Save the Date for NIU’s 117th Homecoming Celebration 

NIU is excited to welcome Huskies home for our 117th Homecoming celebration happening the week of Oct. 13-20, 2024.

Huskies Come Home!

2024 Homecoming Logo

117

Years of NIU Homecoming

8

Days of celebration

251K+

NIU Alumni in 150 Countries

Homecoming Grant Proposals Now Being Accepted

Do you have an idea for a homecoming event that you would like to see on campus, or want to enhance an existing homecoming event? The Homecoming Executive Committee invites all students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to submit formal proposals for review! Deadline for submissions is Friday, April 5, 2024.

Learn more about Homecoming Grants

Cheer on Huskie Football

NIU Huskies Football vs. Toledo Rockets Saturday, Oct. 19.

Football season tickets are now available.

Check back for information about single games ticket sales.

See calendar event

A person rides their bike in downtown DeKalb underneath a marquee sign that says "DeKalb."
A person rides their bike in downtown DeKalb underneath a marquee sign that says "DeKalb."

Book Your Stay

Be sure to reserve local lodging accommodations so you are only minutes away from all the fun and festivities happening on campus and in the community.

Find a place to stay for Homecoming.

Pride with Purpose 2023 shirt

Purchase Your Pride with Purpose Shirt

Our 2023 shirt is still available.

When you purchase the shirt, you support our general student scholarship fund and show your #HuskiePride.

Learn more and purchase a shirt.

Pride with Purpose 2023 shirt

Celebrate in Downtown DeKalb

Join the community for the Down Home in Downtown DeKalb Homecoming Block Party on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. This event features something fun for all ages—kidzone, classic car show, March of the Huskies, pep rally, food trucks, discounts at local businesses and much more!

Read more about block party

Homecoming History

Dating back to a series of 11 football games against alumni teams that began in 1903, Northern Illinois University’s Homecoming tradition evolved into the oldest major-college tradition in the state and one of the longest in the country. In 1906, Northern’s student newspaper referred to that weekend as “Home Coming.”

More about Homecoming at NIU

Something Old But Always Something New

While every Homecoming celebration at NIU is different, one thing remains the same—Huskies enjoy a week of events that celebrate our Huskie Pride. View these recap videos from NIU’s Homecoming celebrations in 2023 and 2022 to get a taste of what’s in store when you return for our 117th celebration!

ICYMI Homecoming Video

Moments from NIU Homecoming 2022

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