Homecoming 2026
October 25 - October 31
Homecoming is an exciting tradition at GovState! We invite all Jaguars to participate in the festivities.
Check this webpage regularly for updates on all Homecoming Week events!
Event Schedule*
*Schedule subject to change
Sunday, October 25
Jaguar 5K
Time: 9 a.m. Registration On-Site | 10 a.m. Race Start
Location: Governors State University
Your next adventure starts here. Jaguar 5K registration is now open! Get in on the action - run, walk, or just come for the fun!
Monday, October 26
Spirit Week Theme: Rep. Your College!
Show pride in the community that makes GovState one campus! Wear apparel representing your college, academic program, department, or area and celebrate the many people and programs that make up the Jaguar community.
Let the Roar Begin: Homecoming Kickoff
Time: 12 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors
Event Overview: Kick off Homecoming Week with music, games, popcorn, punch, and plenty of Jaguar spirit! Join the campus community as we come together to celebrate One Campus, One Roar and start Homecoming Week with fun, energy, and school pride.
Homecoming Door Decorating Contest Begins
Time: All doors decorated by noon
Event Overview: Show your Jaguar spirit during Homecoming by participating in the Office Door Decorating Contest! Departments and offices are invited to decorate their space around this year’s Homecoming theme, “One Campus, One Roar!”
Get creative, show your GovState pride, and compete for the traveling Jax Homecoming trophy and campus bragging rights.
Tuesday, October 27
Spirit Week Theme: Orange Out
Turn campus orange for Homecoming! Wear your favorite orange apparel and accessories to show your Jaguar pride and help fill GovState with school spirit.
Homecoming Merch Lab
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors
Event Overview: Get creative at the Homecoming Merch Lab! Customize GovState shirts and turn them into your own one-of-a-kind Homecoming gear.
Women's Soccer vs Calumet College of St. Joseph
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: GovState Soccer Field
Event Overview: Head to the GovState Soccer Field and support Women’s Soccer as the Jaguars take on Calumet College of St. Joseph. Bring your Jaguar pride and help create an exciting Homecoming atmosphere from kickoff to the final whistle.
Roaring Loud: Greek Life Showcase
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Center for Performing Arts
Event Overview: Experience the energy of Greek Life at GovState! Roaring Loud will feature our campus Greek organizations, along with fraternities and sororities preparing to charter or exploring opportunities at GovState. The Greek Life Resource Fair begins at 6 p.m., followed by the showcase at 7 p.m.
Women's Volleyball vs University of St. Francis
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: GovState Gym
Event Overview: Keep the Homecoming energy going courtside! Join Jaguar Nation as Women’s Volleyball welcomes the University of St. Francis to the GovState Gym. Come ready to cheer every serve, set, and point as the Jaguars defend their home court.
Wednesday, October 28
Spirit Week Theme: Shoe Cam
Step into Homecoming in style! Wear your best, boldest, or most creative pair of shoes and be ready to show them off for Shoe Cam.
Junior Jaguar Parade
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Hall of Governors
Event Overview: The youngest Jaguars are ready to show their GSU pride! Join us for the Jr. Jaguar Parade during Governors State University Homecoming 2026, as our youngest Jaguars parade through the Hall of Governors and join in the Homecoming excitement. Come cheer them on as they show us that Jaguar pride starts young!
Jaguars Roar for Service
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Lakeside Lounge
Event Overview: Celebrate Homecoming by giving back! Join the Kaleidoscope Community Service Council to donate a new children’s coat and write a message of appreciation to a veteran or active-duty military member. Show up, give back, and serve with Jaguar pride.
Family Fun Fair
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors
Event Overview: The Family Fun Fair is a Homecoming tradition that brings alumni, families, and the GovState community together. Enjoy face painting, crafts, games, story time, magic, live music, a treat trail, and more, while connecting with campus partners and alumni-owned businesses.
Business After Dark
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Engbretson Hall
Event Overview: Business After Dark: Homecoming Networking Social will provide an engaging and memorable experience by combining networking, mentorship, entertainment, and school spirit.
Thursday, October 29
Spirit Week Theme: GovState Spirit Day
Show your Jaguar pride! Wear your GovState gear and school colors as we celebrate Spirit Day and gear up for one of the biggest days of Homecoming Week.
Pep Rally
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors
Event Overview: It’s time to make some noise, Jaguars! Join us for the annual Homecoming Pep Rally featuring performances, school spirit, and plenty of Homecoming energy. Come ready to cheer and show everyone what One Campus, One Roar! is all about.
Women’s Basketball vs. Saint Xavier Season Opener.
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: GovState Gym
Event Overview: A new season starts at Homecoming! Be there as GovState Women’s Basketball opens the season against Saint Xavier. Help set the tone for the year with a strong Homecoming crowd and plenty of Jaguar spirit in the stands.
Friday, October 30
Spirit Week Theme: Costume/Album Cover Day
Get creative and show off your style! Recreate your favorite album cover, dress as an iconic artist, or come in your best costume as we keep the Homecoming celebration going.
Pokémon Homecoming Pursuit
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Lakeside Lounge
Event Overview: Calling all Pokémon Trainers! Join the Jaguar Anime and Gaming Club for a Pokémon GO meetup and campus adventure. Explore GovState, catch Pokémon, connect with fellow players, and enjoy a fun Homecoming experience.
Fright Night Film Fest
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Center for Performing Arts
Admission Fee: GovState Students $10 | Guests $15
Event Overview: Kick off Halloween weekend with a night at the movies! Join us for Fright Night Film Fest featuring spooky entertainment, Homecoming fun, and a night made for horror fans.
Men’s Basketball vs. Culver-Stockton
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: GovState Gym
Event Overview: Friday night belongs to Jaguar Basketball! Make your way to the GovState Gym as Men’s Basketball takes on Culver-Stockton during Homecoming Weekend. Bring your friends, bring your school spirit, and be part of the energy from tipoff to the final buzzer.
Monster's Ball Homecoming Costume Party
Time: 10 p.m.
Location: Hall of Honors
Admission Fee: No Admission Fee for GovState Students | Guests $10
Event Overview: End Friday night at the Monster’s Ball! Put on your best costume and get ready for music, dancing, and a Halloween Homecoming celebration you won’t want to miss. Hosted by Student Activities Council.
Saturday, October 31
Men's Basketball vs William Penn
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: GovState Gym
Event Overview: Close out Homecoming with an afternoon of Jaguar Basketball! Join the campus community as GovState Men’s Basketball faces William Penn and help send Homecoming Weekend out with a strong showing of Jaguar pride.