ISU Homecoming 2026: A Week of Redbird Traditions
Written by Natalie Boyd on October 21, 2026
Redbirds are gearing up for a week of traditions, school spirit and football as Illinois State University celebrates Homecoming Oct. 19-25. The week features events for students, alumni and the Bloomington-Normal community, leading up to Saturday’s parade and Redbird football game.
Monday, Oct. 19: Homecoming Kickoff and Tree Lighting
Homecoming Week begins with the annual Kickoff and Tree Lighting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Uptown Normal. The event celebrates the start of the week with entertainment, activities and opportunities for the community to come together.
Tuesday, Oct. 20: Concert and Redbird Rumble
Students can attend a concert featuring Anna Avery with special guest Dan Hubbard at 7 p.m. in Braden Auditorium. Redbird Rumble also takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. at Hancock Stadium, bringing students together for friendly competition.
Wednesday, Oct. 21: Redbirds Care Blood Drive
The Redbirds Care Homecoming Blood Drive runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Brown Ballroom II at the Bone Student Center. Students, faculty and staff can donate blood to help support patients in need.
Thursday, Oct. 22: Psychology Alumni Panel
The Department of Psychology hosts an alumni panel discussion from 2-3 p.m. in DeGarmo Hall. The event gives students an opportunity to hear about alumni experiences and career paths.
Friday, Oct. 23: Alumni Day and Campus Events
Friday features the Alumni Day Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the Bone Student Center, along with alumni celebrations and the College of Engineering Open House from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Evening activities include Alice by Heart at Westhoff Theatre and Redbird Night at the Bloomington Bison game.
Saturday, Oct. 24: Parade and Redbird Football
Saturday’s celebrations include the Town and Gown 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk at 8 a.m., followed by the Homecoming Parade at 10 a.m. and Redbird Village from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Illinois State football faces Indiana State at 2 p.m. at Hancock Stadium.
Sunday, Oct. 25: Brunch, Volleyball and Theatre
Homecoming Week concludes with the ISUBCA Scholarship Brunch at 10 a.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington, followed by Redbird volleyball at 1 p.m. at CEFCU Arena. The final scheduled performance of Alice by Heart takes place at 2 p.m. at Westhoff Theatre.
For the full schedule and additional event information, visit the official Illinois State University Homecoming website. https://homecoming.illinoisstate.edu/events/
