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!
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
Real Panthers Decorate BlueAcross Campus
Spirit BannersAcross Campus
Monday, Oct. 19
Billy's Kickoff "Pantherazzi"11 am - 1 pm, Around Campus
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. 20
HOCO on the Go!11 am - 1 pm, Across Campus
Homecoming Lip Sync Battle "Hollywood Hitmakers"6-8 pm, MLK Jr. Union, Grand Ballroom
Wednesday, Oct. 21
Faculty & Staff Blue-B-Que11 am - 1 pm, Doudna Concourse
Quad Party "Panthercella"4-7 pm, Library Quad
Thursday, Oct. 22
HOCO on the Go!11 am - 1 pm, Across Campus
Panther Gala7 - 10 pm,MLK Jr. Union, University Ballroom
Friday, Oct. 23
TBD Location and Time TBD
TBD
Volunteer Luncheon11 am - 1 pm, MLK Jr. University Union, University Ballroom
The future of Eastern is built by passionate volunteers, engaged alumni, generous donors, and dedicated campus leaders. Join us for this signature Homecoming luncheon as we explore the changing landscape of higher education, celebrate the power of volunteer leadership, and discuss how we can work together to strengthen EIU for generations to come.
The program will feature remarks from university leadership, opportunities to connect with fellow Panther advocates, and an engaging keynote presentation from a nationally recognized higher education strategist.
Registration required.
Sign UpUniversity Awards 6 pm, MLK Jr. University Union, Grand Ballroom
Celebrate the individuals whose leadership, service, and philanthropy continue to shape º£½Ç´óÉñ.
This special evening recognizes recipients of the University's highest honors, including the Alumni Awards, Heritage Society, and the Burnham and Nancy Neal Outstanding Philanthropist Award recipients. We’ll also celebrate the Class of 1976 as they return to campus for their 50th Reunion and induction into the Livingston C. Lord Society. Together, we'll honor excellence, celebrate tradition, and recognize the lifelong impact of the Panther community.
Registration required.
Sign UpSaturday, 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
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 º£½Ç´óÉñ'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 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.
Billy's Backyard - EIU's Official Homecoming Tailgate 11 am, O'Brien Field Tailgate Area
Welcome to Billy's Backyard—the new home of Panther Pride before kickoff!
Gather with alumni, students, families, and friends for an unforgettable pregame celebration featuring food, beverages, games, and plenty of blue spirit.
This year's inaugural Billy's Backyard also features live music from Shadoobee, the legendary funk-rock band formed by EIU alumni in the late 1980s. Their high-energy performance will provide the perfect soundtrack as Panthers from every generation come together to celebrate Homecoming.
Tailgating spaces are available through EIU Athletics.
Football Game2 pm, O'Brien Field
It's time to fill O'Brien Field with blue!
Cheer on the Panthers as Eastern Illinois takes on Southeast Missouri State in the 2026 Homecoming football game. Bring your Panther pride, reconnect with fellow alumni, and help create an electric atmosphere as we celebrate another unforgettable Homecoming.
Game tickets are available through EIU Athletics.
