2026 Homecoming Events

Schedule is tentative and will be updated as we get closer to Homecoming 2026!

Monday, Oct. 19 - Wednesday, Oct. 21

Billy in the SchoolsCharleston / Mattoon Area Schools

EIU’s beloved mascot, Billy Panther, will be spreading Panther Pride throughout the EIU Homecoming Pre-Week with special visits to Charleston area grade schools. Students’ creativity will also shine with a Homecoming coloring contest, proudly displayed in the MLK Jr. Union!

Billy in the Schools

Monday, Oct. 19 - Saturday, Oct. 24

Food DriveAcross Campus

Our goal is to collect 1,000 pounds of food during Homecoming week! With your help, we can support every student who needs this critical resource. Every gift makes a significant difference in the lives of our Panthers. 

How You Can Help

  • Join us for the annual Faculty and Staff Blue-B-Que on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Doudna Concourse. Bring a food pantry item or a monetary donation to receive an extra raffle ticket for EIU prizes!
  • Can’t make it to the Blue-B-Que? Donations can be dropped off at the Campus Food Pantry anytime during the week.
  • Donations will also be accepted at the Charleston County Market between 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Food Pantry Wish List

  • 1 lb. Bags of rice
  • Canned chicken
  • Canned corn / green beans
  • Chicken noodle soup
  • Chicken ramen
  • Can openers
  • Spaghetti noodles
  • Beef ravioli
  • Grape / strawberry jelly

Paint the Town BlueCharleston Community

In collaboration with the Charleston Tourism Office, this community-wide spirit initiative encourages residents, civic groups, and businesses to show their support for EIU Homecoming Week. Join the celebration with stickers, window placards, yard signs and Spirit T-shirts as we unite to turn Charleston Panther blue!

Real Panthers Decorate BlueAcross Campus

EIU Departments, EIU Colleges and Faculty/Staff are invited to decorate their main buildings, offices, lobbies, windows, walls, doors, front desks, and cafeterias in a friendly competition for the EIU Homecoming Real Panthers Decorate Blue Competition.

Spirit BannersAcross Campus

EIU Departments, EIU Colleges and Faculty/Staff are invited to decorate their main buildings, offices, lobbies, windows, walls, doors, front desks, and cafeterias in a friendly competition for the EIU Homecoming Real Panthers Decorate Blue Competition.

Monday, Oct. 19

Billy's Kickoff "Pantherazzi"11 am - 1 pm, Around Campus

EIU students, faculty, and staff are invited to wear their EIU blue and join the celebration as we kick off Homecoming Week 20256

Homecoming Royalty Coronation7 pm, MLK Jr. Union, Grand Ballroom

Celebrate the crowning of this year's Homecoming Royalty at Coronation! Join us for an elegant evening as we honor the outstanding students who embody the spirit of EIU.

2025 EIU Homecoming Coronation

Tuesday, Oct. 20

HOCO on the Go!11 am - 1 pm, Across Campus

The Panther Patrol will be cruising around campus, spreading EIU Panther Pride! Members of the 2026 EIU Homecoming Committee will be making stops at EIU departments and offering golf cart rides across campus. Keep an eye out for the team as they travel around, strike up fun deals, and hand out exciting prizes and giveaways!

Homecoming Lip Sync Battle "Hollywood Hitmakers"6-8 pm, MLK Jr. Union, Grand Ballroom 

Unleash your creativity with your friends or RSO in this homecoming themed lip sync battle!

Wednesday, Oct. 21

Faculty & Staff Blue-B-Que11 am - 1 pm, Doudna Concourse

The annual EIU Blue-B-Que is always fun for EIU faculty and staff. EIU employees are invited to come together over a complimentary meal and Homecoming prizes and giveaways. Faculty and staff who bring canned goods to donate to the EIU Campus Food Pantry will receive extra tickets for great Homecoming prizes and giveaways!

Quad Party "Panthercella"4-7 pm, Library Quad

Games, activities and fun in the Library Quad!

Thursday, Oct. 22

HOCO on the Go!11 am - 1 pm, Across Campus

The Panther Patrol will be cruising around campus, spreading EIU Panther Pride! Members of the 2026 EIU Homecoming Committee will be making stops at EIU departments and offering golf cart rides across campus. Keep an eye out for the team as they travel around, strike up fun deals, and hand out exciting prizes and giveaways!

Panther Gala7 - 10 pm,MLK Jr. Union, University Ballroom

The Panthers are taking over the BLUE carpet! Join us for a Met Gala-inspired Homecoming dance where style, spirit, and celebration come together for one unforgettable night.

Friday, Oct. 23

TBD Location and Time TBD

TBD

Volunteer Luncheon11 am - 1 pm, MLK Jr. University Union, University Ballroom

Fifty years, countless memories. Celebrate your Golden Reunion with fellow Class of ’75 members. Reconnect, reminisce, and join the Livingston C. Lord Society in honoring this milestone.

Sign Up

University Awards 6 pm, MLK Jr. University Union, Grand Ballroom

An evening of honor and inspiration. Recognize outstanding Panthers at the Alumni Awards, salute the Heritage Society, and celebrate the Burnham and Nancy Neal Outstanding Philanthropist Award recipients.

Registration Fee: $45

Sign Up

Saturday, Oct. 24

Rotary Pancake Breakfast6:30 - 10 am, Dirty's Parking Lot

The all-you-can-eat Rotary Pancake Breakfast is one of the most endearing Homecoming traditions during EIU Homecoming Week. Charleston Rotarians will serve sunrise pancakes and drinks during the Homecoming parade to welcome EIU alumni, students, faculty, staff and Charleston residents prior to the start of the EIU Homecoming Run and parade events. Sponsored by the Charleston Rotary Club, the proceeds benefit local charities.

Tickets: Adults - $10, Children 11 and under - $5

EIU Homecoming Pancake Breakfast

Annual 2.5K Run / Walk9 am, Starts at corner of 7th St. and Lincoln Ave.

Lace up your sneakers for this 2.5K race around the Charleston Square in celebration of Eastern Illinois University's homecoming! This is not a timed race, but prizes will be given for first finishers by age categories. Sponsored by the City of Charleston’s Department of Parks & Recreation and Department of Tourism. 

NOTE: Online registration is closed, but day-of registrations will be accepted at the east doors of Old Main starting at 8:30 am!

Homecoming 2.5K Run / Walk

 

Homecoming Parade9:30 am, Starts at corner of 7th St. and Lincoln Ave.

The EIU Homecoming Parade is an annual tradition that historically consists of around 100 campus/community parade entries. Highlights include the Parade Grand Marshall, decorated cars, bands, banners and floats.

To sign up for the EIU Homecoming Parade, please complete the forms below by 4:30 pm, Friday, October 16, 2026.

EIU Homecoming Parade

2026 Parade Entry 2026 Parade Acknowledgement of Risk/Liability 2026 Code of Conduct

Tailgate & Tent City11 am, O'Brien Field Tailgate Area

EIU faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are invited to the game day experience! Panther Pride will be on full display during the tailgate festivities in Alumni Tent City featuring EIU academic tents, Panther Marching Band, food, games, music, and fun for all ages.

EIU Homecoming Tailgate & Tent City

Tailgate Purchase Info

Football Game2 pm, O'Brien Field

Cheer on your EIU Panthers as they face the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs in the Homecoming game!

EIU Homecoming Football Game

Purchase Tickets