Homecoming 2026
The Future is Purple
As we near the grand finale of the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration, Homecoming 2026 looks ahead to the next 150 years of preparing students and alumni to impact Iowa and beyond.
Watch for more events in the coming months that honor the traditions, history and uniqueness of our Panther family, and join us Oct. 4-11 for Homecoming 2026 as we look to the future of UNI.
Calendar of Events
Monday, Oct. 5
Our Tomorrow Campus Lunch
11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Campanile Lawn/Lawther Field
Free lunch for faculty, staff and students celebrating the conclusion of the Our Tomorrow campaign.
Outdoor Movie
7:30 - 9:30 p.m. | Campanile Lawn
Join CATS and the UNI Alumni Association and Foundation for an outdoor movie with trivia.
Tuesday, Oct. 6
Office/Residence Hall Decorating
Show your homecoming pride within your campus office or residence hall community! Judges will look to view your space on Tuesday, October 6 and announce winners of various categories the Wednesday of Homecoming. Registration deadline is Wednesday, September 23 at 12 a.m.
Traditions Challenge Amazing Race
4:30 p.m. | Maucker Union Rooftop
Connecting Alumni to Students (CATS) will host the 17th annual Traditions Challenge Amazing Race this year. Teams of five students, faculty or staff will race to complete UNI traditions in this unique cross-campus scavenger hunt. Team check-in begins at 4 p.m. The race begins promptly at 4:30 p.m. Registration deadline is September 25.
Wednesday, Oct. 7
Standard Pour Challenge
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Chats Coffeehouse
Test your knowledge during the Standard Pour Challenge! Common drink containers will be on a table for students, faculty and staff to guess what a standard pour size is depending on the drink. The purpose of the activity is to better monitor their BAC. There will also be resources available for students to take with them
UNI Architectural Walking Tour
5 - 7 p.m. | Bartlett Courtyard near Commons
This walking tour (approximately 1.25 miles) is curated by students from the public history program and will focus on the unique exterior features of historic buildings on the UNI campus. Distinct interior spaces will also be part of the tour. Sponsored by the UNI Sesquicentennial Committee and the Cedar Falls Historic Preservation Commission
Thursday, Oct. 8
GOLD & Bold Award Ceremony
11:45 a.m. | Maucker Union Coffeehouse
Join us to celebrate and learn from three of our own young alumni and changemakers! Be inspired by a 10 minute TED-style talk from this year's GOLD & Bold Award nominees. Learn more about the GOLD & Bold Award.
Volleyball vs. Drake
6:00 p.m. | McLeod Center
Sesquicentennial Arts Showcase
7:30 p.m. | GBPAC
Honor the impact of UNI’s arts programs as we bring the sesquicentennial celebration to a close. Enjoy performances from the School of Music and TheatreUNI, including the debut of a new composition by emeritus professor Dr. Rebecca Burkhardt, created specially for the occasion.
Friday, Oct. 9
Homecoming Bash
5 - 9:30 p.m. | Central Campus
Take part in a family-friendly outdoor Homecoming festival and be part of the conclusion of the year-long UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration and celebrate the success of Our Tomorrow: The Campaign for UNI. Enjoy food trucks, inflatables, a pep rally, an outdoor concert with The Schmidt Brothers and an aerial drone show finale.
Homecoming Dance Party
9:00 p.m. | Campanile Plaza
Join us for an unforgettable night at the annual Homecoming Dance Party! Come to the Campanile Plaza and get ready to dance the night away with our live DJ, back by popular demand, UNI alum Ian Goldsmith, '13! Capture memories at our photo booth, enjoy delicious refreshments, and celebrate school spirit with friends old and new.
Campaniling
12 a.m. | Campanile Plaza
Saturday, Oct. 10
Homecoming 5K Run/Walk (Panther Pacers)
8 a.m. | Campanile Plaza
Panther Pacers is hosting its annual Homecoming 5K run/walk at the newly renovated Campanile Plaza. Register by September 15th to guarantee a shirt or up to the day of the race.
Parade
11:00 a.m. | Downtown Cedar Falls
Hy-Vee Fan Zone
1 - 3:30 p.m. | West UNI-Dome Parking Lot
Join the UNI Alumni Association, UNI Athletics and Cedar Falls Hy-Vee in the west UNI-Dome parking lot for a free family-friendly tailgate. Includes free food from Hy-Vee (while supplies last), games and giveaways.
Football vs. UND
4:00 p.m. | UNI-Dome
Sunday, Oct. 11
Soccer vs. Valpo
1:00 p.m. | UNI Soccer Field
Join us for a reunion
Celebrate with fellow Panthers at one of our many alumni reunions taking place throughout Homecoming weekend. Find the gathering that matches your UNI connection and make plans to join us back on campus.
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
