UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s 2024 Homecoming week activities continue through this weekend as celebrations culminate with the Homecoming football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 28 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, “In Every Roar, Tradition Soars,” highlights the diverse experiences that help shape our shared Penn State journeys.
Upcoming events include:
Best of Penn State Carnival
Wednesday, Sept. 25, 1–5 p.m., HUB Lawn
A carnival on campus? Yes, you heard that right! The HUB Lawn will be transformed and you’re not going to want to miss it. Explore the carnival-style booths that will be hosted by a variety of student organizations and then take your turn on one of the inflatables. Grab some popcorn, cotton candy or Creamery ice cream, before going to sit for a caricature with your friends or trying to win a stuff-a-plush. Stop by at any time — we can’t wait to see you then!
Opulence Drag Show
Wednesday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m., HUB Alumni Hall
Penn State Homecoming is partnering with Opulence, Penn State’s Premiere Drag Ambassador group, for a drag show! Come out for a fun night of performances.
Pride in Our Community Pep Rally
Thursday, Sept. 26, 5–7 p.m., HUB Stairs
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, Sept. 27, 1-3 p.m., Hintz Family Alumni Center
Start Homecoming Weekend with one of the most popular events of the year! The Homecoming Ice Cream Social is a free event, and all students, alumni and members of the Penn State community are welcome to attend. Enjoy performances from the Alumni Blue Band and pick up your class button. All Alumni Association members who register and check in will be entered to win a $50 Berkey Creamery gift card. Register for the Ice Cream Social here.
Homecoming Parade
Friday, Sept. 27, 6 p.m., University Park campus and downtown State College
The University’s 2024 Homecoming Parade will wind through campus and downtown State College beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27. The parade also will be livestreamed. Join us to celebrate one of Penn State’s oldest and most famous traditions that keeps students, faculty, staff and alumni connected.
Penn State Transportation Services has announced traffic, parking and transit impacts related to the 2024 Homecoming Parade.
Guard the Lion Shrine
Friday, Sept. 27, 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.
Penn State vs. University of Illinois
Saturday, Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m., Beaver Stadium
The Homecoming football game will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, as the Nittany Lions take the field against the Illinois Fighting Illini. Come witness the black and pink S-Zone, the “Generations of Greatness” jerseys, and the presentation of the Homecoming Courts, Grand Marshals and much more!
Visit the Penn State Homecoming Committee page for additional details, or contact Cady Barcak, 2024 Homecoming public relations director, at prhomecoming@psu.edu.