Homecoming is upon us and with it comes exciting unique events that prospective attendees can look forward to.
Coi Leray Concert
Students can enjoy viral songs at Coi Lerey’s concert, a chart-topping rapper, singer and songwriter. Known for songs like “No More Parties,” “TWINNEM” and her popular hit “Players,” she will perform at the Egyptian Theatre, located at 135 N. Second St., on October 2.
Doors will be open from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will be opened by DJ Vestus at 7 p.m., followed by Leray who will start her performance at 8 p.m.
Tickets for the event are free for NIU students and faculty but are anticipated to sell out soon, the Campus Activities Board suggests that students RSVP as soon as possible, as tickets will not be available at the door.
Students can utilize Dekalb Public Transit Route 17 at Holmes Student Center to travel to the Egyptian Theatre. Exiting at Lincoln Highway and Pearl Street is ideal, which is approximately a six-minute walk to the Egyptian Theatre.
Paint, Pizza and Sip
NIU alumni and current students will be able to unwind and show their Huskie pride at the Paint, Pizza and Sip event at 6 p.m. Oct. 3 in the Holmes Student Center’s Regency Room.
Organized in partnership with Chelsea McGhee Studios, an art studio in Sycamore, the event allows attendees to socialize while creating their own unique artwork. Participants can choose between painting on a canvas or a wood sign, with pre-sketched designs or stencils available.
“McGhee is a wonderful partner. She does incredible artwork,” said NIU Chief Strategy Officer and homecoming organizer Matt Streb. “We’ve had people who have come every time that we’ve hosted it just to paint something different.”
Tickets must be purchased in advance from McGhee’s website to make sure the proper amount of supplies are available. The cost is $30 to $50, depending on the design chosen, and includes all painting supplies, pizza and soda. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase with an ID.
While the event is a Homecoming tradition for many alumni, students are also encouraged to attend. Streb urged interested attendees to sign up as soon as possible, as McGhee needs time to prepare the canvases and signs for the event.
Huskie Hour With Jonamac
Huskie Hour at Jonamac Orchard has quickly grown into one of NIU’s most anticipated Homecoming traditions. Now in its third year, the event offers alumni and the DeKalb community an autumn evening filled with local beverages, seasonal appetizers, live music and plenty of Huskie pride.
The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 3 at Jonamac Orchard, 19412 Shabbona Road, Malta. Tickets are $35 online and $40 at the door. You must be at least 21 years old to attend the event.
What started as a one-time experiment has become a must-attend tradition. Attendance has grown each year, giving the NIU community a fun, laid-back way to unwind while celebrating the spirit of Homecoming.
“It’s a great way for many of our alums to kick off homecoming,” Streb said.
Guests can look forward to featured apple wine selections and slushies from Jonamac’s Cider House and Whiskey Acres, paired with autumn bites from Faranda’s.
“It’s another opportunity for people to get together and fellowship,” Streb said.
Departing at 3:30 p.m. and returning at 5:30 p.m., a complimentary shuttle bus will provide service between the Barsema Alumni & Visitors Center and Jonamac Orchard. Guests must muregister by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday and can RSVP here.
Brunch With Mission and Victor E.
Students, alumni and DeKalb residents will be able to meet NIU’s mascots at the fifth annual Brunch with Mission and Victor E. from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Oct. 4 in the Altgeld Auditorium.
Though the event has only been happening for five years, Streb emphasized its importance.
“When we have alumni come back to town, they’re looking for things to do,” Streb said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to sit and eat with your friends that you were here with, or to meet new people.”
Each ticket includes a buffet of hash browns, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, assorted pastries, bacon, sausage, fruit and coffee and juice.
Guests who are at least 21 will receive a drink ticket for a Bloody Mary or a Dawgma beer from Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling, an Illinois brewing company. Additional drink tickets will be available for purchase at $7.50.
Registration is required. Adult tickets are $30 online and $35 at the door and kids – ages 4 through 17 – are $20 online and $25 at the door. Parking will be available on the north side of the East Lagoon as well as the parking lot in front of the Art Building.
