Homecoming week opens Oct. 19

Homecoming 2025, "Lights! Camera! Cyclones!," begins with a kickoff event Sunday, Oct. 19, and runs through the home football game against Big 12 Conference foe Brigham Young University on Saturday, Oct. 25 (2:30 p.m. kickoff). A list of all Homecoming events is online; here's a curated selection for faculty and staff consideration:

Sunday, Oct. 19

Kickoff: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Alumni Center and adjacent parking lot

This free event is open to all, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends and the Ames community. Enjoy a variety of family-friendly attractions outdoors, including a petting zoo, Ames Public Library bookmobile, a firetruck and ambulance, and a visit from the Mid-Iowa Ghostbusters. Food options include free hot dogs, chips and water (while supplies last), free mini cherry pies for the first 150 attendees, and beverages for purchase from the Bellbottom Mobile Cafe. 

Explore nearly 20 interactive booths hosted by ISU student organizations and local businesses, featuring hands-on activities and free giveaways. 

Indoors, on the second floor, Special Collections and University Archives will present a look into Iowa State's rich history at a pop-up museum, and Cy will be available for photos during part of the kickoff (11:50 a.m.-12:30 p.m.).

Registration ($30) is still open for the Homecoming 5K Sunday afternoon. The route starts (1 p.m.) and ends at the Alumni Center; proceeds support Lutheran Services of Iowa.

Maker's Market: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Alumni Center parking lot

The new Iowa State Maker's Market features handmade products from Iowa State alumni, current students and small businesses.

Monday-Thursday, Oct. 20-23

Food on Campus, free lunch on central campus with a Homecoming button

General line: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., faculty-staff-only line: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

A different local vendor will serve lunch each day, while supplies last. You need a Homecoming button ($5) to eat; they're sold at the food tent, ISU Book Store in the Memorial Union and Innovate 1858 store in the Student Innovation Center. The daily menu is:

• Monday: Various wraps (including non-meat options) from Clayton Farms Salads
• Tuesday: Beef burgers from ISU Meat Lab
• Wednesday: Pasta from Noodles & Co (non-meat options available)
• Thursday: Sandwiches from Chick-fil-A

If you use the faculty-staff line, drop in your business card (or a piece of paper with your name and work email) at the end of the food line for a chance to win daily prizes. 

Friday, Oct. 24

94th annual honors and awards ceremony, 1:30 p.m., Stephens Auditorium

More than 40 ISU alumni and friends will be honored for their impact in their communities, on Iowa State University and through their careers. The ceremony is open to the public; a dessert reception follows.

Celebration and pep rally,  5-8 p.m., Alumni Center

Stop by the Alumni Center Friday evening to begin your Homecoming weekend celebration. A cash bar and light snacks will be available in Cy's Lounge on the second floor. Representatives of the Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute, creators of ISU's award-winning wines, and the ISU Cidery and Brew Lab will share samples, also on the second floor. Kids activities and giveaways will be available inside the building, and the ISU Book Store will be selling merchandise onsite. 

The pep rally begins at 6 p.m. in lot A4 featuring the Cyclone marching band, Yell-Like-Hell* cheer finals, Cardinal Court (homecoming royalty) and special guests including the Cyclone men's and women's basketball teams. Also starting at 6 p.m. in lot A4, Papa John's pizza will be served ($5 or free with a Homecoming button).

*For Yell Like Hell fans: the semifinal round (the first time teams are painted and in costume) begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, on central campus.