Homecoming 2025

Panthers Through Time

There is a rich history to being a Panther. The first of us arrived on the campus of the Iowa State Normal School in 1876, excited to prepare for their teaching careers. Since then, we have seen decades come and go and the turn of two centuries. In addition to the Normal School, we’ve attended classes at the Iowa State Teachers College, the State College of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa. We’ve worn beanies and bell bottoms and Birkenstocks. And we have been Panthers through it all.

As UNI begins its celebration of 150 years of preparing students for an ever-changing world, Homecoming 2025 honors the traditions, history and uniqueness of our Panther family. Join us Sept. 28-Oct. 4 as we look back at our proud past and celebrate Panthers Through Time.

students playing games on campus for homecoming

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!

Cedar Falls Accommodations

Cedar Falls Events & Attractions

Waterloo Accommodations

Waterloo Events & Attractions

Community Information

Cedar Falls Tourism logo

‌ College Hill Partnership

Cedar Falls Community MainStreet ‌

Experience Waterloo

MainStreet Waterloo ‌

Homecoming Contacts

Mike Bobeldyk

Student Life

Sarah Craw

Alumni Association

Amelia Holden-McMurray

University Relations

Homecoming Reunions

Full Calendar of Events

Homecoming Goosechase | Oct. 1 - 27

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: 5Z899X
Alumni and friends code: J4EZZQ

Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store

Monday, Oct. 21

Office/Residence Hall Decorating
Show your homecoming pride by decorating your campus office or residence hall community! Judges will view your space on Monday, Oct. 21, and announce winners of various categories on the Wednesday of Homecoming. Registration deadline is Monday, Oct. 14 at 12am.

Tuesday, Oct. 22

Standard Pour Challenge (UNI Students, faculty & staff only)
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. More to come on potential prizes if students get the pour correct.

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

Connecting Alumni to Students (CATS) will host the 15th annual Traditions Challenge Amazing Race this year. Teams of five students, faculty, 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 Tuesday, October 15.

Wednesday, Oct. 23

Standard Pour Challenge (UNI Students, faculty & staff only)
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Chats Coffeehouse

Lunch & Learn: Facts on Tap (UNI Students, faculty & staff only)
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Maucker Union Lobby 109

Participants will learn how to make informed choices about consuming alcohol and reducing harm. A variety activities are included throughout the program such as: how to identify the recommended BAC (blood alcohol content), identify a standard drink for beer, wine, and hard liquor, participate in a Kahoot about social norms, and learn the recovery position.

Thursday, Oct. 24

Soccer vs. Murray State
3 p.m. | UNI Soccer Field

CAB Escape Room (UNI Students only)
6 - 9 p.m. | Maucker Union Ballroom

Panther Escape - Step into a world of mystery and adventure at our Homecoming Panthers Escape Room Challenge! Work together with your friends to solve cryptic clues, unlock hidden doors, and escape before time runs out. Each room offers unique challenges that will test your wits and teamwork. Do you have what it takes to escape?

Friday, Oct. 25

Golden Graduate Reunion - Class of 1974
3 - 4:30 p.m. | Slife Ballroom, Commons

Nursing Open House
4 - 6 p.m. | Innovative Teaching and Technology Center (ITTC), third floor

Please join us as we celebrate the opening of our new facilities for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Tour our integrated classrooms, labs and simulations, meet our nursing administration and faculty, and enjoy light refreshments.

Halloween House
4:30 - 7:30 p.m. | McCollum Science Hall, second floor

The University of Northern Iowa's American Chemical Society (ACS) student chapter, in collaboration with students from the biology, physics and earth science departments, will perform Halloween-themed science demonstrations and supervise hands-on activities in rooms such as ‘Witches’ Lair,’ ‘Tesla’s Revenge,’ ‘Monster Mash’ and ‘Shadow Play.’” The hands-on activities are intended for children, and costumes are encouraged. Children of all ages and the whole family will find the science demonstrations entertaining and informative. The event is free and open to the public.

Learn More →

Homecoming Bash
5 - 9 p.m. | Central Campus

Food trucks, yard games, activities, live music from the Pork Tornadoes, beer tent, and the latest updates from each of UNI's colleges. Sponsored by BankIowa.

Volleyball vs. Evansville
6 p.m. | McLeod Center

Get Volleyball Tickets →

The Music Man
7 p.m. | Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center

Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, in partnership with the wcfsymphony, Waterloo Community Playhouse, and Cedar Falls Community Theatre, brings you Meredith Willson's six-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy that has been entertaining audiences since 1957.

Get Tickets →

Women's Rugby vs. UW Eau-Claire
7 p.m. | UNI Intramural Fields

UNI Women's Rugby hosts the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire in their final home match. This game will be played under the lights on the Intramural fields, west of the UNI DOME and WRC.

Homecoming Dance Party (UNI Students only)
9 p.m. | Maucker Union Ballroom

Join us for an unforgettable night at the annual Homecoming Dance Party! Come to the Maucker Union and get ready to dance the night away with our live DJ, back by popular demand, UNI Alumni Ian Goldsmith! Capture memories at our photo booth, enjoy delicious refreshments, and celebrate school spirit with friends old and new.

Campaniling
Midnight | Campanile Plaza

Saturday, Oct. 26

Panthers at the Plaza
10 - 11 a.m. | River Place Plaza

Join us before the parade for fun, yard games and Panther pride, hosted by Rod Library.

Homecoming Parade
11 a.m. | Downtown Cedar Falls

The parade will be in downtown Cedar Falls again this year, with the theme of Panthers on Parade. UNI departments, groups and organizations as well as businesses and groups from the general public are invited to be in the parade. Everyone is invited to watch the parade.

The Music Man
2 p.m. | Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center

Get Tickets →

Hy-Vee Fan Zone
1 - 3:30 p.m. | West UNI-Dome Parking Lot

Football vs. Missouri State
4 p.m. | UNI-Dome

Get Football Tickets →

Volleyball vs. Indiana State
6 p.m. | McLeod Center

Get Volleyball Tickets →

Sunday, Oct. 27

The Music Man
2 p.m. | Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center

Get Tickets →

"Death By Sar" Improv Show
8 p.m. | Communication Arts Building (CAC) room 108

Join the Some Assembly Required Improv Team for their Halloween comedy show! Audience members are guaranteed laughs, joys, and a chance to solve a real (fake) murder. Seats are first come first serve, doors open at 7:30 pm.