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!
Years of NIU Homecoming
Days of celebration
NIU Alumni in 150 Countries
Featured Events
Below is a sneak peek of some events being planned for our 117th Homecoming celebration. With the exception of the Homecoming Football game, dates and times are subject to change. Check back for updates and more events to be added.
Vote on 2024 Pride with Purpose Shirt
Each year, the campus community is invited to vote for the design of the Pride with Purpose shirt. The winning design will be produced in limited quantities and be made available for purchase for one year.
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.
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.
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!
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.”
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!