William Penn University Invites Oskaloosa Community to Get Involved in Parent/Family Weekend

08/27/2026

William Penn University (WPU) is preparing to welcome more than 300 parents, family members, and friends to Oskaloosa for Parent/Family Weekend, September 18-19, and local businesses are invited to help make the community part of the experience.

Parent/Family Weekend brings visitors to Oskaloosa to spend time with their students while also encouraging them to explore the community. William Penn partners with the Mahaska Chamber & Development Group to connect visiting families with local businesses through special offers and activities that inspire them to shop, dine, and experience Oskaloosa.

Saturday’s schedule will feature the Farmers Market, Shop the Alley Vendor Show, local dining, and a community scavenger hunt designed to get families exploring Oskaloosa and taking photos at iconic locations throughout town. Families can also take the Sculpture Tour and visit the 60th Annual Fall Festival at Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum before returning downtown for performances by William Penn Cheer & Dance and the Pride of Penn Marching Band.

Local businesses are encouraged to welcome visiting families and find ways to showcase what Oskaloosa has to offer. With hundreds of visitors expected, Parent/Family Weekend is an opportunity to bring additional customers through local doors while introducing Statesmen families to the community their students call home.

The weekend also includes William Penn volleyball and football, with Saturday concluding at Statesmen Community Stadium as football takes on Missouri Baptist at 6 p.m.

William Penn University thanks the Mahaska Chamber & Development Group for its partnership in planning Parent/Family Weekend and the Brouwer Family Foundation for its support.