UW Homecoming

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Andy Manis

A past UW Homecoming block party.

media release: University of Wisconsin–Madison Homecoming is back for its 113th year with eight days of events and activities from Sept. 30-Oct. 7. The Wisconsin Homecoming Committee will present free celebrations, including a concert featuring rap artist Armani White, the long-established parade through downtown Madison, and – new this year – a parade after-party on Library Mall. The Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) will host additional events, including a block party and pep rally at the Memorial Union Terrace featuring fireworks, weather permitting. This year’s homecoming coincides with the university’s celebration of its 175th anniversary. 

The Wisconsin Homecoming Committee, WAA and partners present the following Homecoming events for students, alumni, faculty, staff and honorary Badgers:

Now through Sept. 20:   Coloring page contest, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee

Sept. 30:  Homecoming Kickoff Concert featuring Armani White and D.A.R.S., presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee and the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Music Committee, 7 pm, Union South (students only).

Oct. 1 Paint the Town: opportunity for students to decorate Memorial Union and State Street windows, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee, noon-5 pm, Memorial Union.

Oct. 2-6: Medallion Hunt: daily treasure hunt with prizes, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee, online.

Oct. 2-7: Window Display Showcase featuring windows painted by UW–Madison registered student organizations, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee, Memorial Union.

Oct. 2:  Cocoa with HoCo: free hot chocolate, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee, 8:30 am-noon, outside Memorial Union and Union South.

Oct. 3-5  UW Homecoming Blood Drive, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee, 11:30 am-5:30 pm, Gordon Dining and Event Center.

Oct. 4: Shindig at the Sett featuring bingo, bowling and karaoke, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee, 7-10 pm, Union South; Family-Friendly Virtual Scavenger Hunt, presented by WAA, online.

Oct. 5-6: Fill the Hill: annual fundraising initiative to benefit UW–Madison, presented by WAA, in front of Bascom Hall

500 Lincoln Drive. Call for donations begins 5 pm on Oct. 5; flamingos appear at 5 am on Oct. 6, followed by a special student celebration on Bascom Hill with activities and giveaways from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fill the Hill ends at 5 p.m.

Oct. 6: Badger Games featuring outdoor games on Library Mall, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee, 1-3 pm; UW Homecoming Parade, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee. The parade will begin on the corner of Gilman Street and Wisconsin Avenue at 6 p.m., proceeding down Gilman Street to State Street and ending on Lake Street at approximately 7:30 p.m.; New: Homecoming Parade After-Party, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee, 7-11 pm, Library Mall; UW Homecoming Block Party and Pep Rally, presented by WAA, 7-9 pm, Memorial Union: Celebrate the thrill of UW Homecoming at this family-friendly event. With spirited activities and festivities around every turn, you’ll burst with Badger pride from the moment you arrive. Then, feel your excitement soar even higher during the pep rally featuring the UW Marching Band and UW Spirit Squad, followed by a show-stopping fireworks display (weather permitting). This drop-in extravaganza, held rain or shine, has been entertaining Badgers of all ages since 2017.; Multicultural Homecoming Yard Show, presented by WAA, the UW–Madison DDEEA, and UW–Madison Fraternity & Sorority Life, 8-10 pm, Memorial Union: Watch members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) showcase some of their newest step, stroll, and salute routines. These performances are part of a tradition that turns up the excitement of UW Homecoming and highlights the importance of each council. Get ready to experience an amazing show! Learn more about NPHC and MGC.; Badger Meet Up–Hoco Edition, presented by WAA, 10 pm-1 am, The Rigby.

Oct. 7: Badger Bash: Wisconsin vs. Rutgers University, presented by the Wisconsin Union, 8:30 am, Union South; Divine Nine Plaza Kickback, presented by WAA and UW–Madison Fraternity & Sorority Life, 9-11 am, East Campus Mall; Multicultural Homecoming Tailgate and Watch Party, presented by WAA, UW–Madison DDEEA, and UW–Madison Fraternity & Sorority Life, 10:30 am-3 pm, Pyle Center: Connect with alumni, students, staff, and faculty before the Homecoming game versus Rutgers at this spirited tailgate party. Then, stick around to root for the Badgers in a comfortable, spacious setting at the fan-friendly game-watch event. This year’s festivities allow attendees to mix, mingle, and cheer while enjoying a variety of food and beverage options, yard games, and more. Multicultural Homecoming is in partnership with the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, and the Wisconsin Alumni Association Homecoming Committee. Football vs. Rutgers, 11 am, Camp Randall.

Attendees can read the most up-to-date list of Wisconsin Homecoming Committee events at wiscohoco.com and the most up-to-date list of WAA Homecoming events at uwalumni.com/homecoming. 

“Every year, the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee is able to create and plan a wide variety of events for the greater campus community," Wisconsin Homecoming Committee President Katherine Reed said. “I am thrilled to be a part of the team that brings UW–Madison and the greater Madison area together to celebrate our shared Badger identity!"

The Wisconsin Homecoming Committee is a nonprofit, student-run organization in the Wisconsin Union that aims to bring the community together to celebrate what it means to be a Wisconsin Badger. Whether someone is a past, current or future Badger or a Badger-at-heart, everyone is welcome to join in on the festivities.

This year’s Committee executive board members include President Katherine Reed, Vice President Mariana Ray-Hernandez, Director of Marketing and Communications Amari Mbongwo, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications Caasi Woji, Campus Events Chair Ella Matz and Parade Representative Sophie Gerstman.

“The Wisconsin Alumni Association is excited to celebrate UW’s Homecoming with alumni near and far, and proud to offer a variety of activities for alumni, students and the Madison community in partnership with the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee,” said Sarah Schutt, chief alumni officer and executive director of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. “One of our longest-standing annual events, Homecoming is a special time for all Badgers to show their spirit, particularly this year during the university’s 175th anniversary.”