Homecoming

Blue Pride Worldwide               
Everywhere  |  All day!

Let your imagination run wild as you decorate your front porch, office, dorm room, classroom, business, or windows in this year’s Homecoming theme, “Saddle Up, Peacocks!” Whether you go all out with Western-inspired décor or add a few spirited touches of blue and white, we can’t wait to see your creativity on display. As a special incentive, prizes will be awarded for the best look – judging will take place Wednesday afternoon. Share your masterpiece on social media using #UIUHomecoming and help spread Peacock pride far and wide!

👖 And since today is DENIM DAY, you can also dress yourself in your favorite country-western themed attire!

Fayette Campus BBQ
Peacock Pavilion (Tailgate Area)  |  5-6:30 p.m. 

Everyone is welcome to enjoy an outdoor, picnic-style meal featuring all your favorite BBQ classics! Bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in for a delicious meal and good company. Students may use their meal swipe; meals are available for purchase for all other guests.

Pep Rally, Coronation & Bonfire     
Peacock Pavilion (tailgate area)  |  7 p.m.

Join us as we celebrate one of Upper Iowa University’s most cherished Homecoming traditions! Cheer on the members of this year’s Homecoming Court as they are recognized before the exciting crowning of the 2026 Homecoming King and Queen. Guests may enjoy music, bonfire and plenty of Peacock spirit as students, alumni, and friends gather for an unforgettable evening. Inclement weather location: Pete’s Bar & Grill.

UIU Volleyball    
Dorman Memorial Gymnasium  |  6 p.m.

Cheer on the Peacocks as they take on Clarke in an exciting Homecoming matchup! Help pack Dorman Memorial Gymnasium and why not spread the HOCO vibes by sporting your best country-western look! During the game, we’ll look forward to academic recognition for our student-athletes. Let’s make some noise as we kick off HOCO Week!

Paint & Sip – Western Edition
Pete’s Bar & Grill  |  7 p.m.

Let your creativity run wild at this fun DIY experience led by Abbie Brainard ’23! Paint and personalize your own white cowboy hat with all supplies provided. Spend time with your Peacock family and community friends while creating a one-of-a-kind accessory perfect for this week’s country-inspired wardrobe. Free for students; $20 per person for all other guests; includes complimentary drink ticket and snacks. RSVP required.

UIU Soccer  
Harms-Eischeid Stadium  |  2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. 

Men’s Soccer will kick off against Truman State at 2:30 p.m., followed by the Women’s Soccer team taking the field at 5 p.m. Hang with the best (your Peacock family!) at Harms-Eischeid Stadium cheering on both Peacock squads as they battle for Homecoming victories.

Food Truck featuring Chick-fil-A
Tailgate Area  |  5 p.m. 

Craving Chick-fil-A? Stop by the tailgate area for your favorite sandwiches, sides, and treats! It’s the perfect midweek Homecoming pick-me-up. Meals available for purchase.

Powderpuff Football
Harms-Eischeid Stadium  |  Immediately following Women’s Soccer

Cheer on fellow students as they compete for campus bragging rights in a fun-filled showdown packed with laughs, school spirit, and friendly competition. Grab a seat, cheer on your favorite team, and help keep the Homecoming excitement going!

Welcome Home Dinner 
Pete’s Bar & Grill (downtown Fayette)  |  5:30 p.m.

This complimentary gathering is the perfect opportunity for alumni and their guests to reconnect with old friends, meet fellow Peacocks, and celebrate the special bond that makes the UIU community so unique. Join UIU President & CFO, Kathy Franken ’12, and her husband, Chuck, and members of the Board of Trustees for an evening filled with great conversation, delicious food, and plenty of Peacock pride. Whether you’re returning to campus for the first time in years or coming home every year, we look forward to welcoming you back! Casual attire; RSVP is required.

NEW! Line Dance
Pete’s Bar & Grill (second floor)  |  7:30-10 p.m.

Giddy up, Peacocks, it’s time to line dance! Whether you know every step or it’s your first whirl, all levels are welcome. Just follow along and have fun. Entertainment provided by local celebrity musician and Fayette native, Steve Schroeder. Cash bar available; elevator access to the second floor is available. RSVP encouraged.

NEW!  Alumni Association Meet & Greet 
Alumni House  |  9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Join us for a casual and welcoming gathering featuring light refreshments and great conversation. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, learn more about their work, and share your own UIU experiences. Whether you graduated from the Fayette campus, an education center, or online, all alumni are invited to come together and celebrate the shared spirit of Upper Iowa. Swap stories, make new connections, and enjoy a morning of true Peacock camaraderie! RSVP encouraged.

6th Annual Homecoming Golf Fundraiser   
Big Rock Country Club  |  9 a.m.

Join your Peacock friends for a fun-filled day on the green! Hosted by members of SOB and FOXES, this annual tournament is open to all and has proudly raised nearly $30,000 for the Peacock Athletic Fund over the years. Gather your foursome—or sign up solo and we’ll match you with fellow golfers. To sign up, contact Rick Knipper ’73 at 319-530-2343 or Bill Roths ’74 at 319-240-9411. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with a shotgun start at 10 a.m.

Make Your Mark at UIU
Henderson-Wilder Library  |  9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Alumni, students, and employees are invited to stamp their handprints on the library wall located on the third floor. Hosted by your friends at the library, this activity is free, and all supplies are furnished.

