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Gamma Phi Circus

Sibling Weekend

April 19-21, 2024

Send your Illinois State students’ siblings (or those they love like a sibling) to campus to check out all of the fun activities available during Sibling Weekend at ISU! We have activities planned for all age groups! More events will be added to the list prior to the dates. 

2024 Gamma Phi Circus

Please join us for the annual  Gamma Phi Circus  Spring Shows, a Sibling Weekend tradition that features performances by the oldest collegiate circus in the nation. This year marks the 95th anniversary of the founding of Gamma Phi at Illinois State University in 1929 by Clifford "Pop" Horton. Join the cast of the Gamma Phi Circus as they razzle dazzle you with daring feats of acrobatics and stunning displays of grace and flexibility, all set to the scenes of your favorite musicals in the 2024 Gamma Phi Circus:  The Magic of Musicals. Performance times are Friday, April 19 a 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 20 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at CEFCU Arena.

Get your tickets.

Matinee Carnival

Student Alumni Council welcomes you to its ninth annual pre-show carnival on the Redbird Arena Concourse, beginning at noon prior to the 1 p.m. Saturday matinee show of Gamma Phi. This popular Sibling Weekend tradition is kid-approved and open to everyone that has a youth ticket to the matinee show. The carnival includes a variety of games, face painters, prizes, and fun for kids of all ages.

Sibling Weekend Sweet Treat

Send a personalized cookie, brownie, or other sweet treat for your student and their sibling(s). Delivery is available Monday through Friday only. All orders must be prepaid and received 7 days in advance.

Choose from:

  • Fruit Basket
  • 12-Inch White Cake
  • 12-Inch Brownie
  • 12-Inch Cookie

Cakes, 12-inch cookies, and brownies can all be decorated including a special message. Treats include a personal note that you write when you order.

Mini Golf Glow

Join University Housing for a night of glow-in-the-dark putt-putt on Saturday, April 20 from 6-9 p.m. in the Cardinal Court Community Center Gym. The event is free for all residential students and their siblings. Residents need to show their key(s) and ID upon entry.

Free Pass for the Student Fitness Center

Free guests passes for Sibling Weekend are available to family members aged 18 and older with pre-registration. Guests must be accompanied by an Illinois State University student during their workout. To pre-register, please contact Campus Recreation at (309) 438-7529 by Wednesday, April 17. Individuals who do not pre-register may work out for a $10 daily guest pass, sponsored by the ISU student. Student Fitness Center hours are Friday 6 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.-8 p.m.

Bowling and Billards Center

Grab a lane or a table for a little competition with your sibling at the ISU Bowling and Billards Center. Head there Friday 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.-11p.m. Pricing available through the BBC's website.

Redbird Baseball

Redbird baseball takes on the Indiana State Sycamores all weekend. Take your siblings to Duffy Bass Field over by Tri-Towers to root for our team. Games are Friday at 5 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. All games are free with Saturday having special promotions and giveaways as a part of Stuff the Duff!

Miller Park Zoo's Party for the Planet

Head to Miller Park Zoo for their Earth Day event, Party for the Planet, on Saturday, April 20 from noon-2 p.m. Event is free with general admission ($9 or $7 with student I.D.). Also take the time to visit all the exhibits and meet a lot of furry friends.

The Bird's Nest

Get 15% off your entire purchase when you mention ISU Sibling Weekend at the register between April 19-20.

Important Notice to Visiting Siblings and Guests

Visit the ISU dining website for door rates at the dining centers. All guests must be accompanied by a meal plan holder to dine at the dining centers and kindly keep in mind that cash is not accepted in the dining centers. For specific questions, email MealPlans@IllinoisState.edu.

University Housing Services allows residents to host up to three guests in residential areas for up to 72 consecutive hours as long as their roommates agree to the guest. Students should communicate with and get permission from their roommate(s) before planning to have guests in their space. Hosts should remember to register and escort their guests at all times. Guests must be registered through the area front desk. To properly register, guests (minors included) must come with acceptable forms of ID (including at least one photo ID). Please review our guest registration policy for acceptable forms of identification.