Huskies Come Home!
Save the Date for NIU’s 118th Homecoming Celebration
NIU is excited to welcome Huskies home for our 118th Homecoming celebration happening the week of Sept. 28 - Oct. 5, 2025.
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 118th 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.
Homecoming Supporters
It takes a village—well, a town—to make Homecoming a success. In addition to our partnership with the City of DeKalb and the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau, we appreciate the generous support from our local and regional business sponsors who help us welcome Huskies home.
Purchase Your Pride with Purpose Shirt
Our 2025 shirt is now available.
When you purchase the shirt, you support our general student scholarship fund and show your #HuskiePride. Shirts are on sale at the HSC Bookstore and online at niualumnnistore.com.
Book Your Stay
Be sure to reserve local lodging accommodations so you are only minutes away from all the fun and festivities happening on campus and in the community.
Cheer on Huskie Football
NIU Huskies Football vs. Miami (Ohio) RedHawks - Saturday, Oct. 4 at 2:30 p.m.
Purchase your ticket to the game today!
Celebrate in Downtown DeKalb
Join the community for the Down Home in Downtown DeKalb Homecoming Block Party on Thursday, Oct. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. This event features something fun for all ages—coloring contest, kidzone, classic car show, March of the Huskies, pep rally, food trucks, discounts at local businesses and much more!
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 Homecoming celebrations in 2023 and 2022 to get a taste of what’s in store when you return for our 117th celebration!