The University of Wisconsin–Madison will welcome the return of Homecoming week Sept. 28-Oct. 3, with a lineup of traditions and events presented by the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA), the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee and the Wisconsin Union.
“Along with our signature events, we are excited to introduce new collaborations across campus,” said Clara Mak, president of the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee. “This year, we are truly celebrating what it means to be a Badger — giving back to our community and highlighting the breadth of UW–Madison, from agriculture to athletics to the arts.”
One of the biggest nights of Homecoming week will be Oct. 2, when festivities begin at 6 p.m. with the UW Homecoming Parade, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee and Wisconsin Union, along State Street.
UW–Madison registered student organizations and non-student groups may apply by Sept. 14 to participate in the parade by walking, dancing, biking or entering a float.
From there, community members can head to the WAA’s UW Homecoming Block Party and Pep Rally at Memorial Union Terrace and Alumni Park, with fireworks planned, weather permitting.
The evening will conclude with the Multicultural Homecoming Yard Show, featuring performances from UW–Madison Fraternity & Sorority Life’s National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC).
“UW’s Homecoming is a celebration of Badger spirit and community, and nothing compares to the energy it brings,” said Sarah Schutt, chief alumni officer and executive director of WAA. “We are thrilled to welcome our alumni and friends back to campus. The Wisconsin Alumni Association is proud to offer a variety of activities for alumni and friends, the Madison community and students, in partnership with the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee and the Wisconsin Union.”
Homecoming festivities will include:
Sept. 23
- Letters of Love, an opportunity for students to create handmade letters for children battling serious illnesses, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee and UW–Madison’s Letters of Love.
Sept. 27
- Paint the Town, an opportunity for registered student organizations to paint windows outside Memorial Union, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee.
Sept. 28
- Cocoa with HoCo, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee.
Sept. 28-Oct. 2
- Medallion Hunt, a daily campus-wide scavenger hunt with prizes, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee.
Sept. 28-Oct. 3
- Window Display Showcase, featuring windows painted by UW–Madison registered student organizations, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee.
Sept. 29
- $1 Cheese Curds, a special dining deal at Memorial Union’s Der Rathskeller, unlocked by completing an online game with @wiscohoco on Instagram, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee and the Wisconsin Union.
Sept. 29-Oct. 1
- Homecoming Blood Drive, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee and the American Red Cross.
Oct. 1
- Homecoming Cheese & Meat Tasting, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee, Badger Cheese Club, Varsity Meats and Badger Meat Science Club.
Oct. 1-2
- Fill the Hill, presented by the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association.
Oct. 2
- UW Homecoming Parade, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee and the Wisconsin Union.
- UW Homecoming Block Party and Pep Rally, with fireworks, weather permitting, presented by WAA.
- Multicultural Homecoming Yard Show, presented by WAA and UW–Madison Fraternity & Sorority Life, with support from the Wisconsin Union.
- Badger Meet-Up: HoCo Edition, a social mixer for recent UW–Madison graduates, presented by WAA.
Oct. 3
- Multicultural Homecoming Watch Party, presented by WAA.
For a complete and current list of UW-Madison Homecoming events and activities, visit wiscohoco.com and uwalumni.com/homecoming.
