Homecoming

Return home to Bloomington

We might be biased, but Homecoming weekend in Bloomington is one of the best times of the year—it’s a chance to reconnect with friends and relive your favorite IU traditions.

Join us Oct. 18–19 for IU Homecoming 2024

On Friday night, line Woodlawn Avenue for the annual Homecoming parade, which steps off at 5:30 p.m. ET. Then on Saturday, we’ll kick off game day with the Hoosier Huddle—a special tailgate for IU fans like you—before watching IU take on Nebraska at Memorial Stadium.

Homecoming Parade

Enjoy the pageantry and promote your organization to hundreds of IU alumni, students, faculty, and fans during Friday’s Homecoming parade.

Fill out the Parade Entry Form

Hoosier Huddle

Join us for food, drinks, and yard games at the IUAA’s annual Homecoming tailgate.

Register for the Huddle

Homecoming Game

Find all the information you need to have a great time on game day on the IU Athletics website. Don’t forget to buy tickets!

Get ready for the game

Mellencamp Celebration

Cement the Hoosier legacy of John Mellencamp, the legendary musician, artist, and activist, at his sculpture unveiling.

Register for the celebration

Hoosier Week

Every year, the Student Alumni Association hosts several events the week of Homecoming—and you’re invited.

Check out the SAA events calendar

Additional Activities

From alumni reunions to awards ceremonies, the IU Bloomington campus is bustling the week of Homecoming.

Check out the IU events calendar

Hotel Information

Looking for a place to stay Homecoming weekend? “Visit Bloomington” has suggestions.

Book a hotel

Homecoming FAQs

With a full schedule of events, questions are sure to arise. We’ve got the answers, plus tips and tricks to make the most of the weekend.

The parade will start on 13th Street and Woodlawn Avenue and head down Woodlawn to 17th Street. Kick off the weekend with this iconic, family-friendly event!

Parking on campus and in Bloomington can be a breeze when you know what to expect; however, things might get a little tricky Homecoming weekend. View a campus map and get additional info.

Parking Pro Tips:

  • Steer clear of spots that say “24-hour tow away” on campus.
  • On Parade Day, you can park for free at Memorial Stadium and throughout the athletics campus.
  • Parking is free in most IU parking garages all day Saturday and Sunday. However, on Saturday, you will have to pay to park in the Kelley School of Business and Luddy School garages.
  • Cars parked overnight Friday in a Memorial Stadium lot will be ticketed and towed.

The parking lots around Memorial Stadium and the grass tailgating fields open a minimum of five hours prior to kickoff. Traffic to Bloomington and around town will be heavy, so allow plenty of time to get here.

Don’t forget: Large tents, glass bottles, and kegs are not permitted. Read the tailgating and game-day policies.

Gather two and half hours before kickoff on the east side of Memorial Stadium to enjoy the game day rally before high-fiving the Indiana Football players and coaches during their pregame Walk led by the Marching Hundred, cheerleaders, and RedSteppers!

Stadium gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff. Make sure you are in your seats when the famed 300-member Marching Hundred takes the field for their pregame band show, complete with marching precision and musical brilliance. The RedSteppers dance team also adds an element of sparkle with show-stopping routines and dazzling high kicks!

IU Athletics follows a clear bag policy, which is similar to other collegiate venues and NFL stadiums. Learn more about bag guidelines and restrictions.

Start the countdown now

It’s never too early to plan a return trip to campus. Make sure these Homecoming dates are on your calendar:

  • October 18, 2024 (tentative)

Want to relive past Homecomings?

Check out the photos!