2025 Homecoming Events
Schedule is tentative and will be updated as we get closer to Homecoming 2025!
Monday, Oct. 6 - Wednesday, Oct. 8
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!
Monday, Oct. 6 - Saturday, Oct. 11
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. 8, 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
Real Panthers Decorate BlueAcross Campus
Spirit BannersAcross Campus
Monday, Oct. 6
Homecoming Kickoff11 am - 1 pm, Library Quad
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.
Tuesday, Oct. 7
HOCO on the Go!11 am - 1 pm, Across Campus
Homecoming Crafts Night7 - 9 pm, MLK Jr. Union, University Ballroom
Wednesday, Oct. 8
Faculty & Staff Blue-B-Que11 am - 1 pm, Doudna Concourse
Quad Party3-6 pm, Library Quad
Thursday, Oct. 9
HOCO on the Go!11 am - 1 pm, Across Campus
Dance Party7 - 10 pm,MLK Jr. Union, University Ballroom
Friday, Oct. 10
Boogie Wonderland Skate Night 5-9 pm, Silver Star Skate Center, Mattoon, IL
Lace up your skates and get ready to groove under the disco ball at this funky, throwback skate party!
Your night includes:
- Free roller skating
- Free laser tag
- Free mini golf
Panther Shuttle Service
No need to drive—catch a ride on the Panther Shuttle! Continuous pick-up and drop-off will run between the MLK Jr. Union Bus Stop and Silver Star Roller Rink throughout the evening.
Shuttle Schedule
- Leaving the MLK Jr. Union at 4:40 pm, 5:30, 6:20 pm and 7:20 pm
- Returning from the Silver Star Roller Rink at 9 pm
Napoleon Memorial Bench Ribbon Cutting 1:30 pm, North Quad
Picture-perfect moment! Join notable alumni Harry & Gladys Frost and the Alumni Association as we unveil Napoleon’s bench—honoring EIU’s beloved campus dog.
Sign UpLibrary 75th Anniversary Dedication 4 pm, Booth Library
Celebrating 75 years of knowledge and community. Join us as we honor Booth Library’s rich history and continued legacy as a cornerstone of learning, research, and Panther pride.
Sign UpClass of 1975 Reunion & Livingston C. Lord Pinning Ceremony 4:30 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 UpAlumni Awards Reception & Dinner 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 UpYoung Alumni Reunion 9 pm, Ike's, 459 Lincoln Ave, Charleston, IL 61920
Your Panther crew awaits! Kick off Homecoming weekend with a night out at this EIU tradition—perfect for catching up and making new memories.
Sign UpSaturday, Oct. 11
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 - $6, Children 11 and under - $3.
27th 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.
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 3, 2025.
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.
Football Game2 pm, O'Brien Field
Cheer on your EIU Panthers as they face the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs in the Homecoming game!
