UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s 2026 Homecoming Week — with the theme of “With Lions' Pride, Generations Thrive" — will kick off activities on Sept. 20 ahead of the Homecoming football game as the Nittany Lions go up against the Wisconsin Badgers on Sept. 26.
Homecoming Week is the culmination of hard work by student volunteers to demonstrate school spirit and celebrate Penn State traditions with students and alumni.
Upcoming events include:
Wiffle Ball Tournament
Sunday, Sept. 20, 1-4 p.m., Bigler Field
Homecoming Week starts off strong with a Wiffle Ball Tournament at Bigler Field. Participants can sign up solo or with a team of up to eight people for a fun afternoon with the chance to win prizes.
Allen Street Jam
Monday, Sept. 21, 3-7 p.m., Allen Street
Allen Street transforms into a festival full of State College businesses, where visitors can play free games, meet the Homecoming Court, win prizes and enjoy local food. Live performances by Penn State student organizations begin around 6 p.m.
"Past 2 Present"
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 12:30-4:30 p.m., Old Main Plaza
Celebrate Penn State’s history at "Past 2 Present," featuring a sign shop, cotton candy, popcorn, cake, games and live performances. Student organizations also will highlight their backgrounds and how the Penn State community works together.
FTG Dance Competition
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Schwab Auditorium
The annual Penn State "For the Glory" Dance Competition features dance organizations from across campus, highlighting students’ creativity and self-expression. The grand-prize winner will earn a stage performance during THON Weekend.
Best of Penn State Carnival
Wednesday, Sept. 23, noon-5 p.m., HUB Lawn
Visitors to the Best of Penn State Carnival can explore a variety of booths, take a turn on the inflatable rides, sit for a caricature and enjoy free food.
Opulence Drag Show
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7-9 p.m., Basement NightClub
The excitement continues with a show featuring premier performers.
Pride in Our Community Pep Rally
Thursday, Sept. 24, 6:30 p.m., HUB Monumental Staircase
Hosted by the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, the rally brings the community together to watch students dance, step and cheer.
Alumni Ice Cream Social
Friday, Sept. 25, 1-3 p.m., Hintz Family Alumni Center
All members of the Penn State community are welcome to enjoy free ice cream, Alumni Blue Band performances and more. The Ice Cream Social welcomes alumni back for the weekend and offers a chance to make new connections.
Old Coaly 2K
Friday, Sept. 25, 5:30 p.m., Homecoming Parade route
New this year, the Old Coaly 2K invites students to lace up their running shoes and run half of the parade route ahead of the Homecoming Parade. It’s a chance to get involved before the parade, learn more about Old Coaly, and showcase your spirit.
Homecoming Parade
Friday, Sept. 25, 6-9 p.m., University Park campus and downtown State College
The main event of the week, Penn State’s 2026 Homecoming Parade, will wind through campus and downtown State College. Celebrate one of the University’s oldest and most famous traditions, featuring student-run organizations, alumni, community members and VIPs.
Guard the Lion Shrine
Friday, Sept. 25, immediately following the Homecoming Parade, Nittany Lion Shrine
Following the parade, the Lion Ambassadors host this annual tradition featuring entertainment, guest speakers, free food, games and activities to protect the Nittany Lion. The event traces its roots to a story involving Sue Paterno, friends and Syracuse fans, who covered the shrine in hard-to-remove paint during a Homecoming weekend.
Homecoming football game
Saturday, Sept. 26, 1 p.m., Beaver Stadium
The moment everyone has been waiting for: The Nittany Lions take on the Wisconsin Badgers in the 2026 Homecoming football game. Fans will see the pink and black S-Zone and the “Generations of Greatness” jerseys, along with the presentation of the Homecoming Courts, grand marshals and more.
Alumni Networking Event
Sunday, Sept. 27, noon-2 p.m., Lions Lair, HUB-Robeson Center
New this year, the Alumni Networking Event wraps up Homecoming Week with an opportunity for students and alumni to connect. The event is free for students, and alumni are encouraged to attend for a $10 fee.
Visit the Penn State Homecoming website at homecoming.psu.edu for additional details.