I would anticipate A-Day being Tue August 7th this year. That is my educated guess based on past years' experiences. The rundown - parade usually begins at 0900. Plan to arrive much earlier. Position yourself in the stands so you will be nearest to your doolie's squadron. You will receive more details on that seating map as it gets closer.
Usually, doolies will be free after the parade. For our ds (2019) and dd (2021), that was around 1015 or so. Families can join them on the field after the formalities are concluded. Your doolie will remain with his/her squadron until getting their shoulder boards pinned on. We were able to position ourselves within arm's length of where our cadets' shoulder boards were pinned on. Got great photos and videos. It was worth the long trip to see their faces at that moment.
We brought food with us onto campus and had it in coolers in the car. The first time around, we brought lots of extra food...but everyone else had, too. So we wound up carrying it all back up to ds's CQ desk. We were smarter the second time around. Brought a few extras and used them on dd's friend, but didn't over purchase. Ordered from the grocery deli in advance, and picked up the food before arriving at USAFA on A-Day morning.
You need to stay on campus while you have your doolie. One of the times we just hung out in a tent with other families, then spent time with ds in his room helping him with a few things. The other time we went to the BMX to buy supplies, then back to dd's room to help her with a few things. Whatever you do, plan to get your doolie back to the ECP (to enter cadet area gate) ahead of time. If memory serves me, both years our cadets had to be back in squad by 1300. Don't cut it too close. They have briefings that afternoon, and you don't want to set them up to be late on their first day of self-management
They will be super glad to see you, but remember they just came out of BCT...most of them are sick and coughing. They will be exhausted, but pumped up on adrenaline. Stress levels will be fairly high. Just be a good listener and roll with whatever is going on. Don't arrive with expectations. Just be happy for that hug and be proud of their accomplishment...the first of many to come!!