Homecoming weekend has been a long time coming. After we missed out on most events in 2020, this year’s festivities should be ones to remember.

Homecoming is one of Penn State’s busiest weekends of the school year. Of course, with a packed weekend ahead, Happy Valley has lined up activities no one should miss out on. Leading up to Saturday’s Illinois game, make sure you’re up to speed on these highlighted Penn State-themed events:

Monday, October 18

Allen Street Jam

When & Where: 1-7 p.m. — Allen Street

With food, games, live performances, dance competitions, and more, celebrate Homecoming with the Allen Street Jam’s block party festival. Penn State’s student dance organizations will compete against each other, too.

Tuesday, October 19

Past To Present

When & Where: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — HUB

In 2019, Penn State celebrated its 100th Homecoming. Through the Past to Present event, you’ll get to know about some of your favorite organizations at Penn State and dive into the university’s history.

Wednesday, October 20

Best Of Penn State Carnival

When & Where: 2 to 7 p.m. — HUB Lawn

Yes, there will be a carnival right at our fingertips. With carnival-themed activities and games, the Best of Penn State Carnival invites you to stop by the HUB Lawn at any point throughout the afternoon. This is definitely a stress-reliever, especially with midterms on our minds.

For The Glory Talent Show

When & Where: 8 p.m. — HUB’s Alumni Hall

Who doesn’t like free entertainment and live performances? Stop by Alumni Hall to support your peers and their hidden talents. Penn State’s talent is unbeatable, you know?

Thursday, October 21

Opulence X Homecoming Drag Show 

When & Where: 8 p.m. — 3 Dots Downtown

For just $5, enjoy a night of fashionable entertainment with Opulence, which is made up of Penn State’s drag ambassadors. Doors open at 8 p.m. for the 8:30 p.m. show.

Friday, October 22

Alumni Ice Cream Social 

When & Where: 1 to 3 p.m. — Hintz Family Alumni Center

This Berkey Creamery ice cream social is open to all students, alumni, and member of the Penn State community. Even a performance by the Alumni Blue Band will take place. Registration is free but required, and walk-up registrations will be accepted. Register here.

Homecoming Parade 

When & Where: 6 p.m. — Across Campus & Downtown

As one of the largest student-run parades in the nation, this is an event we have all anticipated. Families from all over pack themselves into the streets of State College to watch organizations from across campus and the country show off their Penn State pride and continue one of its longest traditions.

Saturday, October 23

Tailgate Competition 

When & Where: 8 to 11 a.m. — Tailgate Fields

The tailgate competition will be held right before the Homecoming football game and is open to any member of the Penn State community, including students and alumni. Tailgates will be judged based off of six categories: Best Food, Most Creative, Most Penn State Spirit, Best Overall, “Nittany Newcomer” and Best Student Organization. Judges will score all tailgates and reward winners with spirited prizes. 

Homecoming Football Game 

When & Where: Noon — Beaver Stadium

The Homecoming football game will kick off at noon as the Nittany Lions face Illinois. With the black and pink S-Zone, the “Generations of Greatness” jerseys, and the presentation of the Homecoming Courts, Grand Marshalls, and more, this game is a great way to close out Homecoming weekend.