW Photo Scavenger Hunt
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Check-in and Finish Location: Downing Student Union, 2nd Floor Lobby
NOTE: All participants are required to register! This is a fun journey around "The Hill." You will stroll campus finding each landmark and documenting it with a photo or selfie! Stop in at the registration table located on the 2nd-floor lobby of DSU on Saturday, Sept. 28. Pick up your contest sheet, load up WKU's Virtual Tour, and start "snapping"! The hunt is expected to last 1-2 hours.
Mahurin Honors College Parent & Family Weekend Brunch (Drop-In Event)
10:00 AM - Noon
Location: Honors College/International Center Multipurpose Room
Details: Come and Go as you please for this event as we host the families of our Mahurin Honors College students. Brunch food will be served, along with outdoor games and raffles. Our Mahurin Honors College families will receive a registration link and must RSVP to attend this event.
RSVP Required
WKU Student Publication Open House
2:00 PM- 3:30 PM
Location: Adams-Whitaker Student Publications Building
Details: WKU Student Publications, home of the College Heights Herald and the Talisman, will host an open house. Parents and Families of the WKU student staff members are welcome to drop by to see where their students spend their time honing their skills.
No tickets or registration required for this event.
School of Media Gallery – Our World Burning (Drop-in Event)
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Refreshments will be served
Location: Jody Richards Hall Atrium & Gallery
Parking: Mimosa Parking Lot across the street from Jody Richards Hall or Chestnut St. Lot at the end of Regents Ave.
Details: As deadly wildfires increase globally in number and severity, photojournalists are finding themselves on the frontline documenting these historic and potential climate-changing events. Often facing injury or death themselves, journalists risk all to bring these images into our living room. This exhibition from recent California fire seasons come together in this body of work from nine critically-acclaimed photojournalists. A journalist’s work is usually viewed for seconds at a time on a phone or small screen environment. This Galley exhibit offers visitors a chance to see the work in a large print, exhibition environment often providing the viewer an emotional experience.
No tickets or registration required for this event.
WKU Alumni Association Tailgate & Celebrate
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Location: Downing Student Union South Lawn
Details: Alumni Association Members—Join us on South Lawn for COMPLIMENTARY Tailgate & Celebrate! A reward for your commitment to WKU. It’s EASY! First come, first served! Cash bar available. No registration required
No registration required
Hilltopper Family Cookout
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Downing Student Union South Lawn
Details: WKU invites you to join us for Cook-Out style food: Buns with Pulled Pork and Pulled Chicken served with additional BBQ Sauce and Pickles on the side, Vegetarian Baked Beans, Bagged Chips, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and a drink. It is recommended you purchase tickets in advance.
Tickets are required and must be purchased in advance for anyone attending, including WKU students.
Price: $10.00 Per Person (including WKU students)
Trinidad Tripoli Steel Band Presented by WKU Student Activities
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Downing Student Union South Lawn
Details: WKU Student Activities invites you to join them for the incredible sounds of the Trinidad Tripoli Steel Band on the Downing Student Union South Lawn. The Trinidad Tripoli Steel Band has been performing for the Hilltopper Nation for the past 35 years.
WKU vs UAB Football Game
6:00 PM
Location: Houchens – L.T. Smith Stadium
Details: If you wish to pick up tickets at check-in, you MUST purchase then in advance. Tickets are required for anyone attending, including children ages 3 and up. Current WKU students are admitted FREE with their valid WKU ID –if you wish them to sit with you, request a ticket when registering online. The 2019 WKU Family of the Year will be honored at half-time.
Pick up your purchased tickets at check-in/registration either Friday or Saturday.
Game tickets purchased through PFW ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP at the Football Ticket Office or the Will-Call Window)
Price: $15.00 Per Person (Except WKU Students)
Story Theatre
8:00 PM
Location: Russell H. Miller Theatre, Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center
Adapted for the stage by Paul Sills - From stories in the Grim Brothers' Collection and Aesop's
Fables Favorite old fairy tales and fables - with a contemporary twist. Fun for the whole family!
Tickets are required for this event.
