The time has come, Penn State. Homecoming Week is finally upon us. But before we can crown a king and queen, there’s a few days packed full with exciting activities and events for students to celebrate in style.

It all gets under way this afternoon, where the annual East Halls Celebration will kick off Homecoming Week. From 4-7 p.m., Findlay Commons will be packed with performing student groups, free food, and opportunities to win prizes and buy merchandise. The Homecoming Court will also be meeting and greeting the predominantly freshman crowd, probably doing a little campaigning along the way. Also, previously submitted banners and t-shirt designs will be on display for judging. Don’t let the location scare you–even if you’ve been on campus for more than a couple weeks, you’re welcome to attend.

Tuesday, Homecoming Week continues with the “Past to Present” celebration at the HUB. The event, which will run pretty much all day–from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.–celebrates Penn State’s tradition, and the progress the university has made since its founding over 150 years ago. There will once again be free games, food, and student performances–but if that won’t satiate your hunger, head over to Panda Express, where 20% of Tuesday’s proceeds will go towards Homecoming. And Tuesday will also feature the Homecoming Talent Show at Eisenhower Auditorium–time still TBA–offering an opportunity to see your fellow classmates do what they do best, from singing to dancing, performing magic, or even stand-up comedy.

Wednesday afternoon presents another fun event–the Best of Penn State Carnival and Field Day, from 4 to 8 p.m. on the Old Main Lawn. The latter will be packed with competitions for registered organizations, but the Carnival will be open for everyone. Come check out the booths with games and activities, or just stick around for the free food, raffles, and giant inflatables.

You can rest up Thursday, because Friday will be absolutely jam-packed with Homecoming spirit. It all starts at 1:30 p.m., with an ice cream social for Penn Staters past and present at the Hintz Alumni Center. Don’t worry if you’ve got class–you’ll get a chance to enjoy some free Creamery ice cream until 3. The Homecoming Parade won’t begin until 6 o’clock, but in order to get a good vantage point of the floats as they pass along Curtin Road, you should show up early to grab a primo spot.

At 9, you’ve got the Pep Rally at Rec Hall, where you’ll not only get pumped for Saturday’s game with performances from the Blue Band, cheerleaders, Lionettes, and the Lion himself, but also see your Homecoming King and Queen crowned. From there, it’s a short walk to the Lion Shrine to guard it with the Lion Ambassadors–that’ll feature more free food and drinks, guest speakers, musical performances, and a chance to win more free prizes.

It culminates with Saturday’s football game against Purdue, where the Alumni Blue Band will join the current students and the Nittany Lions will thrash the visiting Boilermakers, but before the game, be on the lookout for Homecoming’s Tailgate Competition, where prizes will be given out for excellent food, pride, and atmosphere.

With all these events, it’ll be pretty hard to avoid getting sucked into the Penn State spirit. Campus is sure to be abuzz in Homecoming chutzpah.