OHIO set to celebrate Homecoming 2026

The brick streets of Athens are about to be filled with generations of Bobcats once again as Ohio University celebrates Homecoming 2026.

Homecoming Week is Oct. 5-10 and will feature events for students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and friends. This year’s activities include the annual Homecoming Parade, a new archival display in Alden Library, opportunities to enjoy amazing performances by the Marching 110 (voted Best Marching Band in the Nation by USA Today) and the Bobcat Football game.

“Homecoming is one of those traditions that reminds us of what it means to be Bobcats,” said Executive Director of the Ohio University Alumni Association Jennifer Bowie, BSJ ’94, MSC ’99. “Whether you're walking the Bricks for the first time since graduation, bringing your family back to campus, or tuning in from around the world, it’s a chance to reconnect with the people, places and memories that make OHIO home. Whether you're here in person or cheering from afar, we hope every Bobcat finds a way to be part of Homecoming.”

The week includes virtual events for Bobcats around the world, an opportunity to hear from sports journalist and OHIO graduate Peter King, the OHIO University Alumni Awards Ceremony, volunteer opportunities, the annual food drive for the Bobcat Food Pantry and much, much more. 

And with new ways to tailgate and celebrate this year, Homecoming will give Bobcats plenty of opportunities to connect with old friends and make new friends.

Homecoming 2026 

This year’s Homecoming celebration is packed with events to make you Stand Up and Cheer. Here are several of this year’s events. You can find the full list of Homecoming events here.

Bobcat Quest 2026: A Homecoming Adventure - Take a walk down memory lane and rediscover your favorite campus spots with the Ohio University Alumni Association’s Bobcat Quest — a free and fun way to celebrate Homecoming with friends, family or fellow Bobcats. You can find more information on how to participate here.

Yell Like Hell Pep Rally – Thursday, Oct. 8 from 6-8 p.m. at the Scripps Amphitheater. Presented by the Student Alumni Board, this event channels enthusiasm and a love of everything Ohio University, drawing current and former students as well as OHIO faculty, staff and area residents together to kick off the Homecoming weekend celebrations.

Inside "The Game" - A Conversation with Peter King, BSJ '79 – Friday, Oct. 9 from 11:50 a.m. until 1:15 p.m.  Join the Ohio University E.W. Scripps School of Journalism for an exclusive Homecoming Weekend conversation with distinguished alumnus Peter King, BSJ '79, one of the most respected and influential sports journalists of his generation. You can find more information and register for the event here.

Homecoming 2026 Awards Ceremony – Friday, Oct. 9, from 6-8 p.m. at the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium - The Ohio University Alumni Association cordially invites you to the Ohio University Alumni Awards, as OHIO honors alumni and supporters who have impacted our community and future alumni, set against a backdrop of elegance and collegiality. Registration is required. You can register and find more information here.

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Homecoming Parade – Saturday, Oct. 10, beginning at 10 a.m. in Athens – The Grandstands will be located at the Schoonover Center for Communication, and the Marching 110 will once again stop and play in front of Konneker Alumni Center on University Terrace. Can’t make it back on the Bricks this year? The Homecoming Parade Livestream is free, but requires a quick registration here and will be emceed by legendary sportswriter and Bobcat Peter King.

OHIO Homecoming Alumni Tailgate – Saturday, Oct. 10 beginning at 11:30 a.m. in TailGreat Park. This new tradition will bring alumni from every college, every generation and every corner of the country together before kickoff. Expect an atmosphere filled with Bobcat pride, great food and drinks, music and the excitement that only Homecoming can bring. You can register for the special event and find more information here.

Bobcat Family Tent – Saturday, Oct. 10 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Ping Recreation Center Lawn. This family-friendly Bobcat party will feature a DJ, cheer team performances, photo booth, mechanical bull, inflatables, face painting, delicious and kid-friendly food and beverage menus, giveaways, open gym time and much more. Pre-registration is highly encouraged. You can register and find more information here.

Homecoming Football game

The OHIO Bobcats will take on Central Michigan on Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 10. All OHIO students are encouraged to wear white to the game, while all general fans are encouraged to wear green.

For the latest gameday and ticket information, visit ohiobobcats.com.

Staying on campus during Homecoming

Bobcats traveling to Athens for Homecoming may be interested in staying on campus for the celebration. Ohio University has created guest housing inside of two currently empty residence halls. The converted rooms are available for guest housing during Homecoming Week and at other times throughout the year.

You can learn more and register for housing on campus here.

Note: Residence halls open for this offer do not currently house students; for student safety and privacy we only utilize halls which are currently unoccupied for guests.