Join the celebration October 16-22, 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!


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.


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.
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
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
Make your office scream Panther Country
12 p.m.
If you’re part of an office or department on campus, make sure to participate in the office decorating competition! Submit your entry by using #PantherCountry on Facebook, Instagram or X. If your office isn’t on social media, you can also email your entry to ur@uni.edu. Entries are due Thursday, Oct. 19 by 12 p.m. The winner gets an awesome Panther Country swag bag!
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
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 >>
Kappa Delta Pi Centennial Event
5-7 p.m. | SEC 220
Meal at 5 p.m., program at 6:15 p.m.
Current and former members of KDP are invited to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the organization at UNI.
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.
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
Homecoming Parade
10 a.m. | Downtown Cedar Falls
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.
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.
Panther Marching Band Alumni Reunion
1 p.m. | UNI-Dome
UNI Homecoming Tailgate Sponsored by Hy-Vee
1:30 p.m. | West of the Dome
UNI Track & Field Team Tailgate
1:30-3:30 p.m. | Grass area NW of UNI-Dome
Panther track alum and World Champion Brandon Carnes '17 will make an appearance. Food and beverages available while supplies last.
UNI Football vs. North Dakota
4 p.m. | UNI-Dome
Sunday, Oct. 22
UNI Soccer vs. Illinois State
Noon | West of the Dome
Community Events & Accommodations
The Cedar Valley has a number of accommodations, dining options and activities available for UNI friends, family and alumni who will be joining us for Homecoming!
Community Information

