News & Media Mentions

Returning for its 114th year, University of Wisconsin–Madison Homecoming will take place Oct. 20-26 with a week of fun for students, alumni, UW community members and honorary Badgers alike. Attendees can look forward to time-honored traditions, such as the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee and Wisconsin Union’s downtown Madison parade, as well as the Wisconsin Alumni Association’s (WAA’s) post-parade block party and pep rally. 

“Every year, our talented committee has the privilege of designing and organizing events that engage both the campus community and the greater Madison area, celebrating our shared Badger identity,” said Wynton Wright, president of the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee. “I’m excited about the diverse events we have planned this year and eager to continue the Homecoming tradition.”

Both UW–Madison registered student organizations and non-university groups are invited to apply to walk, dance, bike, or build a float for the UW Homecoming Parade, which will proceed from Gilman Street to Lake Street on Oct. 25 starting at 6 p.m.

“We are thrilled to welcome our alumni and friends back to campus for the UW’s Homecoming celebrations,” said Sarah Schutt, WAA chief alumni officer and executive director. “The Wisconsin Alumni Association is proud to offer a variety of activities for alumni, students and the Madison community in partnership with the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee.”

Highlights of the weeklong celebration will include:

Now through Oct. 11

• Coloring page contest, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee

Oct. 19

• Badger Games: bracket-style student intramural volleyball tournament, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee

Oct. 20

• Paint the Town: opportunity for registered student organizations to decorate Memorial Union and State Street windows, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee

Oct. 21-25

• Medallion Hunt: daily treasure hunt with prizes, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee

Oct. 21-26

• Window Display Showcase, featuring windows painted by UW–Madison registered student organizations, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee

Oct. 21

• Cocoa with HoCo: free hot chocolate inside Memorial Union and Union South, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee

Oct. 22-24

• UW Homecoming Blood Drive, presented by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee and American Red Cross

Oct. 24-25

• Fill the Hill, presented by the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association

Oct. 25

• Badger Meet-Up, presented by WAA

• UW Homecoming Parade, presented by the Wisconsin Union and the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee
• 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, supported by the Wisconsin Union
• Recent Grad Badger Meet-Up: Hoco Edition, presented by WAA

Oct. 26

• Badger Bash: Wisconsin vs. Penn State, presented by the Wisconsin Union
• Multicultural Homecoming Tailgate and Watch Party, presented by WAA and UW-Madison Division of Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement

Attendees can find the full up-to-date list of Homecoming fun and activities at https://union.wisc.edu/get-involved/uw-homecoming-committee/uw-homecoming-events/ and uwalumni.com/homecoming.