2025 Homecoming Events
Schedule is tentative and will be updated as we get closer to Homecoming 2025!
Monday, Oct. 6 - Wednesday, Oct. 8
Billy in the SchoolsCharleston / Mattoon Area Schools
EIU’s beloved mascot, Billy Panther, will be spreading Panther Pride throughout the EIU Homecoming Pre-Week with special visits to Charleston area grade schools. Students’ creativity will also shine with a Homecoming coloring contest, proudly displayed in the MLK Jr. Union!
Monday, Oct. 6 - Saturday, Oct. 11
Paint the Town BlueCharleston Community
Real Panthers Decorate BlueAcross Campus
Spirit BannersAcross Campus
Get in the spirit with a banner representing your RSO, residence hall or group! More details coming soon!
Food Drive Across Campus
EIU Panthers are saddling up for service during Homecoming Week by partnering with the EIU Campus Food Pantry to tackle food insecurity and hunger among students. The EIU Campus Food Pantry supports students by providing essential food items, and the entire EIU community is encouraged to give back through monetary donations, volunteering, or donating non-perishable food items. Join us in making a difference—sign up for a volunteer slot below.
Campus Food PantryMonday, Oct. 6
Homecoming Kickoff11 am - 1 pm, Library Quad
Homecoming Royalty Coronation7 pm, MLK Jr. Union, Grand Ballroom
Celebrate the crowning of this year's Homecoming Royalty at Coronation! Join us for an elegant evening as we honor the outstanding students who embody the spirit of EIU.
Tuesday, Oct. 7
HOCO on the Go!11 am - 1 pm, Across Campus
Homecoming Crafts Night7 - 9 pm, MLK Jr. Union, University Ballroom
Bowling Night7 - 9 pm, MLK Jr. Union, EIU Lanes
When the lights go down, the fun begins! The EIU Bowling Lanes in the MLK Jr. Union will be the place to be, featuring 12 lanes of glow-in-the-dark bowling fun! Highlights of the event include backlighting, mock-tails bar, popcorn, pizza, free shoe rental, discount games and Homecoming prizes and giveaways.
Wednesday, Oct. 8
Faculty & Staff Blue-B-Que11 am - 1 pm, Doudna Concourse
Thursday, Oct. 9
HOCO on the Go!11 am - 1 pm, Across Campus
Dance Party8 - 10 pm,MLK Jr. Union, University Ballroom
Friday, Oct. 10
Quad Party3-6 pm, Library Quad
Games, activities and fun in the Library Quad!
Saturday, Oct. 11
Rotary Pancake Breakfast6:30 - 10 am, Dirty's Parking Lot
The all-you-can-eat Rotary Pancake Breakfast is one of the most endearing Homecoming traditions during EIU Homecoming Week. Charleston Rotarians will serve sunrise pancakes and drinks during the Homecoming parade to welcome EIU alumni, students, faculty, staff and Charleston residents prior to the start of the EIU Homecoming Run and parade events. Sponsored by the Charleston Rotary Club, the proceeds benefit local charities. Tickets: Adults - $6, Children 11 and under - $3.
27th Annual 2.5K Run / Walk9 am, Starts at corner of 7th St. and Lincoln Ave.
Lace up your sneakers for this 2.5K race around the Charleston Square in celebration of Eastern Illinois University's homecoming! This is not a timed race, but prizes will be given for first finishers by age categories. Sponsored by the City of Charleston’s Department of Parks & Recreation and Department of Tourism.
Homecoming Parade9:30 am, Starts at corner of 7th St. and Lincoln Ave.
The EIU Homecoming Parade is an annual tradition that historically consists of around 100 campus/community parade entries. Highlights include the Parade Grand Marshall, decorated cars, bands, banners and floats.
To sign up for the EIU Homecoming Parade, please complete the forms below by 4:30 pm, Friday, October 3, 2025.
Tailgate & Tent City11 am, O'Brien Field Tailgate Area
EIU faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are invited to the game day experience! Panther Pride will be on full display during the tailgate festivities in Alumni Tent City featuring EIU academic tents, Panther Marching Band, food, games, music, and fun for all ages.
Football Game2 pm, O'Brien Field
Cheer on your EIU Panthers towards victory! For more ticket information visit the Panther Athletics website.
