Timeline, events set for Penn State’s 2022 Homecoming Week. Here is what’s on tap
For more than a century, since 1920, Penn State has celebrated Homecoming — and that tradition will continue this week with a full slate of activities that culminates in the university’s 103rd such celebration.
Besides the trademark parade around town, Homecoming Week features a carnival, pep rally, talent show and a lot of other festivities. (And, of course, the football game at 7:30 p.m. Saturday against Minnesota.)
This year’s theme is “One Community, Forever a Home.”
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:
Allen Street Jam — 1 p.m. Monday 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. Tuesday 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.
Grand Marshal David Taylor Q&A — 6-7 p.m. Tuesday at the HUB’s Freeman Auditorium — Hosted in collaboration with the Blue and White Society, Penn State wrestling legend David Taylor is set to take part in this Q&A-style event. Current students are invited to ask questions of Taylor, who twice won college wrestling’s Heisman (Dan Hodge Trophy) and earned a 2020 Olympic gold medal.
For the Glory Talent Show — 7 p.m. Tuesday at Schwab Auditorium — Organizations and individual students will be showcasing their talents in what’s become an annual event.
Best of Penn State Carnival — 2-7 p.m. Wednesday on the HUB Lawn — This event is designed for all members of the Penn State community and includes games, rides and other carnival-themed activities.
Homecoming/Opulence Drag Show — 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Alumni Hall — Opulence, Penn State’s “premiere Drag Ambassador group,” is partnering with the Homecoming Committee for its second annual drag show
Pride in Our Community Pep Rally — 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the HUB’s Monumental Staircase — This pep rally often sees students “dancing, stepping and cheering” for each other. It is the sixth annual event and, in the past, several multicultural student organizations and dance clubs have performed. More information on this year’s event is expected soon.
Alumni Ice Cream Social — 1-3 p.m. Friday at the Hintz Family 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. Friday around campus, downtown State College — 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 Bigler Road) and heading back to campus, where it will end at the Lion Shrine. This year’s grand marshal is 2020 Olympic gold medalist wrestler David Taylor, and the honorary grand marshals are former university president Eric Barron and wife Molly. You can find more information about the parade at homecoming.psu.edu/events/parade-information.
Guard the Lion Shrine — 7:30-10 p.m. Friday 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. Live entertainment will be there throughout the night, including from the Penn State Blue Band drumline. And there will also be free food like popcorn and funnel cakes, photo opportunities with the Nittany Lion, and a variety of giveaways and games with prizes.
Homecoming Football Game — 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Beaver Stadium — Can the Nittany Lions bounce back from the loss to Michigan? James Franklin’s team will be the favorite here against Minnesota, but a win might not come easy. Tickets on the secondary market for the popular “White Out” game are currently going for $159 and up.
More non-Homecoming events and “things to do” can be found at psu.edu, and more information on Homecoming is available at homecoming.psu.edu.
