UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s 2025 Homecoming Week activities kick off this weekend ahead of the Homecoming football game as the Nittany Lions go up against Northwestern on Oct. 11 at Beaver Stadium.
Homecoming has been a tradition at Penn State since its first Homecoming game was played on Oct. 9, 1920, against Dartmouth. This year’s theme, "Find the Glory in Your Story,” highlights how each Penn Stater contrinbutes to the shared history of the University.
Upcoming events include:
Allen Street Jam
Monday, Oct. 6, 3-7 p.m., Allen Street
Homecoming Week kicks off with a celebration in downtown State College. Join the Penn State community for a block party, including on local foodie favorites, sweet treats, and fun goodies. Visitors can snap a photo with the Nittany Lion, meet the Homecoming Court, and enjoy free games, face painting, caricatures and more. Live performances with Penn State dance groups begin at 6 p.m.
Past to Present
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Old Main Plaza
Celebrate Penn State’s history at the Old Main Plaza with a throwback experience. Featuring a sign shop where attendees can create unique keepsakes, plus snacks, lively performances and interactive games, there's plenty to do throughout the day. Various student clubs also will be showcasing their history, highlighting how every Penn Stater contributes to the University's story.
For the Glory Talent Show
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m., Schwab Auditorium
The Penn State For The Glory Talent Show is an annual event where students from various majors showcase their talents, including singing, dancing, comedy, music and poetry. It brings the Penn State community together to celebrate creativity and school spirit. Participants compete for prizes, with the grand prize winner earning a stage performance during THON Weekend.
Best of Penn State Carnival
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 1-5 p.m., HUB Lawn
Visitors to the Best of Penn State Carnival can explore booths hosted by student organizations and clubs, take a turn on one of the inflatable attractions, and sit for a caricature drawing with friends. Popcorn, lemonade and Berkey Creamery ice cream will be available for all.
Opulence Drag Show
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 7 p.m., Basement NightClub
Penn State Homecoming is partnering with Opulence for a drag show. Come out for a fun night of performances.
Pride in Our Community Pep Rally
Thursday, Oct. 9, 6-8 p.m., HUB Monumental Staircase
The Homecoming Pride in Our Community Pep Rally put on by the Paul Robeson Cultural Center takes place every year on the Monumental Staircase, bringing the community together. Contact prcc@psu.edu with questions.
Student-Alumni Ice Cream Social
Friday, Oct. 10, 1-3 p.m., Hintz Family Alumni Center
The Homecoming Ice Cream Social is an event all students, alumni and members of the Penn State community are welcome to attend. Berkey Creamery ice cream will be served along with music, Alumni Blue Band performances, and a cash-only Homecoming merchandise sale. The Ice Cream Social helps welcome alumni back home for the weekend while boosting Penn State pride leading up to the Homecoming Parade.
Those interested in attending the Ice Cream Social should visit the PSAA for more information and to register.
Homecoming Parade
Friday, Oct. 10, 6 p.m., University Park campus and downtown State College
Penn State's 2025 Homecoming Parade will wind through campus and downtown State College beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10. The parade also will be livestreamed. Celebrate one of Penn State’s oldest and most famous traditions that keeps students, faculty, staff and alumni connected.
Traffic, parking and transit impacts related to the 2025 Homecoming Parade have been announced. Find more information on Penn State News.
Guard the Lion Shrine
Friday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m., Nittany Lion Shrine
Following the Homecoming Parade, stop by the Nittany Lion Shrine for a cherished, long-standing tradition. The event will feature food, games, activities, special guests and more.
Homecoming football game
Saturday, Oct. 11, 3:30 p.m., Beaver Stadium
The Homecoming football game will take place at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, as the Nittany Lions take the field against the Northwestern Wildcats. Come witness the black and pink S-Zone, the “Generations of Greatness” uniforms, and the presentation of the Homecoming Courts, Grand Marshals and much more.
Visit the Penn State Homecoming Committee page for additional details or contact prhomecoming@psu.edu.