Dads Weekend to feature Alden Open, special performances, Halloween activities, Scooby-Doo

Ohio University will host a wide range of special events for Bobcats of all ages during the Oct. 31-Nov. 2 Dads Weekend celebration.

This year’s events will include several Halloween-themed activities, along with a performance by a nationally-known comedian, miniature golf in Alden Library, delicious meals and even zip lining.

You can see a full list of Dads Weekend events here.

Dads are also invited to eat free with their Bobcat’s meal swipe at any OHIO Dining Hall over the weekend. You can read more about Dads Eat Free here.

Friday, Oct. 31 events

Dads Weekend Commuter Monster Mash - Celebrate Dads Weekend with Halloween vibes, costumes, and plenty of laughs from 4-8 p.m. in Jefferson Hall 160.

Scooby-Doo at The District – Enjoy an evening of Scooby-Doo themed menu items from 5-8 p.m. at Boyd Hall on West Green.

Streams and Screams at Nelson Court - Celebrate Halloween at Nelson Court on South Green from 5-8 p.m.

CSEL and LFC Present: Murder at Masquerade Manor: A Murder Mystery Dinner – The Center for Student Engagement and Leadership invites you to this special murder mystery dinner featuring actors from the Lost Flamingo Theater Company. This free event begins at 7 p.m. in Walter Rotunda, and seating is limited.

Horror In Color: Pan’s Labyrinth – The fantasy movie will be shown 7-9 p.m. at the Athena Cinema.

OHIO Hockey vs. Illinois State – Beginning at 7 p.m.  in Bird Arena.

Comedian Damon Darling (OHIO Live) - Damon Darling has performed all over the country with some of the biggest names in the industry and is now headlining his own national “Gotta Dollar Tour.” The performance at OHIO will begin at 8 p.m. in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. You can find ticket information here.

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Saturday, Nov. 1 events

Alden Open 2025 - Celebrate Dads Weekend with a round of mini-golf in Alden Library. 

Athens County Sheriff's Office Fourth Annual Chili Cook-Off - Enjoy a day filled with delicious chili, friendly competition, raffle prizes and fun while supporting a great cause from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Athens Walmart.

Dads Weekend Zip Lining - The zip line will be open from 10 a.m. until noon and 1-4 p.m., but you must sign up for a specific hour time slot when purchasing your ticket. You can buy tickets here.

Dads Weekend Buffet – From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Latitude 39 in Baker University Center.

UPC's Dads Weekend Casino Royale - Every game is free to play and raffles are available from 2-5 p.m. in the Baker University Center Ballroom on the Fourth Floor.

OHIO Hockey v. Illinois State – Beginning at 7 p.m. in Bird Arena.

Any Colour - Wish You Were Here (OHIO Live) - Celebrating the music of Pink Floyd. Any Colour was formed as an Athens, Ohio, super group in 2010, and has been stunning audiences ever since. The performance will begin at 8 p.m. in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. You can find ticket information here.

Sunday, Nov. 2 events

Pancakes with the President: A Flying Flapjack Event - End Dads Weekend with a fun and delicious breakfast hosted by the Office of the Dean of Students with Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez. This free event will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. at 29 Park Place.

KMA Community Open Studio: Day of the Dead Memory Collages - This workshop from 2-4 p.m. at the Kennedy Museum of Art is open to all ages and skill levels, making it a perfect activity for families to work on together. Participation is free but registration is required. You can find more information and register to attend here.

For additional information on Dads Weekend and upcoming family weekends including Sibs Weekend on Feb. 6-8, 2026, and Moms Weekend on April 10-12, 2026, see the Ohio University Family Weekends website.