A Hawkeye’s Guide to Homecoming at Iowa 2025
From fall festivities to football, there’s nothing quite like homecoming at the University of Iowa. Since 1912, the tradition has welcomed alumni home. Tens of thousands of Hawkeyes will return to Iowa City Sept. 21-27, including three former Hawkeye Spirit Squad members who will be celebrating over 30 homecomings together this fall.
HAWKS RUN HOME 5K
PHOTO: University of Iowa
Sunday, Sept. 21
9:30 a.m.
Hubbard Park
The Hawks Run Home 5K is back for the fourth time to kick off homecoming week. Money raised by students and community members who participate in the run will benefit another Hawkeye hallmark: UI Dance Marathon. Registration for the 5K closes at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20.
IMU OPEN HOUSE
PHOTO: University of Iowa
Friday, Sept. 26
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Iowa Memorial Union
Celebrate the Iowa Memorial Union’s centennial with a building tour. Hear directly from student organizations like Dance Marathon, Undergraduate Student Government, and Fraternity and Sorority Life. Updates on the IMU renovation project and light refreshments will also be provided.
HOMECOMING PARADE
PHOTO: University of Iowa
Friday, Sept. 26
5:45 p.m.
Downtown Iowa City
Featuring floats highlighting students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members, the homecoming parade provides a vibrant display of Hawkeye spirit. More than 20,000 people gather downtown annually along Iowa Avenue and Washington, Clinton, and Dubuque streets for the beloved tradition.
CONCERT
PHOTO: University of Iowa
Friday, Sept. 26
8 p.m.
Pentacrest Lawn
Presented by SCOPE Productions, this year’s homecoming concert will feature singer, songwriter, rapper, and producer Teezo Touchdown. The Texas native released his debut album, How Do You Sleep at Night?, in 2023, and has collaborated with artists like Tyler, the Creator and Drake. The free concert brings students and alumni together on the Pentacrest following the homecoming parade.
FOOTBALL GAME
PHOTO: University of Iowa
Saturday, Sept. 27
Time TBA
Kinnick Stadium
The Iowa Hawkeyes will face the Indiana Hoosiers in this year’s homecoming game. Before heading into Kinnick Stadium, reflect upon Kirk Ferentz’s legacy and impact on his players in Iowa Magazine’s “Playing the Long Game.”
Other Homecoming Week Activities
HAWKEYE ATHLETICS
Sports fans rejoice: Multiple Hawkeye sports teams will compete at home throughout the week. Kicking things off, women’s soccer will take the field against the Minnesota Gophers at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. The volleyball team will compete at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, and at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25. Then, head out to the Hawkeye baseball game on 3:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26. Visit the Hawkeye sports page for a full sports schedule.
CONNECTING CAMPUS COMMUNITIES
Connect with the UI’s many colleges and departments during homecoming through various events in and around Iowa City. For more information and the latest updates, visit the homecoming website.
STAY IN TOUCH
Stay connected to campus long after homecoming is over. Consider updating your contact information, joining an alumni network, and reading Iowa Magazine to stay up to date on what’s going on at the University of Iowa.
EXPLORE CAMPUS
PHOTO: University of Iowa
As alumni head back to some signature spots, there are a few resources worth exploring.
- Take a campus tour
- Enjoy a meal in a campus dining hall
- Shop in the Iowa Hawk Shop
- Visit the UI Athletics Hall of Fame
- See the UI Stanley Museum of Art’s latest exhibits
- Visit the Pentacrest Museums
- Work out at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center
- Take a self-guided, 1-mile literary tour