Whether you’re planning ahead or gearing up for SDSU Family Weekend, we’re excited to help you make the most of your time in Brookings. Stroll through campus, explore downtown and enjoy local attractions while making lasting memories along the way.
Family Weekend 2025
Family Weekend is a great way to enjoy time with your student and family from September 26-28! Check out the activities hosted by SDSU or find additional inspiration below for things to do within Brookings.
How to Spend Family Weekend in Brookings
There’s no single way to spend Family Weekend in Brookings. Whether you want to hit all the local favorites or take a more leisurely approach, below is a list of ideas to mix and match as you create your perfect weekend’s itinerary.
Community Classics
Nick’s Hamburger Shop has been a Brookings tradition for generations. Grab a bag of sliders and experience a little piece of local history. Just remember, Nick’s takes Sundays off. Cubby’s Sports Bar & Grill is another favorite with a big menu and the only rooftop dining in town. Both are busy during meal times and game days, so plan ahead with an early lunch or a later dinner.
Dine In
If you’re ready to sit down and share a meal together, The Pheasant is the spot for South Dakota classics like chislic, pheasant, and duck, plus a weekend waffle brunch. Craft Chophouse is another favorite for burgers, pasta, and cheesecake worth saving room for.
Coffee Shops
Whether you’re downtown or cruising through town, grab a cup at Kool Beans or Cottonwood. For something sweet, stop by Choco Latte for homemade candies and cozy drinks.
Pizza Places
Brookings delivers on pizza. Visit George’s Pizza, Pizza King or Wooden Legs Brewing Company downtown. On Sundays, head to Good Roots Farm & Gardens for wood-fired pizza on the farm. Pre-ordering is recommended.
SDSU Ice Cream
Get it straight from the source at the Dairy Bar on campus (open until 5 p.m. Friday). All weekend long, enjoy it hand-scooped at Café Coteau, McCrory Gardens, and Scoops & Loops. You can also pick up pints at Hy-Vee and Lewis to take home. And yes, SDSU ice cream will be served in the stadium on game day.
Family Weekend attendees can purchase tickets for the SDSU vs. Mercyhurst game at 2 p.m. using a special discount code. The code will be sent after you register for Family Weekend.
The Family Weekend ticket block is sold out. You may find additional tickets at gojacks.com.
Family Weekend Tailgate
Tailgating opens 5 hours before kickoff with yard games and SDSU ice cream. The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band parades through the tailgate area before the game begins.
Kickoff at 2pm
Gates open at 12:30 pm. Plan to arrive early and be in your seats before kickoff. Games typically last about 3.5 hours. Concessions are available and are cashless.
Catch the Game
No tickets? You can still catch the game at most restaurants and bars around town. Cubby’s is a local favorite, but it fills up fast so plan to arrive early.
Edgebrook Golf Course
Enjoy a sunny afternoon or work on your swing at this 18-hole course with a driving range, practice green and chipping area.
Dakota Nature Park
Wander trails, cast a line or relax with a picnic. Located on the south side of town, this peaceful park is free to visit.
Hillcrest Park
Play pickleball or tennis, let the younger kids enjoy the playground or grab lunch at a shaded table. It’s easy to spend a full afternoon here.
Larson Park
Try the 20-hole disc golf course, hit the playground or bike the nearby trails. Located along 22nd Avenue, it’s built for active fun.
McCrory Gardens
Explore 25 acres of gardens and 45 acres of arboretum. Free admission for SDSU students. On Sundays, enjoy Party on the Porch with live music from 1 to 3 pm.
Plan to spend an hour or more at each park depending on your group’s interests.
Strike a Pose
Head Downtown Brookings and find more than a dozen murals tucked around Brookings. Snap a photo with the Hobo Day mural behind the Post Office and see how many others you can spot.
Attend a Museum
The South Dakota Art Museum and the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum are both free to visit. Free visitor parking makes it easy to drop in and explore. Plan to spend 1-2 hours at each.
The South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum is opening its storage space for a special behind-the-scenes tour on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.
Stroll the Farmers Market
Visit the Brookings Farmers Market on Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm along the 300 block of 6th Street. It’s free to attend with fresh baked goods, honey, produce and more to browse or take home.
Upcoming Events
Looking for Additional Inspiration?
As the destination marketing organization for Brookings, explore more of what the community has to offer.
South Dakota State University has planned an entire weekend for you.