Get ready for Homecoming 2026: Redbirds Reunite

Homecoming 2026: Redbirds Reunite is set for October 19-25, culminating with Redbird Football against Indiana State on Saturday, October 24, at 2 p.m. at Hancock Stadium. Tickets are available at GoRedbirds.com.

Visit Illinois State's Homecoming page for a full schedule of events.

Highlights of the week are below. All events are free and open to the public unless a fee is noted.

Monday, October 19

Homecoming officially begins with a combo of two of our favorite events-the Kickoff and the Tree Lighting. Join us from 6-7:30 p.m., in Uptown Normal. Celebrate alongside President Aondover Tarhule and Normal Mayor Chris Koos as they light the trees with red and white lights. Enjoy inflatables, balloon artists, games, giveaways, entertainment, and Redbird pride. The first 500 Illinois State students to show a student ID will also receive a free Homecoming T-shirt.

Enjoy Meet Me At Milner: An exhibition celebrating Milner Library's 50th anniversary in its current building. The exhibition can be viewed on the 2nd floor of Milner Library anytime during open library hours.

Check out the Faculty Biennial, hosted at University Galleries. Visit Galleries.IllinoisState.edu for more information and to view a complete schedule of events and activities.

Tuesday, October 20

The campus community will continue to reunite with the Faculty/Staff Appreciation Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon is for current ISU faculty, AP, and Civil Service employees and does not include students and/or graduate assistants. Faculty and staff must show their Illinois State I.D. at the entrance, and the event is free. Registration required by October 6.

The evening will continue with fun at Hancock Stadium when student groups compete in Redbird Rumble and at Braden Auditorium for the 2026 homecoming concert featuring Avery Anna and special guest Dan Hubbard. General ticket sales begin Monday, August 17 at 9 a.m. Tickets are $35-$50 and will be available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com or at the Braden Box Office, located in the Bone Student Center, 200 North University Street in Normal.

Wednesday, October 21

Give the gift of life at the Redbirds Care Homecoming Blood Drive from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., in the Brown Ballroom II of the Bone Student Center. Registration is available at Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu.

Friday, October 23

Homecoming kicks into high gear with celebrations across campus. Start the morning learning about the achievements and big moments of Redbird alumni honorees at the Alumni Day Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $30 per person. Register by emailing Elyse Petersheim at [email protected] or calling (309) 438-4343. Deadline is October 9.

End the night at the Black Colleagues Association Meet and Greet from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Double Tree Bloomington. Reconnect with fellow Redbirds and start the weekend with old friends and new memories. Register online.

Saturday, October 24

The Hybrid Town and Gown 5K/1-Mile Fun Run/Walk begins at 8 a.m. at the Student Fitness Center for those taking part in person. Virtual runners can begin wherever they choose. Registration is required.

The celebration continues with the annual Illinois State Homecoming Parade, stepping off at the corner of College Avenue and University Street at 10 a.m. Those who cannot make the parade can watch it live via the University's YouTube channel.

Alumni, family, and friends are invited for free food, giveaways, and Redbird spirit at Redbird Village sponsored by Avanti's Italian Restaurant, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in Horton Field House with a special Pop and Paint for Birds of the Last Decade, those who graduated ten years ago or less. The Black Alumni Tailgate will also take place in Lot U91 and the Latinx Alumni Tailgate will take place in lot G53.

After enjoying tailgating, get ready to cheer for the Redbirds as Illinois State takes on Indiana State at Hancock Stadium at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at GoRedbirds.com.

Take in a show all weekend with the School of Theatre and Dance'sAlice by Heart in Westoff Theatre. Purchase theatre tickets online, by phone by calling (309) 438-2535 during the business hours, or in person at the CPA Box Office.

Connect with fellow Alums at the Latinx Dinner Social or the ISUBCA's 80's Throwback Party. Both events start at 7 p.m., and registration is required for each; the cost for ISUBCA event is $70.

Sunday, October 25

End the week with the Black Colleagues Association Brunch at 10 a.m., at the Double Tree Bloomington. Register online or call Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586.

Cheer for Illinois State volleyball at 1 p.m. in CEFCU Arena when they take on Belmont. Tickets can be purchased online.

Find additional information on the Homecoming webpage.