Homecoming

For more than a century, the Penn State Alumni Association has welcomed back alumni for a fun and festive Homecoming celebration.

This fall, we’ll continue this time-honored tradition during 2025 Homecoming Weekend,Oct. 10-11. At the Blue-White game, the Homecoming Executive Committee revealed this year’s theme, “Find the Glory in Your Story.”

Homecoming is one of the most visible and profound ways that Penn State alumni show their love and loyalty to Dear Old State, and the Alumni Association will once again play a key role.

Homecoming Parade Alumni Association Welcomes You Banner

Below is information on the ice cream social and Guard the Lion Shrine, which we’ll host on Friday, Oct. 10, along with initial details about the parade and the football game. For complete information on 2025 Homecoming, visit Penn State Homecoming’s website as we get closer to the big week.

We hope to see you at Homecoming 2025.

Two ladies, one of them is holding a small child and wearing a blue sash that says Homecoming

Ice cream social, Friday, Oct. 10

Alumni, students, and all Penn Staters are invited to begin Homecoming Weekend by attending the popular ice cream social Friday afternoon at the Hintz Family Alumni Center. The Alumni Blue Band will play fight songs, and the Penn State Cheerleaders and Nittany Lion will perform. In addition to enjoying Berkey Creamery ice cream, alumni can pick up their class button.

Homecoming Parade, Friday, Oct. 10

The nation’s largest Homecoming Parade will begin at 6 p.m., featuring dozens of Alumni Association affiliate groups along with our student organizations and volunteer leaders. The parade will wind through campus and downtown State College, attracting tens of thousands of Penn Staters.

Penn State Nittany Lion and two ladies posing beside the lion shrine at night

Guard the Lion Shrine, Friday, Oct. 10

Held immediately after the Homecoming parade, Guard the Lion Shrine is a longstanding tradition that features live music, free food, games and activities, and special guests, all taking place at the Nittany Lion Shrine. Guard the Lion Shrine is a true representation of Penn State’s pride and community, and student and alumni participants will be joined by Penn State ROTC volunteers who stand watch over the symbol of our best.

Homecoming football game, Saturday, Oct. 11

Penn State will host Northwestern on Saturday, Oct. 11, with kickoff time to be determined. With support from our student groups, we’ll help create the best atmosphere in the country. In addition to Lion Ambassadors comprising the S-Zone — the famous block-S behind the south end zone, Blue & White Society members will distribute blue-and-white shakers that will be waved throughout the game.