UPDATE: The Normal Tree Lighting Ceremony has been cancelled due to weather conditions, but the lights will remain Uptown through the holiday season.
Come one, come all to Illinois State University’s Homecoming October 21-27 to celebrate traditions and make memories.
The week’s activities kick off Monday, October 21, and culminate in the Homecoming football game against Indiana State at 2 p.m. at Hancock Stadium. Tickets are available at Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu.
Visit Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu for a full schedule of events, or download the Illinois State University App and go to the Illinois State Homecoming Guide. The parade, featuring the 90th anniversary of the University’s Gamma Phi Circus, will once again be featured on Facebook Live, with more opportunities for audience interaction. Audiences can share Homecoming memories on Twitter with @ISU_Homecoming.
Highlights of the week are below. All events are free and open to the public, unless a fee is noted.
Sunday, October 20
Get in the Homecoming spirit with a Reggie Redbird visit at Miller Park Zoo from 1-3 p.m. Bring a camera to catch a photo of the kids with Reggie. Zoo entrance fees apply.
Monday, October 21
Homecoming officially begins with the Kickoff with the Prez from 5-7 p.m. on the Illinois State Quad. Celebrate school spirit while enjoying entertainment, giveaways, food, and overall Redbird fun alongside President Dietz and Reggie Redbird.
UPDATE: The Normal Tree Lighting Ceremony has been cancelled due to weather conditions, but the lights will remain Uptown through the holiday season for the community to enjoy.
Tuesday, October 22
Laser tag, bowling, and special glow-in-the-dark activities will highlight the Black Student Union’s Space Jam from 7-10 p.m. at the Bowling and Billiards Center. Head over to cheer on the ultimate team competition with the Redbird Rumble from 7-9 p.m. in Hancock Stadium. The evening will also feature musical guests Harley and Bush at 7:30 p.m. at Kemp Recital Hall.
Wednesday, October 23
Along with the traditional Homecoming Carnival for students, guest artist Nathan Muson will perform at 7 p.m. in Kemp Recital Hall.
Thursday, October 24
The Diversity Advocacy Block Party will take place from 4:30-7:30 p.m. in the Alamo/Watterson Parking Lot. The Chamber Singers Recital will entertain at 7 p.m. in Kemp Recital Hall.
Friday, October 25
Homecoming kicks into high gear with the Alumni Day Luncheon in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center. The cost to attend is $20 per person. The registration deadline is October 11. Call Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586 to register.
Take in art, performance, and fun. The School of Theatre and Dance will delight with weekend performances of Twelfth Night at 7:30 p.m. at the Center for the Performing Arts Theatre. Find ticket information here.
Stroll through the University Galleries at 11 Uptown Circle, Suite 103, and discover the work of Eric Anthony Berdis with the exhibition Don’t let them clip your tiny little insect wings. The galleries will be open on Friday from 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m., and noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The annual Glass Pumpkin Sale will be from noon-5 p.m. at the Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main St., Normal.
A faculty recital by pianist Geoffrey Duce will be at 7 p.m. at Kemp Recital Hall.
Experience the smooth rhythm and blues of neo-soul singer and songwriter Eric Roberson with the Black Colleagues Association After Party at 9 p.m. at the Radisson, which follows the Black Colleagues Association Meet and Greet at 7 p.m. Tickets and packages are available online.
Saturday, October 26
The annual Town and Gown 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk is open to all and kicks off at 8 a.m. at the Student Fitness Center on University Street. Registration and payment are available at Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu/5K.
The celebration continues for the annual Illinois State Homecoming Parade, stepping off at the corner of College Avenue and University Street at 10 a.m. Those who cannot make the parade can watch it live via the University’s Facebook page.
The rich history of Illinois State University will come alive during the Evolution of the Quad Tour through the vibrant voice of University Archivist April Anderson-Zorn and Associate Director of Event Management, Dining and Hospitality Barb Dallinger with a tour and talk. Register online or call Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586.
After enjoying tailgating, get ready to cheer for the Redbirds as Illinois State takes on Indiana State at 2 p.m. at Hancock Stadium. Tickets are available at GoRedbirds.com.
Sunday, October 27
Enjoy a matinee performance of Twelfth Night at 2 p.m. at the Center for the Performing Arts Theatre. Find ticket information here.
For more information on Homecoming events, visit Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu or contact Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586 or email.
