This homecoming week will feature multiple events to celebrate. Here are the top events to look out for on each day. For the full list of homecoming events, visit the NIU calendar website.

Monday

Homecoming banners decoration contest

Come join the competition for student teams interested in decorating banners, which will be hung all around campus. Each team’s banner will be due at 8 a.m. For more information, contact Meg Junk at [email protected].

‘Real Jobs in the Real World’ panel

The Computer Science Affinity Council will be hosting a panel discussion on internships, networking and other career-related topics. Drop by the ballroom of the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center at 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Theresa Stack at [email protected]. 

Yell Like Hell

The Holmes Student Center will be hosting Yell Like Hell. This event will involve yelling to musical performances, showing Huskie pride and getting students pumped for homecoming week. The event will take place at 8 p.m in the Duke Ellington Ballroom. For more information, contact Meg Junk at [email protected]. 

Tuesday

COE Tailgate Tuesday

The College of Education is hosting a tailgate from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside between Gabel and DuSable Hall. There will be games, food and prizes. For more information, contact Jennifer Johnson at [email protected]. 

All Majors Internship and Job Fair

Come join this free fair for students to connect with employers for internships, full-time, part-time and student jobs. The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the NIU Convocation Center. For more information, contact Career Services at [email protected]. 

Third Annual NIU LGBTQ+ Alumni and Friends Homecoming Virtual Social

This virtual social meet-and-greet will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. over Zoom and will feature a meet-and-greet, a trivia game and more. For more information, contact Molly B. Holmes at [email protected]. 

Wednesday

Huskie Trike Races 

In teams of three, race in a tricycle down Castle Drive from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Having your trike decorated in Huskie pride is not required, but highly encouraged. For more information, contact Meg Junk at [email protected]. 

NIU Art Museum Alumni Event 

From 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the NIU Art Museum, alumni will be free to attend a viewing of exhibits such as Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 years of Golden Books. For more information, visit the website.

‘Smash from the Past’ retro game night and Smash tournament

Join fellow gamers for a special game night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Altgeld Hall Esports arena. There is a $5 fee to play in the Smash tournament, but it is free to attend and watch. For more information, contact Jeannine East at [email protected]. 

Thursday

WNIJ open house

Fans of public radio will have a chance to tour the studios of WNIJ, WNIU and Northern Public Radio, as well as meet prominent staff members of the studios. The open house is free to attend, and will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the WNIJ-WNIU Broadcast Studios, located at 801 N. 1st St. For more information, contact [email protected]. 

A Night at Holmes: Homecoming Edition

Hosted in the Holmes Student Center, get involved in activities scattered throughout the building, including throwback karaoke and a lip-sync competition. A Night at Holmes will be held from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, contact Meg Junk at [email protected]. 

NIU Jazz Orchestra and NIU Jazz Ensemble

Enjoy jazz music from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the Music Building, directed by Reggie Thomas (NIU Jazz Orchestra) and Rodrigo Villanueva (NIU Jazz Ensemble). The concert is free for NIU students with their OneCard. For more information, contact Thomas Koron at [email protected]. 

Friday

Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Seven student-athletes and four families will be inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame this year. From 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. in the Duke Ellington Ballroom of the Holmes Student Center, there will be a cocktail reception. At 6 p.m., the induction ceremony will begin.

‘Much Ado About Nothing’ opening night

The NIU School of Theatre and Dance will open its unique adaptation of this beloved Shakespeare comedy at 7:30 p.m. in the Sally Stevens Players Theatre of the Stevens Building. Additional performances will take place Saturday, Sunday and the following weekend. Order tickets online here.

Homecoming bonfire and kickback

Food, inflatables, a DJ and more are promised at this kickback that will be held at 6:30 p.m. behind the Convocation Center. For more information, contact Meg Junk at [email protected]. 

Saturday

Brunch with Mission and Victor E.

NIU’s annual homecoming outdoor brunch will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. outside Altgeld Hall. With registration, participants will have access to a buffet and one alcoholic drink. Additional bar beverage tickets will be $5. For more information, contact Dana King at [email protected]. Purchase tickets here.

Asian American Resource Center open house

The Asian American Resource Center is hosting an open house and tour with alumni. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For additional information contact Michelle Bringas at [email protected]. 

Homecoming football game: Huskies vs. Toledo

Join the NIU Homecoming football game from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Huskie Stadium. The Huskies will be facing the Toledo Rockets. Purchase tickets here.

Sunday

Huskies at the Farm

Join NIU for a community event at the Jonamac Orchard for a fun day on the farm. This event takes place all day.

Women’s soccer vs. Akron

Cheer on women’s soccer as they face off against the Akron Zips from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. Watch live here. 

Men’s soccer vs. Western Michigan

After watching women’s soccer, support men’s soccer vs. Western Michigan University from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. Watch live here.