More than 1,000 parents and family of Kansas University students are expected to be in town this weekend for the university’s annual Family Weekend.

For some, it’s a chance to check up on their Jayhawks, whom they haven’t seen since the start of school Aug. 22.

“Basically, it’s to invite parents and other family members to come back on campus and check in with their students, to see how it’s going with their new home on Mount Oread,” said Kristin Trendel, director of new student orientation. “A lot of times families are dealing with that transition of having their students moving away.”

Trendel said 1,000 special tickets had been ordered for KU’s football game Saturday against Bowling Green.

About 700 people have signed up for a tailgating party before the game sponsored by Student Union Activities. The party, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., is at Campanile Hill. The game starts at 6 p.m.

Other events include:

Collage Concert, a fund-raising event by the School of Fine Arts that showcases various visual and performing arts students. It’s at 7:30 tonight at the Lied Center.

Open houses at several academic departments and groups from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. They are: anthropology, 633 Fraser Hall; aerospace engineering, 1021 Learned Hall; pharmacy, 2048 and 2049 Malott Hall; honors program, Nunemaker Center; Mount Oread scholars, Jayhawk Room in the Kansas Union; and chemical and petroleum engineering, 4007 Learned Hall.

Comedian Eric O’Shea, performing at 8 p.m. Saturday in Woodruff Auditorium of the Kansas Union. Admission is $5 for students and $7 for the public.