Timeline, events set for Penn State’s upcoming Homecoming Week. Here is what’s on tap
For more than a century Penn State has celebrated Homecoming and, after a virtual celebration last year, the town and gown can expect a closer return to normalcy for next week’s 102nd Homecoming.
Homecoming Week will feature a full slate of events, from the popular parade to a social, festival and haunted house. The week will essentially culminate with the noon football game against Illinois on Oct. 23.
Here is a closer look at all the events on tap, some of which are geared toward the entire community while others are designed more with students in mind:
Homecoming Golf Outing — 10 a.m. Oct. 17 at Penn State Golf Courses — If you haven’t already signed up, you’re out of luck as registration is no longer available. But this event will kick off Homecoming Week’s festivities, and several athletic coaches and players are expected to make an appearance.
SPA/Homecoming Concert — 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at Alumni Hall — This annual concert, hosted by the Student Programming Association, is geared toward current students. Admission is free. Various student groups will be performing, in addition to a “popular headliner” who does not yet appear to be announced.
Allen Street Jam — 1-7 p.m. Oct. 18 on Allen Street — Everyone and anyone is welcome to stop by the street fair between Beaver and College avenues. The fair will feature food, games, live music, and more.
Living History Museum — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19 at the HUB — Formally called “Past to Present,” this living museum aims to inform visitors about the history of Penn State and State College’s most prevalent organizations. Historically, this event has featured performances from different organizations and interactive activities for a more immersive approach to history.
Best of Penn State Carnival — 2-7 p.m. Oct. 20 on the HUB Lawn — This event is designed for all members of the Penn State community and includes carnival games, rides and other carnival-themed activities.
For the Glory Talent Show — 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at Alumni Hall — Organizations and individual students will be showcasing their talents in what’s become an annual event.
Homecoming Pride in Our Community Pep Rally — 5:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at HUB steps — Hosted by the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, this pep rally will see students “dancing, stepping and cheering” for each other. It is the fifth annual event and, last year, several multicultural student organizations and dance clubs performed.
Haunted House Fundraiser — Times vary from Oct. 21-23 at Spruce and Pine Cottages — The haunted house will have an “asylum” theme and will run from 8-11 p.m. Oct. 21 and 7 p.m. to midnight Oct. 22-23. Tickets are $4.99, with proceeds donated to two charities: Hope Exists After Rape Trauma (HEART) and Give Kids the World Village, which helps give critically ill children their dream vacation. For families who are worried the haunted house might be too scary for their children (10 and under), there will be a kids hour from 7-8 p.m. Oct. 23. That will be less scary and PG friendly. The haunted house is held by the Forensic Science Club in collaboration with the Theme Park and Engineering Group.
Homecoming/Opulence Drag Show — 8:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at 3 Dots Downtown — Opulence, Penn State’s premiere drag ambassador group, is hosting its first Homecoming Week drag show. Tickets are $5, and doors open at 8 p.m.
Alumni Ice Cream Social — 1-3 p.m. Oct. 22 at Hintz Alumni Center — Note the location. Berkey Creamery ice cream will be served (of course), but this will not be held at the creamery. This event is intended for all students, alumni and members of the Penn State community. It will feature music, Alumni Blue Band performances and a cash-only Homecoming merchandise sale. Registration is required for the event; it is free, and walk-up registrations will also be accepted.
Homecoming Parade — 6 p.m. Oct. 22 throughout campus/downtown — The highlight of Homecoming Week for many, the annual parade will start in front of the university’s IM Building before slowly snaking down to College Avenue (from Shortlidge Road) and heading back to campus. This year’s grand marshal is John Colaneri, a TV personality and real-estate developer who’s appeared on HGTV shows like “Kitchen Cousins” and “Cousins Undercover.”
Guard the Lion Shrine — 7:30-10 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Lion Shrine — One of the longest-lasting Homecoming traditions, members from Penn State’s Army ROTC program will stand guard to protect the Penn State symbol from defacement from PSU’s rivals. Sue Paterno, forever a part of the popular tradition, will speak there and entertainment will come from the Blue Band DrumLine and PAC organizations. There will also be free food, including popcorn and funnel cakes, a variety of games and opportunities for photos with the Nittany Lion.
Tailgating competition — Morning of Oct. 23 homecoming football game — Unfortunately, registration closed Oct. 8. So, if you’re not already signed up, there’s always next year. For those who have, or are just curious about the event, judges will score participating tailgates and “reward winners with spirited prizes.” The six categories include Best Food, Most Creative, Most Penn State Spirit, Best Overall and Best Student Organization.
Homecoming Football Game — noon Oct. 23 at Beaver Stadium — Can the Nittany Lions bounce back from the loss to Iowa? Will PSU’s playoff hopes remain alive? James Franklin’s team will be the favorite here against Illinois, but a win might not come easy if QB Sean Clifford isn’t ready to go. Tickets can currently be had on the secondary market for as low as $37. This game will feature the popular “Generations of Greatness” uniforms.
Halloween-themed Horticulture Show — 9 a.m. Oct. 23-24 at Snider Agricultural Arena — The show consists of donated native trees, shrubs, mums, succulents and houseplants. Apple cider, apples and pumpkins will also be available for purchase.
