On Saturday, Oct. 18, the Division of Human Resources (HR) and Penn Athletics will once again join forces to host Penn Family Day, providing full- and part-time staff, faculty, and post-doctoral fellows with a day of free, fall fun.

“Human Resources is pleased to host our annual Penn Family Day tailgate party,” says Vice President for Human Resources Jack Heuer. “It's a great way to showcase the campus to the families and friends of our staff and faculty. We hope everyone will come out, enjoy the games, and have a good time.”

Family Day’s signature event, a carnival-like tailgate party, will kick off at 11:30 a.m. on the north side of Franklin Field, featuring plenty of games, face-painting, music, activities, and more, as well as lunch catered by Bon Appétit. Kid-size and vegetarian options will be available.

Pat Zebley, special events consultant for HR’s Learning and Education program, says the Division of Public Safety plays an important role during the tailgate party—and it involves more than keeping attendees safe.

“Public Safety is on hand with all kinds of activities for the children,” Zebley says. “They show off the motorcycle and Segway, give a demonstration about fire and safety, and have all sorts of little handouts for the kids. It’s become a big part of the day that the children really love.”

Following the tailgate festivities, join fellow Quaker fans in cheering on the football team as they face off against Columbia at 1 p.m. at Franklin Field.

“Our partnership with Athletics has sustained this great tradition for the past 22 years,” Heuer says. “I’m happy to welcome Grace Calhoun, the new director of athletics and recreation on board this year. We wish her great success.”

Tickets are required for both the tailgate party and football game. Faculty, staff, and post-doctoral students can reserve as many as four tickets for free, with additional tickets available for $8. Tickets can be reserved online at the HR website, or in person at the Athletic Ticket Office located in Weightman Hall.

Admission to the women’s field hockey game versus Columbia at 1 p.m., as well as a full day of Penn Museum Family Day activities, are free for faculty and staff and their guests with a PennCard. Museum festivities include the first public opportunity to visit behind-the-scenes, meeting staff and scholars and viewing the Museum’s new state-of-the-art artifact conservation laboratory and teaching labs for the Center for the Analysis of Archaeological Materials.

The Family Day skate from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Penn Ice Rink will cost $3.50 to skate and $3 skate rentals with a PennCard.

Free parking will be available with a PennCard at the Walnut 38 lot at 38th and Walnut streets, and Chestnut 34 lot at 34th and Chestnut streets.

Penn Family Day events will take place rain or shine. For a full schedule and more information, visit the HR website.