NEW!  50^th Reunion Reception & Lunch
Harms-Eischeid Stadium Suites  |  11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Join us as we celebrate a milestone 50 years in the making! The Class of 1976 is invited to gather for a special reunion reception filled with laughter, memories, and meaningful reconnections. Step back into your Peacock days as you catch up with classmates, share stories from years past, and celebrate the lasting bonds that make the UIU experience so special. Guests will enjoy a relaxed afternoon in the stadium suites, complete with a delicious luncheon and cash bar. We look forward to celebrating this golden milestone with you! RSVP required.

Experiential Learning Showcase & Refreshments  
Liberal Arts Building  |  1-3:30 p.m.

Students, alumni, and the campus community won’t want to miss our homegrown Experiential Learning Showcase. Students will share insights from internships, research projects, study abroad programs, career exploration activities, and professional work experiences. You’ll learn more about our Excellence in Experiential Learning (ExcEL) Honors program, celebrate student success, spark conversations, and support the next generation of leaders and learners! Want to be part of the Showcase? Contact Miriam Skrade, Director of Honors & Experiential Learning at [email protected].

Homecoming Ball “Night of the Peacocks”
Student Center Ballroom  |  5 p.m.

You won’t want to miss the Homecoming Ball, “Night of the Peacocks,” a signature evening filled with elegance, excitement, and Peacock pride! Guests will enjoy a hosted cocktail reception, delectable dinner, lively games, and special surprises throughout the evening as we come together to celebrate the incredible spirit and tradition of Upper Iowa University. The dinner program will be a highlight of the evening as we proudly recognize the 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees and honor their outstanding achievements.

This premier Homecoming celebration not only brings the Peacock family together but also makes a lasting impact—proceeds from the event support the UIU Excellence Fund, helping provide necessary resources and opportunities for today’s students. Join us for an extraordinary night of celebration, connection, and Peacock pride. Cocktail attire/black-tie optional. Ticket are $85 per person; UIU current student, employee, sponsor & 50-year guest tickets are $50. RSVP required.

UIU Volleyball        
Dorman Memorial Gymnasium  |  6 p.m.

Peacocks will face Rockhurst. It’s “Blue Out” night so let’s pack the gym, wear blue, and show the ladies our total fan support! There’s no better way to dive into the weekend than by celebrating a huge Upper Iowa VICTORY!

Alumni Awards & Honor Class Breakfast       
Student Center Ballroom | 8-10 a.m.

Join us as we proudly recognize the outstanding achievements and service of our Alumni Awards honorees across five distinguished categories. We will also celebrate a major milestone as we honor the 50th Anniversary of the Class of 1976 and the lasting legacy of this remarkable group of Peacocks. Hosted by the Alumni Association Board of Directors, this complimentary event is open to all alumni and guests. Come enjoy a delicious breakfast, reconnect with classmates and friends, and celebrate the individuals who continue to make UIU proud. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the program beginning at 8:30 a.m. Peacock spirit attire encouraged. RSVP is required.

NEW! All-Class Morning Mixer
Pete’s Bar & Grill (downtown Fayette)  |  8-10 a.m.

Start your morning right, with your Peacock family! This morning mixer is open to all and we have a special surprise for those celebrating their milestone anniversary years: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 years! This event is complimentary, and guests may enjoy breakfast burritos, one drink ticket for a Bloody Mary or mimosa, and a cash bar will be open for the event. Let’s ramp up for a big day! Free will donations appreciated. RSVP encouraged.

Live Music     
Tailgate area  | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Ramp up for the big game while enjoying live music, proudly hosted by the Peacock Tailgate Association. Featured performer will be announced soon!

Homecoming Parade  
Fayette Campus | 10:30 a.m.

Load up your most festive blue and white decorations and join us for one of Homecoming’s most beloved traditions—the annual Homecoming Parade! Watch as campus, community members, student organizations, alumni, and friends come together to celebrate the spirit and traditions that make UIU so special. The parade will begin near Peacock Plaza, head south on Washington Street, circle the campus perimeter, make its way directly through the Peacock tailgate area and finish near Victory Gate.

Want to be part of the celebration? Parade float entries are free, and all alumni, departments, organizations, area businesses and friends are invited to participate. Click here to reserve your spot and show your Peacock spirit! As a special incentive, voting will take place and prizes will be awarded to the top floats!

Alumni House Tailgate Party    
Alumni House  |  11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Let’s huddle up and kick off game day the right way! Join fellow Peacocks at the Alumni House for a high-energy tailgate filled with fall vibes, football spirit, and unbeatable camaraderie. Fuel up before kickoff with a Bloody Mary Bar, refreshing drinks, and game-day snacks (freewill donations are welcome!), then challenge your friends to classic yard games as you soak in the crisp autumn air. Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or making new ones, this is the place to be before cheering on the Peacocks! RSVP encouraged.

Homecoming Football Game       
Harms-Eischeid Stadium  |  Kickoff at 1 p.m.

Let’s cheer on the Peacocks to victory vs. Truman State! Our Homecoming Grand Marshal will participate in the coin toss, plus, Hall of Fame Inductees, Alumni Award honorees, and the 50-year class will all be recognized on-field during the game. All fans are encouraged to wear country-western attire – cowboy boots and hats, plaid shirts, bandanas and more!

UIU Volleyball
Dorman Memorial Gymnasium  |  5 p.m.

Let’s cheer on the Peacocks vs. William Jewell and close out this incredible day with another win!

UIU Soccer
Harms-Eischeid Stadium  |  11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

After a week filled with tradition, connection, and unforgettable memories, there’s no better way to wrap up Homecoming than by cheering on our student-athletes. Women’s Soccer will face Drury at 11 a.m., followed by Men’s Soccer at 1:30 p.m. Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness month, everyone is encouraged to wear pink. Let’s fill the stands, and help create the energy and excitement for yet another UIU victory to end the festivities.