Join the celebration October 16-21, 2023

2023 Homecoming

Get ready to feel the Panther spirit ignite as Cedar Falls comes alive with excitement and pride during the 2023 Homecoming celebration! This year's parade theme is "Panther Country," and it's just one of the many thrilling events planned for the festivities. Whether you are a student, alumni or fan, you won't want to miss this unforgettable experience!

Justin Adams
Justin Adams
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20

Free concert by UNI alum Justin Adams

The University of Northern Iowa is pleased to announce the Friday night entertainment for the 2023 Homecoming bash: Justin Adams. Not only is Adams a talented country music entertainer, but he is also a UNI alum and former football star. The free live concert on Oct. 20 will feature the latest from UNI, lots of Panther pride, and food and drinks available for purchase. The concert starts at 7 p.m. on the Commons Plaza on central campus.

2021 UNI Homecoming Parade participants
2021 UNI Homecoming Parade participants
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

This is Panther Country.

Saddle up and join us for a boot-stompin' good time at the Panther Country Parade! This year's theme celebrates the best of two worlds - the soulful beats of country music and the fierce pride of our Panther community! It's going to be a roaring celebration, and we want YOU to be a part of the fun!

Saturday, Oct. 21  |  10 a.m.
Downtown Cedar Falls

New Parade Route for 2023

Due to road construction, this year’s parade will take a different route than years past. The parade will begin at 6th Street and travel north along Main Street, before turning to the east at 2nd Street. The path will then head back south along State Street, once again ending at 4th Street.

The University of Northern Iowa is excited to partner with the City of Cedar Falls and KWWL to celebrate all things purple and gold!

The theme for this year’s parade is “Panther Country.” Be ready to show us how you recognize Panther Country with your Homecoming parade entry. 

 

‌View the Parade Route Map

 

UNI Homecoming Parade Route 2023

Full Calendar of Events

Oct. 1 - 22

Homecoming Goosechase
Download the Goosechase app and enter the join code. Complete these challenges to earn points for the chance to win a Panther prize pack! Participants receive one entry to the prize drawing per 1,000 points.

  • Faculty, staff and students code: ZM1VL9
  • Alumni and friends code: 5W86MG

Download from AppleGet it on Google

Tuesday, Oct. 17

Traditions Challenge Amazing Race (UNI students, faculty & staff only)
4:30 p.m.  |  Maucker Union Rooftop

Join Connecting Alumni to Students (CATS) for the 14th annual Traditions Challenge Amazing Race. Teams of five will participate in a cross-campus scavenger hunt, completing various UNI traditions. Team check-in starts at 4 p.m., and the race will begin at 4:30 p.m. Make sure to register by Friday, Oct. 13, to secure your spot.

Register >>

Thursday, Oct. 19

Homecoming Dinner Detective (UNI students only)
6 p.m.  |  Maucker Union Ballrooms

Join CAB for dinner and challenge your detective skills. The dinner will kick off with a crime scene, and as each course is served, additional clues will be revealed. Your task is to uncover the identity of the culprit.

Friday, Oct. 20

Anthropology Dig Open House
1-3 p.m.  |  South part of campus
Join us in the field south of the creek and east of the observatory.  



Golden Graduate Reunion - Class of 1973 
3-4:30 p.m.  |  Slife Ballroom, Commons

Register >>



Homecoming Bash
5-9 p.m.  |  Central Campus
Light up your night with country star and UNI alum Justin Adams live in concert! Enjoy food, fun and the latest from UNI.

Register by Oct. 13 to be entered into a drawing for a Panther prize pack >>



ROTC Alumni Banquet
5-9 p.m.  |  Nielsen Field House
Join fellow ROTC alumni for the inaugural Homecoming weekend banquet at the Nielsen Field House gym.

Register by Oct. 6 >>



Homecoming Dance Party
9 p.m.  |  Campanile Plaza
Join CAB before Campaniling for a dance party featuring UNI Alum Ian Goldsmith.



Campaniling
Midnight  |  Campanile Plaza

Saturday, Oct. 21

Homecoming 5K
8 a.m.  |  UNI Campanile

Register >>



Homecoming Parade
10 a.m.  |  Downtown Cedar Falls

Register your parade entry by Oct. 12 >>



SAE Alumni Reunion
11 a.m.  |  1115 West 23rd St.
Join fellow SAE alumni and current members for a barbecue at the SAE house. Food and beverages will be provided by the local chapter. Registration is $30.00 per person.

Register by Oct. 6 >>



Physics Alumni Reunion
12 p.m.  |  Seerley Park (at the corner of West Seerley Blvd. & Iowa St.)
The physics department will be providing meat to grill, side dishes and beverages. Guests may, if they wish, contribute a dish to this potluck-style picnic. In case of inclement weather, the picnic will be held inside Begeman Hall on UNI campus.

Register >>



Panther Marching Band Alumni Reunion
1 p.m.  |  UNI-Dome

Register by Sept. 29 >>



UNI Homecoming Tailgate Sponsored by Hy-Vee
1:30 p.m.  |  West of the Dome



UNI Football vs. North Dakota
4 p.m.  |  UNI-Dome

‌Get tickets‌ >>

Sunday, Oct. 22

UNI Soccer vs. Illinois State
Noon  |  West of the Dome

Community Information

Cedar Falls

 

College Hill Partnership

Cedar Falls Community MainStreet

Experience Waterloo

 

KWWL

MainStreet Waterloo

Homecoming Contacts


Mike Bobeldyk

Student Life


Sarah Craw

Alumni Association


Sara Kies

University Relations