Slate of UToledo Homecoming Events Scheduled All Next Week

Slate of UToledo Homecoming Events Scheduled All Next Week

The University of Toledo is gearing up to celebrate its longest-standing tradition, Homecoming, to bring together students, alumni, faculty, staff and the greater Toledo community for a week of exciting events scheduled Monday, Sept. 22, through Saturday, Sept. 27.

Planned by Campus Activities and Programming, in collaboration with the Division of Student Affairs, Homecoming Week will feature activities that highlight Rocket pride, creativity and community spirit, with "Rocky's Rockin Rodeo" as the 2025 Homecoming theme.

Monday, Sept. 22

Western Movie Night, from 8 to 10:30 p.m. in Centennial Mall. Enjoy free admittance to the event with complimentary snacks and drinks provided.

Tuesday, Sept. 23

Eat the Streets, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Centennial Mall. Lunch will be available from a variety of food trucks, horse rides, photo opportunities and inflatable games.

Cowboy Hat Decorating, from 3 to 5 p.m., Thompson Student Union Room 2584. Decorate cowboy hats with your own personal flair for a western classic.

Red Cross Blood Drive, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Thompson Student Union Ingman Room.

Wednesday, Sept. 24

CAP Petting Zoo, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Memorial Field House lawn. Pet adorable animals, including goats, sheep, llamas, chickens and more, all sponsored by Campus Activities and Programming.

Thursday, Sept. 25

Homecoming Talent Show, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Doermann Theater in University Hall. Hosted by the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Campus Activities and Programming, the event will feature singers, dancers, spoken word performances and more.

Friday, Sept. 26

Western Cookout and Bonfire from 5 to 9 p.m., in the Flatlands. On the eve of Homecoming, join Campus Activities and Programming Board for a night of games, music, bonfires and food.

The University of Toledo Alumni Association will recognize its distinguished graduates at the Homecoming Alumni Gala on Friday, Sept. 26, at 5:30 p.m. in Thompson Student Union Auditorium. Tickets for the gala are $35 per person and may be purchased at the event's website or by calling the Office of Alumni Engagement at 419.530.2586.

And for all Rockets, the annual Edward C. and Helen G. Schmakel Homecoming Parade will step off at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, in the Old Orchard neighborhood. The parade will showcase floats, dignitaries, alumni, honorees, the Rocket Marching Band and mascots Rocky and Rocksy, with President James Holloway serving as grand marshal.

New this year, Sweet Nate's food truck will be stationed along West Bancroft Street in the fields across from University Hall, serving coffee, other non-alcoholic beverages and food beginning at 8:30 a.m. Community members are encouraged to stop by for a warm drink or snack before the parade excitement begins.

Sponsored by the Blue Key National Honor Society and supported by the Office of Student Engagement and Connections and the Office of Alumni Engagement, the parade will begin at West Bancroft Street and Campus Road, proceed east to Cheltenham Road, Christie Street and Middlesex Drive, before returning to West Bancroft Street.

The day's festivities continue with the main event, the Toledo Rockets vs. Akron Zips football game, at 3:30 p.m. in the Glass Bowl. Attendance is free for students, while faculty, alumni and fans can purchase tickets online. Parade float winners will be announced during the game, along with a halftime performance by the Rocket Marching Band.

For more information, visit the UToledo Homecoming website.