Alumni Association Homecoming
Homecoming — It's a Year of Celebration!
Homecoming — A Party You Don't Want to Miss!
Oct. 23 – Nov. 1
Mark your calendars and get ready for the biggest Hornet celebration of the year! Homecoming 2025 will be more festive than ever — a campus-wide party where Hornet Nation comes alive with music, energy and unforgettable moments. From reconnecting with old friends to making brand-new memories, this fall is all about celebrating together. Whether it’s been five years or 50, we can’t wait to welcome you home.
ESU's Homecoming Musical
The Rocky Horror Show
- Oct. 23-25, Oct. 29-30, Nov. 1 - 7:30 p.m.
Special midnight show - Friday, Oct. 31
King Hall: Karl C. Bruder Theatre
Tickets go on sale Oct. 1. Contact the Theatre Box Office at 620-341-5256 with questions.
Sunday, Oct. 26
- ESU Soccer tailgate and game
11 a.m.-1 p.m. | ESU Soccer pitch
Monday, Oct. 27
- Stinger Showdown
5:30 p.m. | Plumb Hall lawn
Wednesday, Oct. 29
- Blue Key Society presents the 13th annual
Sam E. and Jeannene Hayes Lecture
7:30 p.m. | Memorial Union: Webb Hall
Featuring Dr. Muhammad Nashatizadeh (BS 98-Biology), renowned neurologist, neurohospitalist, movement disorder specialist and clinical associate professor with the University of Kansas Health System and School of Medicine.
No registration required.
Thursday, Oct. 30
- Homecoming Bonfire/Hornet Rally
8 p.m. | Wilson Park
No registration required.
Friday, Oct. 31
- Phi Delta Theta Alumni Pole Sit
6 a.m. Friday-8 a.m. Saturday | 12th and Commercial
No registration required. - Athletics Hall of Honor Lunch
12 p.m. KSTC Ballroom | Memorial Union
Celebrate Andrew Etheridge, Kadri Kelve, Merissa Quick, Dick Utter, Al Viebrock and the 1947 Men’s Basketball Team.
Register online or call ESU Athletics at 620-341-5349. - Black & Gold Gala
Cocktail Reception 5:30 p.m. | Dinner 6 p.m. | The Downtown Band 8 p.m.
Webb Hall | Memorial Union
An extraordinary evening of dining, music and celebration. Followed by a live concert with the Downtown Band, one of America's top cover bands.
Get your Gala tickets at emporia.edu/gala2025
Saturday, Nov. 1
- Alumni Breakfast
Saturday, Nov. 1 | 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m.
Memorial Union: Main Street
Enjoy coffee and a continental breakfast at the Memorial Union, outside the University Bookstore.
Free of charge. Registration required. - Guided Campus Tour
Saturday, Nov. 1 | 9 a.m.
See what’s new on campus while reminiscing about your Hornet days.
Free of charge. Registration required. - Homecoming Parade & Hornet Walk
Saturday, Nov. 1 | 10 a.m.
Cheer as floats line Commercial Street, then join the Hornet Walk as our football team makes its way to Welch Stadium.
No registration required. - Live at the Hive
Saturday, Nov. 1 | 12 p.m.
Live music, food, friends and Hornet spirit! Located south of the Kossover Tennis Complex.
No registration required to tailgate. Special VIP experiences can be purchased at esuhornets.com/liveatthehive. - ESU vs. Northwest Missouri
Saturday, Nov. 1 | 2 p.m.
General admission is FREE this year! Reserved seats available online or call 620-341-6378. - Phi Delta Theta Dinner
Saturday, Nov. 1 | 7-10 p.m.
Casa Ramos
Cost $10. Registration required.
The registration cost helps to cover the venue fee.