Adults $12.00 (WITH DISCOUNT) Students/Seniors (62+) $8.00 (WITH DISCOUNT)
PFW Discount Codes: Adult -“pfwst” Student - “pfwsst” for students
- Location: MH - MH 0103
- Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Location: MH - MH 0103
- Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Location: Lost River Cave
- Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Cost: FREE
Depart: Saturday, September 28 @ 10:00 AM
Return: Sunday, September 29 @ 2:00 PM
Drive time: 5 – 10 minutes
Included: dog treats for your pup & waste bags!
Learn the ins and outs of hiking with your dog and enjoy some special treats! If you like to hike and want to bring your furry pal with you, then you and your pup are destined to be great trail buddies! But, especially at first, your pet is a hiking companion who’s going to need a lot of care and attention. We’re here to help you navigate that and make sure you both have a great time on the trails! Meet us at the bridge at Lost River Cave to explore the trials and meet fellow dog-loving friends, join in afterward with a visit to the local Bark Park!
*Pre-registration is required
Sign up & attend this trip to receive a special discount to College Outside
REGISTER ONLINE TODAY!
Follow the instructions below
1. Go to https://online.spectrumng.net/wku (it will open a new window!)
2. Click "Do not have login" (you will need to make an account!)
3. Enter your 800# (or 500# if a Preston Only Member) for the Member Number (even if you do not have a current membership!)
4. Choose a username and password for your online account with us.
5. Once you have an account set up, click the Home Icon in the top left (the picture, not the actual home letters)
6. Click on Program Registration in the middle of the page!
7. Select ‘ORAC’
8. Select the trip or skill clinic you want!
9. Add to Cart
10. Continue to Cart
11. This should take you to the Payment Summary Screen. Enter your payment info and hit Submit Payment.
12. BAMM You're registered for a trip
- Location: WKU L.D. Brown Ag Expo Center Main Arena
- Time: 10:00am - 8:00pm
For more information: West KY Flat Shod Pleasure Horse Auction or check them out on Facebook
- Location: Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium
- Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
The Hilltoppers host UAB as part of Parent & Family Weekend at WKU.
- Location: Reliance, TN
- Time: All Day
Cost: $55 Student | $65 Guest
Depart: Saturday, September 28 @ 7:00 am
Return time: Sunday, September 29 @ 9:00 pm
Drive time: 4.5 hours
Pre-trip meeting: Tuesday, September 24 @ 8:00 PM
Included: Jackson Zen Whitewater kayak, helmets, spray skit, lifejacket, camping, transportation & guide down the rapids
Not included: Nose plugs, splash jackets or water clothes
Put on your paddling clothes and guide your way down 5.8 miles of the Hiwassee River nestled deep into forested hillsides and pastoral river bottoms. The Hiwassee River Gorge offers Class I-III rapids suitable for all levels of paddling in a beautiful mountain setting. On this overnight trip with ORAC experience exploring a new area and an introduction to whitewater kayaking while escaping the heat in the cool waters of the Hiwassee. This trip will have a chance to run the Hiwassee twice before heading back to campus Sunday.
Tentative Trip Itinerary
Day 1
- Head out on a beautiful drive the wild Hiwassee
- Arrive at the river put in
- Paddle school & safety brief
- Power through some awesome rapids
- Load up boats
- Head to camp
- Enjoy a fire & s' mores
Day 2
- Have a great breakfast
- Pack up camp
- Arrive at the river put in
- Paddle school & safety brief
- Power through some awesome rapids
- Load up boats
- Head back to WKU
*All trips are subject to change due to weather, permitting and staffing
Sign up & attend this trip to receive a special discount to College Outside
REGISTER ONLINE TODAY!
Follow the instructions below
1. Go to https://online.spectrumng.net/wku (it will open a new window!)
2. Click "Do not have login" (you will need to make an account!)
3. Enter your 800# (or 500# if a Preston Only Member) for the Member Number (even if you do not have a current membership!)
4. Choose a username and password for your online account with us.
5. Once you have an account set up, click the Home Icon in the top left (the picture, not the actual home letters)
6. Click on Program Registration in the middle of the page!
7. Select ‘ORAC’
8. Select the trip or skill clinic you want!
9. Add to Cart
10. Continue to Cart
11. This should take you to the Payment Summary Screen. Enter your payment info and hit Submit Payment.
12. BAMM You're registered for a trip
Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.