Homecoming 2025 is approaching, with the days leading up full of fun and free events to get everyone excited.

You can demonstrate your school spirit and get ready to celebrate with other students and alumni leading up to Penn State’s Homecoming game against Northwestern at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 11.

Sunday, October 5

Wiffle Ball
When and Where: TBD

You can join others in a fun, competitive day of wiffle ball! There will be a friendly tournament, and the top teams will win prizes. You can sign up solo or with a team of up to 8 players. You can register here.

Monday, October 6

Allen Street Jam — 3-7 p.m., Allen Street

Members of the State College community are welcome to join the festivities on Allen Street between Beaver Avenue and College Avenue. You will be able to enjoy local food favorites and take home some fun goodies. At around 6 p.m., live performances will start, including dance groups and continuous music.

Tuesday, October 7

Past to Present
When and Where: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Old Main Plaza 

Learn and celebrate Penn State’s history and experience some throwbacks. There will be a sign shop to create a unique keepsake, cotton candy, cake, popcorn, live performances, and interactive games to play throughout the day. Various clubs will also be present to showcase their history and how they’ve contributed to the Penn State story.

For The Glory Talent Show
When and Where: 7 p.m. — Schwab Auditorium

To highlight Penn State’s “For The Glory” motto, the annual For The Glory Talent Show is a fun event where students will showcase their talents, including singing, dancing, comedy, music, and poetry. Participants compete for prizes, and the grand prize winner earns a stage performance during THON Weekend.

Wednesday, October 8

Best of Penn State Carnival
When and Where: 1-5 p.m. — HUB Lawn

The HUB lawn will be transformed into the site of the Best of Penn State Carnival. Students will be able to explore the booths hosted by student organizations, inflatable attractions, and get a free caricature drawing with friends. There will also be popcorn, lemonade, and creamery ice cream available for all.

Opulence Drag Show
When and Where: 7 p.m. — Basement NightClub

Join Penn State’s Premiere Drag Ambassador group, Opulence, for a fun night of exciting performances.

Thursday, October 9

Pride in Our Community Pep Rally
When and Where: Time TBD — HUB Stairs

Join students in cheering, dancing, and stepping for each other on the Monumental Staircase. Organized by the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, the POC Pep Rally aims to bring the Penn State community together.

Friday, October 10

Alumni Ice Cream Social
When and Where: 1-3 p.m. — Hintz Alumni Center

To welcome back Penn State alumni to campus, this event is for all students, alumni, and members of the Penn State community. Berkey Creamery ice cream will be served along with music, Alumni Blue Band performances, and a cash-only Homecoming merchandise sale.

Homecoming Parade
When and Where: 6 p.m. — Campus and Downtown State College

This student-run parade, themed “Find the Glory in Your Story,” will celebrate one of the oldest Penn State traditions connecting members of the Penn State community. The parade will showcase student organizations, alumni, and community groups’ floats, and is an event great for community members of all ages.

Guard The Lion Shrine
When and Where: 7 p.m. — Lion Shrine

You can head over to the Lion Shrine after the parade to witness a longstanding Lion Ambassador tradition. Originating from a well-known vandalism story featuring Sue Paterno and Syracuse fans. Since then, Guarding the Lion Shrine has become a homecoming event with live entertainment, free food, games, guest speakers, and often Sue Paterno herself, to protect the beloved shrine.

Homecoming Football Game
When and Where: 3:30 p.m. — Beaver Stadium

Come cheer on the Nittany Lions as they take on Northwestern at home. Featuring the black and pink S-Zone, “Generations of Greatness” jerseys, and the presentation of the Homecoming Courts and Grand Marshals.