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.
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.
Saturday, Oct. 25
- Spirit Dash Run
10 a.m. | Kellogg Circle Drive
Fun Halloween theme stations, costume contests, and prizes! 9 a.m. check-in, run starts at 10 a.m. Plumb Hall. Free but registration before Oct. 17 guarantees a T-shirt: emporia.link/homecoming-5k-2025. Costumes welcome!
Students can sign up using our online form.
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
ESU student, faculty and staff show pride in their academic programs and help their school take home the College Cup!
Tuesday, Oct. 28
- Homecoming Royalty Meet and Greet
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | MU Mainstreet
- FSL Canstruction Evening
6 p.m. | Student Rec Center
Students can sign up using our online form.
Wednesday, Oct. 29
- Walking Taco Event//Royalty Voting opens
11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Memorial Union Patio: Wooster Lake
Audience: Students Only- 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
- UAC Event- Craft Night/Root Beer Kegger
12 p.m.-3 p.m. | Memorial Union Patio: Wooster Lake
Audience: Students Only- Student Alumni Board Tricycle Races
7 p.m. | Wilson Park
Students can sign up using our online form.- Homecoming Bonfire/Hornet Rally
8 p.m. | Wilson Park
Students can sign up using our online form.
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
- 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
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 | 9 a.m.
See what’s new on campus while reminiscing about your Hornet days.
Free of charge. Registration required.- Homecoming Parade & Hornet Walk
10 a.m.
Cheer as floats line Commercial Street, then join the Hornet Walk as our football team makes its way to Welch Stadium.
If you are interested, please register online.- Live at the Hive
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
2 p.m.
General admission is FREE this year! Reserved seats available online or call 620-341-6378.- Phi Delta Theta Dinner
7-10 p.m.
Casa Ramos
Cost $10. Registration required.
The registration cost helps to cover the venue fee.