Save the Date for NIU’s 116th Homecoming Celebration
NIU is excited to welcome Huskies home for our 116th Homecoming celebration happening the week of Oct. 8-15, 2023.
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 116th 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.
Make Plans for Our 116th Homecoming!
NIU President Lisa Freeman encourages all our Huskie alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members to join this year's celebration.
Get Your Football Tickets
NIU Huskies Football vs. Ohio University Bobcats Saturday, Oct. 14.
Single game tickets are now available. Purchase Homecoming football tickets.
For football group tickets, please contact the box office at 815-753-PACK(7225) or via email at HuskiesTickets@niu.edu. Group pricing begins at 15 tickets. For Premium Games, group tickets are $18.
Celebrate in Downtown DeKalb
Join the community for the Down Home in Downtown DeKalb Homecoming Block Party on Thursday, Oct. 12 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!
Kids (K-5) can submit Homecoming coloring contest entries until Sept. 22. Winners will walk in March of Huskies.
Book your stay.
Looking for lodging during the week of Homecoming? Find a listing of local hotels by visiting the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau website.
Three Tickets For One Great Price.
You can save up to $20 when you attend Pizza, Paint and Sip with Chelsea McGhee Studios, Huskie Happy Hour with DeKalb County Bold Spirits, and the Third Annual Brunch with Mission and Victor E. Learn more about the Homecoming Events Bundle and get your discount today.
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 115th Homecoming celebration in 2022 to get a taste of what’s in store when you return for our 116th celebration!