Celebrate With Your Fellow Golden Huskies At Homecoming! (Oct. 2-4, 2025)
Get ready for NIU's 118th Homecoming weekend (October 2-4), where Golden Huskies—NIU graduates of 50+ years ago—will reunite and celebrate. This year, the Class of 1975 crosses the 50-year threshold and is invited to join the Golden Huskie Alumni Network for Golden Huskie-exclusive and community events during Homecoming! Learn more about how you can connect online and in person below!
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Reconnect & Reminisce - Join the Golden Huskies Alumni Network Facebook Group, check out last year's festivities, browse your yearbook, or share your NIU journey through the Golden Huskies yearbook.
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Show off your 50+ years of Huskie Pride - Bookmark this page and be on the lookout for the latest Golden Huskies gear to wear for Homecoming!
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Plan Your Visit - Room blocks for Homecoming can be found at both the Hampton Inn and the Holmes Student Center (815-753-1444; use code: Alumni). A block of rooms for home2suites will be announced at a later date. Visit the DeKalb County Visitors Bureau for additional hotel recommendations and sites to see.
Click the boxes below for more information about the various aspects of the weekend. Please direct questions to Melissa Ouimette at mouimette@niu.edu or 815-753-9057.
Golden Huskie Homecoming Events
Friday, Oct. 3 (EVENING) Golden Huskies Reception and Group Photo - $ Register Below
Cost: $30 ($35 walk-in)
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Location: Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center
Have a blast from the past at the Golden Huskies 50+ Year Reunion Reception at the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center, including the class of 1975. Take a walk down memory lane that’s been five decades in the making, with heavy hors d’oeuvres. Don't miss out on the reunion photo which will be taken during the reception.
Saturday, Oct. 4 (MORNING) Fifth Annual Brunch with Mission and Victor E. - $ Register Below
Cost: $30 ($35 walk-in)
Ages 4-17: $20 ($25 walk-in)
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Location: Altgeld Hall Auditorium
Golden Huskies are invited to join community members during this classic homecoming event. There will be plenty of opportunities to take pictures with our favorite mascots, Mission III and Victor E. Huskie!
Each registration includes a full buffet of scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, fresh fruit, biscuits and gravy, assorted pastries, coffee and juice. With their tickets, guests who are over 21 years old will receive one ticket for a Dawgma beer from Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling or a Bloody Mary. Additional beverage tickets will be available for purchase.
Parking is available in the lot on the north side of the lagoon, as well as in the art building parking lot, both of which are located off of College Ave.
Learn more here.
Saturday, Oct. 4 (TBD; 3 hours before Kickoff). Mission's Grove Pregame with Golden Huskie Tent
Cost: Free
Time: TBD
Location: Mission's Grove is located in the Oderkirk Field, adjacent to the Barsema Alumni & Visitors Center
Gather at a special 50+ year tent at Mission’s Grove. There is no cost to attend Mission's Grove. You will be able to purchase food and drinks from the various food and beverage trucks that will be on the grounds.
Saturday, Oct. 4 (Kickoff TBD) NIU vs. Miami (OH) Homecoming Football Game Information/Tickets Purchase Below
Cost: $35 (Chairbacks); $30 (Benchbacks); $18 (Bench)
Time: TBD
Location: Huskie Stadium
Please check back later this summer for information about group tickets for the football game.
NIU Homecoming Community Events
These events are managed by other NIU campus offices. You will receive event-related details from the party responsible for the event. Check out a complete list of Homecoming events here.
Thursday, Oct. 2 (EVENING) Huskie Homecoming Block Party - FREE
Cost: Free
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Downtown DeKalb 100 - 400 Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL
Local fans, students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to join the Huskies for a down-home celebration in downtown DeKalb. The Huskie Homecoming Block Party has something for everyone—kidzone, classic car show, March of the Huskies, pep rally, food trucks, discounts at local businesses and much more!
Friday, Oct. 3 (MORNING) NIU Campus Bus Tour - FREE
Cost: Free
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Barsema Alumni & Visitors Center
The tour of campus will depart from the Barsema Alumni & Visitors Center (BAVC), drive past a variety of academic buildings, including a residence hall, and end back at BAVC. Although this tour is comprised mostly of Golden Huskies, it is open to the community.
Friday, Oct. 3 (AFTERNOON) Huskie Hour with DeKalb County Bold Spirits - $
Cost: TBD
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Location: Jonamac Orchard - 19412 Shabbona Rd., Malta, IL 60150
Get into the Homecoming weekend spirit when you join your fellow Huskies and fans for an afternoon of local beverages and fall-inspired appetizers at Jonamac Orchard. Enjoy special cocktails, brews and wine from DeKalb County Bold Spirit partners, live music and a festive atmosphere.